What do you get for the RVer, tent camper or music festival camper who has everything? Don’t be silly. No RVer or tent camper ever has everything they need. There’s always something more to buy. So, if you’re looking for last-minute holiday gifts for outdoor folk (or yourself) and aren’t looking to break the bank, below – in no particular order – are some tools, gadgets and gizmos that we’ve found handy for the campsite.
Keep this list. Most items are under $50, making it useful for the holidays, birthdays or “just because” gifting. What would you add…?
30A-to-15A adapter. When we tent camp on full-hook up campsites, how can we tap a 30 amp outlet for our 110 devices? This adapter is the solution. We keep one on board. Keep an extension cord and power strip handy to round out your power needs. Click here
Solid Stance Step Stabilizer. When folk step in and out of the RV, wobble is a fact of life. Our Solid Stance Step Stabilizer eliminates like 99% of that wobble. Easy to install, it folds out just as easily and tucks away for travel. Well worth the investment. Click here.
Tools. We’re not looking to have an entire workshop (at least some of us aren’t. We’ve seen some go all Tool Time). But a few key tools can be important to have on hand. A beginning kit might include a hammer, pliers, Vicegrips, screwdrivers, a Fatmax handsaw, a socket set, maybe a driver drill and impact wrench (especially for the trailer’s scissor jacks), Gorilla Tape, zip ties, Velcro straps, and an assortment of nuts, bolts, screws and nails. Maybe we are Tim Taylor wannabes.
A small compressor. A good compressor that plugs into the vehicle’s auxiliary / accessory power outlet or 12V socket is invaluable. Whether topping off tires or filling a spare, even inflating a float for a day on the river or at the beach, a compressor’s value outweighs its small size. Features vary; this link takes you to Amazon’s compressor page to choose from there. For enthusiasts of battery power, Ryobi has a host of options. For a wider list of ryobi products, click here.
Digital tire gauge. Analog tire gauges are so 20th Century. Many of today’s digital tire pressure gauges can read up to 150 PSI in four settings for car, truck or bicycle tires with backlit LCD – delivering accuracy and simplicity. Just remember to check those batteries. Click here.
Webcam. When we travel with a pet, we make sure the webcam is powered and connected and the app is launched on our phone. The peace of mind is invaluable. NO Teasing the critters by talking to them over the speaker. Click here.
Personalized sign for RV or campsite. Your site is your roost. Make it your own. There’s a host of signs and styles to choose from that will make sure your site reflects your own style. Click here.
Bug-A-Salt. Yeh, yeh, yeh, flies are living creatures. But they’re annoying. If you want to eradicate the little buggers, you might as well have fun by shooting them from their perch or outta the air. Bug-A-Salt is fun AF and was available at Lowe’s at a deep discount. Or click here.
A compact camping chair. There’s too many to choose from to focus on any one. Cliq folds up small and tidy, the Kelty loveseat is portable and comfortable, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Portable Rocking Chair, or a zero gravity chair, there’s plenty to choose from.
Hammock and straps. Are you like us – defining the “perfect” campsite by the number and location of trees strong enough to string up one or more hammocks? We have hammocks from Eno and Kammock. Remember your Python straps. (Pro Tip: Did you know the built-in stuff sack makes a great drink holder?)
A jar of Happy Camper. Poop stinks. Black (and gray) tank treatment solutions can help them stink less. Non-RVers might think it’s super-weird that people swear by their tank treatment. But this stuff works – and a little goes a long way. Click here.
Clear Acrylic Elbow. Whether a clear RV sewer hose elbow or a gate valve with a see thru acrylic elbow, seeing is more than seeing. It’s knowing your black tank is running clean. Otherwise, you’re just guessing. As long as we’re flushing the shitter, sometimes you need to run water – without standing on the tank flusher.
The Johnny Chock keeps the toilet open so you can flush it out from inside.