Latest Gear Finds And Hacks

None of these are earth-shattering, nor deserving of their own thread. In the interest of emptying the drawer I'm throwing out these finds which are the culmination of several months of poring over RV, van-life, and over-landing sites to find some "eureka" goodies. Maybe you'll find something useful in the pile:

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Starting clockwise at 11:

Toaster: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0039AORG6?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Folds flat and disperses the heat from the burners. Apparently used in parts of Europe where electric toasters aren't exactly a "thing". Jamie Oliver also espouses making toast in a frying pan, which is something I never considered.

Grease Splatter Guard: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B092DDJFCR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details. This also folds flat with no annoying long handles that want to stick out of the bins. The folding center tab does stay cool enough to not require an oven mitt.

Zippo Butane Torch: https://www.amazon.ca/Zippo-40597-F...4&psc=1&mcid=c9a7f73fcab03269ab4a191bd5ec74a7 For getting that wet wood to catch or to do repairs requiring high heat.

Protective Brass Caps for 1lb Propane Bottle:
https://www.amazon.ca/Kbrotech-Prop...86&mcid=fd144c41d15d3384af821f02afd210bd&th=1 Protects the threads from damage and the internal rubber gasket can contain a slow leak from the valve (which is indeed possible when spinning them on and off repeatedly) and offer some degree of added safety, especially if they end up in an enclosed space in the galley and an errant flame source or spark introduces itself.

7-Pin Tester:https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07QX2L7K5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 will help isolate trailer wiring issues.

Prussik loops and 'biners:

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Climbing gear has a shelf life. I put my old soft goods and worn out hardware to use in non-life-endangering places where I can. These can eliminate the need to hammer nails into trees, which inevitably get forgotten and end up endangering or damaging a log-cutter and their equipment. They are also quick to set up and take down.

Collapsible Measuring Cups: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09V6Q49NV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 To add to the collection of collapsible cooking gear.

Tent Stake Puller:https://www.amazon.ca/Remover-Awnin...-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1 Hammering stakes into well-packed or rocky ground with a mallet or mini-sledge can create the need for some sort of mechanical advantage to get them out. This does it.

Superbungee Cords: Bungee Cords | Shop Heavy Duty Bungee Cords, Straps, & Fitness Bands I was tired of reaching for a bungee cord, only to have it disintegrate into dust in my hands or find that it now offered only 1% stretch. These aren't cheap but will greatly outlast the standard ones. And they seem to have a consistent tension across a great range of their stretch, which is 5X their resting length.

A lot of the links are .ca but you can find the same things on .com.

 

Bookmarked a couple of these. It looks like the toaster could double as a flame reducer for simmering on the CI stove…

 

I would think that it could indeed.

As a toaster... I forgot to warn that because the two sides don't open up, crumbs that collect inside it can be a bit of a pain to extract. So maybe it could do double- or single-duty as a diffuser.

 

We have those measuring cups, and they are great!

 

Good tips! I've found a loop of twine or rope works great for removing tent stakes.

 

The 7-pin tester is a must-have in your trailer kit -- in fact, that exact one. I have used mine several times for lighting problems. Plus, it really impressed the camp hosts I've used mine a couple times, along with my #2 suggestion below.


First is a simple Ratchet Rope. Effectively, it is a rope with an S hook on either end that is adjustable to any length that locks in length but is very easy to remove. If you know how to tie solid knots like Truckers Hitches, Half Hitches, and bowlines you probably don't need these --- but they are still very convenient and faster. But no substitution for knowing the knots...they're all pretty easy.

The Second is a 12 volt test light to track down short circuits and broken wires.

If you live life on the edge there are test lights on steroids that will detect ground, power and inject power into a wire. Search for "Component Activation Electrical Tester" which will get you numerous results - 3 testers in one. The one I have also came with equipment to test relays, fuel injectors, and a couple of assorted items to make probing easier.

The tester saved my bacon. The previous owner used the old "Strip, twist, and electrical tape" for light controller that was hidden under the dash. Lovely work, I tell ya. Using this tool and identified the problem and the exact location of his amazing craftsmanship was demonstrated...all in about 10 minutes. Great tool!