Smart RV Gadgets That Make Life Easier

When we first hit the road in our RV we had the basics covered. Fridge? Check. Solar panels? Check. Comfortable bed? Absolutely. But it wasn’t long before we realized that a few small upgrades could make RV life run a whole lot smoother.

I’m not talking about luxury items or tech that requires rewiring your whole rig. I mean smart, practical gadgets that actually solve problems. Tools that save you time, help you stay safe, and let you enjoy more of the journey. Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of these — and while not all of them stuck, a few have become part of our everyday setup.

So whether you’re full-timing or just taking the occasional weekend trip, here are the smart RV gadgets that earned a permanent spot in our gear closet.

Table of Contents

• Gadgets That Actually Help on the Road
  • 1. Starlink Satellite Internet
  • 2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • 3. Smart Surge Protector with Bluetooth (We Use the Hughes Power Watchdog)
  • 4. Smart Plugs and Voice-Controlled Lights
  • 5. RV-Specific GPS Navigation (We Use the Garmin RV 890)
  • 6. Bluetooth Water Tank Monitor
  • 7. Indoor Air Quality Monitor
  • 8. Wireless Security Camera
  • 9. Portable Power Station (We Use the Bluetti EB3A)
• FAQ: Smart RV Gadgets
• Want to Make RV Life Smoother?
• Final Thoughts

Gadgets That Actually Help on the Road

1. Starlink Satellite Internet

Staying connected used to be the hardest part of RV life. We burned through data, wrestled with campground Wi-Fi, and chased cell signals like our next meal depended on it. Then we got Starlink.

This satellite internet setup gives you real broadband speeds just about anywhere. We’ve used it in the desert, in the woods, and even in a rainstorm. It’s not perfect — you still need a relatively clear view of the sky — but it’s been a game-changer for remote work and streaming off-grid.

Since we are now part-time RVers the great thing with Startlink is service can be pause when we are not traveling. A money saver for sure.

2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Tire blowouts are no joke, especially when you’re hauling a big rig. When we traveled with our Alliance 5th wheel, we used the TireMinder A1AS RV TPMS to keep an eye on tire pressure and temperature in real time — and it gave us serious peace of mind.

This system uses wireless sensors that attach to your valve stems and sends data to a display you can mount in the cab. Ours gave alerts when a tire dropped below safe pressure or if it started overheating, which gave us time to pull over before anything went wrong.

It was easy to install, paired quickly, and worked great on the road. If you tow, or even if you’re just running on older tires, a good TPMS is one of those upgrades that pays for itself by preventing a potentially dangerous (and expensive) situation.

3. Smart Surge Protector with Bluetooth (We Use the Hughes Power Watchdog)

Campground power isn’t always reliable. We’ve dealt with low voltage, bad wiring, and one pedestal that nearly fried our system. That’s why we picked up the Hughes Power Watchdog with Bluetooth.

This little gadget plugs right into the power pedestal and monitors voltage, frequency, and wiring issues in real time. The best part? It connects to your phone via Bluetooth, so I can check our power status from inside the rig — no need to step out in the rain or crawl behind the pedestal. It also tracks KWh usage so you can verify usage when the RV park is charging for electricity.

The Power Watchdog also has replaceable surge modules, which is something most other units don’t offer. If there’s ever a surge, you can swap out the module without buying a whole new unit.

4. Smart Plugs and Voice-Controlled Lights

This one falls into the comfort category. We added a few smart plugs that let us control lights and small appliances with our phones or voice.

Our favorite setup? A smart plug for the coffee maker. We set it to start brewing just as we’re getting up. We’ve also used one for a fan that kicks on in the afternoon to cool things down without flipping switches. It’s simple, but it feels like a little luxury.

5. RV-Specific GPS Navigation (We Use the Garmin RV 890)

Not all GPS apps understand what it’s like to drive an RV. We’ve been led down some questionable routes in the past — think narrow roads, low bridges, and “shortcuts” we had no business being on. That’s why we finally upgraded to a dedicated RV GPS.

We went with the Garmin RV 890, and honestly, it’s been one of our favorite tech upgrades. You can enter your rig’s height, weight, and length, and it routes you accordingly. No more guessing whether a road is safe for your RV.

The large screen is easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and it gives clear turn-by-turn directions with helpful warnings for steep grades, sharp curves, and low clearances. It’s made travel days a lot less stressful — and that’s saying something.

6. Bluetooth Water Tank Monitor

The standard “full, ⅔, ⅓” tank lights on most RVs aren’t exactly precise. While we haven’t done this upgrade it’s high on our list. A Bluetooth water monitor will give us more accurate readings for our fresh, gray, and black tanks.

It’s handy when you’re boondocking and trying to stretch your water supply. No more guessing if you’ve got a day left — just open the app and check.

7. Indoor Air Quality Monitor

We haven’t installed an indoor air quality monitor in our RV yet, but it’s high on our upgrade list. In such a small space, especially when using propane heat or cooking inside with limited ventilation, air quality can make a real difference in how you feel day to day.

These monitors track things like CO2, temperature, humidity, and sometimes even VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Some models also alert you when air quality dips, which can be helpful for improving airflow or identifying problem spots before they become issues.

If you travel with pets, run a propane heater often, or just want to breathe a little easier, this might be a smart gadget to look into. It’s on our radar as a future upgrade — and probably one we should have added a while ago.

8. Wireless Security Camera

We haven’t added a wireless security camera to our setup yet, but it’s one of those gadgets we’ve been thinking about for a while. A compact camera like the Blink Outdoor or Wyze Cam could give us peace of mind when we leave the rig for hikes, errands, or even a night out.

Most of these run on batteries and connect through your mobile hotspot or Starlink, letting you check in remotely and get motion alerts straight to your phone. Some RVers also use them inside as pet cams or just to monitor their space while on the move.

We like the idea of having a second set of eyes on things — especially when boondocking or parked in unfamiliar areas. It’s not a must-have, but it feels like a smart layer of security we’ll probably add soon.

9. Portable Power Station (We Use the Bluetti EB3A)

We’ve tested a few portable power stations over the years, and the one we keep coming back to is our Bluetti EB3A. It’s compact, charges quickly, and powers just about everything we throw at it — laptops, lights, fans, even our coffee grinder.

We use it the most when we’re boondocking or want to avoid firing up the generator for small tasks. It also comes in handy when shore power is spotty or goes out unexpectedly. The best part? It has pass-through charging, so we can use it while it’s plugged into solar or AC power.

If you’re looking for an easy, quiet way to keep your essentials running, a portable power station like this is worth considering. Bluetti has become a trusted brand in our setup — reliable, no fuss, and road-tested.

Note: We’re part of Bluetti’s affiliate program, which means if you click this link to the EB3A and decide to buy, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). We only recommend what we’ve actually used and liked.

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FAQ: Smart RV Gadgets

Do I need a lot of tech to RV comfortably?
Not at all. Start with the basics and add smart gear as needed. Focus on what solves actual problems for your travel style.

Is Starlink worth the cost for weekenders?
Probably not unless you’re spending a lot of time off-grid. But if you work remotely or do long trips, it’s a great investment.

Are these gadgets easy to install?
Most are plug-and-play or use basic tools. Some (like tank monitors or GPS units) might take a little setup, but nothing too complicated.

What’s the most important smart gadget to start with?
For safety, a TPMS or surge protector is a great first step. For comfort and convenience, Starlink or smart plugs are solid choices.

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Final Thoughts

Smart RV gadgets aren’t about turning your rig into a high-tech spaceship. They’re about making life on the road a little more comfortable, a little safer, and a lot more enjoyable.

If you’ve found a gadget that changed your RV experience, I’d love to hear about it. Shoot me a message or leave a comment below. This lifestyle is all about learning from each other, and I’m always curious what others have discovered along the way.

About the Author

Jim has 3.5 years of experience living and traveling full-time in an RV. From “moochdocking” with family and friends to navigating the financial intricacies of RV life, he shares practical advice rooted in firsthand experience. His goal is to help fellow adventurers embrace the RV lifestyle with confidence and ease.