Gadgets We Hate, Top 5!

 Hey Y'all!

Each of these items made the list for either cost, function, or personal preference. If you love one of them, great! We're glad it's working for you. 

For us the top 5 (or should it be bottom 5?) are as follows...


1) Starlink- https://www.starlink.com/roam


For us this was a combination of cost and the devices limitations. We are "home" in mountainous forested northeastern Tennessee, and travel the east most often currently, so the wide open space starlink needs is not easily found where we are currently traveling/plan to travel. So far we've had great success with visible and the unlimited hotspot for just $25mo.


2) Van Specific Bug Screens- Link is to the mid tier (price) on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/TUBENRY-Essentials-Mercedes-Campervans-Accessories/dp/B0BYN3C65J/ref=sr_1_145?keywords=van%2Blife%2Baccessories&qid=1700059318&sr=8-145&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc&th=1


On amazon if you search van life accessories, bug screen you'll see several like this one, ranging in price from $50 to well over $100. To us that seems silly when they are essentially the same as you'd use for your home and those are around $10-15.


3) Cup Holder Extension Products-  Not specific to this product, but this is just one of many: https://www.amazon.com/Function-Wireless-Charger-Adjustable-Expender/dp/B0B9HSGBWW/ref=sr_1_212?keywords=van+life+accessories&qid=1700059639&sr=8-212

These just don't work in our van. The way the console/cup holders are set up the extender type products are too tippy, and nothing stays.



These aren't for us- the rug gets dirty, so now you have to clean it. The van still gets dirty too. And now you have to find space to store the rug. Plus, if it rains? No thanks. We do much better with a door mat just inside the door for our shoes.


5) This one isn't product specific, this item was just a good example.

3 in One Breakfast Maker- https://www.amazon.com/GreenLife-Breakfast-Nonstick-Griddles-Turquoise/dp/B0B7279DHP/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=van%2Blife%2Bessentials&qid=1700059995&sr=8-15&th=1



Our issue with this? As stated above it's not specific to this item, but the issue is the power usage. So many gadgets, especially those with travel/RV/Van Life in mind are heavily dependent on power. We feel like the bulk of them could have a battery/rechargeable variant that would make van life that much more enjoyable. Maybe not this product as it has a lot of power hungry components, but our Blackstone can do everything this does with ease. 


We also don't see a difference between the teal and pink to warrant that power difference...



What are some of your travel gadget fails? Any items you love? Share in the comments below!



Thanks,
The Outlands


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