By Cheri Sicard
In the video above, my favorite RV gearhead, Joshua from RV Gear & Far, brings us a list of 12 small RV gadgets that he says bring tremendous value to his RVing life. (Yes, the video title says 11 but I counted 12, making it an even dozen!)
Sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest impact when it comes to day-to-day activities and convenience when living in an RV. Joshua’s small RV gadgets list provides some excellent examples of that.
RV Gear and Far’s best small RV gadgets with BIG value
#1 Dexter-Russell Metal Spatula: This high-quality wide metal spatula works well for lots of different RV kitchen and outdoor cooking tasks and will last a lifetime!
#2 AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge: Proper tire pressure is crucial to RV safety. Joshua likes this pressure gauge because it takes regular AAA batteries, which are easy to find anywhere. Too many tire pressure monitors take button batteries, which might be more difficult to find if you are out in the boonies. It also has a built-in flashlight and a backlit display for easy reading.
#3 Motion-sensor LED Night Lights: Joshua says this is their best “non-essential” small RV gadget, but they do provide a lot of value. The motion sensor lights only come on at night and only when motion is detected. Joshua’s family uses them to see around the RV in the middle of the night if someone gets up. However, I can think of a better use under the RV, especially in desert locales, where you have to worry about rodents getting. I would put them under the RV and perhaps even under the truck hood. Another use would be around the campsite when boondocking out in the middle of nowhere, as the lights coming on would alert you to people or critters in your campsite. Hopefully, they would scare away both. One USB charge will last for several weeks, and there are different light settings.
#4 RESQME Emergency Tool: This emergency tool that is designed to be carried on a keychain cuts through seatbelts and breaks automotive windows in case of emergency. Examples would be going off a bridge into water, or a rollover situation where you need to escape. Joshua does not like to add bulk to his keychain, so he zip-ties his to the rearview mirror of his truck so that it is quickly accessible to both driver and passenger should an emergency situation arise.
#5 Infrared Laser Thermometer: Joshua uses this gadget to check variations in temperatures on his wheel hubs in order to proactively diagnose potential problems and safety issues. More details are in the video.
#6 Digital Photo Frame: Because RVs lack a lot of wall space to display family photos, Joshua’s family enjoys their digital photo frame, which displays a rotating array of favorite family photos from their adventures. Joshua explains how it all works in the video.
#7 Leatherman Skeletool: Joshua says he carries this multi-use tool almost everywhere as it has endless uses around an RV. In addition to a regular knife blade, you also get pliers, wire cutters, and screwdriver bits.
#8 Streamlight MicroStream Rechargeable Flashlight  or Streamlight Stylus Pro Flashlight: Joshua carries these slim flashlights everywhere as so many times in an RV you just need a little bit of light to make a repair, and these fit nearly anywhere.
#9 Yogasleep White Noise Machines: These are invaluable for getting a good night’s sleep (I have used white noise machines for years), especially in places with a lot of outside noise. (After carrying gadgets, I now have an app on my phone that works fine.) However, Joshua’s favorite portable white noise gadgets come in rechargeable or battery-operated versions.
#10 DeWALT 9-Foot Tape Measure: Joshua loves this particular tape measure because it is so small and compact. It also has a magnet on one side and a belt clip on the other for easy accessibility anywhere.
#11 HitchGrip Hitch Ball Carrier Handle: This gadget is strictly for those with heavy-weight distribution hitches. Joshua says it can really save your back, and also save your clothes and hands from getting hitch grease on them. See it in action in the video.
#12 6-foot Fastway Zip Breakaway Safety Cable: This replaces the standard breakaway cable on your RV with a safer alternative. Again the video shows more.
##RVDT2371
I got my pocket-size LED flashlights with a lanyard free with a coupon at Harbor Freight! Each takes 3 AAA batteries that you can buy everywhere, last for years, and have a tough aluminum, not plastic, case. I have enough of them to have one on a hook by the RV door, one in an RV drawer, one in my RV backpack, and one in the glove compartment of each vehicle. Handy, lightweight, and we use them all the time.
I agree that a Leatherman tool is good to have. I disagree with Josh’s choice of model though. My favorite is the Wave- which has smooth handle surfaces with the blades folded.- Much easier on your hands and fingers. I have one each on the boat and rv.
“#11 HitchGrip Hitch Ball Carrier Handle“. This is the BEST accessory I have ever bought! Especially when we went from our 97 pickup to a 2016 with the larger hitch opening. I can’t say enough good about this handle.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 I enjoyed reading through the list. I found it useful and informative. Some of the things we already have, some may not fit with our means of travel so well, but other things bear considering at the least, if not purchasing. Thanks again for sharing and summarizing this! Safe travels! 🙂