Rv Must Haves Gadgets – 5 Star Rated
I’m Scott, and along with my wife Amie, I want to share some game-changing gadgets for RV setup that have made our full-time RV living not just possible, but incredibly enjoyable. In addition to this blog we have a YouTube channel named TheRoadRoamers. Camping has been a part of our lives together for over 30 years. I have skills in repairing just about anything with my expertise in the Autobody world for 27 years. Amie has spent over 25 years as a Realtor helping people find their forever home or homes in some cases. We both really enjoy learning from life experiences on the road in our Alliance Avenue 5th Wheel and our dog Molly. Full time RVing has become a way of life for us. Sharing what we have learned with our RV community and building life long relationships along the way is something we have always dreamed of doing.
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When it comes to hitting the road in your home-on-wheels, skimping on equipment is not an option. That’s why we’re only recommending gear that’s earned its stars, specifically 5-star ratings, from personal experience.
In this post, we’re diving into our treasure trove of gadgets that we’ve thoroughly tested and approved during our journeys. Each one has been a game-changer, providing us peace of mind and upping the comfort ante.
I’m going to cover safety gadgets for full-time RV living, like the GasStop for leak-free propane use and the TST 507 TPMS for keeping those tire pressures in check. Plus, I’ll touch on must-haves for maintaining your RV and ensuring that you’re never caught off guard by power surges or poor tire inflation.
Safety! Safety! Safety!
This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety first and foremost. Let me introduce you to a couple of Camping Gear essentials that are all about keeping you and your beloved RV out of harm’s way. After years on the road, these are the tools I stand by – and for good reason.
Essential Safety Gadgets to Protect You and Your RV
First up, there’s the GasStop Propane Shut Off – an indispensable addition that I recommend for any RV setup. It’s an ACME-style propane shut-off system that can automatically cut off the flow in case of a major leak. It’s your RV propane leak prevention system and can also be very helpful in knowing if you have even the smallest of leaks in your entire system. Imagine the peace of mind knowing that you’re taking a proactive stance against potentially catastrophic propane leaks. Safety Note: Be sure to test your Propane/CO alarm weekly or at the very least after every trip because things can come loose driving over the road.
You might also want to hear about the TST 507 TPMS, a tire pressure monitoring system that Amie and I wouldn’t dream of traveling without. You must consider preventing accidents with RV tire monitoring. The best tire pressure monitoring system for RVs in our opinion. Given the weight and size of an RV, a tire blowout could mean disaster. This system alerts us to any tire with pressure that’s too high or too low, so we can address it before it becomes a bigger problem. Trust me, it’s saved our skins more than once. The peace you get from knowing you have a tool that is going to give you a very early warning is invaluable. For example: If you are driving down the road hauling a heavy load over time with low tire pressure, your tire could literally come apart and when it does, can cause a great amount of damage before it comes to your attention. You don’t want to rely on someone driving up next to you waving there hands like a crazy person lol. As a Autobody expert I know what repairing that kind of damage can cost and that is one of the main reason we have the TST 507 TPMS.
Finally in this safety roundup is the 50A Surge Guard 34951 by Southwire. It’s a total electrical protection system that shields your RV from voltage spikes or lightning strikes, a portable surge protector for RV electrical systems. I can’t overstress the relief of knowing that an unexpected surge won’t fry your RV’s electrical system. Choosing the right RV surge guard is very important. It’s like having an invisible shield around your mobile home. It will also warn you if there is a wiring problem at the electrical receptacle at your campsite. If so, walk away. Hooking up to an improperly wired pedestal can be very dangerous and you could potentially turn your entire RV into an electrical shock hazard. Trust me when I tell you that Amie, with her extensive Real – Estate experience, has seen her share of badly wired houses and the hazards of houses with improper wiring over the years.
As electrical expert Mike Sokol of RV Electricity web site says: Why is this important to you?
In a few words, it can save your life and the lives of your family!
Stick with me, because in the next section, I’ll steer you through leveling and air pressure solutions that not only secure your RV but also make life on the road a tad more comfortable.
Optimizing Your RV Setup: Leveling and Air Pressure Solutions
You’re going to find out about two incredible gadgets that take the hassle out of RV setup: the LevelMatePRO+ and VIAIR 400P RVS. Setting up your RV perfectly can be tricky, but it’s essential for a comfortable and safe living space, a “RV leveling gadgets for optimal setup”.
The LevelMatePRO+ is all about precision and ease. I’m here to help you understand why a level RV isn’t just about comfort, it’s about functionality. With the LevelMatePRO+, you’re leveraging smart technology to get real-time leveling updates on your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. A correctly balanced rig from the get-go means appliances, sinks and showers work as they should. Your slides go out evenly and you avoid uneven sleeping surfaces.
On the other hand, VIAIR 400P RVS isn’t just a convenience; it’s about safety and maintaining RV air pressure with portable compressor. As you know by now underinflated tires on an RV can lead to overheating and blowouts, while overinflation can cause uneven wear and a bumpy ride. This portable air compressor ensures that both your rig and truck tires are kept at optimal pressure. This 33% duty cycle compressor is the ONLY tire inflator on the market capable of airing up to 150 PSI. It’s easy, reliable, and quite frankly, a game-changer for regular maintenance.
Choose something that resonates with you, and for me, it’s gadgets that streamline the RV lifestyle. After all, you didn’t hit the road to sweat the small stuff. Both the LevelMatePRO+ and VIAIR 400P RVS are testament to getting things right the first time, without a steep learning curve. They’ve been part of our toolkit for a reason and have continuously proven their worth.
In my opinion, these aren’t just gadgets; they are companions for the journey that take away a level of uncertainty and, frankly, a lot of potential frustration. Get ready, because, in the next section, I’ll share how the Garmin RV 895 navigates us through the challenges of planning routes that are RV-friendly!
Navigation and Route Planning with the Right Tech
So you’ve got a handle on safety and setup, but here’s where we enhance your journey: navigation. Traveling in an RV comes with its own set of challenges, and having a device like the Garmin RV 895 isn’t just helpful, it’s game-changing.
Imagine cruising comfortably, knowing you won’t be caught off guard by low bridges or tight turns. That’s what this tool offers. It factors in the size of your rig, steering you clear of routes that could lead to tense situations. In my opinion, the peace of mind this brings to the drive is priceless.
Throughout our trips, we’ve leaned on our Garmin RV 895 for smooth sailing, evading potential obstacles along the way. From personal experience, I can tell you how it’s directed us around a tricky underpass more than once. I really hope that sharing this gadget with you will transform your RV travel days as well.
If you’re set for departure, I’d love to hear how these gadgets work out for your own adventures. Thanks for tagging along on this briefing of RV must-haves, and If you have any questions or input we would appreciate it if you would leave a comment below. It will really help us to keep doing what we do. Stay tuned to this blog as we will be doing reviews on some or all of the products we recommend on this blog at some point in the future.
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Please leave comments below and any questions you may have. Also if you have any Accessories you feel are must have let me know! We’ll see you on the road!
hello Scott
I appreciate your post! I completely agree with you these gadgets are truly our road companions. Being able to know the level of pressure in your tires is part of good car maintenance practices. But how does the convenience of using a tire pressure monitoring tool compare to traditional methods of checking tire pressure, such as manual pressure gauges?
Thanks
Hi Adyns,
There is no comparison, because those other presser gauges only tell you the pressure at the time you check it. They do not monitor the pressure at the most important time, when you are actually driving down the road. Constant monitoring of air the pressure could warn you of a potential blow out which can happen for a number of reasons when you are towing heavy loads and can cause a lot of damage to your rig. Your rig could also sway uncontrollably and cause a crash if you don’t know you have a flat. I hope that answer your question. Let me know if there are any other questions you may have about RVing.
Best Regards
Scott
Hi Scott,
I just dove into your article about RV must-have gadgets. Your experience really shines through, and I appreciate the mix of safety and comfort gadgets you’ve recommended. It’s clear that these aren’t just random picks, but tools that have truly enhanced your RV life. I’m curious, among all the gadgets you’ve tried, which one was a surprising game-changer for you? I’d love to know about any under-the-radar gems!
Thank you for your work and sharing!
Best regards,
Makhsud
Thank you so much! I think the TST TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitors System) has been the biggest game changer. It not only lets you know you have the right amount of air in your tires. The TPMS lets you know if there is a blow out. Now, I’m not saying you won’t have damage if that happens, but, it can certainly minimize the damage. Not only that, driving down the road, not knowing you have a flat, could cause your rig to go out of control and THAT could be catastrophic.
Hey Scott,
As a fellow digital nomad who calls the open road home, I just devoured your post on 5-star-rated RV gadgets. It’s clear that you and Amie have a wealth of experience living the RV life, and your insights into the essential gadgets for a smooth and safe journey are truly invaluable. Each recommendation you’ve shared adds to the comfort of RV living and contributes significantly to peace of mind regarding safety and maintenance.
I’m particularly intrigued by the LevelMatePRO+ for its smart technology integration and the VIAIR 400P RVS for maintaining optimal tire pressure. It’s impressive how these gadgets can transform the RV experience from a potentially stressful setup to a streamlined process.
As someone who relies heavily on connectivity to finance my lifestyle, I’m curious if you have any go-to tech or gadgets that ensure a reliable internet connection on the road. What would you recommend for a digital nomad who needs to stay connected for work, no matter where the RV is parked?
Thanks for sharing your journey and expertise. Your blog is a great compass for navigating the RV lifestyle!
-Kyle
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for commenting and your kind words. Amie and I use the T-Mobile Home internet. So far it works great for us and it’s only $50 per month with unlimited data. The only time it throttles down some is if we are surrounded by a large neighborhood and people start to come home from work and turn on their TVs and computers. We may purchase a WiFi booster like Weboost at some point in the future if necessary. Other than that it’s been great.
Best Regards
Scott
Thank you for this insightful article, Scott! As my wife and I embark on our journey into RV living, your recommendations for safety gadgets like the GasStop Propane Shut Off and the TST 507 TPMS are invaluable. We’re particularly intrigued by the LevelMatePRO+ and VIAIR 400P RVS for optimizing setup and maintaining air pressure. Your detailed insights give us confidence in making informed choices for our RV adventures. We’ll definitely check out your YouTube channel for more tips and reviews. Safe travels, and keep sharing your wealth of knowledge with the RV community!
Hi Kyle.
I am happy that you are finding the information valuable for your future endeavor! When we first started out camping as a family, over 30 years ago, much of today’s technology and gadgets were not yet around or we simply didn’t know about them. Knowing what we do now, we are happy that these products do exist and help keep us safer on and off the road.
We have so much more to share with everyone. Thank you for your patience as we try to juggle everything and work on writing more informative articles for you.
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
As an aspiring digital nomad who has a plan to travel around the world on my bucket list, one of my biggest concerns has always been the reliability of an RV when I do get on the road. I am really glad to read in your post that there are tried and tested equipment that act as early warning systems that can ensure that your journey is comfortable and safe. I can’t quite quantify the peace of mind I now have, knowing the exact equipment that will make my first trip a success. Thank you very much for this important post.
Hi Oluseyi.
Thank you for your comments. I am very pleased that having this information will make your future RV experience a better one! It is truly wonderful how far technology has come since I began RV’ing more than 30 years ago! Have a great day!
You did a great job highlighting some truly practical and innovative items, like the water pressure regulator and surge protector. It’s clear you’ve thought about what makes life on the road easier and more enjoyable. One question I had: do you have a personal favorite gadget from the list that you think is a game-changer for RV enthusiasts? I’d love to hear which one you find the most useful!
Hey Bob, thank you so much for your comment. One thing that has been a game changer for us is the TST 507 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The peace of mind knowing we always have the correct tire pressure is invaluable. We had a blowout a few months back and it really saved us.
Best Regards, Scott
Hey Scott and Amie! This is a very nice post! I completely agree with the idea that skimping on RV equipment is not an option. When you’re on the road, it’s not just about comfort, it’s also about safety and preparedness. Personally, having the right gear has saved me from more than a few headaches. One tool I can’t recommend enough is the TST 507 TPMS, which has helped me avoid major tire issues. Getting real-time alerts about my tire pressure has prevented potential blowouts, which would have been both dangerous and expensive to fix. Knowing your RV is well-equipped gives you that peace of mind, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
I also second the recommendation for the GasStop Propane Shut Off. I’ve had a close call with a minor propane leak before, and ever since installing GasStop, it feels like I have an extra layer of security. It’s like having a backup plan in place just in case something goes wrong. For those who have been on the road for a while, what safety gadgets do you rely on the most? Or is there a piece of gear you’ve added that has made a huge difference in your travels?
Thank you for your kind words! To answer your question, we feel, like you, that the TST gives us peace of mind, so we are able the enjoy the journey more. The TST really saved us a few months back. RV manufacturers tend to put cheap tires on their rigs. We had a blowout and without the TST we could have easily driven the rig right down to the rim because it was on the passenger side and we were on the highway. I drive in the right lane for the most part, so no one would have warned us of the blowout. We did have about $2000 worth of damage. We have since change all four tires on our 5th wheel the Goodyear Endurance ST tires. Amazing difference in ride and handling!
Best Regards, Scott
Wow, this is such a helpful breakdown of must-have RV gear! I couldn’t agree more with the emphasis on safety especially with gadgets like the GasStop and TST 507 TPMS. I’ve seen firsthand how vital tire pressure monitoring can be on long trips, and the peace of mind it gives is worth every penny.
Electrical issues are no joke, and having the right protection in place can save so much headache (and money!) down the line. Looking forward to the next section on navigation gear. Garmin seems like a great fit for RV life. Thanks for sharing these tips from your personal experience!
Kavitha, thank you for your comment. Yes, safety is very important to Amie and I. Having peace while on the road makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
Best Regards, Scott
Hey Scott and Amie,
First off, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights into full-time RV living. Your experiences really paint a vivid picture of life on the road, and it’s inspiring for someone like me who’s considering diving into this lifestyle.
1.GasStop Propane Shut Off: This sounds like an essential piece of safety equipment. Have you ever encountered a situation where the GasStop detected a potential issue that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise?
2.TST 507 TPMS: Tire safety is indeed crucial. Could you share a memorable experience where the TPMS alerted you in time to prevent a disaster?
3. 50A Surge Guard 34951: Electrical safety is something I’m quite concerned about. Have you ever faced a situation where the Surge Guard protected your RV from a serious electrical issue?
4. LevelMatePRO+: Leveling an RV seems tricky. How intuitive is the LevelMatePRO+ for someone who is not very tech-savvy?
5. VIAIR 400P RVS: Maintaining the right tire pressure is vital. How easy is it to use the VIAIR 400P RVS for someone who might not have much experience with compressors?
6. **Garmin RV 895**: Navigation is always a challenge on the road. Could you share a specific instance where the Garmin RV 895 saved you from a potentially hazardous route?
Reading your article, I felt like each gadget you discussed was not only a tool but a travel companion ensuring safety and ease. Your personal anecdotes add a lot of weight to your recommendations, making them feel tried and trusted.
As I’m about to embark on my RV adventure, your insights provide a reassuring sense of preparedness. Thank you for the detailed guidance, and I look forward to more of your stories and tips. Safe travels, and hopefully, I’ll see you on the road someday!
Warm regards,
Eric
Hey Eric,
Thank you for your Comment. I look forward to answering ALL of your questions.
1) The Gas stop is not only able to stop a potentially disastrous leak but it is able to detect a SLOW leak in the entire system and it did just that for us a few times. You see, as you drive down the road things tend to move around ALOT! Having this safety tool has given us peace of mind.
2) The TST 507 really saved us. We had a flat on the right rear side of our 5th wheel and without it we could have driven for miles and never known we had a flat. You see, the tire that come on a lot of the RVs these days are, well, lets put it this way….Cheap! We have since replaced all the tires with Goodyear Endurance ST tires.
3) Yes, one time we went to a campground and when you plug the 50A Surge Guard 34951 by Southwire it lets you know on the digital screen if there is a problem and there was. The pedestal was wired in reverse, so, they had to move us.
4) Level mate Pro+ is very intuitive! Once it is set up all you do is open the app on your phone. It’s a breeze
5) The VIAIR 400P RVS works very well and is very easy to use. Just attach the red clamp to the positive side of your Vehicle battery and the black clamp to the Negative side. Turn on the switch and away you go. Has a built in gauge so you won’t over inflate your tires.
6) The Garmin has rerouted us around many low bridges and if you match it up with your phone it will give you real time traffic warnings. We Love it! Hope to SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!
Best Regards
Scott