Tech Stuff

Updated:  April 2022

We all have some electronic stuff, technology, gadgets, and apps we use in our travels.  I figured I’d share mine here.

The things I use are pretty basic and not the latest technology.  I’m pretty frugal so most of my tech stuff is 1-2 versions behind the latest technology.  I also try to be a minimalist and only take what I need.  So here’s a current list of some of my technology stuff that I use when I travel.  It’s always changing.  I show some links to items so you can explore them if you want.

I purchased all of these products and was not compensated in any form for using them or listing them here.  I participate in the Amazon Associates Affiliate Marketing Program.  If you use these links to buy a product from Amazon then I earn a commission.  I make no warranties or claims as to how well this stuff works, just that it works for me.

Photography Gear

I currently travel with 4-5 cameras and each has a different purpose.  I use a dashcam to easily record video while driving.  The camera is a Panorama G (GPS) DashCam Video Recorder.  It’s several years old but still works great for this application.  It attaches to the windshield with a suction mount.  It records HD 1080p video to an SD card.  A 32GB card can hold 4.5 hrs of video.  It’s very easy to use and great for capturing those situations while driving when you wish you had a camera.  Here’s an article that I wrote about using it – How to Use a Dashcam.

My main camera for still photography is a Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera.  I have two of these cameras – one for stills and one for video.  This is an interchangeable lens camera.  I have 5 lenses that I use;  a Sony 18-135 mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens, a Sigma 16 mm F1.4 lens, a Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 lens, a Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 lens, and a Sony 70-350 F4.5-6.3.  I use this camera for most of my stills and it takes great pictures.  I also use one for some video clips when I need use a super wide angle lens or for tripod clips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I began using a Sony ZV-1 for most of my videos  I like this Sony camera for video because its made for vlogging.  It’s small, has pretty good image stabilization, has a built in ND filter, and I can customize the color gamma settings to achieve a more cinematic look.  It’s got the same menu system and many of the same features as the a6400’s.  I still shoot in HD 1080P but all the Sony cameras can shoot 4K video.  I also use a Zhiyun Crane M2 gimbal with this camera.

I also use a GoPro Hero 7 Black for some video clips.  The GoPro has great image stabilization and a wide field of view.  It’s small and compact. I use it for run and gun clips and when space is an issue.  The colors on the GoPro are good but I like the colors on the Sony better.   I use the GoPro with a small handgrip with the camera mounted in an aluminum case.

I carry a Dolica Proline Aluminum Tripod, a Dolica WT-1003 monopod, and I added a VertiGo Selfie Stick that can handle a smartphone or small camera.

Lastly, on photography stuff, I use Photoshop Elements for fixing and enhancing my photos.  I also use Cyberlink PowerDirector for video editing.

Computers & Mobile

For travel, I carry an HP Envy 17 in laptop computer with an Intel i7 processor.  I use this for processing pictures, video editing, and blogging.  I use a Verizon Jetpack Mifi 7730L hotspot with an Unlimited Verizon Prepaid data plan for internet access.  I have a grandfathered unlimited data plan.

When there’s some free wi-fi nearby, I use a Bear Extender with my laptop to improve the wif-fi signal.  This little gem amplifies the radio signal to and from a wi-fi router.  It doesn’t make local wifi faster but it boosts a wireless router’s signal (like at a campground) so you don’t have to go sit near the router to pick up a weak signal.  It works great on my laptop.

I use a weBoost Drive 4G-M cell booster when I’m in the boonies and need to improve a weak cell signal.  I upgraded the antenna to the 12.5 in versus the short 4 in stubby one that comes standard.  I also built a ground plane out of a sheet of galvanized sheet metal that I can velcro onto my fiberglass roof. The taller antenna and ground plane really made a difference.  I don’t use this a lot but it has come in handy in remote areas when I needed it for a call or a better mobile data signal.

Gadgets

Just a couple of things here.  I use an Anker External Battery Power Bank for charging my phone or tablet when there’s no AC power.  The power bank has 13,000 mAh of juice.  Good for about 2 1/2 charges for my phone.  It’s great while boondocking.

I just got one of the small TopG USB Car Charger so I can charge phones, tablets, cameras, and the battery power pack.  It’s super handy to just keep in the RV.  I keep a few Anker 6 ft micro USB power cables in the RV for charging my Android devices.

If I need to make phone calls while driving the RV, I use a Plantroncis M55 Wireless Bluetooth Headset   It’s not the latest technology, but it’s small and the voice quality is fine.

Travel Apps

All these are on my Android smartphone.

• Waze – the best traffic app for finding about traffic slowdowns and tie-ups
• Gas Guru – to find the lowest gas price based on your GPS location
• Bubble level –  a portable level to use when leveling the RV
• MyRadar – displays a high def satellite weather map.  Can add layers to show forecast, wind, and temperatures.
• Compass – turns your screen into magnetic compass (good for finding which way the sun will be setting/rising)
• Evernote – I have recipes stored on it as well as to-do lists, shopping lists, and checklists.
• Touchnote – a cool app for creating and sending a postcard from a picture taken on your smartphone.  The app is free and the cards cost $1.99 to print and send
• Google Drive – In addition to storing photos, I store some key travel documents like travel itineraries, insurance documents, copies of key documents I’d need if I lost my wallet.
• Where Am I? – the app shows the location and GPS coordinates of where you are. Very important if you have to make a 911 call.
• RV Parky – the app allows searching for campgrounds and RV parks.
• RV Parks & Campgrounds – (does the same as RV Parky).
• Ookla Speed Test – lets me test the speed of a wifi or mobile data connection.

Here are links to a couple of posts I wrote about the smartphone apps:  Ten Great Smartphone Apps for RVers and More Great Smartphone Apps.

Web Sites

OvernightRVParking.com – web-based site and smartphone app.  Cost $25/yr. but shows you where you can park overnight based on recent user feedback. Shows, Wal-Mart’s, Cracker Barrels, Cabelas, Casinos, Truck stops, etc.  It was accurate and up-to-date on my recent western road trip.  It pays for itself with one stay.

www.rvparkreviews.com/ – web-based site.  Great for checking feedback on campgrounds.  Not a guarantee for a good campground, but it helps you avoid a bad one.

www.rvparking.com – web-based site.  This site doesn’t have as many reviews as the one about but the interface is easier to use.

 

 

Disclosure Notice:  Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I receive a program fee.