By Cheri Sicard
In the video below from our favorite RV gearhead, Joshua from RV Gear & Far, we get a look at Joshua’s picks of the best RV gear, gadgets, and accessories from this year’s massive Hershey RV Show.
Joshua’s best RV gear picks from the Hershey RV Show
• MORryde, in partnership with EZ RV Solutions, introduced the RV Residential Flush™, a black tank bypass valve, and a sewer hose support that forms an in-line P-trap in flexible waste hoses called the RV Snap Trap™.
• Andersen Hitches showcased their new STAX Leveling Blocks, made from the same materials as their curved ramp camper levelers. Rated at 120,000 lbs., these blocks are 3x stronger than most plastic options.
• WalTech’s Smart Thermostat 2.0. Unlike previous options, this upgrade features pet monitoring, room temperature alerts, and global connectivity through an integrated SIM card.
• The A/C Connect by KoolRV® is a plug-and-play insert for existing air conditioners, claiming a 44% performance boost by directing cool air directly into the ducting system, reducing pressure and temperature loss seen in many units.
• Blu Technology’s high-end water filtration systems once again made an impression with their stainless steel construction, braided hoses, and flow counters.
• Camco’s EvoFlex2 water hose aims to compete with flexible fabric hoses like Zero-G, offering a new option for RVers seeking an easy-to-store, durable drinking hose.
• Valterra’s EZ-Valve is a retrofit option for RVs with manual sewer gate valves, automating the opening and closing via a 12V motor, with a manual backup override for emergencies. It offers a simpler, hands-free waste management solution for existing RVs.
• Rivet Supply Co. presented an aesthetic product for sticker collectors: Original Adventure Boards made of lightweight acrylic that allow RVers to display their collected stickers without damaging their rig.
• Centramatic wheel balancers: Using a combination of solid media and synthetic fluid, these balancers dynamically balance the entire wheel and hub assembly for heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and motorhomes. The technology, proven in the trucking industry since the ’80s, may benefit RVers looking for a smoother ride.
• MORryde is bringing back the PatioEx, a revamped and improved inflatable rear tent for toy hauler decks.
Joshua says these are but a few of the innovative and useful RV gadgets and gear he spotted while browsing the nation’s largest annual RV show.
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Not sure I understand the “Residential Flush” thingie.
Same principle as your ‘P’ trap under your sink.
I’m intrigued by the Centramatic wheel balancers. Has anyone out there used them? What’s your opinion, or any comments on their use? Dave Solberg-anything?
Hi, Bill. I’ve passed along your question to Dave, but he’s giving a ton of seminars now through Sunday at the Myrtle Beach RV Show, so I’m not sure how soon he can get back to you. But I know he’ll respond as soon as he is able to. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane
Bill, I heard back from Dave. He is not familiar with Centramatic, but will check with some of his contacts at Winnebago, etc. He also suggested I pass your question along to tire expert Roger Marble, which I did. Take care. 😀 –Diane
Thanks, I don’t know why I didn’t think of Roger first.
Hi, Bill. Here’s Roger’s reply. (He’s having trouble getting in here to reply himself. Danged gremlins!) “Centramatics is an alternative way to balance the tire/wheel assembly. The external tube has beads that will move around in the tube to the point that the wheel & tire would be balanced once you reached highway speed. While this system can ‘balance’ the tire/wheel assembly, IMO there are a couple of negatives with this type of system. The tire/wheel will not achieve balance till highway speed is achieved. The other negative is that since this system is ‘dynamic’ it can result in vibrations due to a tire developing a separation being ‘hidden’ from the driver so he is not aware of the tire failure.” –Roger Marble
Wow! Great information. Thank you both so much !!
Have a wonderful evening M.M., and an easy walk.😃
You’re welcome, Bill. (I did my walk this morning [no school today and walking buddy out of town], just before it started pouring down rain.👍) Have a good night. 😀 –Diane
Did my walk first thing this morning too, a chilly 58 degrees out 🤭
It was 50, windy and rainy here. Ugh! Was glad to get the walk out of the way, however. (I was the only one walking at the track. Others were smarter than me, I guess.😅) I just wanted to get it done before things got too busy with the upcoming weekend newsletters. BTW, I passed along your “Thank you” to Roger, in case he doesn’t notice it in the comments. I also passed along the comments to Dave Solberg so he knows Roger answered your question and he doesn’t have to (unless he wants to), while he’s busy presenting seminars in Myrtle Beach this weekend. Take care, Bill.🤗 –Diane aka MM
I used to carry the typical white or blue RV water hose. Stiff, hard to roll up in cooler weather and prone to kinking and cracking. I now have a Flexzilla hose. I carry two 25 footers. Stays flexible in cold weather, easy to coil and drinking water safe.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 Too bad that so many third-party products are necessary to dial-in the comfort and safety of RVs. Perhaps these address the same things as unselected manufacturer options, but at lower cost. Have a great weekend and safe travels! 🙂