Seems like an oxymoron, so let me explain this better.
We all have our items that fall into various categories; Essential, non-essential, nice-to-have, etc. My question is about items or equipment that you like to or must have outside of the usual essential items but these items don't fall into the essential items list for RVing, technically speaking.
Here are some examples...
CB radio - Technically not essential, but some would consider it a must-have. Think communication, emergency or otherwise, where there is no cell service.
Air compressor - Again, technically not an essential component but many would consider it as mandatory as a fire extinguisher, jumper cables, etc.
So, what is on your list? Having been a Boy Scout I like to be prepared, but I don't want to go overboard with unnecessary items taking up space and weight. This mainly applies to long-distance or remote traveling I suppose, but could be handy in any number of situations.
We will be taking a 1200-mile or so trip from southern CA up to Seattle in December, making 2 multi-night stops along the way to visit family, and am always looking for new ideas and items that can help unforseen issues along the way go more smoothly.
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Hogan & Clan
2005 Nissan Titan CC SE 4x4
2010 Keystone Hideout 31BHSWE
One thing I like to have is an expandable pole like a window washer might use. Ours goes up to about 13 feet. If we are stopped for awhile I will run a rope from one tree to the other right across the camping area at about six feet above ground, then position a good size rectangular tarp across it. I tie one hole of the tarp to the rope and to the top of the pole and raise up the pole to the right height. Instant tarped area to enjoy being out of the sun or rain. Tie down the corners to the ground or whatever, and the tarp will not accumulate water, it will just drain away to the lowest point.
A second pole can also be used for a higher shelter if required.
Another thing I like is two GMRS radios. We sometimes us them when backing up, or if separating for small chores in big stores or running about the camp.
* This post was
edited 11/02/09 04:47am by Artum Snowbird *
Mike and Carole
2006 Triple E Regency 27 foot SXL
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
Oh, I like the pole idea! I can definitely see a couple of those coming in handy when putting the cover on the TT when being stored, too.
The GMRS/FRS radios are on the list, I have a pair for just that reason (Backing into a space) and they also come in handy when caravaning with others.
I haven't used the CB radio since 2004 when I made a quick trip to Nappanee for some repairs the dealer couldn't do, and I used to be a REACT member many years ago.
Air compressor, extra oil and fuel filters, oil, TranSynd transmission fluid, folding ladder, step stool in case the front end is too high, blocks for under the jacks, Netbook to monitor the engine & trans, sunglasses, tire gauge or TPMS.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
'02 Dutch Star 4090 (41+', triple slide)
435/1200 ISC Cummins/Banks PowerPak
'08 Honda Civic/dolly
'05 Honda Odyssey/dolly
NRA Benefactor and Recruiter
FMCA f47302s, Life Member: Good Sam, Newmar DP Owners Group
52nd yr of RV'ing
Weather alert radio. Not mandatory, but if your in an area where severe weather might occur, it's nice to have a 20 or 30 minute warning. I found it VERY USEFUL while in Indiana in May and June.
Lee
2004.5 Dodge 3500 DRW QC, 4x4 LB, CTD 600 ,auto,4.10 , Prodigy, 05 Cedar Creek 36 RLTS w/ lots of bells & whistles .Honda 3000 genset. Mrs Greentow & Missy, Shih Tzu with an attitude. USA(R). 30+ years in the Fire/EMS service. CCRVC #29, GS Life member
Small folding tables for outside. We have lightweight aluminum tables (TV tray table size) and folding cloth tables, similar to folding camp chairs. Dragging a picnic table under the awning takes up all the room - we end up using the small folding tables now much more than the picnic tables.
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2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
Bobbo, Linda and the furry kids (German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix)
2007 Winnebago Outlook WF331C on a Ford E450 Super Duty Chassis
NRA Life Member
Near N35 12 17 W89 50 57
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