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There are many articles on the internet detailing all of the RV supplies you need to buy for your first road trip. However, there are also many additional RV gadgets and gizmos that make RV camping easier, safer and more fun!
After living in an RV for eight years, I’ve learned which RV accessories are really worthwhile. Below is my list of the 15 top RV gadgets and gizmos.
Contents
RV Maintenance Gadgets
The easiest way for RV owners to save money is to perform their own maintenance on their RV and appliances. The below gadgets can be purchased for a one-time fee so you never have to pay an RV shop for simple tasks again.
RV technician labor rates are typically between $75 to $200 per hours, so performing your own maintenance equals big savings.
Water Heater Tank Rinser
A $10 tank rinser allows you to perform the annual service on your RV’s water heater. See our full guide to cleaning your water heater for step by step instructions.
Air Compressor
A portable air compressor costs around $100 but can be used for a variety of maintenance tasks. Compressed air is used for cleaning RV appliances like water heaters.
An air compressor will also allow you to ensure you always have the correct tire pressure before driving. Correct tire pressure helps prevent expensive and scary blowouts!
Tire Gauge
In addition to the air compressor, RV owners need a handheld tire gauge to check tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked before every trip!
Torque Wrench
Another RV tire gadget that every camper should own is a torque wrench. The lug nuts on an RV or trailer must be torqued after replacing a tire, and the torque should be checked regularly.
You need a torque wrench that is rated for approximately twice the amount of torque you need.
Telescoping Ladder
A telescoping ladder is essential for campers who perform their own RV maintenance as it provides a reliable and steady way to access high points on your RV like the tops of slide outs.
Reverse Flush Valve
Dumping the tanks isn’t the most exciting part of RV camping, but it is a reality all RV campers must deal with. A reverse flush valve is a cool gadget that makes this stinky task easier!
This valve attaches between the tank outlet and the sewer hose and provides an easy way to clear clogs. Using this valve, you can shoot water up into the tank to break up any clogs that are preventing you from dumping. It also has a clear section, so you can verify when your tank is truly clean.
Everyday RV Camping Gadgets
The following RV camping gadgets are important for both full time RVers and weekend warriors. These devices will make everyday life on the road easier!
Water Filter
While water may be free at many campgrounds, it is not always tasty. Buying bottled water for camping is expensive and bad for the planet. An affordable Camco water filter can ensure you always have clean, great tasting water while camping.
For extra filtering and access to cold drinking water, we also keep a Brita pitcher in our RV fridge. If you are willing to spend a bit more, check out our selection for the best RV water filter.
Washing Machine in a Bag
Many RV campgrounds, such as state parks, lack laundromats. Thta’s why a washing bag is one of the most useful RV gadgets on the market. The Dezitek All in one Hand Wash Bag allows you to wash your clothes in minutes without electricity.
Instead of hand washing clothes, the bag’s unique plunger agitates and washes your clothes the same way a washing machine would. One load of laundry at a campground typically costs at least $5, so it also saves money.
If this looks like too much work, check out these RVs with full washing machines and dryers included.
Museum Putty
If you want to avoid breaking any decorations or knickknacks in your RV, secure them with museum putty. The putty securely holds items in place, yet it is easily removed when you want to redecorate.
Dehumidifier
Keeping moisture out of your RV is key to keeping your rig in outstanding condition. For RVers who plan to camp in colder weather, a dehumidifier can help keep out condensation.
RVers can expect condensation to occur during cold weather when the inside of the RV is heated. For a more compact solution, these DampRid buckets can also help with mild condensation issues.
RV Safety Gadgets
Similar to RV maintenance gadgets, these protective devices help you save money by preventing major issues in your RV. In addition to saving money, these gizmos also provide something priceless: peace of mind.
Surge Protector
The easiest way to save money while RVing is to avoid a major repair issue. If you are an RV owner and do not have a surge protector, you seriously need to buy one today!
Surge protectors protect your RV’s electric system from lightening, power surges and faulty campground wiring.
Water Pressure Regulator
Just as your electric system needs protection, so does your plumbing. A water pressure regulator prevents over-pressurized water from bursting the pipes in your RV. You should always have a regulator in place before connecting to city water.
GasStop
Our last recommended RV safety gadget is GasStop, an emergency propane shut-off device. This device attaches to the propane tank and is designed to shut off the propane in case of a major leak.
The company makes devices to fit travel trailer and fifth wheel tanks, as well as larger motorhome propane tanks. Both models also have easy to read gas indicators, to help make sure you never run out of propane.
RV Boondocking Gadgets
If you like a real camping experience, you will want to consider taking your RV boondocking (dry camping in the wilderness). These gadgets will make RVing without hookups a better experience.
Solar-Powered Portable Power Station
When camping without shore power, it can be difficult to complete simple tasks like charging your phone. Jackery power stations provide a portable power source for your RV camping trip.
Many Jackery power stations also come with portable solar panels, so they can be continuously recharged while dry camper.
Solar Camping Lantern
When drying camping, keeping the lights on can slowly deplete your RV battery. Therefore, a solar-powered lantern is a great option to light up your campsite at night.
The LuminAid is a super portable, bright camping lantern that is perfect for boondocking. It is lightweight, collapsible, dustproof and waterproof. It can be charged vis its built-in solar panel or with a micro USB. The lantern will shine for up to 24 hours before it needs to be recharged.
Fun RV Gadgets and Gizmos
Now, it’s time for the fun stuff! These RV gizmos will make your next road trip more exciting and memorable!
Smokeless Fire Pit
I’ve always loved a good campfire, but I never enjoyed going to bed smelling like smoke. The Bonfire Solo Stove is a portable fire pit that allows campers to easily build a fire at any campsite with minimal smoke.
The wood-burning fire pit is designed to more efficiently burn and leave only fine ash particles behind for easy clean-up. Designed with portability in mind, the Solo Stove does not require any assembly and comes with its own carrying case.
Outdoor Speaker
Every great night around the campfire, should also include some tunes. The Turtlebox is the ultimate outdoor speaker for RVers.
Designed for the outdoors, the speaker’s sound curve cuts through wind and travels across distance. It is also wireless, waterproof and shock resistant. And it’s loud! Make sure to turn it down before quiet hours.
Portable Projector
A portable projector allows RVers to combine the fun of a movie night and a campfire into one experience. The Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector allows you to create your own outdoor theater. With a built-in battery, the projector is able to run for up to three hours on each charge.
The Solar Projector also offers top notch sound and picture quality and a built-in stand to easily adjust the angle of the projection. Project the movie directly onto the side of your RV or buy a portable screen to use while camping.
These RV gadgets are sure to make your next camping trip more enjoyable, easier and more affordable. If you are new to RVing, check out our favorite RV road trip routes.
If you want to really elevate your RV camping experience, check these unbelievable luxury RV accessories.
Happy Camping!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
