Helpful RV gadgets for those with arthritis or weak hands

My mother-in-law could tear a large Las Vegas phone book in half. Really! I wish I had her amazing hand strength!

Maybe you, too, struggle a bit while RVing because of poor grip strength or arthritis. If so, you should know that many devices and gadgets can help! Read on, and you’ll see!

Why assistive gadgets help

Medical experts who focus on hands and joints emphasize two simple principles. Reduce pinch/grip forces and use leverage or larger handles to shift work to your bigger muscles and joints.

Outdoor RV helpers

Here are some helpful items that may help with outdoor RV chores:

Shore power cords with handles

Choose shore-power cords or replacements that have molded pull handles. They make plugging and unplugging your RV power cord much easier than grabbing a small plastic connector. You’ll use much less force with a cord that features an easy-grab handle, like this one.

Quick-disconnect hose fittings

Quick-disconnect hose fittings let you snap your freshwater hose to a hookup without threading tiny threads by hand. Look for brass heavy-duty quick-connect sets made for RVs like this one.

An easy-grip sewer wrench

A sewer wrench can be a huge help when it comes to emptying tanks. The extended handle provides extra leverage to easily remove and/or tighten the sewer cap. There are many different kinds to choose from.

Hose/cord cart/wheel

A small portable reel or wheeled water hose cart eliminates heavy bending and hand-twisting when you stow or remove the water hose from your RV. Lightweight retractable reels or wheeled reel carts may reduce strain.

You can also purchase a manual hose reel for your electrical cord. Or check with your RV manufacturer to see if they offer an after-market automatic electric cord reel for your RV model. While a bit pricey, these eliminate the hassle of lugging that heavy electrical cord!

Foldable hand trucks/wagons

Instead of handling 5-gallon water jugs, park chairs, or a bundle of firewood, use a fold-flat hand truck. A hand cart makes a single-person load much safer. Plus, it folds to store neatly in your RV’s basement or under-bed storage space. Check out the Magna Cart folding hand trucks.

Another item that saves your hands, arms, and back is a collapsible wagon. I like this one because it has wide tires that easily travel in sand or gravel and has a large carrying capacity, as well. You can use it to carry laundry to the wash house, wood to the campfire, or get your picnic, towels, and blanket down to the beach! Afterwards, the wagon collapses to be stored in your RV’s basement.

Bucket caddy

Another handy item is a bucket caddy. This one fits on a 5-gallon bucket to easily carry tools without schlepping them awkwardly in your arms. To make the caddy easier to carry, modify the handle with a short piece of electrical insulation or a small section of pool noodle, slit the long way. The larger modified handle will make carrying your load much easier.

Extra key grip

Just recently, I learned about keywings. These ingenious “wings” fit over the head of a key, giving you greater grip and leverage for opening RV storage locks and other locks, too.

Inside the RV

Jar openers

I’ve nearly come to tears trying to open a pickle jar (and other jars, as well). That’s where a compact manual jar opener with a nonslip base will remove lids without requiring a strong twisting force. Jar openers are simple, well-reviewed manual helpers.

There are also countertop electric jar openers for people who prefer push-button operation.

Additionally, those who need help opening water bottle lids will find this gadget helpful, and those who have trouble opening their pill bottles will appreciate this.

Doorknob swap

You can make your life a bit easier by swapping round RV interior doorknobs for lever handles. They make entry and interior doors operable with a forearm or one-finger push. If cabinets and drawers are difficult to open, consider swapping them out for a different style.

Special adaptive tools

Utensils, screwdrivers, drawer pulls, and more that feature chunky, soft grips reduce gripping force. Larger diameter handles and lever tools will help protect small finger joints. Search online for “adaptive” or “arthritis” levers and more. Here are some to start your search.

Hand-strengthening moves

Most hand specialists and arthritis organizations recommend gentle, regular exercises that preserve the range of motion and slowly build strength. There are small hand and grip strength gadgets to help.

Start slowly and stop if you trigger a painful flare. Check with your clinician before beginning any new exercise program. Clinically recommended exercises include gentle fist/clench-and-release, finger bends and straightening (finger tendon glides), thumb stretches and squeezing a soft therapy ball for short holds. The Arthritis Foundation and Mayo Clinic offer step-by-step hand exercise guides and photos you can follow.

With a few gadgets, modifications, and perhaps a little exercise, your RV experience can be much less frustrating and so much more enjoyable!

Check out all gadgets related to helping with arthritis and weak hands here. 

Do you use any of the gadgets or modifications described in the article, or additional accommodations that were not mentioned? Tell me in the comments below.

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