Real gear. Real family. Honest picks.
Stuff the Byrd family actually uses.
We're the Byrds. We travel in our RV, have bought and sold thousands of iPhones, and buy way too much on Amazon. Here's what was worth it.
Our favorite buys
The things we'd buy again tomorrow.
Victron SmartShunt 500A Battery Monitor
See exactly what is going in and out of your battery over Bluetooth. We check it every day.
Google Nest Wifi Mesh System
Easy to set up and it covers the whole house. What we tell family and friends to buy.
12V 125Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery
The middle ground between lead acid and lithium. Charges about five times faster than a stock RV battery.
TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch
A cheap switch can slow your whole network. This one runs in our attic and on the desk without a hiccup.
12V Lighter Socket (2 pack)
Add 12V outlets anywhere for fans, TVs and phone chargers. No light, so they look stock.
iPhone 17, 256GB (Renewed)
The one most people should buy: 120Hz screen, 256GB, great camera.
OREI 1x2 HDMI Splitter (powered)
Split or boost an HDMI signal. We've run HDMI 200 feet with one of these in the middle.
HEETA Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
A salon scalp massage at home for a few dollars.
What we bought lately
Straight from our own Amazon orders.
Lemorele Wireless HDMI Kit (1 transmitter, 2 receivers)
Send HDMI to two TVs without running a cable. Up to 656 ft line of sight.
Klein Tools Compression Crimper (VDV211-100)
Crimps F, BNC and RCA compression connectors. The pro tool for antenna and cable runs.
Klein Tools Coax Cable Stripper (VDV110-061)
Strips RG6 and RG59 coax in one twist for clean connector ends.
Bamboo Embroidery Hoops (8 pack)
Hoops in several sizes for embroidery and cross stitch.
SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock (6 lb)
Keeps hot tub water clear between cleanings.
Simple Houseware 3-Bag Laundry Sorter
Rolling cart that sorts darks, lights and colors.
1byone Outdoor TV Antenna Mount
Weatherproof universal mount to get your antenna up high.
Monk Cables CAT6 Ethernet Cables (5 pack)
Pure copper CAT6 patch cables for a solid wired network.
Quick picks
Short lists for common projects. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
Boondocking Power Kit
Everything we use to stay off the grid without running the generator all day. One good battery, a way to watch it, and clean power for the TV.
See the list →4 picks · RV & CampingRV Campground Must-Haves
The small stuff that makes every campground stay easier.
See the list →6 picks · Tech & Wi-FiCut the Cord Kit
Drop cable for good. Free local channels from an antenna, recorded by Plex with the commercials skipped, played on any TV.
See the list →5 picks · RV & CampingRV Care Kit
What we buy every season to keep the RV looking good and working right.
See the list →5 picks · Tech & Wi-FiCoax & Antenna Toolkit
Running your own coax for an antenna or cable? These are the tools and parts we just used.
See the list →5 picks · Tech & Wi-FiFix Your Home Wi-Fi
When family calls about bad Wi-Fi, this is what we tell them to buy. Simple to set up, covers the whole house.
See the list →8 picks · Tech & Wi-FiiPhones We'd Buy Today
After buying and selling thousands of iPhones, these are the ones we'd pick right now. Renewed phones are unlocked and Amazon takes them back if anything is wrong. Want brand new? The 18 Pro is sold by an Apple Premier Partner.
See the list →5 picks · Home & GardenUseful Gifts Under $30
Small things we use all the time and would happily give. Prices change on Amazon, so check before you buy.
See the list →Stories & reviews
How we found it, why we kept it.
Mint Mobile: Cheap Cell Service That Actually Works
After years on AT&T we switched to Mint Mobile. Great price and excellent customer support.
Read more →
Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
A great inverter for the price. We run two in our RV and they give us enough power to boondock.
Read more →Victron SmartShunt 500A Battery Monitor
You can find cheaper battery monitors, so why did I go with this one? I use it all the time and it works every time.
Read more →Best RV Battery for the Money
Lead acid is cheap, lithium is expensive. For us the middle ground was a 12V 125Ah AGM battery that charges five times faster.
Read more →
Turkish Beach Towels for the RV
Quick drying, different colors for everyone, and great at the beach. They take up almost no space in the RV.
Read more →
Garden Hose Splitter, 2 Way
We stay in a lot of RV parks. These are great to have on hand to fill faster or share water with a fellow RVer.
Read more →12V Cigarette Lighter Socket for Your RV
Simple but very helpful when you run everything off DC. Great for fans, TVs or charging your phone while boondocking.
Read more →
Trailer Dolly for Your Tow Behind
Moving the car dolly was hard on Micheal's back. A trailer dolly with pins instead of bolts fixed it, and it fits in the car.
Read more →
Combination Cam Locks for RV Storage Doors
Replace the old key locks on your RV storage doors. No more keeping track of keys.
Read more →