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Honest reviews of tools, sensors, and gear for RV owners, boaters, and DIYers. Tested by people who actually build and install this stuff.
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Wera Self-Setting Joker Review: Great Idea, Disappointing Execution
We love Wera tools. But the Joker ratcheting wrench slips in tight spaces, has too wide a ratcheting arc, and ends up being more trouble than a standard wrench when it matters.
Victron Cerbo GX Setup Guide: From Install to Remote Monitoring
The Cerbo GX ties your entire Victron system together. Here is how to install it, connect your devices, and set up remote monitoring via VRM.
Best Handheld Marine VHF Radio: Standard Horizon HX210 vs Icom IC-M25
Every boat needs a floating handheld VHF. We carry the Standard Horizon HX210 and explain why it beats the competition for under .
Best 12V Fridge for RVs and Boats: Engel vs Dometic and the Rest
We run Engel drawers in the RV, an Engel MT45 portable on the boat and road, and a Dometic CFX5 aboard. Each wins for different reasons.
Shelly on a Boat: Cheap Smart Automation for 12V Marine Systems
Shelly smart relays cost and run on DC. We use them to automate lights, fans, and monitoring on our sailboat with Home Assistant.
Best Marine Battery Monitor: Victron SmartShunt 500A Review
The Victron SmartShunt 500A is the battery monitor we run on our boat. Here is why it beats the cheap alternatives and how it fits into a full monitoring system.
Latest Articles
Shelly on a Boat: Cheap Smart Automation for 12V Marine Systems
Shelly smart relays cost and run on DC. We use them to automate lights, fans, and monitoring on our sailboat with Home Assistant.
Best Marine Battery Monitor: Victron SmartShunt 500A Review
The Victron SmartShunt 500A is the battery monitor we run on our boat. Here is why it beats the cheap alternatives and how it fits into a full monitoring system.
Caframo Sirocco II vs Sirocco II Elite — Which Fan Do You Actually Need?
We have run both Sirocco fans for years on our boat. Here is when the Elite is worth it and when the standard is the smarter buy.
Best Mail Forwarding Services for Full-Time RVers and Cruisers (2026)
You need a real address even if you live on a boat or travel full-time. We've used St. Brendan's Isle for years. Here's how the top five services compare.
Dometic CFX5 75DZ Review: 3 Years on a Boat
Three years, zero failures (minus a latch). The Dometic CFX5 75DZ is expensive, heavy, and the Bluetooth is pointless. It's also the most reliable portable fridge/freezer we've ever owned.
TimeZero Review: The Best Integrated Marine Navigation Software (With Some Frustrating Gaps)
TimeZero is the best integrated navigation platform I've used — Furuno sync, iPad integration, weather routing, all in one. But the Windows-only limitation and missing ECMWF models keep it from being perfect.
Best Instant-Read Thermometers: ThermoWorks Thermapen, Sizzle, and ThermoPop Compared
At $105 it's expensive. It's also the fastest, most accurate instant-read thermometer made. Here's why it's worth it — especially if you cook on a boat or RV.
Victron vs Renogy: Which Solar Setup Is Right for Your RV?
Victron is better. Renogy is cheaper. Both work. Here's when each one makes sense — and the best combo that gives you both.
Home Assistant + Shelly on 12V DC: Smart Automation for RVs and Boats
Most smart home gear is AC-only. Shelly devices work natively on 12V DC — wire them directly to your RV or boat system and control everything through Home Assistant.
AI Tools for Marine Navigation and Boat Monitoring
From weather routing to engine health prediction, AI is showing up on boats in practical ways. Here's what actually works for cruisers and liveaboards.
How AI is Changing RV Maintenance and Monitoring
AI is quietly making RVs smarter — from predictive maintenance to voice-controlled systems. Here's what's real, what's hype, and what you can use today.
RV Solar System Sizing: How to Calculate What You Need
Stop guessing. Here's how to calculate exactly what solar panels, batteries, and charge controller you need.
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We are engineers who build things for RVs, boats, and workshops. We test gear in the real world and only review products we have actually used. No paid placements, no fluff.
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