Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion Review

The Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion: Is It Really That Good?

As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in various environments – from the controlled chaos of a workshop to the unpredictable elements of outdoor fieldwork – I’ve learned to appreciate gear that offers robust functionality without demanding constant attention. The Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion caught my eye because it promised a novel approach to secure item storage, particularly in spaces where traditional mounting options are limited or undesirable. The core appeal lies in its suction-based mounting system, which bypasses the need for screws or adhesives.

My immediate need for such a device arose during a recent RV trip where I found myself constantly juggling small, essential items – a map, a water bottle, a small tool kit – that would inevitably slide around or get lost. The limited storage solutions in a compact recreational vehicle meant I needed something adaptable and temporary. Looking for an alternative to flimsy hooks or bulky organizers, I stumbled upon this Staytion.

My first impression upon unboxing the Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion was one of understated utility. The materials felt solid, with a durable-looking plastic construction and a robust suction cup. It wasn’t overtly flashy, which is precisely what I look for in functional equipment. It suggested a no-nonsense design built for practical application.

In my search, I briefly considered traditional hook-and-loop fasteners or simple bungee cords. However, the idea of leaving adhesive residue or drilling holes in my RV’s interior was a non-starter. The promise of a tool-free mounting solution offered by this Staytion felt like a significant advantage.

My initial reaction was one of practical satisfaction; this looked like it could genuinely solve a common organizational headache without creating new ones.

Real-World Testing: Putting Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for this Staytion was the interior of my RV. I chose several locations to assess its versatility: the smooth fiberglass wall of the shower enclosure, the laminated cabinet doors in the kitchen, and the plastic trim surrounding a window. The installation was remarkably straightforward, as advertised. Pressing the mechanism firmly against a clean, smooth surface engaged the powerful suction almost instantly.

The unit performed admirably in these controlled environments. Repeatedly attaching and detaching it from the same spots showed no immediate degradation in suction power. I specifically tested it in conditions that mimic typical RV use, including brief periods of higher humidity after showering and occasional minor vibrations from driving. Its ability to hold firm under these minor stresses was reassuring.

Ease of use was a definite highlight. There was no learning curve; the ‘press to secure, press to release’ operation was intuitive from the very first attempt. The fold-away handle also proved surprisingly useful, allowing for a more comfortable grip when engaging or disengaging the suction mechanism.

One minor surprise was the slight stiffness in the fold-away handle initially, which required a bit more force than expected to deploy. However, this eased up with subsequent uses. The visual indicator, a red line showing when secure and a yellow zone for removal, is a clever addition, providing a clear visual cue.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use during my travels, the Staytion proved its worth. I used it to hang grocery bags, keep a small first-aid kit within easy reach, and even hold a tablet for navigation. It consistently held up to the daily demands of life on the road, enduring temperature fluctuations between cool mornings and warm afternoons without losing its grip.

Durability has been excellent so far. There are no visible cracks or signs of stress on the plastic housing. The suction cup itself remains pliable and hasn’t shown any signs of hardening or becoming brittle. The mechanism for engaging and releasing the suction continues to function smoothly, with no indication of performance degradation.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep the suction surface clean and effective. I did notice that after storing it for a few days in a slightly dusty compartment, a quick rinse of the suction cup before re-application restored its full holding power.

Compared to other temporary mounting solutions I’ve used, like command strips or generic suction hooks, this unit feels significantly more robust. Those often lose their adhesion or degrade over time; this one seems built for repeated, reliable use. Its capacity of up to 20 pounds felt realistic, certainly enough for the types of items I was storing.

Breaking Down the Features of Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion

Specifications

The Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion boasts a simple yet effective design focused on its core function: secure, temporary attachment. Its primary specification is its powerful suction action, which attaches to any smooth, non-porous surface. This is crucial, as it dictates where the unit can be effectively used, ruling out textured or porous materials.

The weight capacity is rated at up to 20 pounds, a significant figure for such a compact device. This capacity is achieved through the robust suction mechanism and the durable construction materials, likely a high-grade ABS plastic for the body. The unit’s compact design allows for easy storage when not in use, fitting into small spaces or compartments.

A key functional feature is the convenient fold-away handle, which aids in both engagement and offers a comfortable grip for maneuvering. Furthermore, the unit incorporates a red line indicator for security and a yellow zone indicator for removal, providing clear visual feedback to the user. The suction cup remains connected to the main body when not in use, preventing loss and simplifying re-application.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion is to securely hold items without permanent fixtures, and it excels at this. The powerful suction action is the star here, creating a vacuum seal that is surprisingly tenacious on appropriate surfaces. Attaching it feels immediate and secure, and the visual indicators confirm this stability.

Its strength lies in its reliability for moderate loads. I never felt concerned about it failing when holding my grocery bags or water bottles. The up to 20-pound capacity seems well-grounded for items that are commonly needed within reach in a vehicle or workshop.

However, the performance is entirely dependent on the surface. On smooth, clean fiberglass, metal, or sealed wood, it’s flawless. On anything less than perfectly smooth or slightly textured, the suction will weaken, or fail entirely. This isn’t a flaw of the product, but a critical user consideration.

The fold-away handle is functionally excellent for engaging and disengaging the suction, making it much easier than trying to pull directly on the unit itself. The visual indicators are also a genuine functional advantage, especially in lower light conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Staytion is decidedly utilitarian. The compact design means it doesn’t protrude excessively from the mounting surface, which is beneficial in space-constrained environments like an RV or a crowded workbench. The use of what appears to be durable plastic gives it a sturdy feel.

Ergonomically, the fold-away handle is a smart addition. It provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to apply the necessary pressure to activate the suction seal. It also makes releasing the seal straightforward by providing leverage.

The integrated suction cup, which stays attached, is a thoughtful design choice that prevents the loss of small, critical parts. The visual indicators are simple but effective, enhancing the overall usability. While it’s not aesthetically groundbreaking, its practical design elements make it a joy to use for its intended purpose.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience over several weeks, the Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion appears to be built for longevity in its intended applications. The materials feel robust enough to withstand repeated cycles of attachment and detachment. I haven’t observed any signs of material fatigue or wear.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Keeping the suction cup and the mounting surface clean is paramount for optimal performance. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or a rinse under water is usually sufficient. There are no complex parts to clean or lubricate.

Potential failure points might include the rubber of the suction cup degrading over extended periods of extreme heat or UV exposure, or the plastic housing becoming brittle if subjected to significant impacts. However, for typical indoor or sheltered outdoor use, it seems quite resilient. The fact that the suction cup stays attached minimizes the risk of losing a critical component that could compromise its durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion is a standalone product with no additional accessories included or offered as standard. Its design is self-contained, focusing on its primary function of attachment. There are no interchangeable parts or customization options in terms of different suction cups or mounting heads.

The strength of this unit lies in its simplicity and focused utility. It’s designed to work as-is. However, one could consider it compatible with any smooth, non-porous surface, effectively making the mounting location itself a form of “accessory” to the Staytion. The primary requirement for optimal performance is ensuring the mounting surface is clean and free of debris.

Pros and Cons of Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion

Who Should Buy Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion?

This device is an excellent choice for RV owners, campers, boaters, or anyone who needs a reliable, temporary mounting solution without damaging surfaces. Home workshop enthusiasts and garage organizers will also find it incredibly useful for keeping tools and supplies within easy reach. It’s perfect for renters who cannot make permanent modifications to their living or working spaces.

Individuals who require mounting on wood, painted drywall, fabric, or other porous or textured materials should look elsewhere. Those who need to mount very heavy or critical equipment that cannot afford any risk of failure should also consider more permanent fixture methods. For those seeking an easily movable, non-damaging hook or holder, a basic, high-quality bungee cord or a set of adhesive hooks might be a cheaper, albeit less sophisticated, alternative if surface integrity is less of a concern.

Essential complementary items would simply be a microfiber cloth to ensure the mounting surface is clean for optimal adhesion.

Conclusion on Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion

The Thetford 36700 Combination Staytion delivers on its promise of secure, temporary mounting with remarkable ease and effectiveness. Its powerful suction action and up to 20-pound capacity make it a versatile tool for organizing spaces where drilling or adhesive mounting is not an option. The thoughtful design, including the fold-away handle and clear visual indicators, enhances its user-friendliness.

For its price of $42.99, it offers significant value in its ability to provide a robust, damage-free mounting solution. While its effectiveness is entirely dependent on the surface type, for suitable applications, it’s a product that performs admirably and reliably.

I would absolutely recommend this Staytion to anyone needing a dependable, temporary way to hang items without compromise. It’s a well-engineered piece of gear that solves a common problem elegantly.