I don’t know about you, but I keep a running list of RV gadgets I might want to try. The list is compiled from emails other RVers send me, from comments on my blog and social media, from reading other RVing blogs and watch RVing vlogs. The list is usually not long because I either purchase the item or decide it isn’t for me and take it off the list.

But, lately, my list has gotten a bit lengthy so I decided it is time to share. It’s so lengthy, in fact, I divided it into two lists to share. Today I feature gadgets primarily used inside the RV. Next month, I’ll finish the list with gadgets primarily used outside the RV.

In past RV gadget posts (all are listed at the bottom), I’ve included only items I recommended based on personal use. So, today’s post is a little different because this list includes gadgets that might be worth trying. However, I cannot say I recommend them based on experience. A couple of the items I’ve purchased but haven’t used enough to make a recommendation yet.

Hot Water Bottle

This gadget is good for both those who are at full hookups and those who boondock because unlike traditional heating pads, this one doesn’t need to be plugged in continuously. Though called a rechargeable hot water bottle, it actually doesn’t use water. Instead, it’s filled with a gel that holds heat. So, once you’ve heated it up by plugging it in for 10-15 minutes, it stays warm for several hours. It says, four to five hours but someone I know who loves hers says it stays warm for closer to eight. I imagine how long it stays warm is greatly dependent on how and where you use it.

It’s good for all the things you use a traditional water bottle for including putting it on sore body parts and putting it in your bed to keep you warm at night. But, the most creative use for this gadget that I’ve come across is putting it in one of your RV bays to keep things from freezing. I heard from one person who keeps a jar of water in her bay where the plumbing lines run and if she discovered the water freezes overnight, she knows it’s time to put the heated water bottle in that bay before she tucks herself in for the night. Isn’t that clever?  

Silicone Baggies

This is one of three items on the list that I have purchased. However, I did so only very recently. But, if the reviews are to be believed, they are awesome. There are tons of options when it comes to silicone bags from sizes to closures to colors, whether or not they are flat bottomed. So be sure to look around to find the one that best matches your needs.

Why try these? Using a reusable silicon baggie to store food or, even documents, means less plastic in the landfills and oceans.

Two notes on these. First, I read that you don’t want to let your food go bad in one of these as the silicone will absorb the smell and no matter how much you wash them, you won’t get rid of it. Second—this one is from personal experience—a silicone bag is thicker than a plastic bag. Of course, it is obvious when you think about it. But I didn’t think about it when I ordered mine. I ordered two dozen each of two different sizes. When they arrived, I realized the tiny space I use for baggies wouldn’t be nearly enough. My solution was to spread the wealth by giving 75% of them to other people, keeping six of both sizes. It was easier than trying to make more room. Plus, since they are long-lasting what the heck would I do with that many bags and a tiny refrigerator? Duh.

Refrigerator and Freeze Temperature Monitor

I’ve had these RV gadgets on my list since before I started RV life and still haven’t bought one. However, I also haven’t removed it from the list either. Other RVers I’ve talked to love having one.

Even if you are at full hookups, you have to realize that the back of your refrigerator is against the wall of your RV. And just outside that wall, temperatures can fluctuate wildly. This is a very different scenario from a refrigerator in sticks-and-bricks life. I find myself adjusting my RV refrigerator to the colder setting in hot climates and, likewise, turning down the coldness during winter months in cold climates.

All this to say, I understand why and how others find a refrigerator/freezer temperature monitor useful. One of the reasons I haven’t purchased this handy gadget is simply space. Small as one is, it takes up space in a tiny RV refrigerator and a microscopic freezer that’s already crammed full.

If you don’t need a full monitor but just the temperature gauge, you can also go old school.

As a bonus hack, if you find you are defrosting your freezer more often than you think you should have to. Not packing it super full helps. But so does a little mini fan (obviously it needs to be battery operated or rechargeable) to circulate air. This hack is more for the RVs will full- and near-full-sized freezers.

Portable Ice Maker

Do your cocktails need ice? Or maybe you just like ice in your water or soda or other beverages. In tiny spaces, I’m seeing more and more people using a portable ice maker. Often, I see them sitting outside so as not to take up space in tiny RV kitchens.

So, why would you want one of these when you can buy 99 cent ice cube trays? I can think of three reasons. First, you may not want to sacrifice the space in your freezer for the trays. Second, even if you decide you have room for a tray or two, it may not make enough ice if you were having friends over or multiple cocktails in a single sitting. Third, and this is the biggie for me, it would be so easy to fill up a tray with water then, without thinking, drive the RV before the ice froze. Thus, creating a big mess.

And, the bonus reason you might like to try this gadget is that I recently learned portable ice makers work fast. My friend Ken said in four hours, he had two gallon-sized baggies filled with ice. Now that would be some cocktail party.

Air Fryer Liners

I don’t have an oven in my RV. But I do have an air fryer (it made a previous must-have gadget list) which I love. A couple months ago, I made Roasted Chickpeas. The recipe baked them in the oven but I decided to experiment with the air fryer and it worked great. The recipe I used called for the chickpeas to be coated in a variety of yummy spices. Great for flavor but it made a mess in the air fryer.

I started wondering if I could put parchment paper inside the air fryer to make clean up easier. I asked Google for its opinion on the subject. Guess what popped up? They actually make liners for air fryers, complete with holes for the air circulation. You want to make sure they are weighted down with the food so no risk of a fire.

I made the chickpea recipe again after they arrived. No more mess. So far, I’ve only used them one time but loved them. By the way, the Roasted Chickpeas were awesome.

For an extra dollar, I chose the ones that were natural, unbleached, figuring it was better for the food.

RV Gadgets: Screen Door Handles

Most RV screen doors are awkward to pull shut for the simple reason that they don’t have an easy place to grab on to. Add a screen door cross bar handle and the problem is solved.

Several Oliver owners have installed a handle. Each time I see one, I admire it. With all the things I’ve done around the rig, none have involved making a hole in anything (can you say Command Strips?). I get nervous at the idea of installing one.

I love the bar and if I get over my nervousness and install one, I’ll be sure to write a how-to post about it.

Coin Paper Towels

I thought these were kind of ingenious so I bought a box. And still haven’t opened it. It’s been a year. I fall squarely into the “doesn’t like change” category so I keep reaching for the traditional paper towel. Here’s my pattern: it’ll take me forever to try these, then I’ll try them, love them, then get mad at myself for taking so long to try them. I know. Silly.

But they are a neat idea. A single coin tissue is nearly exactly the size of six stacked pennies. Maybe a hair bigger. A tablespoon of water turns each one into a towelette that’s stronger than paper towels and that can be rinsed and reused several times. Best of all they are biodegradable, made from all organic materials and fragrance free (no added smells) so can also be used as, say, a coffee filter.

You purchase them in a box of 500 coins. The compact box will surprise you at about six inches square. Imagine how many rolls of full-size paper towels it would take to get 500 paper towels. So, it’s definitely a space saver.

I attempted to do a cost analysis but it’s hard because you aren’t really comparing apples to apples. But if I allow a coin tissue to be reused three times and if I compare it to a Costco bulk purchase of paper towel, I calculate the coin tissues are about double the price of paper towels.

Now, in small spaces, most of us can’t buy paper towels in bulk so you’ll likely pay more per sheet of paper towel than I calculated. Plus, you know, the price for a roll of grocery store paper towels vary widely depending on the brand you buy. All this to say, I’m guessing you could do a price comparison that makes them anywhere from the same price per sheet all the way up to coins being four times more.

So, maybe the only factor that matters is whether or not you like them and the space they save. And, for that, you simply have to test it for yourself.

RV Gadgets Resource

Besides the obvious like Amazon and Camping World, I want to share a resource you might find useful.

Little House Customs is a company that has tons of custom RV gadgets and gizmos, hardware and supplies. They are specifically for Casita Travel Trailers. However, many of the items will work for any tiny trailer or tiny space. Several Oliver owners, for example, purchased and installed the fold down shelf / counter extender.

Bonus Hack

I know this is an RV gadgets post but I thought I’d throw in one simple hack. I met a man recently at an RV park who shared this one with me.

He said, despite the weight, he always RVed and even tent camped with a cast iron skillet. In a cold rig (and many can be quite cold due to lack of insulation, most are not four- or even three-season, despite what the manufacturer may say), turn on your stove and place the cast iron skillet on it. The cast iron will distribute the heat and send it off the skillet into the RV which, according to the guy, is better than just lighting the stove for heat.

If you are boondocking or tent camping, on the same heated skillet, place a wet rag flat then flip it over like a pancake. Take it out of the skillet and you have a warm wash cloth to steam clean your face and hands.

Do you have any RV gadgets that you’ve heard good things about but haven’t yet had the opportunity to try? Please share in the comments. And, next month I’ll continue the discussion but we’ll focus on gadgets outside the RV that might be worth trying.

Links to Other RV Gadgets Posts:

• Best RV Kitchen Appliances
• Best RV Kitchen Gadgets
• 9 Most Used RV Gadgets Under $10
• More RV Gadgets Under $10

To see products recently purchased by readers or to browse and shop at Amazon, follow either of these links. Huge thanks for your support.

• DASH Black Rapid 6 Capacity Electric Cooker for Eggs
• Stretchy-Crib-Sheets-Set-BROLEX 2 Pack Portable Crib Mattress

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