Going on a road trip often means having to ‘rough it’ without the comforts of home. However, with new tech and gadgets being developed every year, you can now bring a lot of the security and fun of home with you on the road. Whether you’re going on a long trip or a short one, these 8 tech gadgets can make your next trip the best one yet.
- Portable Solar Panel or Solar Charger
Though your RV will already have electronic output capabilities, a portable solar panel or solar charger can be great for short trips away from your vehicle. If you go for a hike or head out to explore your surroundings, a small portable solar charger will ensure your electronics never unexpectedly die on you. A portable solar panel can also help you save on energy for longer trips.
- RV-Specific GPS
Paper maps or the GPS on your smartphone are great if you’re driving in a normal car or van, but RV-specific GPS units can make your trip easier than ever. Though they are a bit more costly, RV GPS units from companies like Rand McNally and Garmin feature helpful safety functions that can mean the difference between a smooth trip and huge delays. For instance, RV GPS units will give you warnings about upcoming bridge heights, downhill grades, and sharp corners, and have Wi-Fi-enabled weather map overlays.
- Mobile Hotspot
Many travellers prefer RVing because it helps them unplug better than traditional hotel vacations. However, you never know when you might find yourself in need of a quick reconnection to the online world. Whether that means checking in with family, researching destinations, or catching up on local news updates, a mobile internet connection can make many stressful situations better. Some mobile hotspots allow you to connect up to 10 devices at a time, so you never have to worry about missing out.
- Security System
When you’re travelling on the road, the cost of your belongings adds up. If you wouldn’t leave your home without proper security, then you shouldn’t have to leave your RV without it either. There are a number of battery-operated security systems, such as the Blink security camera, that can keep your belongings safe whenever you go out exploring.
- Cell Signal Booster
Not only have we come to rely on cell phones in our everyday life, but there are times when not having a stable cell signal can be dangerous. If you like travelling to rural areas that might not have the strongest cell infrastructure, then a signal booster might be right for you. Fusion2Go offers an RV-specific cell booster that improves voice, text, and 4G LTE signals for all Canadian cell phone carriers.
- Mini Washing Machine
Depending on where you’re travelling, laundromats may be few and far between. Luckily there are gadgets to help with that! Portable washing machines are compact and can be taken anywhere you go. They may not be able to do a full load like you’d do at home, but they’re easy to use and get the job done. Simply fill them with water and you’ll have clean clothes in no time!
- Solar Oven
If you’re travelling in the dead of summer, the last thing you want to do is get the inside of the RV boiling hot by turning on your oven—but you still have to eat! With a solar oven, you can do all of your cooking in the great outdoors using only the sun. Solar ovens are portable and easy to store. If you want to save a little bit of money, you can also go for a non-solar personal portable oven that allows you to cook outside, but still require an electrical outlet.
- Walkie-Talkies
It might sound a little basic compared to some of the other gadgets on our list, but you never know when walkie-talkies will come in handy. Whether you need someone to stand outside and help you park your RV, or you’re going hiking or adventuring in a remote area, a two-way radio can really come in handy. From mundane activities to emergency scenarios, you’ll be glad you had some stored in your RV. Just beware if you’re travelling with kids—they love playing with these!
These 8 tech gadgets will make your next RV trip safer and more comfortable, so consider adding them to your set up before you head out on the road!
