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Whether you RV full time like we do or take your RV for weekend adventures, there are some items that are essential for RVing. We put together a list of our Top 10 Must Have RVing Gadgets. We hope you find it helpful in your RVing journey.
Top 10 Must Have RVing Gadgets
These must have gadgets are listed in the order they are presented in the video at the end of this post.
1. Garmin RV GPS
Having an RV specific GPS is an essential gadget for RVing. We can’t imagine driving our Class A motorhome without it. There are several options on the market, we ended up with the Garmin RV Portable GPS Navigator. It’s easy to use, convenient and plugs right into the 12v cigarette lighter.
2. Progressive Industries Portable EMS
This is a must have product we suggest for every RV owner. Progressive Industries made this box to protect against high and low voltage, accidentally plugging into a 220v outlet, reverse polarity, AC frequency and open neutral. RVs are an expensive investment and this is good insurance to have against something that is a known problem in campgrounds with overloaded or antiquated electrical systems.
3. Roof Vent Cover
We never realized how much we needed a roof vent cover until we installed one. Now we can leave the vent open when it’s raining outside. The most important part is we can run the fan during the rain while we’re cooking. We ended up with the Ultra Breeze Vent Cover, but there are other vent cover options available.
There are different types of RV roof vents and some have an integrated rain cover so a separate roof vent cover is not required. Check out our post on the best RV vent fans to learn more.
4. Shower Shut-Off Valve
The shower head in our motorhome came with a “pause” switch, but it was difficult to use especially with soapy hands. We installed our own shower shut-off valve, which has worked like a charm. This RV gadget is perfect for saving water especially when we’re boondocking.
5. Spare Tire Carrier
Did your motorhome come with a spare tire? Ours didn’t. Before we discovered the Roadmaster spare tire carrier, we talked about getting a roof rack for the Jeep to carry a spare along with a few other options. Then we discovered the Roadmaster Spare Tire Carrier. This hitch mounted carrier works on almost every type of RV with tire sizes ranging from 16” to 24.5”.
6. Sewer Valve
Avoid the messy drippings from your black and gray tank and install a waste valve. We have the Valterra twist on waste valve that keeps things clean during the dumping process.
7. Leveling and Jack Pads
Before we found out about Hosspads, we were on our third set of Lynx plastic level blocks. Now, our plastic leveling blocks sit on top of the pads and are protected from gravel or anything else that can damage them. We also use the pads under our jacks when we are parked on gravel or dirt.
8. WiFi Booster & WiFi Repeater
A WiFi extender and repeater allows us to park further away from the WiFi tower and still be able to pick up the signal.
9. Allstays Camp & RV App
Whether you’re a full time RVer or a part time RVer, this app is great for planning your next trip and when you’re on the road. It’s one of our essential apps for RV living.
10. GasBuddy App
On the list of must have mobile app for RVers. This free mobile app displays user updated gas prices to help us find the cheapest gas in the United States and Canada. The best part is you can look up gas prices in other cities to compare prices. We learned this money saving lesson early in our full time RVing journey. Check out more lessons learned in our post Full Time RV Costs for One Year.
Must Have RVing Gadgets Video
We hope you found this Top 10 list helpful. For more, check out this comprehensive list of RVing gadgets.
Are you looking for the best kitchen accessories for your RV? Check out these 15 RV Kitchen Gadgets we love.
‘Really enjoyed the videos and your website, and really enjoyed meeting you guys, “y’all”.
Jane and I watched your whole video and the complete tour of your van. We lived in an RV 25 feet long while we built our house and went stir crazy but we survived. We’ve met others too in RV parks who sold everything and went traveling. We applaud your decision, ‘am sure y’all will enjoy it and won’t be disappointed. Well, I’m “fixin to” take care of some business so ‘hope y’all keep in touch.
Hi Kait and Joe,
Will you be making an updates top 10 must have camper van gadgets video. I have been watching your videos for a while. I love your videos they are great!
Hi Joe,
In 2 years RV full time, how do you feel life?
A free and fun life. I’m off ten gadget you suggest are excellent but certainly not adequate. Thank you for sharing your real-life experience.
The longer we do it, the more we enjoy it!
Hey there! I have the progressive industries setup for 50amps. Our park, specifically our spot, seems to have a lot of lower voltage drops. This the progressive industries turns off our power fairly often. It will turn the power back on then 20 min later turn it back off again. Do you experience this type of issue ever?
The issues is bad electrical service at your park. The Progressive box is turning off to protect your RV from the voltage drops. We’ve had this happen at various parks but never on a regular basis like you are.
Buy the Hughes Autoformer! When the park is at 104 volts and everyone’s coach is turning off, because you have a Hughes Autoformer, you will be enjoying all the comforts provided your appliances. When the park is 104 volts, you will be at 114 volts! You won’t know that everyone else is having problems.
Joe and Kait,
My wife and I are in the process of selling our home and purchasing a Class A. We have owned several trailers and a ragged-out old 38′ Gulfstream. This time we are much smarter and better prepared. However, we never cease to learn from your site. Maybe we’ll see you on the road. Keep up the good work and thanks a million.
Thank you and so happy we’ve been a resource for the two of you!
I noticed that you do not have on your list a water pressure regular to interface between the park supply and your RV to protect from excess pressure
Hi. Enjoy your videos. We’re looking at a class b for full time living for a few years. We’d prefer the Mercedes diesel but are concerned about the biofuel diesel at pumps and problems with the Mercedes-Benz engine which specifies nothing more than 5%. I read the U.S. has mandated 20% biodiesel as of May 8 from April to Oct. Mercedes has now stopped their diesel car lines in the US and Canada because of engine problems. Wondering what your thoughts are. We want this purchase to be an investment. Would appreciate your opinion.
Great list! Our Progressive Industries EMS has saved us already.
Do you use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System? I’m doing some research before buying one so I was looking for a recommendation. 🙂
So good to hear about the EMS – definitely a must have for every RV’er/ We don’t have a TPMS on our RV, so we can’t make any recommendations. We just check the tires reguarly…plus it forces us to do visual inspections to make sure we don’t miss anything, like a nail in a tire before we take off – has happened twice.
Love your posts. You guys do an awesome job! In your review of your Baystar you show a workstation on the passenger side. Is it an aftermarket item and where can I find one ?
Keep up the great work. Safe travels.
Hi Sue! Thank you for the compliment. The workstation came with our Bay Star as a standard feature.
Thanks for all the great info on gadgets we need to be getting. We have enjoyed Josh and Kali’s videos also. Been taking notes on Alaska (smile) That is awesome you are going to get together. Thanks for all your efforts and work you put into your videos. Have a blessed day.
Thanks Kim – they were fun to work with! We’ve been taking a lot of notes on Alaska as well and are debating whether we head that way Summer 2017. Have a great day!
Enjoyed your video , thanks for sharing. You encouraged us to share some of our “must have” RV items. One of my must haves is a digital thermometer to know what temperature my water heater is at. I purchased a $7 digital aquarium thermonometer that I put the end contact on the outside of my water heater, the display is in my coach. I instantly know the water temperature at any time. I like 100 degrees. For washing dishes and 90 degrees for showers.
Hi Gianna! Thanks for sharing your RVing must have! There are so many great gadgets we might have to make a part two. Enjoy the All Stays Camp & RV App.