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Go gadgets go
Here are several responses to questions about various gadgets over the last few issues…
In response to Richard Dymond's question (April, p121), we have used a ‘greenhouse’ indoor/outdoor thermometer/hygrometer in the 'van for a number of years.
The base station display unit hangs inside behind the front seats and the external sensor is hung from a folded wing mirror once parked up (avoiding direct sunlight if possible).
Our current one is a ThermPro from Amazon and runs for a year on a set of batteries. It's a bit pricey, but we have had it five or six years.
A cheaper version from Aldidl used too many batteries, but is worth trying for a starting point.
The old USB cable holding the outdoor sensor is not very elegant, but it does not blow around in the wind. Hanging the sensor from a folded wing mirror can give ‘false’ readings on sunny days because of reflection from the window, but at least the sensor does not get left behind when we leave site.
The larger (top) pair of numbers is the outside temperature and humidity. The bottom numbers are ‘inside’ conditions.
I wondered how long it would be before air fryers joined the list of desirable equipment. I suppose the answer is the same as for an electric kettle. I doubt the low-power versions will be as quick or effective as a 2.75kW domestic version.
David Rockliff
In the April issue readers asked for information on air fryers and tyre inflators. I share our own experience
Air fryer: we use a Swan Duo 1,700W air fryer both at home and in our motorhome. At 1,700W (6/7A), it is suitable for almost all campsite hook-ups and has proved effective for cooling all kinds of dishes.
It travels secured on the floor at the back of the motorhome.
Tyre inflator: I use the Ring Automotive RAC830 tyre inflator. On one occasion it raised a tyre from 35 to 60psi with no difficulty and then topped up the other three tyres. It never stalled nor overheated.
The only drawback to it initially was that the 12V lead and air hose would not reach the back wheels on my seven-metre motorhome. This was easily remedied by purchasing an air hose extension through Amazon for a few pounds which screwed onto the air hose fitted to the inflator.
I hope this information helps the readers raising the questions.
Allen Standeven
Both my motorhomes came equipped with a puncture repair device (pictured above right). However, they are also tyre pumps and by selecting the switch to pump – as shown – it will inflate the tyre to the correct pressure. It plugs into a 12V socket. I have used this many times and it seems to be robust.
Top Pitch
Michael Fage
Regarding Mike's letter about pumps, I purchased the Ring RAC900 from Amazon.
It connects to our battery, so no worries about running out of power or having to wait between tyres – I use the leisure battery in the engine bay as it's easier to get to.
It is a bit heavier than the rechargeable ones and is expensive at £98 but I know it will work.
Graeme Fyffe
In response to Mike's letter about tyre pumps, I find the easiest thing to use is a mountain bike track pump (such as the type called Joe Blow by Topeak).
Mine cost about £30 from Amazon and works well. It is hand-operated with two hands and super stable as it is designed for you to stand on the base when pumping. I find the operation by hand far easier than a traditional foot pump. I am never convinced by electric pumps as the hassle of getting them working
