Unusual but useful stuff for the Rv

[J&JD]

I’m sure many of us have come upon items that are unique but useful to have along while traveling. Maybe you might share them here.

It seems like we often end up in parks where our tall DS ends up hitting branches high on the coach or the roof rails. instead of hauling out a ladder we carry one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WMQY8CY/?tag=rvf01-20

Makes trimming small branches easy while standing on the ground.?

 

[Neal]

I carry a pole saw too, little different model:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4M7ZJ4/?tag=rvf01-20

Just remember you should ask before trimming unless you need to clear a path in or out of your site or CG. I had a conflict getting out of a CG in Fries, VA and had to stop and cut a tree limb.

I also carry a compact folding saw as I can get on my roof which I did in the scenario above.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD2XG9Z/?tag=rvf01-20

Compact folding shovel is also in my pegboard bay:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IPBNZ8O/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[J&JD]

Just remember you should ask before trimming unless you need to clear a path in or out of your site or CG. I had a conflict getting out of a CG in Fries, VA and had to stop and cut a tree limb.

That’s when the extendable pruner is most useful. I can quickly clear any problem branches. When I’m assigned a space I fully expect it to accommodate my rig. If not, I will prune so that it does.

 

[MapNerd]

I always ask...for forgiveness

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

I carry a pole saw too, little different model:

Amazon.com : Fiskars 393981-1001 502999 14' Extend Tree Pruner, 14 Inch : Garden & Outdoor

Just remember you should ask before trimming unless you need to clear a path in or out of your site or CG. I had a conflict getting out of a CG in Fries, VA and had to stop and cut a tree limb.

I also carry a compact folding saw as I can get on my roof which I did in the scenario above.

Amazon.com : coher Folding Hand Saw for Tree Pruning, Camping, Gardening, Hunting. Cutting Wood, PVC, Bone with Ergonomic Handle Design and Plastic Case : Garden & Outdoor

Compact folding shovel is also in my pegboard bay:

Amazon.com : Compact Folding Shovel & Pick - Light, Sturdy Army Tactical Steel Multitool Shovel - Perfect Size For Backpacking, Camping, Hiking Or Store In Your Car For Emergencies - Carrying Pouch Included : Sports & Outdoors

Good list, @Neal. How about adding a small axe to the collection? I have carried one of these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D32ALW4/?tag=rvf01-20

...for more years than I can count. Not the perfect axe for a lumberjack, but a great, virtually unbreakable one for a bunch of camp chores.

TJ

 

[J&JD]

I cannot, for the life of me, ever remember a time when I needed/or wanted to need a shovel while on an Rv excursion.

 

[Neal]

How about adding a small axe to the collection? I have carried one of these...

Yep, I have this in my pegboard bay as well. Use back side as a hammer or cutting side as needed for firewood, limbs, self protection etc

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BNQR4SG/?tag=rvf01-20

 

[Neal]

I cannot, for the life of me, ever remember a time when I needed/or wanted to need a shovel while on an Rv excursion.

This is camping, right? Ya gotta have a shovel if you're camping, they said! Nope, haven't used it yet. I really don't want to start a thread of everything I bought since 2017 and never used!

 

[MapNerd]

They are useful for burying pineapple pizzas.

I really don't want to start a thread of everything I bought since 2017 and never used!

Why not? That would be a great thread. I think we’ve all bought stuff we really thought we’d need but have never used.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

The shovel also meets the requirement of many local, state and national parks that you have one. And, if your toilets ever quit...well...you know.

TJ

 

[AbdRahim]

I always ask...for forgiveness

Sometimes that comes with a fine.

 

[redbaron]

I have trimmed many branches and limbs to gain access to a park.

Usually its the coe parks, and early season.

When doing the trimming, I first verify the ranger is not at the park. I put on a reflective orange vest, and make quick work of it, stacking the limbs in a pile.

Once evening arrives, I burn the evidence.

I have been caught in the act several times by the camp host. Never did they complain, but a couple of times they asked me to trim trees on another loop as they had complaints. I was happy to do so, and brought the evidence back to my site for the smores.

 

[MapNerd]

Sometimes that comes with a fine.

I’m not out there trimming the wilderness. Just my site. They always know up front how big I am and if they assign my a spot that’s overgrown and needs trimming, I figure I’m doing them a service. I could see a fine if I was just walking around with a lopper pole saw looking for a place to happen, but that’s not the case. If my site were in a protected area where a fine were appropriate, I’d probably wonder why they’re letting 20-ton rigs park there and why there are sewer, water and electric connections.

Still, your point is valid. It’s all about what the camp host or Ranger feels is appropriate for the circumstances. I’m willing to take my chances.

 

[redbaron]

Battery powered pole saw is essential equipment as well as battery powered chainsaw.

There are many private campgrounds that need trimming too, but it is usually very easy to get someone from the park to do it.

The park that most often needs trimming is the orange Grove rv park near Anaheim CA. This park has lots of fruit trees around the site. They are very willing to trim the site, but not at all happy with you doing it for them. Thankfully, upon checkin the first time, the lady at the counter mentioned this right away. Once I told her how big my coach was, she sent a trimmer along with my escort.

So to keep this thread on topic, my list of essentials:
1) reflective jacket (makes me look official)
2) battery powered pole saw, chain saw
3) twine to bundle evidence
4) fatwood sticks to aid in quickly eliminating the evidence.
5) portable fire pit

 

[Neal]

Thank you @redbaron as I was just about to say the same. Let's keep this train on the tracks:

Unusual but useful stuff for the Rv

 

[redbaron]

For those that like to burn wood, but may not be expert arsonists, here are a few items that really help.

1) lint from the dryer. Save this in a baggie. It is amazing. Use with small twigs etc to get it going.

2) cotton balls & Vaseline. This too works very well.

Both of those items are most likely already in your RV. If you plan ahead, the fatwood sticks are very good at lighting fires. The box I ordered from Amazon has lasted a long time. I use a small hatchet to break up the already small sticks into smaller sticks, as it doesn't take much.

Add a few cast iron pots and a Dutch oven, and your fire can easily become an outdoor kitchen!

 

[J&JD]

I do have one of these which does an amazing job:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X278BMT/?tag=rvf01-20
But I never keep it in the coach.

A companion product that I do carry and find really useful is the hand held blower:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NLXXQXQ/?tag=rvf01-20

Great for blowing of the patio, steps, awnings etc.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

If you plan ahead, the fatwood sticks are very good at lighting fires.

I had never heard them called "fatwood sticks," but looked them up and they seem to be identical to the "pitch wood" I have gathered and kept on hand since I was a kid. My dad showed me how to find it in old pine/fir stumps.

As @redbaron indicated, just a few small sticks of pitch wood/fatwood is all it takes to get a fire going, even in the toughest conditions. There's a small can full in the coach right now.

TJ

 

[redbaron]

Yes, pitchwood is the forest product..aka natural name. Fatwood is the commercial brand given to the same product. It is amazing stuff. I usually carry a dozen in my backpack when camping in the back country, along with lint and cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. Guarantees any condition will make a fire.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Another "unusual" item I carry in the coach are military-surplus flight line coveralls. When I have to crawl in, under or around the coach or toad, they keep the dirt and sharp edges at bay. I suppose there are civilian versions as well, but the milsurp ones are fairly light weight, very durable and have a bunch of zippered pockets for tools, parts, etc.

TJ