No one ever leaves home without their smartphone these days. From quick trips to the grocery store to road trips across the country, you always keep your device nearby. When it comes to the RV lifestyle, the smartphone has been a game-changer. It’s an all-in-one tool you can use to plan trips, navigate, monitor weather, find campgrounds, track inventory, and more.

But that doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye to some of your favorite old-school RVing gear. In fact, now is the perfect time to embrace your most reliable supplies as you head out for future RV excursions. Step one is getting routine maintenance done at an RV dealer Idaho residents know they can count on. Then, dust off these four pieces of tried-and-true gear, add them to your packing list, and hit the road.
Paper Maps and Atlases
Even in the era of smartphones and regular access to GPS, paper maps have their place. You can use them as a backup solution when the electronic versions don’t work. Your smartphone apps might not be able to connect to a network, or you simply can’t get a GPS signal.
Foldable maps are also great for planning and navigating routes while you’re on the road. Don’t have any foldable maps? Thankfully, you can still find them at many state-line rest areas, port-of-entries, and other state border stops—and often for free. As you enjoy the open road in your RV, consider picking up some maps along the way. And if you have older maps, be sure to replace them every five years or so.
A Shortwave Radio
If you’re ready to go really old-school, a shortwave radio can still come in handy under the right circumstances. They’re not commonly used, so you might ask, why bother? The answer is: “Just in case.” When you shop new or used motorhomes for sale, you may find a standard radio in the cockpit. You may even find a CB radio installed by a previous owner. But you will rarely find a shortwave radio. It’s another technology that’s slowly being replaced by newer technologies, including smartphones and radio apps.
However, it’s great to have as a backup in case of emergencies, especially for up-to-date weather reporting. Plus, it can be fun to search for and listen to random shortwave broadcasts you can pick up while traveling. Just think of it as one more way to tap into the local culture as you travel.
Headlamps and Swivel Flashlights
It’s safe to say most folks don’t rely on their smartphone’s flashlight for all their light while camping. It’s nice to have in a pinch, but there are a couple of reliable lighting options that are essential for any RV. You can’t go wrong with headlamps and swivel flashlights. Both options let you operate the light hands-free.
If something breaks down at night or you need to walk around in the dark, you’ll be glad you had a headlamp or swivel light. They can direct light exactly where you need it, and they add an element of safety to your experience. They’re all-around excellent RVing, camping, and hiking tools.
Walkie-Talkies
Here’s another old-school piece of gear that has almost been forgotten, thanks to the smartphone. When RVing, camping, and hiking, having a pair of walkie-talkies can really be a lifesaver. These devices help you stay in regular contact with other people in your party, even if you split up—no cell network required. You can spend time in the backcountry and still enjoy full communication with everyone in your group. Walkie-talkies are easy to set up and small enough to carry or snap onto a pocket without weighing you down.
About DDRV
The road to adventure awaits at DDRV, one of Idaho’s biggest RV dealers. Whether you’re looking for new travel trailers or used motorhomes for sale, DDRV has everything you need to explore the great outdoors. Find a Super C RV for sale or the toy hauler you’ve been eyeing. Speaking of toy haulers, DDRV is home to a wide range of powersports equipment. When you’re looking for ATV sales Boise residents trust, DDRV is your top choice. Or if the water is calling your name and you’re looking for boat dealers Idaho residents know they can count on, DDRV has you covered there too. With such a dynamic selection of RVs, boats, and ATVs, you’ll be ready for just about any adventure under the sun!
Find out how DDRV can prepare you for your next adventure at https://ddrv.com/
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