Embarking on an RV adventure is a thrilling way to explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home. After three decades on the road, I can tell you—having the right gear really does make a huge difference.
Recently, CNET rounded up some of their favorite camping tech gear. I’ve picked out a few standouts from their list that can truly elevate your RV travels and help you stay safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever the road throws at you.
Essential Camping Tech Gear for Your RV Adventure
The right technology can transform your RV experience. Whether you’re thinking about power, navigation, or just making life easier, a bit of smart gear goes a long way.
Portable power stations and solar panels have become staples for RVers in recent years. They’re changing how we camp off-grid and keep our gadgets running.
Portable Power Solutions
Reliable power is a must on any RV trip. Portable power stations keep your electronics charged, and solar panels help you stay off the grid longer.
- Portable Power Stations: Compact and easy to use, these units are lifesavers when you’re camping away from hookups. Jackery and Goal Zero both offer beefy models that last through long weekends.
- Solar Panels: Solar panels give you renewable energy and cut down on generator noise. They’re pretty simple to set up and can seriously reduce your need for fuel.
Advanced Navigation Systems
Getting lost in a big rig? Not fun. RV-specific navigation systems can help you avoid those stressful moments by considering your vehicle’s size and weight.
- RV-Specific GPS: Devices like the Garmin RV 890 let you enter your RV’s details and get custom routes, so you’re not squeezing under low bridges or down sketchy side roads.
- Smartphone Apps: Apps such as CoPilot and RV Life GPS & Campgrounds offer live traffic, points of interest, and campground listings. It’s like having a co-pilot who actually knows where they’re going.
Enhancing Comfort and Convenience
Comfort makes or breaks a trip, honestly. A handful of tech upgrades can make your RV feel more like home and less like a cramped box on wheels.
Portable Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Let’s face it—most of us need to stay connected, even in the middle of nowhere. Portable Wi-Fi hotspots and signal boosters help you keep in touch or check the weather, no matter where you’re parked.
- Wi-Fi Hotspots: Devices like the Skyroam Solis and Netgear Nighthawk get you fast internet almost anywhere, so you can stream, Zoom, or just scroll in peace.
- Signal Boosters: The weBoost Drive X RV is a game-changer for cell signal. It’s especially handy when you’re out in the boonies and need to make a call or upload a photo.
Comfort-Enhancing Gadgets
Little gadgets can have a big impact on comfort. Whether it’s a portable heater or a smart thermostat, these tools help you stay cozy and relaxed, whatever the weather’s doing outside.
- Portable Heaters: The Mr. Heater Buddy is compact and keeps you warm on those chilly nights. It’s a favorite for a reason.
- Smart Thermostats: With a Nest Thermostat, you can tweak your RV’s temp from your phone. It’s great for coming back to a perfectly comfortable rig after a hike.
Safety and Security on the Road
Staying safe and protecting your stuff is a big deal on the road. Smart security gear gives you peace of mind, and the right emergency tools can save the day when things go sideways.
Security Systems
Modern security systems are surprisingly easy to install. They let you keep tabs on your RV and get instant alerts if something’s wrong.
- Security Cameras: The Ring Stick Up Cam and Arlo Pro 3 offer crisp video and remote monitoring. You’ll know what’s happening around your RV, even when you’re out exploring.
- Alarm Systems: SimpliSafe’s Home Security System covers you with motion sensors and entry alerts, all backed by 24/7 monitoring. It’s solid peace of mind.
Emergency Preparedness
Stuff happens—flat tires, cuts, or worse. Having the right emergency gear on board means you’re ready for the unexpected.
- First Aid Kits: A stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable. The Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman Series is a good pick for RVers who spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Emergency Roadside Kits: These kits usually have jumper cables, tire repair tools, and other must-haves to get you back on the road when things go wrong.
Conclusion
Bringing the right tech gear along for your RV trips really changes the game. A good portable power source, a reliable navigation system, and a handful of comfort-focused gadgets can make a massive difference out on the road.
Security systems are worth considering too, honestly—peace of mind is hard to beat when you’re far from home. If you’re curious about more options, take a look at CNET’s favorite camping tech gear.
