GREAT GADGETS

Let’s look at some cheap and useful gadgets for your RV

WORDS BY LINDA BLOFFWITCH, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MY AUSSIE TRAVEL GUIDE

When travelling in our van, we’re always looking for a tip or idea that enhances our travelling experience, but won’t cost the earth to implement. Sound familiar? There have been many good gadget ideas that we’ve picked up from others during our travels. Here are just a few that we’ve implemented that you might like to consider adding to your RV setup.

CLOTHESLINE

A cheap alternative to travelling with a portable clothesline is using a few metres of nylon twine. To avoid having to tie knots in the twine, attach a plastic tensioner hook to both ends for a quick and easy install. String the clothesline between two trees or attach it under your awning and it’s ready to go. Keep it in a bag with your pegs for easy access and storage.

UTENSIL HOLDER

Ever used your RV’s BBQ and had nowhere to place your cooking utensils? Then you might like to try this cheap and effective gadget. A small block of wood with some nails and a bracket attached has been the perfect solution for us, letting us hang all those utensils directly next to where we cook.

RAKE/BROOM

To help keep their campsite tidy, some RVers travel with both a broom and a rake. To avoid having to take two broomsticks when travelling, purchase one that has a threaded end and match this with a broom head and rake. These are easily interchanged and are usually easier to store.

CAMP OVEN BOX/TABLE

Keeping your camp oven covered when travelling will stop it from rusting. This protects both the oven and items stored next to it, so they don’t get dirty. Rather than storing the camp oven in a softsided travel bag, make up a box that can double as a coffee table or stool. The box shape also makes it easier to store.

A-FRAME

Some RVers use buckets to protect electrical plugs and hitching gear on the A frame. For something a bit more substantial, sew a tarp on three sides to make a “sock” that slips over the A frame. To hold it all in place, we use a couple of velcro straps, which are available at many of the cheap general retailers.