RV Gadgets You Should Consider

Recreational vehicles have become a favorite pastime for many. RVs allow you and your family to travel privately as you explore the scenery around you. These large vehicles are designed to allow you to camp with the feeling of home. Keeping them equipped is necessary for a vacation that’s fun and hassle-free.

RV Must-Haves

Life on the road can get pretty complicated, and this is especially true for a complex vehicle such as an RV. The good news is that you won’t need a hotel room because your vehicle will serve as one.

There are several categories to think about when getting ready for your trip across the land. They are:

• Sewer
• Electricity
• Tools
• Safety gear
• Appliances and gadgets

Each category gives you an idea of what you need for life on the road. You’ll find a list of the right equipment for the job to make your travel time smooth and enjoyable. You can get more ideas by visiting the Westshore site. Here are a few items to start with.

Sewer

It comes without saying that everyone needs good, clean, running water. Drinking, washing, cooking, and other basic activities depend on it. Traveling for long stretches can leave you feeling a bit thirsty. Here’s a list of a few water gadgets.

1. RV Sewer Hose

Nothing’s less fun than a stinky toilet and if you can hark back to those glory days of summer camp, you just might remember using an outhouse. Much like classic camping, your RV isn’t blessed with a flushing toilet, but sanitation does require regular attention.

This is where a sewer hose comes in. This handy little implement can redirect solid waste right out of your RV and into a sewer line. And even if installing one and using it is less than pleasant, having a good sewer hose can help you drain out that old, murky sewer goo so that you can make room for fresh water.

2. RV Water Filter

Some regions have clean drinking water that’s fit for kings. Others have water that’s rife with contaminants. In some cities, the water is so horrible that you wouldn’t give it to your worst enemy. That’s why it’s important to invest in an RV water filter.

A good RV water filter can keep these contaminants out. You won’t need to worry about ingesting sediments or pollutants because your water filter is designed to catch them. Your health and safety both matter, so be sure to invest in a filter before you hit the road. Another good idea is an RV storage tank cleaner, which can break down contaminants in your water supply and help keep it spotless.

Electricity

In addition to water and sewage, you also need to think about power. You’ll need electricity to keep lights and other essentials running while you’re out on the road. Plus, if you have appliances or an entertainment system, it pays to have plenty of power to juice up your vehicle.

3. Shore Power Cord

Not all RVs are created equal. Some of them will lack a power cord. This handy piece is the lifeline of your RV. You’ll need the power cord to supply electricity when you’re parked at a campsite.

It’s a common mistake to use a regular household extension cord to power up your RV. The trouble is that extension cords are a fire hazard and are therefore unsafe for RVs. A Shore Power Cord can provide enough power while you’re resting at a campsite.

A Shore Power Cord comes in two different units: 30 amps or 50 amps. Both can extend up to 25 feet, which makes charging up much simpler at a distance. The only difference is that the greater the amperage, the higher the cost. Prices start at $83 for 30 amps and $174 for 50 amps. But the investment is definitely worth the cost.

4. Extra Fuses

Yes, even traveling vehicles can blow a fuse. RVs are a lot like traditional homes in that sense. They can use so much electricity at one time that a fuse gets blown. And there’s nothing that instills a greater sense of panic and fear as when the lights and power suddenly go out without warning.

With a wide variety of fuses, you’ll decrease your chances of being stranded without power. Each fuse has different amperage, which means that you can replace any fuse at any time. For accuracy’s sake, each fuse is color coded to match the correct amperage.

Tools

Tools are essential for most activities when you’re on the road. With a recreational vehicle, lots of things can go wrong. Components can malfunction or break, so it’s best to be ready. As the old Boy Scout slogan goes, you should always be prepared and nothing can prepare you better than a quality tool kit for every occasion.

5. Basic Tool Kit

Nothing does it like a basic tool kit for your RV needs. Imagine that you’re driving down the freeway when you suddenly get a flat. It takes tools to change a tire. And if you’re out in the middle of nowhere, it pays to have some lugs and a long-handle lug wrench. Plus, your tools can be used to fix seats or possibly a small appliance inside. And if you need to install a new battery, your kit should have you covered with the right tools for the job.

6. Tire Pressure Kit

Your tire pressure kit should be fully equipped to keep your tires up to snuff. Your RV tire will most likely have a psi that ranges between 35-90. The larger the tires, the greater the pressure.

Your tire pressure kit should come with a system that alerts you when the pressure on a tire gets low. You can prevent a tire blowout by having one of these installed.  For increased safety, it’s best to throw in an air compressor. It can help you maintain the correct psi per tire for better vehicle performance.

7. Battery Jumper

Imagine turning the key only to hear nothing but silence coming from your engine. If this sounds familiar then you may know that the problem lies with a dead battery. You don’t want to be caught on a trip without a battery jumper.

There are occasions when your vehicle may be a tad sluggish and a good jolt is all you need. If you continue to have battery issues, you can contact a service department.

Safety Gear

It’s time to discuss safety. Yes, there are accessories that will keep your RV safe at all times. You can buy myriad items to keep both you and your vehicle safe while on the road.

8. Chocks

If you’ve never heard of chocks, get ready for a surprise. These handy blocks are typically placed behind your wheels to keep your RV from rolling away. These are great for parking on a mountain or a hill where there’s a slope. Unless your vehicle comes with automatic brakes, investing your money in a set of these can keep your vehicle from crashing when it rolls.

9. Walkie-Talkies

Safety comes in numbers, so if you’re traveling with someone else, a walkie-talkie set is invaluable. Getting lost at a campsite or in the woods is easy and a good communication system helps. This is the best reason to invest in a walkie-talkie.

Appliances and Gadgets

The following list of modern appliances will make your RV more comfortable and give it a homey vibe during your travels. Here are a few ideas.

10. Small Refrigerator

A small refrigerator that’s portable will give you the best of both worlds. You’ll have something that fits snugly in your RV, plus it’s portable, and it requires limited power. You can use it to keep your drinks cold and your food fresh.

11. Portable Wood Pellet Grill

Bring in that smoked flavor to your meats and vegetables with a portable wood pellet grill. You light the pellets using a hot rod and then place them inside the grill, where the heat is distributed by fans. The pellets are pulled by an auger to reduce waste and make your camp food fresh and hot.

12. RV Mattresses

At the end of the day, nothing is as welcome as a good night’s sleep. For this, you’ll need a good RV mattress. Every traveler needs their 40 winks, so purchasing a quality mattress is just what the doctor ordered.

Conclusion

Preparing for your road trip takes a lot of patience and headwork. You must plan for many contingencies that may lie ahead on your trip. There are lots of other helpful ideas you can find online for your next RV trip. Visit Westshore Marine & Leisure today for more information.