Greetings, fellow RVers!
Cameras, whether on their own or on your phone, can capture and preserve your magical RVing memories. But cameras also have practical reasons around an RV, and in this issue we explore those uses, among other great stuff we are liking. Read on!
Practical cameras
Why all RVers should have a dash cam
Dash cams have been common in cars for years, but for RVers, they’re quietly becoming one of those upgrades that just makes sense. From campground backing mishaps to wildlife encounters on rural roads, dash cams can give RVers a clear record when things don’t go as planned. Learn what a dash cam can do for you and why you should have one.
Benefits of using a backup camera
Using a rearview (RV backup) camera on your recreational vehicle can offer several benefits, including enhancing safety, convenience, overall driving experience, and more. Discover all the backup camera benefits here.
The best camera system for your RV
Many RV owners struggle to find a reliable way to see what’s behind their rig. According to Jared Gillis of All About RVs, the WOLFBOX G900 TriPro rearview camera system brings a smart answer to the RV backup camera dilemma. It looks like a regular rearview mirror, mounts right where you’re used to glancing, and offers crisp, high-quality views for safer towing. It’s sleek, easy to use, and takes up almost no extra space—a rare combination in the world of RV camera tech. Watch a demo and get more details here.
14 ways to make RV life easier using your cell phone’s camera
Are you planning to go RVing soon? Your cell phone camera can help so much! And not just for sending travel pictures to family and friends back home. Curious? Then, by all means, read on!
Our best-selling gadgets on Amazon this month (so far):
- Thetford RV Drain Valve Lubricant (as recommended by Dustin here)
- CRC 05103 QD Electronic Cleaner (as recommended by Dave here)
- This small, portable air purifier
- This windshield cleaner tool
- Balance and Fall Prevention Exercises for Seniors book
Other stuff we’re liking
BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 portable power station—small, lightweight, and cute
By Cheri Sicard
This lightweight power station isn’t designed for serious, long-term boondocking or running large appliances. Instead, it’s ideal for charging phones, tablets, laptops, and other everyday electronics. I find myself using it most often outdoors—powering my laptop while working at a picnic table, running music, or providing lighting for an evening gathering at camp. It’s small, quiet, and incredibly convenient. Learn more about this small, lightweight power station and why it stands out, here.
Why you should use RV slide-out stabilizers and locks
Using slide-out stabilizers and locks for your RV is essential for maintaining stability, enhancing comfort, and ensuring safety while on the road. Whether you’re parked at a campsite or traveling to your next destination, these simple yet effective tools can make a significant difference in your RVing experience. Learn more.
Keep the cold out with bubble wrap RV window insulation
This article demonstrates bubble wrap window insulation on a sticks-and-bricks home. However, this same inexpensive cold-weather hack can also work in RVs. You will be surprised by how easy it is. No tapes or adhesives are needed, and the bubble wrap takes seconds to remove when you no longer need it. Check out the easy how-to.
Even more recent gadget articles:
- New smart toilet uses video and audio to analyze your health while you use it (yep, you read that right)
- Why your RV refrigerator needs a cooling fan
- Flat towing hasn’t changed much, but battery disconnects finally have
- RV game night: Fun and fast Monopoly game variations
- The best electric heaters under $25 for small RVs
- RVs and WD-40: Unusual combinations that work
The book (kinda) nook
This collection of 100 black and white Bingo pages is a must for your next road trip! Each page is unique, and both kids and adults will have fun searching for the objects they see along the way. Words and pictures are shown on the boards so that readers and non-readers can play together! Tear out the pages and pass them around, or give each person their own book to use. Great for short or long trips in the car. Go for BINGO or try for a blackout! Learn more or order here.
Take an extra 10% off a GhostBed luxury RV mattress!
The GhostBed RV mattress is 10” deep, crafted with gel memory foam for coolness, has 3 layers of luxurious comfort and is perfectly sized for your RV! Ahhhh… Wake up relaxed and rejuvenated. RVtravel.com readers now get an EXTRA 10% OFF a GhostBed Luxury RV Mattress! CLICK HERE and use code RVTRAVEL10. Watch RVtravel.com’s Tony Barthel’s RV mattress review here.
Gadget quick takes
Paper Incense
With just 1-3 minutes of use, OPTATUM Paper Incense quickly fills your space with a delightful and pleasant scent, creating an instantly relaxing atmosphere. The included tin case and tongs function as an incense holder, making it ready to use and portable. Available in a variety of all-natural scents. We’ve never seen anything like this before; have you?
Portable hand and stand mixer, with bowl, dough hook, whisk and egg beater
Two mixers in one! Switch seamlessly between hand mixer and countertop mixer mode to tackle any recipe with ease. Whether you’re whipping up fluffy pancakes or kneading bread dough, this versatile kitchen gadget adapts to your needs. This is handy!
Gadget giggles
“Elegant” possum canvas wall art
Here’s a unique way to bring the true spirit of the outdoors into your RV! This is so funny, but we can’t help but love it. Imagine the faces of your guests entering your RV? Funny! Available in a size to fit any RV wall, big or small! Order here.
FINISHED READING THIS ISSUE? Great! Now you can move on over to today’s brand-new RV Daily Tips newsletter.
The wildest multi-tool gadget…
This wild, elusive, totally unique multi-tool carabiner is perfect to keep on your key ring or backpack. When someone asks you for a screwdriver, wrench, can opener, bottle opener, cord-cutter, or ruler, tell them Sasquatch can help! Every camper and outdoor enthusiast needs one of these! It’s cool, but it will also come in handy at the campsite! Learn more or order. (Hurry, before he disappears again!)
RVtravel.com All-Star Team
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I think you missed an opportunity to discuss the videos themselves and how to access them as many may not know. If the dashcam has recorded video for many hours while one is parked, how does one weed through it all to find the particular footage that shows when someone has attempted to break in or has bumped into your vehicle? Same question for a front dashcam that may have captured wildlife on the drive? Where is all that video stored? Are there options/fees for cloud storage? Do all offer live feed to a phone app? Are there motion detection options with corresponding alerts?
Some offer G sensors that record and store a ‘bump’ in a separate file location that is not over written. Most record in a set time increment, like 5 minutes and each increment is time stamped.
All have the capability of removable storage, a micro SD card, that can be removed and played back on a computer or tablet. The amount of total recording time, before it starts to overwrite, is dependent on the size of the card.
Some have built in WIFI. You can access the video on your phone or tablet via an app.
And some have motion detection.
It al depends on the particular camera. Of course, the more options one has are reflected in the price.