Unique RV Gear You’ll Actually Use: 10 Hidden Gems Under $50

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Looking for RV gear you’ll use every day instead of items that just collect dust? After 2+ years of full-time RV living with our rescue dog Hugo, we’ve discovered that the most practical gear often isn’t found on typical “must-have” lists. While standard leveling blocks and sewer hoses are necessary, it’s the smaller, unique items that truly enhance daily life on the road.

We’ve identified 10 RV gear items under $50 that we genuinely use and rely on regularly. These affordable solutions have made a real difference in our RV lifestyle, solving problems we didn’t even anticipate before hitting the road.

Below you’ll find links to all the items we featured in this video:

1. Rechargeable Portable Blower

This multi-purpose tool has proven invaluable in our RV adventures. While marketed as a leaf blower, it serves multiple functions:

Fire starter/oxygenator for campfires
Clearing debris from your RV roof, slides, and awnings before travel
Cleaning outdoor living spaces of leaves and dirt

The compact size makes it easy to store, and the rechargeable battery means no dealing with fuel or cords. It comes with several attachments, including one that could potentially inflate items like rafts, though we haven’t used it for that purpose yet.

It’s especially useful before pulling in slides or retracting awnings to ensure no debris gets trapped or causes damage.

2. Magnetic Screen Door Curtain

For those of us who enjoy indoor-outdoor living (or have pets that constantly want in and out), this simple solution is a game-changer. The magnetic screen automatically closes behind you, keeping bugs out while allowing easy passage.

Key benefits of this magnetic screen:

Hands-free operation—perfect when carrying items between your kitchen and outdoor space
Pet-friendly design allows dogs to move freely without human assistance
Maintains airflow while keeping insects outside

When purchasing, be sure to measure your RV door carefully. We positioned ours slightly higher than normal to accommodate the door dimensions and added a regular curtain in front for aesthetics.

3. Black Pool Noodles

Don’t underestimate the humble pool noodle! While the ladder shown in our video exceeds our $50 limit, the black pool noodles we use with it are affordable and versatile.

Why black specifically? They’re more aesthetically pleasing than the bright fluorescent colors typically found at discount stores, and they serve multiple purposes:

Padding for ladders to prevent scratching your RV exterior
Protection for slide corners and other protruding elements that might cause head injuries
Cushioning for various storage solutions

We secured ours with Gorilla tape for durability. After numerous head bumps in our first year of RVing, these simple foam protectors have saved us from countless injuries.

4. Hidden AirTag Holders

Security is always a concern when traveling, especially with valuable items like e-bikes or beloved pets. AirTag holders that disguise the trackers have proven essential for our peace of mind.

We use them in two key ways:

On Hugo’s collar, disguised within a rubber holder that blends with his regular tags

Inside our bike bells, completely hidden from view but fully functional

If your bike is stolen or your pet wanders off, having these trackers gives you a fighting chance of recovery. The batteries last surprisingly long—our original AirTags are still going strong after nearly three years.

Here are the links to all of these:

Air Tag Dog Collar– Air Tag Holder

Air Tag Bike Bell

Airtags

5. Velcro Cable Straps

Sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest difference in small-space living. These inexpensive Velcro straps keep cords organized for all your appliances and electronics.

They’re especially useful for:

Fans, space heaters, and humidifiers/dehumidifiers when in storage
Preventing cord tangles and damage during travel
Maximizing limited storage space by keeping items compact

We recommend buying a variety of sizes to handle everything from small device chargers to larger appliance cords.

We like this 150 piece kit.
And these larger 1 x 18” straps:

Unexpected RV Gear That Solves Real Problems on the Road

6. Reflective Safety Vests and Collapsible Traffic Cones

Safety gear might not be the most exciting purchase, but it can be crucial in emergency situations or when boondocking in public areas.

These serve dual purposes:

Highway safety during tire changes or roadside emergencies
Territory markers when parked in locations like store parking lots or casinos to prevent others from blocking you in

We keep ours easily accessible in our truck’s seat compartment—rarely needed, but invaluable when necessary.

I couldn’t find these exact cones and vest (I may have got them at tractor Supply) but here’s a great set that collapses flat!

7. Waterproof Rubber Boots

It might seem trivial, but dedicated outdoor footwear becomes essential during extended rainy periods or when camping in muddy conditions.

For women especially (though guys might appreciate them too), these boots offer:

Easy on/off outside your RV door to keep interior floors clean
Simple cleanup with a quick spray or wipe down
Protection for your regular shoes during inclement weather

After experiencing weeks of intermittent rain and muddy grounds, these became a regular part of our routine to maintain cleanliness inside our living space.

8. Infrared Thermometer/Temperature Gun

This inexpensive diagnostic tool serves multiple purposes in RV maintenance and troubleshooting:

Checking tire temperatures when TPMS alarms sound
Monitoring inverters, air conditioners, and other systems for potential overheating
Verifying heating and cooling systems are functioning properly

Simply point and shoot for instant temperature readings of any surface. For the price, this provides valuable peace of mind and can help identify potential problems before they become serious.

Budget-Friendly RV Gear That Outperforms Expensive Alternatives

9. Dry Shampoo (For Dark Hair)

When water conservation is important during boondocking or partial hookup situations, dry shampoo becomes an essential item—especially for those with longer hair.

Benefits include:

Extended time between hair washings while maintaining appearance
Water conservation during limited hookup situations
Quick refreshing when full shower facilities aren’t available

If you have dark hair, look specifically for formulations designed for your hair color to avoid the grayish residue that standard dry shampoos can leave behind.

Here’s the brand and three pack that I order.

10. Zevo Bug Traps

In the confined space of an RV, even a single flying insect can feel like a major annoyance. These plug-in insect traps work silently and effectively to eliminate flying pests.

Key advantages:

No sprays or chemicals involved
Works continuously without intervention
Highly effective at attracting and trapping insects

While the commercial side looks clean and simple, the sticky trap portion shows just how many insects these devices actually catch. For those who dislike bugs in their living space, these provide continuous protection with minimal effort.

Here’s the starter kit.

ANd the refill set.

How These Affordable RV Accessories Have Changed Our Full-Time Life

What makes these items special isn’t their price or uniqueness—it’s how they solve real problems we’ve encountered during our full-time RV adventures. Each item addresses specific challenges of mobile living that aren’t immediately obvious until you’ve spent time on the road.

From maximizing limited space and resources to enhancing comfort and security, these affordable additions have made a noticeable difference in our daily quality of life. Whether conserving water, maintaining cleanliness, ensuring safety, or simply making daily tasks more convenient, these products deliver value far beyond their modest cost.

Where to Find These RV Gear Items (And What to Look For)

Most of these items are readily available on Amazon, though similar versions can be found at camping stores, home improvement retailers, and occasionally at discount stores.

Here’s the link to our Amazon store where we have all sorts of tested and recommended RV Life gear and products categorized for you. We do make a small commission when you use our links AT NO COST TO YOU! Thanks for your continued support.

Have you discovered any unique, affordable items that have improved your RV life? Share your finds in the comments below!

And if you’re considering full-time RV living and want to learn from our experiences, check out our comprehensive online course that covers everything from choosing your rig to budgeting and daily life on the road.

Life’s too short to wait. Get out there and RV like there’s no tomorrow!

All product links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This helps support our travels and allows us to continue creating helpful content for the RV community.