What do the Sages suggest as useful gadgets?

[DavidF]

Just read the thread on leveling an RV...

Being new to RV camping, another variable to consider...

I guess that this is to level the trailer across the axle, if one wheel set (on a 19') is higher than the other.

How critical do folk find this?

The Anderson solution looks a low tech but elegant solution.

But this topic got me thinking about what other "indispensable" gadgets/tools/toys would the wise old hands suggest is really worthwhile? This might be of interest to other wet behind the ear newbs....

Any suggestions?

Happy New Year to all Escapees..

David

[Donna D.]

Not a gadget, a necessity. Chuck sells these on: Fiberglass Travel Trailers RV Bumper-mounted clothes line.. $50. I have one on my Scamp, I'll have one on my Escape! Just the brackets stay permanently on the bumper. The poles and line are removed and I store them under the toe board in the kitchen area. Takes all of about 30 seconds to setup and take down.

[cpaharley2008]

water pressure regulator, voltage/circuit tester, water filter, ball lube, electric grease.

[float5]

Small electric heater with thermostat
Night light
A second 25' fresh water hose
A 30-amp electrical extension cord
Fan for inside refrigerator
Amber light cover to replace clear one for exterior light
Extra fuses

[Donna D.]

A journal
A camera
A sense of wanderlust
and... a sense of humor!

[kstock11]

Towing mirrors, mat for outside, chocks, thermometer for fridge.....I started an Amazon wish list where the ideas from others are stored. I'd rather have everything on my list and decide that I don't need some items rather than read about something and then have to go back to search the forum.

[gharper]

hiking boots and a fishing rod

[padlin]

To your first question. We carry a couple 3/4" thick boards and a couple 1 1/2" boards for leveling so we call it okay if one side is within 3/4" of the other. Other then the cabinets and bathroom door tend to close by themselves a bit it causes no problems.

Most useful gadgets... rv mat, white noise machine, and this year a portable gas campfire.

[gbaglo]

Main reasons to level the trailer is so that your fridge functions and all the blood doesn't rush to your head.
Any old 2 x 6 lengths of wood will work, and depending on where you are, a small shovel to dig a hole under the wheels on the other side.

[Devil Dog]

Bacon fat and beer , Never throw out your bacon fat. and always have lots of beer.... oh ya....( ouch ! ) and tea bags... yep, bacon fat ..beer ..tea bags. Thats about it.... Did I say beer......... ; - )

[Donna D.]

Good coffee! And a church key for all the beer Devil Dog says to make sure you have

[Devil Dog]

Donna , for those that are wondering what a church key ( don't leave home with out it ) is .

[Devil Dog]

A churchkey initially referred to a simple hand-operated device for prying the cap (called a "crown cork") off a glass bottle; this kind of closure was invented in 1898, although there is no evidence that the opener was called a "church key" at that time.[1] The shape and design of some of these openers did resemble a large simple key.[2]
In 1935, beer cans with flat tops were marketed, and a device to puncture the lids was needed. The same term, "church key", came to be used for this new invention: made from a single piece of pressed metal, with a pointed end used for piercing cans — devised by D.F. Sampson[3][4] for the American Can Company, who depicted operating instructions on the cans themselves,[5] and typically gave away free "quick and easy" openers with their beer cans.[6]

[escape artist]

Hi: DavidF... Happy New Year!!! Don't forget the slo-cooker and the baked beans. Everyone asks "Why my beans taste so good"? It's the beer and bacon!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[DavidF]

Great responses...

Will edit these into a list... (except for the baked beans.. ?)

My input based on a few years of tent camping in Africa

Dutch oven (Potjie in South African parlance). Great for roasts/stews/casseroles (aka potjiekos SAfrican)/making breads/apple crumbles in a fire. have several sizes and shapes....

small spade/shovel

mosquito nets never go amiss for sleeping...

solar shower bags

small weber oblong charcoal barbeque... great for cooking or for a small camp fire... (scares the predators away, or so they say, must work though, only ever had a hyena stealing shoes)


A fantastic new year to you all...

cheerio

David

[gbaglo]

What you gonna hang that mosquito net from?

[DavidF]

Air-conditioning?

Not sure in the escape..... But in the tent it was always useful...

[gbaglo]

Last fall we were up at Kane Lakes. I was leaning against the front window, which was open, but screened.
I was alerted to an electrical problem by an incessant buzzing. I shifted around, trying to find the short, and determined that there must have been thousands of angry mosquitoes on the other side of the screen.
So, as long as you keep the screens closed, and don't go in or out of the trailer, you'll be fine.
And, the blood and body parts of a mosquito wipes off the wall covering just fine.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by DavidF

Dutch oven (Potjie in South African parlance). Great for roasts/stews/casseroles (aka potjiekos SAfrican)/making breads/apple crumbles in a fire. have several sizes and shapes....

Although I know some South Africans, I had not heard of potjiekos or the potjie it is made in... so that's the new thing I learned today. Thanks David

I'm not a cast-iron cooking aficionado, but the potjie version with legs so it can stand directly in the fire - shown in many Google image search results - looks like a great idea for camping.

[cpaharley2008]

Weather radio, tire pressure and plug kit, wheel lug wrench, plastic stabilizers, portable step, batteries for lights and radio, IR thermometer for hubs, GPS.