Great RV Accessories Newsletter, Issue 58
Posted July 20, 2017
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.
Product Spotlight
By Eric Brotman
RVTRAVEL.COM
At least one portable, efficient and lightweight vacuum cleaner is popular among RVers, and others around the world. Look at the packaging in the box containing Dyson’s DC34 handheld vacuum and you’ll see a warning to properly dispose of a plastic bag (so children won’t play with it) printed in more than 20 languages.
There’s other unusual information in the product box: “Dyson machines are exhibited in the following museums: New York’s Museum of Modern Art, London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Zurich’s Design Museum, The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney and the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris.”
That’s high status for a line of machines made to suction away dust balls and dog hair.
And the DC34 looks different from other vacuum cleaners. Part of it resembles a construction tool, another part would seem at home under the hood of a car, and the middle section looks like it could brew a cup of coffee.
For RVers who simply want a superior vacuum cleaner, the facts speak as loudly as the art. The DC34 does not emit carbon, thanks to an innovative digital motor that spins at 98,000 rpm — five times faster than an Indy car engine.
It has two speeds, high and maximum, plus three attachments: a crevice tool and a clever, two-in-one debris nozzle that converts to a brush tool in two seconds. A Dyson video shows the vacuum falling from several feet above a hard floor without breaking.
Holding the vacuum over a trash bin while pushing a button will quickly release dirt and debris. The debris chamber can then be snapped back up into position. The unit weighs just 3 lbs. Dyson’s DC34 comes with a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. Learn more at Dyson.com ($199.99 plus shipping) or at Amazon.com, where it’s available for far less. And be sure to watch the video for a demonstration.
DID YOU MISS last weekend’s RV Travel Newsletter? If so, read it here.
Tank Sensors Reading Full?
Restore them overnight with Caravan Sensor Cleaner
Caravan’s highly concentrated, bio-enzymatic formula is guaranteed to remove the debris causing your tanks to misread. No driving necessary. No dangerous chemicals. No strong odors. Perfect for full-timers and permanently parked RVs. Learn more or or buy at Amazon.com.
Light your campfire in any conditions with Instafire
If you would like to easily and quickly light your campfire regardless of weather conditions, you will enjoy Instafire Fire Starter pouches or bulk packages. Instafire pouches are handy for backpacking or as emergency fire starters, and the bulk container will light a season’s worth of campfires with ease. Instafire can also be used in home fireplaces and as a starter for charcoal in barbecues. Safe and environmentally friendly. Read more.
PowRyte 12-Volt Auto Air Compressor/Digital Tire Inflator
PowRyte Elite 12-Volt DC Digital Tire Inflator is perfect to inflate tires on cars, SUVs, light trucks, bicycles and motorcycles, as well as air mats, sports balls, toys and so on. It can plug into a 12v DC socket, has a screw-on hose, and works much better than any lever-action connector. This tire inflator features auto shut off when reaching the desired tire pressure to prevent over-inflation. Learn more.
Shurhold polishers turn chores into easy tasks
From giving new life to a sun-faded classic to keeping a late-model RV in showroom-like condition, nothing beats a quality polisher. Shurhold Industries offers three models that fit any need or budget and turn tiresome chores into easy tasks. These polishers are built to last. Read more.
Stinky holding tank odors? Here’s the solution
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.
Video: Product review
Infrared thermometers
Chris Dougherty shows you an infrared thermometer and demonstrates how it can be used to help determine the condition of an RV’s air conditioner. The devices, available at Harbor Freight and Amazon.com, come in handy for many others uses as well.
Think of this case as your iPhone 7’s bodyguard
Bob Difley recently dropped his iPhone and broke the glass, so when he saw the SLXtreme iPhone 7 case it got his attention. But it’s more than just a case — it’s waterproof and drop-proof, with a built-in solar charger, and more. Sounds like a good idea for active, on-the-go, outdoorsy RVers. Learn more.
Sikaflex-221 — the workhorse of RV sealants
Sealants should be a part of every RVer’s toolbox. With the beating an RV takes, especially now with America’s roads needing major repairs and pothole fixing, at some point you are going to need to reseal around a vent or a window frame to prevent leaks. It is considered by many to be the ultimate choice in truck, trailer, RV and bus manufacturing. Read more.
Slide-out drawers add storage space under tables, cabinets
If you have an RV that is smaller than a rolling mansion, you likely could use some additional storage space. The Add-A-Drawer is a clever answer for finding that extra space all RVs can use. It mounts under tables or cupboards and has a double rail design that accommodates both flat or lipped table styles. It also has self-locking sliding channels and can be used in pantries, closets, bedrooms, bathrooms, under tables and cabinets. Learn more.
Camco Store at Amazon.com
There isn’t much you need for your RV that Camco doesn’t have. If you think we’re kidding, then click through to the Camco store on Amazon where you’ll find some of their best-selling products — all for your RV or for you to make your RVing better. Click here and you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store.
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.
AND CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS OF
COOL RV GADGETS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Deep clean your RV’s roof!
Thetford’s Premium RV Rubber Roof Cleaner & Conditioner not only deep cleans rubber, but fiberglass & aluminum roofs, too! It removes oxidation, bird droppings and dirt buildup. Cleans, conditions & adds UV blocker in one easy step. Watch the video or learn more or order.
Products you might need
for your RV at Amazon.com
•RV parts and accessories
•RV hitches and tow products
•RV books and directories
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.
Check out these RV accessories that were featured recently in the RV Travel Newsletter
• Jazz up your backsplash with peel-and-stick Smart Tiles.
• Want to find me? Look for my flag.
• Simplify your life with FloJet portable RV waste pump.
• Awning De-Flapper reduces stress on you and your awning.
Best way to fill your batteries
Fill this container with distilled water, insert the nozzle into the cell of your battery, then push & hold. When the battery is at the proper level, the water will automatically stop. Then move to the next cell, etc. You won’t over- or under-fill your batteries this way, helping extend their lives. Learn more or order at Amazon.com.
Video of interest
Why you should weigh each of your tires to determine the proper air pressure
Andy Pargh, the Gadget Guru, has some good advice. Read his story and watch the video.
Heat your RV with Electricity, not Propane! 
AND SAVE $$$! Until now, the standard for heating RVs of all types has been to use bottled propane (LPG). With the CheapHeat™ system there’s a better way. Now you have a choice to change the central heating system between gas and electric with the flip of a switch. When you choose to run on electric heat rather than gas, your coach will be heated by the electricity provided by the RV park. Learn more.
Mail us at 9792 Edmonds Way #265, Edmonds, WA 98020. Email: Diane (at) rvtravel.com .
This website utilizes some advertising services. Sometimes we are paid if you click one of those links and purchase a product or service. Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. RVtravel.com is a participant in the Walmart, Camping World and Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Programs which are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by referrals to their websites.
RVtravel.com includes links to other websites. We cannot control the content and/or privacy policies of those sites. Please be aware when you leave this newsletter or any other section of RVtravel.com to read the privacy statements of any of those websites that collect personally identifiable information. Our own privacy policy applies only to RVtravel.com and its affiliated blogs.
Really enjoy the newsletter. Have learned a lot about permanent RVing.
Want to make a comment about the Dyson vacuum. Our vacuum repair person said it was the most frequently brought in for repair. He talked me out of buying one.
Jean, Oh, that’s interesting. We haven’t had any problems with ours, although we haven’t used it a lot. But thanks for the input. — Chuck/editor
He must be an Electrolux distributor, lol. I have had the same Dyson since it first came out and use it almost daily and it is still running strong. Bought one for my mother, daughter and also one for the motorhome. I can’t say enough good things about it.