Greetings, fellow RVers!
Today, in addition to other great stuff we are liking, we turn a spotlight on portable power stations. How did we ever RV without these great gadgets that allow us to run our appliances and devices while boondocking, run silently, and can be recharged via AC connection, solar panels, or via a vehicle’s alternator while driving? Read on!
Portable power stations
No matter how you RV or how much or how little power you need, there is a portable power station to meet your needs. Check out some of our favorite options below.
Bluetti—a trusted industry leader!
This industry leader is well known for quality. They have power stations of all sizes of the spectrum. Here are some of our favorites:
- Bluetti Elite 300: My new favorite power station! What makes the 300 so much better than the 200? In three words: even more power. But beyond that, it’s the ability to plug a 30-amp RV cord directly into it and use it to recharge your RV’s batteries.
- Bluetti Elite 200 V2: My favorite prior to the release of the 300, this power station is still plenty powerful, just not quite enough to charge with a 30-amp plug.
- Bluetti Elite 30 V2: Small, lightweight, and cute! 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. It also makes an excellent small backup power source at home.
More great power station options
- Oupes Mega 2: This one gives the Bluetti Elite 300 a run for its money. It’s a little bigger in size, but it does have the ability to charge your trailer batteries.
- Jackery 1500: A solid mid-sized workhorse from a respected manufacturer.
- Ugreen 145-watt power bank: A nice, tiny backup charger for phones, laptops, and other small devices.
- How to build your own portable power station: Here’s a lower-priced DIY way to get a portable power station.
Our highest-trending products on Amazon in May:
- This funny garden flag for your campsite was our #1 best-seller. Go figure!
- Never tie your shoes again with these elastic, no-tie shoelaces. Nice!
- Yes, this really is the best insect-catcher/trap for your home and RV. Absolutely!
- Turn fresh or frozen fruit into delicious soft serve, no hard work required! This is the perfect summer gadget.
- We showed you this vintage-looking plug-in lantern lamp, and you have loved it!
Other stuff we’re liking:
Turn any SUV into a bed in minutes
The Blitz Bed is a folding platform that turns an SUV into a bed in under a minute, actually. It fits most SUVs, crossovers, and hatchbacks, while TrunkMate also offers versions for minivans and trucks. The appeal is easy to see: A vehicle can be camp-ready on the weekend and back to normal by Monday. Check out the Blitz Bed system.
Electrical outlet add-ons make RV life easier
When you live in a small space, the little stuff matters. RV outlet add-ons can make RV life easier. The smartest picks are the ones that plug into an existing outlet, stay low-profile, and solve a real problem without taking up extra floor space. Discover handy electrical outlet add-ons here.
Are these 5 new RV gadgets genius or gimmick?
Jared Gillis from All About RVs put five new RV gadgets to the test. Find out which ones made the cut and which ones not to bother with.
Gadget quick takes
Hanging shower organizers
Seven pockets keep your shower needs organized and within reach; perfect for storing body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and other personal care products. But beyond that, use this handy organizer anywhere you can hang something to keep clothing, kitchenware, and all kinds of other things organized.
Slim motion sensor trash can
The lid opens when your hand or any object is detected in the sensing area, eliminating the need for direct contact, particularly beneficial for RVers who like to avoid putting toilet paper in the black tanks. The slim design makes it ideal for small spaces. If your hand stays in the sensing area, the green light is always on, and the lid remains open. When the hand is removed, the green light starts flashing, and the lid closes automatically after five seconds.
Tietoc mini chainsaw
Mini chainsaw is equipped with an 880-watt high-power motor, manganese steel chain and auto oiler system. Cut 6-inch branches with no effort, like a hot knife through butter. Smoothly cutting thicker pieces of wood that other chainsaws struggle with makes easy work of tree trimming and firewood cutting. Slim and lightweight (only 3.3 lb., 25% the weight of a bulky larger gas chainsaw), easy to handle, and works like a champ!
Must have: Affordable, simple solution for low voltage protection
Klein Tool’s RT250 is an electrical receptacle tester that tests the wiring conditions at an electrical outlet. Its LCD displays the voltage and identifies wiring faults. You could use an adapter to “step down” from the 30-amp outlet (or maybe two to come down from 50-amp outlets), testing the circuit before you plug in your shore power cord. Continue reading and make sure you have one of these!
The book nook
Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification
Looking for a faster, easier, and engaging way to identify plants? Related plants have similar characteristics, and they often have similar uses. Rather than learning new plants one at a time, it is possible to learn them by the hundreds, based on plant family patterns with Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. Learn more or order.
More recent gadget articles and reviews:
- Wiring tester can reassure driver that trailer lights work
- All about RV convection ovens: When and when not to use
- Sip in style: Say goodbye to flat fizz, bugs and spills with these clever can lid gadgets
- Instant Pot vs. knock-off brand: Is the name brand worth it?
- RV mod—Genius storage for an RV sewer tote
Gadget giggles
Windshield blackout shade umbrella with personality!
Keep out the sun while giving your vehicle some personality! 100% Blackout sun shade: The innovative 240T reflective double-textured fabric can block out 100% sunlight and harmful UV rays, keeping the vehicle cooler and preventing fabrics, leathers, and other materials from heat or sun damage. Order here.
Our all-time favorite products at Amazon
This is the first time EVER that we’re sharing this list with you. Yep, that’s right, this is our personal list that we use every day to recommend products to YOU. These are the products we actually use, talk about, recommend, and keep in our own rigs. And no, none of them are sponsored or paid for or anything like that. We’ve been compiling this list for years! Not to toot our own horn, but this is impressive!
FINISHED READING THIS ISSUE? Great! Now you can move on over to today’s brand-new RV Daily Tips newsletter.
RVtravel.com All-Star Staff
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Thank you for sharing this collection of accessories, Cheri. Have a great day and safe travels!