Great RV Accessories Newsletter Issue 64

Posted January 14, 2018

News, information and reviews of great gizmos and gadgets for RVers. Published online once a month by the editors of RVtravel.com. If you are not already subscribed, click here to sign up now.

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Product Spotlight

Level your RV with your Apple or Android device

By Russ and Tiña De Maris
If your fifth wheel, travel trailer or motorhome isn’t equipped with automatic levelers, you know how much of a bear leveling can be. With one person inside watching the bubble level, another outside manipulating leveling boards or manual cranks, the shouting and frustration is real.

An easier way looks to have been hit upon, particularly if you’re a member of the crowd that carries an Apple or Android device. Called “The WoBLR,” it may well reduce the frustration of time-consuming running back and forths, and the neighborhood-disturbing shouts associated with the leveling process. Here’s the premise: The WoBLR is like being outside your rig – and yet watching a level inside your rig. The clear display on your phone or tablet also shows the offset for your jackpoints, making leveling a whole lot easier.

At the heart of the system is the level itself – a small electronic device that can mount just about anywhere in your RV. No, you don’t need to mount it flat to the floor, taking up valuable cabinet or floor space. The WoBLR can be mounted just about anywhere, and in nearly any orientation in your rig. The developer told us that their initial prototype was mounted on a ceiling. So, for practical purposes, you could mount it on the inside of a cabinet sidewall.

To use it, download the free RVIQ WoBLR app from the Apple App or Google Play store. With the app installed, you’ll pair your Apple or Android with the WoBLR. The connection uses a long-range Bluetooth signal – you won’t need to worry about being connected to the Internet to use the WoBLR. And when we say “long-range,” we mean it: The company says the WoBLR signal range is up to 150 feet – much farther than you’ve experienced with a Bluetooth hands-free phone device.

With the WoBLR “parked” where you want it, you’ll need to drag out your own bubble level and level the rig to where you feel comfortable. Once that’s accomplished, using the app on your device, a HOME calibration command will orient the WoBLR. It may ask you a question or two about how you’ve oriented the WoBLR device, and with that out of the way you’re good to go. From now on, when you need to level your rig, it’s a simple matter of bringing up the app on your device and looking at real-time leveling information.

While the WoBLR works brilliantly for both towable RVs and motorhomes, for the towable set, there’s one more function that can make your breaking camp a lot easier. Arrive at your camp, and raise the trailer or fifth wheel to the point where you can disconnect your tow rig. Turn on the app, push a button, and the system “remembers” the correct height required for re-hitching. When it’s time to leave, the hitch point recall will show you when you’ve raised or lowered your rig enough to get back over the hitch ball or back into the fifth wheel saddle without – er – a hitch!

THE DEVICE ITSELF IS POWERED by replaceable batteries. Alas, if the batteries die, the WoBLR’s memory develops an e-version of dementia, which will require fresh batteries – and a recalibration with a bubble level. To preclude this issue, the device has a power switch that will put it to sleep and preserve the batteries. We’re told that if one shuts the device off while the rig is laid up in storage, it could be years before you’d need to replace the batteries.

If you’re a “multiple device” person, you can install the appropriate app on all your phones or tablets, and once you’ve paired them with the WoBLR, it’ll “talk” to any of them without any issue.

You can find the RV Intelligence WoBLR device on Amazon for around $99. The app is free for both Apple and Android users.

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Temperature gun is ‘essential equipment’ for many RVers!
Just aim this non-contact IR temperature gun to measure the temperature of your refrigerator, tires, A/C and heater output, or, heck, even your oven (and the list goes on). It turns on and begins reading the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit with one press of the trigger. A laser light aids in aiming, and can be turned on or off. Many RVers consider this essential equipment. Learn more or order at a huge discount.

This cold winter a propane heater may provide welcome warmth
The Mr. Heater is “the most popular portable propane heater in North America.” This patented radiant 4,000-18,000 BTU liquid propane heater is the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces like RVs up to 450 sq. ft. To light the unit, simply push and rotate the knob. With the Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off, you will enjoy years of comfortable, safe indoor heat. Learn more.

Pawscout: The Smarter Pet Tag™ tracker
The traditional pet tag offered little more than an address or phone number. Pawscout gives pet owners a whole new way to connect with and keep a close eye on their furry family members. Pawscout is smartphone-compatible and connected, affordable, and an easy and fun way for people to build a safe community for their pets. A Pawscout tag tracks movements and identifies lost pets with the help of the Pawscout App.  Read more.

Anything Keeper organizes your stuff discreetly
Keep anything and everything handy. Clean up your counters and drawers with this kitchen – or anywhere – storage solution, allowing convenient storage for all your necessities. Watch your iPad while cooking, charge your phone while it’s stored, and keep your wallet/keys/prescriptions handy – up and out of the way. Learn more.

Eliminate holding tank odors!
Eliminate disgusting tank odors for less than $1 per treatment with formaldehyde-free Unique RV Digest-It. Unique’s highly concentrated, non-toxic blend of tank cleaning microbes maintains clean sensors, eliminates odors, and liquefies the solids in your tank, ensuring no backups. All without harsh chemicals or dangerous ingredients. Try it once and you’ll be shocked at how clean your tank can be! Learn more or order.

Protect your RV from improper campground hookup
In the course of your RVing life you will encounter many ranges of electrical systems in campgrounds and parks:  some well-maintained and regularly checked and some not so much. But the not-so-much system may be where you have to connect your RV. The Camco 30M/30F Amp Circuit Analyzer helps protect your electrical equipment from improperly wired electrical boxes by visually indicating faults before you connect your RV’s power cord to the electrical box. Learn more.

Folding camping table fits in compact carrying bag
You can never have too much working surface – especially for preparing food, barbecuing outside, seating additional guests, or just somewhere to put stuff in your campsite. The Moon Lence Ultralight Folding Table features simplicity in design, stable holders and a portable package. Weighing only 1.59 lbs., with up to 33 lbs. holding capacity, the folding table is sturdy, convenient and practical. Read more.

Whimsical coaster set celebrates RV lifestyle
Show your love of the RV lifestyle to visitors and guests with these RV coasters. The decorative camping-themed stone coaster set comes in four designs: wilderness, beach, desert and nighttime forest. The cork backing will protect all surfaces. Absorbent stone coasters are great for hot or cold drinks. Learn more.

Protect yourself from intruders, bears and more!
The BASU eAlarm lets us explore, sleep, and adventure with confidence! This tiny device emits a 130-decibel alarm which scares away intruders, burglars and wild animals, and will call for help if you find yourself stranded. Used by the RV Travel staff, you can count on this alarm to keep you safe. Watch the video to learn more or click here to order for about $10.

Gizmos and Gadgets at RVtravel.com
For years, in each of our weekly issues of the RVtravel.com newsletter we’ve reviewed or told you about hundreds of useful, interesting or unusual gizmos and gadgets for your RV, or to enhance your RV travels. Click here to browse through all those products.

2018 Guide to Firearm Laws of the 50 States
PUBLISHED JAN. 2018: Learn how to prepare, carry & transport your firearm in all 50 states, Canada & Mexico. Includes state breakdowns of firearms ownership, semi-auto gun ownership, castle doctrine, right to protect, open & concealed carry, state & national parks, permit reciprocity, loaded vs. unloaded, interstate transport restrictions, traffic stops, universal restricted areas, motorhome & RV issues, preemptive local laws & more. Learn more or order.

Products you might need
for your RV at Amazon.com

•RV parts and accessories
•RV hitches and tow products
•RV holding tank treatments
•RV books and directories
•Camco products

Or search at:
•Dyers RV Parts and Accessories

Graphite keeps your locks working
Keep your RV’s locks (and other locks, too) working the way they should. This product from AGS will keep them lubricated and working smoothly and will guard against sticking and dirt buildup. Also reduces wear and corrosion. This should be essential equipment on all RVs. Learn more or order.

Our favorite products for RVers at Amazon.com. Check ’em out.

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