Cool gadgets

[Texasghoul]

Anyone have a list of some cool gadgets to add to a toy hauler?

[punomatic]

We don't have a satellite dish, and we often camp where there is neither cable TV nor good OTA reception. So, I got a Raspberry Pi computer, installed OpenELEC operating system on it and added a couple of 128GB USB thumb drives. On the thumb drives I recorded a bunch of our favorite movies. Now when we are without a TV feed, we can simply click on "Movies" in the "Kodi" Media Center app on the Raspberry Pi, and voila! Entertainment. (I also installed fairly extensive music and photo libraries accessible via Kodi.)

If you are not familiar with Raspberry Pi, check it out (here). It's a powerful little computer in a package about the size of a deck of cards. I have another one at home that I use for a Plex Media Server. With that one, I can access all my movies, music and photos via the internet, even when I'm away from home.

[Dusty_R]

I like to carry a radiant thermometer to check tires at rest stops.

[johnm1]

fulltimedaniel - I would love to hear more about this upgrade. Such as, what is the 50A fuse and where to get it? Did you seal the boxes afterwards? Are they water proof? Tips opr tricks you learned while doing the job?

If you can't tell, I've wanted to tackle this but haven't gotten to it yet.

To the original question ... I bring along an extendable pole (like used for washing windows on the 2nd floor of a house). I can add different attachments to it so I can free the toy/Frisbee/airplane/darts, etc that the mean trees take from my kids. Dang trees, it's all they're fault! 🙂

[Cummins12V98]

atwowheelguy wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

What happened there? Bearing failure? Did you add those blocks under the Trailer Aid? Was it not tall enough?

The sealed bearing was never fully seated so the "C" clip was not in it's slot. We were on California highway along coast south of Carmel in the winding roads. It caused the Rotor to slide inwards and it contacted the Caliper mounting plate. Things got VERY hot. Lucky we did not loose the brake fluid. I cut a pc of wood to fit between the pads and strapped the caliper to the suspension and re installed the wheel/rotor and traveled another 125 miles to camp. Contacted Kodiak they made it all good.

With the CenterPoint suspension yes the blocks are needed with the TrailerAid.

The Mobile Suites weighed 18-19K, IMHO the TrailerAid Plus is plenty strong and more safe than a bottle jack!

[atwowheelguy]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

What happened there? Bearing failure? Did you add those blocks under the Trailer Aid? Was it not tall enough?

[fulltimedaniel]

How about some cool gadgets like...oh I don't know...Shock absorbers, adding disc brakes, redoing your electrical connections on your pigtail for easier maint. and troubleshooting? And maybe a "real" 50 Amp fuse at the battery instead of the standard one?

See the photo below







This will get you farther and do more than all the "Cool" gadgets money could buy.

[jwandvassie]

The best gadget that we have ever purchased is our ice maker.

[beemerphile1]

My best advice is to go camping and determine for yourself what would make life better. While in camp and on forums look what others are using.

[Cummins12V98]

[mobeewan]

Texasghoul wrote:
Anyone have a list of some cool gadgets to add to a toy hauler?

There is a thread under the "General RdVing Issues" sub forum category called. Handy Hints, Gadgets, Products & Gizmos that might help you.

[BobsYourUncle]

downtheroad wrote:
How about adding this cool gadget to your toy hauler.....

I'll add that cool gadget to my collection any time!!! Sold my bike quite a few years ago and really wish I kept it.
However, my days of ripping down the road at 125MPH on 2 wheels are long gone..... Somehow, I survived!:B

[downtheroad]

How about adding this cool gadget to your toy hauler.....

[Hiker_01]

Ditto on all the above.

What has worked best for me is to slowly add those things that I discover I really need to have. The first I find I need something (or something could really be great to have), I make a mental note. The second time it happens, I add it to a wish list. The third time, I go out and get it. This way, I only add those things I find I am really needing.

[SoundGuy]

DutchmenSport wrote:
Gadgets just turn into clutter eventually, and eventually are tossed out.

Agree - "gadgets" are nothing more than clutter. Amazing how one can get along just fine without all this C***. :W