Anyone who has done a web search for an RV product online has run into the company AliExpress. AliExpress is part of the Alibaba Group, which is an e-commerce company based in China. AliExpress is actually a larger retailer than Walmart and offers a huge variety of retail items for buyers all over the world.
However, AliExpress is more like eBay than Amazon. It sells mainly Chinese products from third-party sellers and relies on a rating system and refund policy. But, just like anything you buy online, be sure to read the description, reviews, and specifications of each item before purchasing.
So why should you be looking at AliExpress for your RV DIY projects? Camping and RV products can be very diverse and DIY projects complicated. Not everyone has the same type, size, or age of rig. Sometimes tossing out a wider net for items you can’t find locally, in a specialty store, or on Amazon can work for that odd part, product, or useful item.
In addition, it’s actually pretty fun to peruse the AliExpress website and check out all the gadgets and products and get a few ideas for your next online order. These 11 useful items can work for both RVs and for general camping.
1. Mesh organizer
This multifunctional organizer can be used inside a trailer or taken outside and attached to picnic tables, sleeping cots, and outdoor kitchens. They come in different depth sizes and can hold everything from towels and blankets to kitchen tools.
2. Tilting RV table leg
Items that accommodate smaller spaces can be so useful in the RV world. This includes any counter, seat, and table hardware that slides, drops down, swivels, and tilts.
If you have ever worked on an RV table, you are familiar with a variety of adjustable table legs. This handy leg actually tilts to a 90-degree angle to get small counters or tables of out of the way. Something like this could also be useful in a van or a narrower Class B RV.
3. Folding outdoor table
If you prefer to eat outside or while on the road, this handy folding table can be attached to the exterior of your camper or trailer. It holds up to 55 lb. and is made from a lightweight aluminum. This table could also be attached to the inside of a small camper or van.
4. Flexible reading light
Some RV lights leave a lot to be desired in the functionality and beauty departments. This flexible light is not only wired for 12-volt, but it also comes in cool or warm bulb tones.
5. Portable stove & cook set
If you are a more back-to-basics camper, you know the value of a good alcohol cook stove. This little system from Alocs has it all. The alcohol or “spirit” burner has a pedestal and windshield for protection and is topped with a small pot and a bowl which can be latched down.
This little kitchen even comes with a dishcloth. You can also find them available on Amazon.com.
6. Inflatable car camping mattress
If you are a car camper, this all-in-one inflatable air mattress is designed to fit a variety of vehicles. It can be inflated by hand or with a 12-volt air pump. The air mattress also includes two attached inflatable pillows and comes in many colors.
7. Spotlights
These 12-volt lights give LED spot lighting to darker areas of an RV. They can be placed under a counter, inside cabinets, by a bed, or in areas where you just need a little extra light. Each light comes with over 70 inches of cord that connects to the main power unit.
8. Wall-mounted folding sink
Folding sinks are another way to save space in a tiny kitchen or bathroom. This sink from AliExpress can also be mounted on the outside of a camper or van. This particular sink doesn’t include the faucet, but it does have a handy soap dish and plug.
AliExpress also sells the European style sink and stove combos with the glass lid you see in smaller campers like the T@B.
9. Solar panel cells
You can pick up flexible solar panels from many online retailers. However, if you want to build your own system, AliExpress has these 6×6 solar cells for DIY projects. This happens to be a 10-pack, but they also come in packs of 40, 50 or 100 for larger projects.
10. Huanmai Mobile Food Catering Trailer
Alibaba wholesale and AliExpress have been known to have an unusual array of Chinese-produced camping trailers. Most of them have to be purchased in large quantities, but AliExpress does sell individual food and catering trailers that could become someone’s fun, tiny trailer project.
The trailers come in several sizes and styles including an Airstream-like, aluminum trailer. With the Huanmai company, many of their trailers come with free shipping to the U.S.
11. Rooftop tent
There is a wide range of rooftop tents on AliExpress. This one happens to cost less than $700, which makes it a lot more affordable than many rooftop tents you can find in the U.S.
Of course, shipping will set you back a little more, but if you are interested in this type of product, take a look at some other designs that offer free shipping.
