There are so many add-on gadgets for the RVer that make life safer, funner, more efficient, and more comfortable that advice among the roadwise is for new RV owners to set aside $1,000 or so for those little things that just make your traveling better. We can’t cover them all, but whether you’re an experienced road warrior or a newbie, we offer these “desirable dozen” to make your RV experience delightful.
The Must Haves
- A lengthy drinking water hose with pressure regulator: Water sources aren’t always close by and so experienced RV owners recommend a minimum 50-foot hose accompanied by a water pressure regulator to prevent wet disasters at sites where pressure isn’t regulated. For those who travel during cold months, you might opt for a heated hose to prevent freezes.
- A tire pressure monitoring system: Blow outs are always dangerous, but when you’re driving a vehicle that averages 10,000 pounds (not including the 1,000-2,000 lbs. of gear), you want to be sure your tires are in good condition. Monitoring systems provide real-time pressure readings that you can read from a handheld screen.
- Backup camera or rearview mirror extensions: Backing your RV can be a task, particularly where tight spaces are involved. Give yourself that extra protection by purchasing a camera system at best, or at least mirror extensions to offer you a wider range of view (and while you’re at it, throw in some two-way radios so your co-pilot can guide you in).
The Good to Haves
- Vacuum-sealed storage bags: Space is at a premium in an RV, so anything “crushable” that you store (Blankets, pillows, towels,etc.) can be put in vacuumable bags to reduce storage usage (another pro tip–check out an RV central vacuum system to make such tasks easier).
- A telescoping extension ladder: There are times you are going to want an extension ladder for repairs, cleaning, or just access. But as with everything else, regular ladders take up needed space. But not these easily foldable models ideal for RVs.
- Mobile internet hotspot: Don’t trust your access to information, work, friends, and more to spotty campsite connections. The standard for the RVer has become purchasing your own hotspot. This is a must for those who travel off the grid!
The Safe to Haves
- An Induction cooktop: One of the newer and more fabulous upgrades to the RV world are these magnet-driven burners that produce no heat to warm the interior space of your vehicle and that are cool to the touch when not in contact with a pot thus reducing fire hazards and the potential for little ones to get burned.
- A Hitchsafe key vault: This clever device is designed to secure valuables such as keys, cash, cards, and wallets in the receiver of your hitch. Operated by programmable codes, the safe provides not only protection for your valuables but a safe place to store an extra key so you don’t lock yourself out.
- Solar powered motion lights: It’s inevitable that you’ll need to pull something from a storage area in the dark, and these convenient lights allow you to keep your hands free of flashlights as well as offering clear visibility for your safety.
The I Just Gotta Have-Its
- The inflatable hot tub: Yes, you heard that right, Coleman makes a fully inflatable hot tub that can hold 4-6 people (depending on size) and that heats up to 104 degrees fahrenheit.
- Softstart Power System: If you travel during hot weather, but like things cool, the Softstart system allows you to run two AC units on only 30 amps of power.
- Dog paw cleaner: Okay, this is just a small thing, but considering how many of us love to travel with our canine best friends, it’s a must. No more worrying about your pet tracking in dirt when you have this small tube system (that holds water) into which you can insert your pup’s paw, twist a little so that the silicon brushes scrub it clean, then pull it out, dry it off, and repeat.
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Ivan Young is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with silverware wholesaler, Silver Superstore.
