The Best RV Tech For Travelers
From pet monitors to backup cams, the gadgets worth packing for your next RV trip.
Fifth wheels, travel trailers, camper vans, motorhomes: Whatever it is you drive off the lot, chances are it’s equipped with more bells and whistles than you care to think about most days. As you travel, though, you may realize there are a few extra bells, a few more whistles you wished you had on board. Vehicle technology is seemingly limitless and constantly changing. So, if you want to make a few simple (and relatively affordable) upgrades, consider adding these pieces of technology to your home on the road.
You love your pets and, of course, you love having them on the road. But when you’re camped, there are simply some places they cannot go. Some high-tech RVs these days are equipped with remote vehicle-monitoring technology, but many older models are not. If you’re leaving your animals behind, the Waggle Pet Monitor is a relatively simple add-on that delivers real-time temperature and humidity data and will alert you if your RV changes locations. Plus, with built-in wifi, it keeps working even if your rig loses power. $199
Garmin 7-Inch RV-795 GPS Navigator
Sure, every smartphone has a capable GPS these days. But does that GPS know the height and weight of your rig and how tall every bridge is along your route? Garmin’s RV-specific GPS builds your vehicle specs into its trip-planning and uses Birdseye Direct Satellite imagery with topographical maps to warn you about steep grades, sharp turns, and other hazards along the way. $449.99
Midland X Talker FRS Walkie Talkies
Maybe you thought you wouldn’t need a walkie talkie when you bought an RV. And then maybe you tried reversing into a tight spot at an RV park, only to watch your lovely partner wave their arms back and forth, signaling something completely indiscernible. Midland’s X Talker walkie talkies can make maneuvering any rig safer—and they come in quite handy if you’re camping out of cell service. $79.99
Furrion Vision S RV Backup Camera
Most older rigs aren’t outfitted with cameras built into every exterior surface. However, by installing an after-market backup camera, you can at least improve your safety while reversing into parking spaces and campsites. The Vision S from Furrion comes with a five-inch monitor and offers three camera angles, which means it can also serve as an aid when the vehicle is on the highway.
Orbic Speed 5G UW Mobile Hotspot
If you’re not ready to invest in an on-the-go internet service like Starlink, but you still find yourself needing to log on periodically, a mobile hotspot is a fair compromise. The Orbic Speed allows you to connect up to 32 devices on a 5G network, and its large battery can survive many hours streaming and scrolling. $200
Summer 2025 Digital Issue: Camping Gear
Summer’s here and adventure is calling. For the Summer 2025 digital issue of Wildsam Magazine, we rounded up all the right gear you'll need for ambles through America while soaking up the sun.