rv travel trailer necessities

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19 New Travel Trailer “Must-Haves” for Beginner RVers

Published on July 1st, 2016 by Camper Report This post was updated on April 20th, 2021

RVing is so much easier when you have the right gear. These new travel trailer must-haves are guaranteed to help you enjoy easy camping wherever you roam.

Travel Trailer “Must-Haves” for Easy Camping, All the Time

Recently I took my new Rockwood 2504s RV out for three days of camping. The taught me that investing in a few essential travel trailer necessities can make an RVing getaway so much better. If you are shopping for a new travel trailer, check out this list of essential RV gear for travel trailer owners and other campers.

Ultra Quiet Remote Start RV Generator

Your trailer needs a generator to keep batteries charged. If yours is an older model, these tips to quiet noisy RV generators can reduce the racket. But when that fails, consider buying a Champion generator.  This cheap alternative to the quiet Yamaha / Honda RV generators is the one I own. It costs half the amount as the competition. And the Champion also gets rave reviews around the internet, especially for the cool new features like a remote start.

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Check out my full review of the Champion 75537i generator for RVers . This remote start RV generator has enough power to fire up the AC for under $1,000.

RV Toilet Bowl Brush

RV toilets generally have a shallow bowl without much water at the bottom. When you do your business, sometimes the “business” sticks to the sides of the bowl–even if most of it flushes down.  An RV toilet bowl brush in the camper bathroom lets you clean it on the spot, and when dumping your black tank.

This small RV toilet bowl brush is my favorite. It has a nice cover and a handle hole for easy storage in the bathroom.

RV Bed Sheets

Our new Rockwood trailer came with a quilt and some pillows, but it did not come with RV bed sheets. Order some before you go out for the first time in your new travel trailer.

I like these cheap RV sheets on Amazon because they’re inexpensive, a good color for hiding a little dirt, look nice, and are good quality.

First Aid Kit

My wife is obsessed about RV safety . Personally, I’d just rub dirt in my wounds and stand around looking like the Hulk if I were injured. But she thinks we should actually use pack a Mueller brand first aid kit  instead. She insists it’s qualifies for RV travel trailer must haves. I just obey and add it to my cart in Amazon.  Happy wife, happy life.

Durable RV Sewer Hose

I agonize over purchases like this. Dumping RV tanks is NOT a fun job. If I can get the right equipment to make easier, I’m in.

RV Sewer Hose Buying Tips

15-feet is the best RV sewer hose length for most places. With that size you should be able to reach any sewer hookup. A hose shouldn’t be so long that you have problems getting waste to flow through the entire hose. Ten feet is too short sometimes, and twenty feet starts to be a bit of a pain.

RV sewer hose with a clear right angle bracket is the best kind. It allows you to see what’s going through the hose. The bracket is frosted clear so you don’t have to look at the gross stuff. But, you can at least tell that liquid is going through so you don’t pull out the hose prematurely.

RV sewer hose that fits in the travel trailer bumper is convenient. Use care when choosing. Hoses with too large of connectors won’t fit in a bumper. This requires you to store the nasty hose inside a trailer compartment.

Get a hose that stands the test of time. Nothing is worse than finding a hole in your hose while dumping the black tank. Many hoses crack easily if stepped on, so get one that is durable.

I’m sure there are lots of good RV sewer hoses and I haven’t done a head-to-head test or anything, but the one I ended up buying is this 15′ Camco dump hose . I’m happy with the purchase. It fits all of the above criteria, and costs half of what comparable hoses sell for at Camping World.

RV Water Pressure Regulator

It’s worth spending a few dollars to make sure you don’t blow out the water system on your trailer.  Some RV campgrounds have too high of water pressure, which can cause undue stress and eventually leaks in your system.

Get a water pressure regulator that goes between your fresh water hose and the trailer or RV so you prevent that problem.  There are lots of good ones and some are extremely expensive, but Camco sells an all-brass regulator for about $10 on Amazon .

RV Sized Clothes Hampers

The first time we went out in our trailer we didn’t have hampers or anything like that, so by the end of the trip, we had clothes stuffed in random places in the trailer and it made things messy.

You could certainly get a standalone hamper, but then it gets in the way.  I think a better way to go would be to just run to Walmart and buy a simple net bag hamper like a college student would use to carry laundry to the laundromat.  Then put it in one of your open storage compartments.

RV Water Hoses

Carrying two water hoses is essential RV gear. One of them will be a RV fresh water hose that is only used to get city water into your trailer, or to fill the fresh water tank. The other hose should be a different color so you don’t mix them up and should be used when you’re at a dump station to sprinkle out the black water tank (assuming you have a sprinkler system for your black water tank.

The ideal length of hose depends on what your setup is, but I find a 25′ hose to be about right.  Anything longer than that starts to get annoying to take out from under the trailer and unkink.

RV Water Tank Filler Valve

Just about everyone uses a filler valve when filling the fresh water tank on their trailer. It takes FOREVER to fill if you don’t have one because of “bubble back.”

You just attach a cheap little RV water tank filler hose to the end of your hose and put the other end of the valve into the fresh water intake on your trailer. That’s all it takes.

RV DVD Movies

Bring a DVD with you the first time you go up in your trailer. No, camping is not all about watching movies, but it’s a nice activity during the hot part of the day and you’ll want to test out your sweet new tv in the trailer.

And since you asked for my movie recommendation (right?), I highly recommend laughing the hours away at Dwight Schrute on The Office.  Or, watch the comedy movie “RV” with Robin Williams and Cheryl Hines.

Portable RV Size Hand-Held Vacuum

A camper trailer is a pretty small space. It also has mixed flooring with some areas being carpet and other areas flooring. A broom really doesn’t solve the problem of so many dirty feet and shoes coming in and out from the campground.

I really like this portable RV size Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum .  It’s not terribly expensive and gets amazing reviews.

RV Kitchen Items

Give your RV kitchen a quick look and make sure you’re bringing all of the RV kitchen essentials that you may otherwise forget.

Gas Can for RV Tow Vehicle and Generator

You might as well buy a new gas can for filling up your generator so you can keep the can in the trailer. I bought a 5 gallon, which is enough to run the generator continuously for 28 hours since I fill the generator itself before leaving.   My generator (which I LOVE) uses 2 gallons every 8 hours of use.

Unless you’re camping in Phoenix in August, you really shouldn’t need to run the air conditioner more than a few hours a day. Five gallons of gas will likely allow you to go a full week of camping.

RV Toilet Chemicals

It’s generally recommended that you flush the toilet for 45 seconds or so when you take out your trailer before anyone goes to the bathroom so you can get some water in the black tank.  This prevents anything from sticking to the tank.

You’re also supposed to put in chemical that can break down the toilet paper and prevent smells.  A lot of people use these porta packs because it’s a convenient little bubble of chemical that you just drop down the toilet and you’re set.

RV Bubble Level

It’s tough to get your trailer exactly level when parking on uneven ground.  It is also possible (though rare) to damage your fridge if you aren’t parked level.  Solution?  Get a little bubble level and put it somewhere on the trailer.  You can get super fancy and buy one of these really highly-reviewed levels , or just go with the $5 bubble level.  Whatever works for you.

2 and 5/16″ Trailer Ball

Before buying my travel trailer, I had a pontoon boat .  I loved my boat, but traded it in for my travel trailer.  Anyway, boats usually use a smaller size trailer ball than travel trailers, so I had to buy a new one.

3/4 Drill Socket and Drill

This one is worth spending a second to buy.  The stabilizer stands on the four corners of your travel trailer are a PAIN to put up and down manually, and the powered jack stands take FOREVER.

The solution is simple.  Bring your cordless drill with this bit attached to it (link to Amazon) and you can zip your jack stands up and down effortlessly.

RV Trailer Insurance

For most people, insurance is a good idea for your travel trailer.  Not only does it cover the RV in the case of an accident, but it can give you coverage if someone gets injured while visiting your home on wheels.  I wrote a detailed post about the average cost of RV insurance here .

RV Door Mat

You’ll definitely want a nice big mat for outside the steps of your RV. If you don’t get one, you’ll be sweeping up the RV incessantly from all the dirt and sand tracked into the RV.

I recommend a nice big one like this one on Amazon to keep things orderly and clean. It’s not a huge expense by any means, and really helps.

If you have two sets of steps, don’t forget to buy an extra!

Conclusion Travel Trailer Must Haves

Hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a very successful first trip in your camper! For more tips on essential gear, check out Camper Report’s must have gear articles !

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39 thoughts on “19 new travel trailer “must-haves” for beginner rvers”.

My husband and two kids absolutely love everything outdoors. For Christmas, I am thinking of surprising the whole family by going to an RV dealer and buying one for us to go on road trips. I want to have everything set up in it and loved your piece of advice to make sure you buy sheets that are good quality and a good color to hide a bit of dirt. https://www.mymountaineerrv.com/

Thanks for the post!

If you like to travel or are always out of the house, this portable, electric bidet from BitbitPH is your best friend.

Great list. Need to add possible emergency items like a whistle which can be heard from afar or scare off an animal, pepper spray for close dangers, some kind of defense weapon like a bat? Never know when a hungry animal may come around. And never keep food outside.

Thank You so very much for the tips.

It would be my backpack that I love the most. I cant wait to read far more from you, especially in gift idea for backpackers. Thanks for posting this informative article.

You should add pillow tops to this list…. man my rv bed was stiff as a board. I got a nice pillow top from wally world and it made a HUGE difference. In fact, i usually get a better night sleep in my camper as opposed to at home. Tip: don’t be cheap, the more expensive ones are definitely worth the investment.

Thanks for all the tips. We just bought a new toy hauler and we drove it from Kansas (where we got an amazing deal) back to South Florida. We ended up having to trade in my husbands 2016 Chevy for a 2019 F350 because the towing was just like you said. We ended up staying at several places along the way and didnt have anything with us but clothing and that type of stuff, we spent a bit of money getting things we needed and learned as we went…lol. Iam glad to have found your site and think its a huge help. Thank you

I camp with others alot in the rvs or pitch a tent. Finally have decided to purchase my own travel trailer. I have learned over the years lots of things to have. Great article. Alot of good info here. Bring your lawn games and have fun!!!

Great information and a good list of things to remember. Thanks as we are newbies and have our first trailer in our 60’s.

This is very informative and helpful tips for outdoor travel. Actually, every tool is needed before starting your travel tour. Toilet cleaning accessories, car, and home-related accessories will help your every work. Thanks for sharing this great helpful tips. Especially the torque wrench, socket & drill is your very essential tools because it will help you in repairing your car.

Thanks for the post. I’m looking to get a camper in a year or so and thought a lot of these items would come with it (hoses, sewer lines, valves, etc. I went to Amazon and put these items in my save list for future purchase.

Hi…we’re in our 60’s and new to travel trailer camping. We just bought new Gulfstream Vista 25’….we dont know what to do about AC since it is terribly loud…also there are overheads literally over our heads over the bed…we have actually hitbour head on them while sleeping and getting up suddenly…any suggestions??? Thank you!

All great ideas.

Where do you store your generator when travelling?

I store my generator in the front storage compartment of my travel trailer. Most new generators can fit in this space, but you can also buy a mount off of amazon that will store it on the tongue of the travel trailer above the propane tanks. Its like $80 and bolts right on. Takes 5 minutes. I’ve also seen people fabricate or buy some type of bumper box that they store their generator in as well. You can get these generator boxes for the back bumper or for a tongue mount. Plastic or metal. My brother simply just bought a heavy duty bike lock and secured his generator to the bed of his truck. There are tons of different generator storage ideas you can find on rv forums or even pinterest. I am not sure if Jim/Ricky would allow a link otherwise i would link out to amazon and other sites for you, but do a google search and you will find what I am talking about.

Thank you for this article. I’m in the process of thinking about purchasing a light weight camper trailer and your article has been tremendously helpful. Keep up the good work.

Interesting And informative post about traveling. Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article. Thanks, dear for this amazing informative post. You know what, i like travel trailer and want to buy for mine along with my family !!

Travel trailer is really important thing for a traveler. I like travel trailer. I want to buy a travel trailer for my family. Your post is very helpful for right choose. Thank you for share a beautiful and helpful information.

We?re thinking of getting the backup camera for our 2104s but concerned about the fact that it stays on. Do you have any more information or advice about this?

Jim, Looking to start our first rv adventure, and your a down to earth helpful blog is appreciated. I have a question, concerns the details about grounding the electrical system is how important or is it necessary? Thanks

I have a 2015 dodge durango with the v 6. 6200 pds towing capacity would you recommend this trailer for towing how well does your dodge it if you don’t mind me asking. Thanks

I am going to make a RV trip and this is the first time ever for me and my family. We are so excited about it but looking for such a post to get ready perfectly. These things are really required and I am going to buy those were not with me. Excellent awaring post!!

Thanks for the info. I just purchased my first trailer for myself and my boys. 2018 Rockwood 2509S. Some of the items on your list i would not have thought of until i needed them.

I would recommend a fitting on the black hose that has a hose fitting. After dumping the black tank this will shoot water straight into the tank and wash out those items that may be stuck in it. I got one from Walmart for under $20. A great investment.

What exactly was the part called that you bough from Walmart? So much to choose from.

We have just retired and purchased our first camper. Newbie campers in our 60’s. Love this information. Thanks.

Super helpful. We pick up our trailer on Friday and will be ordering the sewer hose you recommend!

Great info. Our 2016 model 1905 mini rockwood is a great lite hauler by a 2012 ridgeline never a complaint. Dont forget the sewerhose ladder.

I would recommend a water filter system also.

Our ladder for our2504S was under one of the bunk mattresses.

That’s interesting what you mentioned about how it’s recommended that you flush the toilet for about 45 seconds or so when you take out your trailer before anyone goes to the bathroom so you can have water in your tank. I’ve heard that it’s helpful, too, to have a bowl that can be filled with additional water by your toilet in case extra water is needed to clear out the waste. I’ll have to remember all these different accessories to bring the next time we take our trailer out.

Pat, how do you like the auto stabilizers. ?thanks,Bing

Thanks for some great information. We have a Durango with a max 7,200 towing capacity and we are looking at the 2506S model which is similar in size/weight to yours. From the one picture you show with the trailer attached to your Durango, it appears your are not using a Weight Distribution Hitch. Is that true and how does it tow with or without. Have you towed long distances in wind, mountains, freeways with trucks etc. Thanks for sharing.?

Where were you camping when you filmed this video?

I forgot , we bought a pillow top matress cover , and bought queen sheets from Walmart, they fit fine. We have never had issues with them.

We have the Rockwood mini lite 2504s June 2016, ours did come with a bunk ladder and electric stabilizer jacks, otherwise it is the same as yours. We also ordered our with a storage ottoman, for comfort when sitting on the couch … and more storage. We love our trailer. Our dealer in Dever added a water hose, sewer hose, water regulator and toilet chemicals. We previously had a 2003 Trailmanor that we owned for 11 years, so we had many things already for our trailer. We did change out our kitchen faucet immediately for a much nicer one with a pull out spray nozzle. We also added an inverter to run off batteries, and we added a second battery. We bought solar panels. We can charge on a sunny day and run our TV and lights off the batteries at night, and never run out of power. We just felt it was much better for the environment. We live in Colorado and camp in the mountains, so we did add sway control, we wouldn’t travel without it. We tow with a 2016 Ford F150 it can tow 11500 lbs and tows this with no problems. We have made 11 camping trips since buying it, no issues. We did buy the two year warrantee, have had good luck so far. Congrats on your purchase.

Thanks for the blog. I will follow you. I am thinking of getting one in a year or so.

What solar panels did you purchase?

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55+ RV Essentials for Beginners

RV Essentials for Setting Up Your Motorhome or Travel Trailer

When you reach your destination and back into a campsite , here’s everything you’ll need to set up before you can start exploring:

• Wheel chocks
• Leveling blocks
• Jack crank handle (for RVs with manual stabilizing jacks)
• Shore power cord (if your RV didn’t come with one)
• Surge protector
• Potable water hose
• Water pressure regulator
• Clear 90° sewer hose elbow
• Disposable gloves for handling your sewer hose

A nice-to-have: a scissor jack socket adapter to use with a power drill for quickly and easily raising and lowering manual stabilizing jacks. Don’t use an impact driver, and never use stabilizing jacks to lift your trailer!

Download our complete RV setup and teardown checklist to track how you’ll use these RV essentials.

RV Essentials for Interior Living

With your RV properly leveled and stabilized — and water, sewer, and electric hooked up — you’ll need these RV essentials for comfortable living and strategic RV maintenance on each trip: 

• RV toilet paper
• Sewer chemicals
• Dishwashing supplies
• Shower essentials
• Laundry supplies
• Water/drinks

A nice-to-have: Adhesive hooks and hangers are great for creating hanging storage space, especially in smaller campers with limited drawers and cabinet storage.

RV Essentials for Outdoor Living

Some campers keep their outdoor living setup minimal. Others can be quite extravagant. These RV essentials for outdoor living will help you set up a comfortable yet reasonable outdoor living area at your campsite:

• Camp chairs
• Outdoor grill/griddle
• Folding camp table (not all sites have a picnic table)
• Portable firepit (not all sites have fire rings or allow wood fires year-round)

A nice-to-have: Insect repellants can make camping much more comfortable, especially in the spring in particularly mosquito-friendly environments.

RV Essentials for Boondocking

While most new RVers should begin by staying close to home in a campground with full hookups, you can use our guide to boondocking for beginners – and this list of essentials – to prepare for an off-grid adventure.

• Portable generator
• Solar kit (panels, charge controller, inverter)
• Portable power station
• Water container
• Portable waste tank

A nice-to-have: A rolling wagon will help transport your recreation items to the beach, riverfront, or a friend’s camp spot.

RV Essentials That Experienced RVers Can’t Live Without

In addition to the essentials listed above, experienced RVers told us they can’t live without the following: 

• Slip-on camp shoes with good traction
• A socket that fits your hot water drain plug
• A pad and pen to write down what you need or forgot
• Toolbox just for the camper
• Electric, plumbers, and duct tape
• Flashlight with batteries
• Canopy lights
• Small crockpot
• 800 thread count (or higher) Egyptian cotton sheets
• A good down comforter
• Cast iron skillet
• Fire starters
• Microwave-safe dishes
• Laundry basket
• Tabletop smoker
• Veggie peeler
• Potato masher

RV Essentials for Newbies: Advice From The Community

Our community also spoke up with their top tips for new RVers: 

Advice on Getting Started

“Learn your vehicle/trailer before you go out on a trip.” – AJ Riffice

“Make your first trip close to home. This will allow you to get things you forgot. Observe other campers when they set up and when they leave. This will help you improve your process. Talk with other campers. Ask them for things they do and things they have that are helpful. Make a list of things you need to get. Read and reread your owner’s manual. Make a list of things to do and things you need to learn.” – Steve Brown

“Do a test camp and see if you can figure out your water heater, your dump station routine, and what you need to be comfy when you sleep.” – CM McCullough

“Until you’re comfortable backing up, opt for pull-thru sites!! Even then, be aware of turning radius, etc…lest you knock down your site’s power pole or water fixture!!” – Steve Rogers

“Get an RV or camper with heated tanks for winter and a heat pump.” – Rhonda Hunt

“Replace the original mattress. Those factory ones are terrible.” – Matt Hawks

Here’s our guide to choosing the right RV mattress upgrade!

Advice on Pre-Trip Checks

“Check air pressure before you leave. Make sure all storage compartments are shut and locked. Do a walk around twice to make sure everything is hooked up correctly. Take paper plates to eat on. And a good coffee mug. The camping world will throw in decent chairs. Take only the clothes you will wear. short trips until you’re comfortable. Take what you think you will need for a short trip and look around at other campers. They will have things and set up things that you will get ideas from for the next time. Eventually, you will find your own groove. Take it slow and easy. Enjoy!” – Wyatt Kingrey

“Make sure propane tanks are full! Especially if it’s cold out!” – Joan Norkus

Advice on Packing

“The thing I learned for sure is that I need far less than I think I do.” – Aileen Lauer

“Boil your breakfast in a freezer bag. It’s a great omelette.” – Troy Davis

“Carry a notepad every time you camp. If you think about window coverings, write it down and get measurements. If you think of something that would be nice to have, write it down. Makes it so much easier if you keep a list.” – Mark Bowen

Advice on Campground Etiquette

“Talk to other campers who may know more than you! A handshake is a strong currency! And be courteous to your neighbors.” – Rick Krenz

“Don’t leave your dump valves open on your stay. (You’re camping neighbor also won’t like you) They are called dump valves for a reason!” – Karen Page

“Be nice!” – Rick Nixon

What Are the Best RV Blogs for Newbies?

We encourage you to view our full collection of RV resources here on the Camping World blog! 

But there are many other online platforms with loads of beginner-friendly advice. Here are a few of our favorites: 

• RV.com – A comprehensive resource for the latest RV industry news and RV reviews
• The Good Sam Blog – An excellent resource for trip planning and campground reviews
• Wildsam Magazine – Great for tips and advice to inspire your next road trip

Do you have any advice on RV essentials for beginners?

Share your thoughts in this Facebook poll . 

• Comment (2)

RV essentials Learn what all the weight limits are for your RV. Find and understand the weights placard on your RV and or tow vehicle.

Great advice, Jerry. That’s invaluable knowledge for anyone new to RVing.

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30 Must Have RV Accessories for a New Camper Trailer

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Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

Updated April 11, 2024

Recently, we were cleaning out and re-organizing our RV and realized how much stuff we had purchased to fully equip our RV for camping and traveling. That got us thinking: we should create a list of must-have RV accessories for new travel trailers, motorhomes, and fifth wheels!

To help you eliminate the possibility of experiencing your first RV camping trip unprepared, we put together our list of must-have RV camping accessories to help you with every aspect of your camper. We have every one of these items on our Class A and Class C RVs! Yep – we own two RVs so we know what gear you need for your RV!

Our list of must-have gear and accessories for your RV includes everything you need, including gear for setting up camp, dumping tanks, protecting your electrical and plumbing systems, and so much more. We have been using many of these items for over four years so you know they will last.

We made a video that’s a great guide for all the best RV accessories you’ll need to go RV camping without a hitch… pun intended. Check it out!

30 Must Have RV Accessories and Supplies for a New Camper or Travel Trailer

1. rv sewer hose : an absolute must-have rv accessory.

I guess I’m starting out the list of RV must-haves with the crappiest items first…but a good sewer dump hose is essential. Let’s face it: Dumping wastewater tanks is not fun, so you want to ensure you have the correct equipment to make the job easy.

When buying a sewer hose , you should remember a few things. First, you should consider the hose length. I have found that the 15-foot sewer hose works best most of the time. The 10-foot hose is too short, and the 20-foot hose is too long.

Second, look for a hose with a clear or translucent elbow so you can see when it is empty before disconnecting it. Trust me, you don’t want to play a guessing game when disconnecting your sewer hose.

Third of all, not all sewer hoses are the same. Some are much stronger than others and will withstand you occasionally stepping on the hose without it cracking or breaking. And you will step on your hose occasionally, so buy a good one so you don’t break it.

Finally, most RV, camper or travel trailer bumpers are designed to store the sewer hose. I didn’t discover this until well after I bought my first RV. The sewer hose itself will almost always fit in the bumper but the attachment pieces on the ends of the hose don’t always fit.

So, try to find a hose where the attachments will fit in the bumper too. If you can’t, you will need a tote with a tight lid to store your sewer hose in your storage area.

2. Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves

Whenever you dump your holding tanks, you should wear gloves to avoid contact and keep them clean. The cheap latex gloves you can buy at the pharmacy or your grocery store just won’t cut it.

There are a few things to consider before buying gloves. First of all, they should be nitrile and not latex. Nitrile is more puncture-resistant than latex, and there are no latex allergy concerns with nitrile, which is a synthetic rubber product.

Second, your gloves should be long and heavy-duty. I suggest at least 6 mils in thickness, but 8 mils is better. The last thing you want is for your glove to rip while working with your sewer hose. I also recommend the 9 1/2″ length of the glove so it covers your wrist as well as your hand.

Third of all I recommend disposable gloves. They are very inexpensive and you won’t have to clean them after every use. Just use them and lose them.

I like the neon orange 8 mil nitrile gloves by Gloveworks. This brand has great reviews, and the gloves have a diamond grip pattern, too. They work great.

We have a 15′ Rhinoflex Sewer Hose Kit, and it’s a great hose.

3. RV Toilet Chemicals

You need to add deodorizer chemicals to your toilet, or you will be driving down the road looking at your partner and wondering, “Was that you?” Toilet chemicals are flushed down the toilet and help eliminate odor. They also help break down RV toilet paper and keep your holding tank clean.

Many toilet chemicals are on the market, and we used to use  Aqua-Kem RV Holding Tank Treatment .

But we switched to Matt’s Liquified Tank Treatment in 2023, and it works great! We are sure you will love it, too!

4. RV Toilet Paper

You probably don’t know this if you are new to RVing but you can’t use the regular toilet paper from your house in your RV toilet. You have to buy special biodegradable toilet paper so your black water holding tank doesn’t get clogged up. Better to learn this lesson sooner rather than later!

But even more important than that is the softness of the toilet tissue. Many biodegradable toilet tissues are one-ply and not very soft or comfortable to use. But Aqua Soft RV Toilet Paper is a two-ply toilet tissue that we find to be the best option for us.

Check out our article Is Special RV Toilet Paper Really Needed in an RV? for even more information.

5. Fresh Water Hose

A dedicated fresh drinking water hose is not a green garden hose. Water quality is the biggest concern when it comes to finding a good fresh water hose. Most good drinking hoses are made of Phthalate and PBA free PVC low lead level hose assembly parts so they are safe to use.

Your fresh water hose should also be kink-resistant, so I recommend a NeverKink 25′ Fresh Water Hose .

It goes without saying but never store your water hose and sewer hose in the same storage compartment. Or at least keep the sewer hose in a sealed container of some kind if you do.

6. RV LIfe PRO App

The RV Life PRO app is not exactly a piece of gear, but we use it almost daily. We use RV Trip Wizard through RV Life PRO to plan our trip itineraries and find campgrounds along the way.

Since we belong to Thousand Trails and Passport America, we use the filters in RV Trip Wizard to locate these campgrounds so we can stay for free or at a discounted price.

And we can pull up the RV Life PRO app on our phone and seamlessly transfer our trip info into the RV Safe GPS so we can get where we are going safely.

This is hands down a must-have accessory for every RVer because you can’t use Waze or Google when you drive your RV. And RV Trip Wizard is by far the best trip-planning tool on the market.

Here are a couple of big TIPS:

• Follow our link to sign up for RV Trip Wizard
• Remember your User name and Password
• Then go to the app store on your phone and download the RV Life PRO app
• Use the same exact User name and Password you used when you signed up for RV Trip Wizard
• That’s it! – You are all set!
• Use Discount Code RVBLOGGER to SAVE 25%

7. Water Filter

A good water filter will not only make your water taste better but it will also make your water safer to drink. Water filters can remove the taste of chlorine contaminants and sediment.

When looking for a water filter try to find one that is in line, which means it connects between your fresh water hose and your RV. Also, try to find one with a flexible hose protector to prevent stress and strain on the hose connection points.

We like the Camco TastePure Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector. It comes with a flexible hose protector and it’s a great value that will last all season!

8. Water Pressure Regulator : Must Have RV Camping Accessory to Protect Your Pipes

An RV water pressure regulator is a small but useful device that keeps the psi of the water entering your RV down to a safe level to prevent plumbing pipes from developing pressure leaks.  What is the proper PSI for your RV? The recommended water pressure for newer RVs is around 60 psi and 50 psi for older ones.

Water pressure can vary quite a bit from campground to campground, and without a gauge, you will have no idea what it is when water enters your RV. You can try to estimate the amount of pressure by adjusting the water spigot, but you will regret that decision once you see a leak pop up.

Don’t just buy any water pressure gauge, though. You want to buy an adjustable water pressure regulator with a gauge so you can know the water pressure and adjust it if necessary. Also, you will want to make sure you buy a safe brass product that meets the low lead requirements for safe drinking water.

9. Electric Surge Protector: Must Have RV Camping Accessory to Protect Your Electrical System

A good surge protector prevents your RV’s power voltage from dropping too low or surging too high. It protects your RV’s electrical system, appliances, TVs and computers from serious damage due to these voltage fluctuations. This one investment can literally save you thousands of dollars.

There are many surge protectors on the market but the Progressive Industries 30 amp and 50 amp surge protectors always have the best reviews and ratings and we agree.

PRO TIP: We cover the entire electric pedestal and surge protector with a large garbage bag and duct tape at the bottom for two reasons. The connections stay dry when it rains, and it lowers the chance of theft .

10. Short Queen Sheet Set

What’s the difference between a queen-sized bed and a short queen bed? About 5″. The queen-sized bed in your house is about 60″ wide by 80″ long. The short queen, which is found in most RVs, campers, and travel trailers, is 60″ wide by 75″ (and sometimes 74″) long.

So if you were planning to use your bed sheets in your camper, they won’t really work well. The bottom sheet will be loose; personally, I can’t stand it when it isn’t tight.

We like these Short Queen sheets on Amazon because they are inexpensive, a darker color, good quality with deep pockets (to cover our mattress and our foam mattress pad) and we keep them in our RV.

11. RhinoFlex Rhino Blaster Sewer Tank Rinser

Rinsing our black water tank after dumping has always been a hassle. Filling the black tank with water took forever, to flush it out. We would have to hold the toilet valve open or drag a hose through the RV window to fill the black tank through the toilet.

But flushing the black (and gray) water tank is easy now. We just use the Rhino Blaster and connect a hose to it to quickly and easily fill and flush the black water tank.

We recently had our black and gray tanks professionally cleaned by Kleen Tank RV Tank Cleaning Service , which used the Rhino Blaster with Tank Valve to flush our tanks. They highly recommend using the Rhino Blaster on a regular basis.

This is what we do; we received grades of A and A- on our RV tanks! Not too shabby for having them professionally cleaned once in 2 years.

The key is to buy the Rhino Blaster with the Gate Valve . RhinoFlex sells the Blaster without the gate valve for less money, but without it, you can’t fill your black tank because the water is pouring down the sewer hose while you are shooting water into the black tank.

This is a great, easy-to-use item that has made maintaining our black tank a breeze. We absolutely recommend it!

12. A Good Mattress Pad

If you plan to spend more than a weekend at a time in your new RV, camper, travel trailer or pop-up, we recommend getting a good-quality RV mattress pad. Any RVer will agree that most camper mattresses aren’t very comfortable, and getting up in the morning feeling stiff and sore is no way to start your day.

We bought a mattress pad, a top sheet with polyfill quilted in. It gave no support whatsoever. So don’t waste your money making the same mistake we did. Get an actual 4-inch thick memory foam mattress topper .

A 4″ thick memory foam mattress topper will provide great support for your back while you sleep. We have a memory foam mattress pad at home and in our RV and we sleep great!

13. RV Windshield Cover with Side Window Screens

When we RV, we like to leave the windows open at night rather than run the A/C. But sometimes, it is just too hot inside the RV to do that. We wished we had more windows to open to get more airflow. So we figured we could at least get a windshield visor to keep some of the heat out of our RV during the day, and that way, maybe it would be cooler at night.

While we were searching for a windshield visor, we found the perfect solution to our problem. The new windshield cover we found has side window screens built into it, so we can roll down the driver and passenger side windows and get much more airflow without bugs flying into the RV! It also reduces the amount of heat that enters the RV.

Another great benefit of our windshield cover is that we no longer need to use the privacy curtain. This gives us easy access to the front seats so we can get to the radio, RV GPS, glove box or our USB chargers. We can also use the front seats for storage while we camp. And, without the privacy curtain up, the inside of the RV feels much larger too.

14. RV Leveling Blocks

I don’t know about you but I can’t stand sleeping in a camper that is not level. I hate it when my head is lower than my feet. Susan calls me the princess and the pea! Ugh! Anyway, you want your camper to be level for sleeping purposes and just to be comfortable while walking around inside your camper too.

We recommend the 10 Pack of Tri-Lynx Leveling Blocks . They have been the industry standard for over twenty years. They come in a convenient bag so they don’t get lost in your storage compartment and they are bright orange so they don’t get left behind when you break camp.

15. Wheel Chocks

If you don’t have wheel chocks you will need a pair of chocks so your camper doesn’t shift or roll after you have it all set up. We like the bright orange Tri-Lynx Wheel Chocks  because they are easy to see and we don’t forget them when we leave our campsite. Plus you can snap them into place with the leveling blocks above for perfect leveling every time.

16. Coleman Propane Stove or Grill Top Coffee Maker: Must Have RV Kitchen Accessories

So, how are you supposed to make coffee in the morning if your campsite has no electricity and it’s quiet time, so you can’t fire up the generator? We run into this problem when we camp in national and state parks because they typically have no electricity, and they do have generators, which are quiet times to deal with.

So, we discovered the propane percolator coffee maker . We use it right on the stovetop in our RV kitchen! We don’t even have to go outside to set it up on the camp stove unless we want to.

The coffee maker makes great coffee, just like using our electric coffee maker. Just put in the filter, coffee and add water. Turn on the propane, and we have fresh, hot coffee in a few minutes. One other nice benefit is that we can control how fast it percolates. We like strong coffee, so we use a lower flame setting to boil the water more slowly, and it makes stronger coffee this way. Perfect!

17. First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit is a must-have item in your camper – just in case. Some of the features to consider are if it is lightweight and compact so you can take it with you when you are off hiking, biking or fishing.

We like the Swiss Safe 2 in 1 First Aid Kit because it is stocked full of the essentials and it is very light and compact. It even has a mini first aid kit built in that you can take with you so you don’t need to carry the whole kit.

18. Emergency Roadside Kit

A good emergency roadside kit is a must-have RV accessory. It should include jumper cables, a tow rope, road reflectors, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and much more. The tow rope and jumper cables are the most important, though.

Some emergency roadside kits  even include gloves, a flint fire starter, an emergency blanket, a multi-tool, etc. All of these items can come in handy in case you have a flat tire on a busy roadway or in the middle of nowhere.

The Roadside Rescue Emergency Kit has everything you could possibly need, and it also has a 5-star rating on Amazon.

19. Drill Gun with 3/4″ Socket for Levelers

I don’t know about you, but I never want to level a popup, fifth wheel, or travel trailer again by hand. So we recommend you keep a battery-operated drill gun with a 3/4″ socket on hand to make leveling much easier and faster.

This drill will help make leveling a breeze, but adding this to your RV accessories list will ensure you’re never without a screwdriver again.

I’ve had a Ryobi Cordless Drill for years and I love it because the battery lasts forever, it has a keyless chuck, which makes changing bits a breeze, and it comes with a battery and charger. I can’t believe they sell cordless drills without the battery and charger but they do.

20. DampRid: Essential RV Camping Accessories for Combating Condensation

If you’re new to RVing, you might not know that eliminating condensation is one of the constant battles inside your RV. It can cause mold and mildew, so a few containers of damp-rid are essential RV camping accessories.

All kinds of moisture can build up inside your camper from cooking, showers, humidity in the air and more. So, we always have DampRid in our RV to prevent moisture from building up and causing mold or mildew inside. We just open one up and keep it in the RV at all times, and it lasts for about 45 days.

They are disposable, so at the end of their life, just throw it away and open a new one. Check out our article to learn about DampRid vs Dehumidifier: How We Reduce Humidity in Our RV .

21. Adjustable Step

If stairs give you a bit of trouble or your RV is particularly high off the ground, be sure to add an adjustable step to your must-have RV accessories list.

Sometimes, the distance from your camper to the ground is just a little too far, and it can be uncomfortable or unsafe, especially when you are carrying things in and out of your camper. We find that a good quality step makes a huge difference. Here are some important features that you should look for in a good adjustable step :

• First of all, your step should have adjustable legs. You should be able to adjust each leg independently. This way, you can adjust the step to be level even if the ground outside your camper is not.
• The step should have legs that can fold under so it’s easy to store and put away
• It should have a no skid surface in case the step is damp or wet and no skid feet so it doesn’t move if placed on a hard surface.

We like the  Camco Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform Step . It’s an absolute must-have accessory.

22. GrassWorx Doormat

Our RV floors used to get dirty pretty quickly. We almost always take our shoes off when we walk inside the RV but we were still tracking some dirt inside. And then, when we were barefoot or in socks inside the RV, we could feel that gritty feeling on the floors! So, we bought one of these gra ss style doormats and what a difference!

These mats really do a great job scrubbing the dirt or sand off the bottom of our shoes. So, we sweep and vacuum the RV less often because it stays cleaner longer! It made a huge difference for us. It’s totally worth the minimal cost.

RV Campsite Accessories

23. zero gravity lounge chair recliners.

Don’t buy cheap, flimsy camping chairs when you’re stocking up on RV accessories. These zero-gravity chairs are a game changer—you won’t want to get out of them.

These Xero Gravity Lounge Chairs are our full-time chairs when we go on a camping trip. We have the other upright regular folding camping chairs, but they hurt my back because I sink down into the chair. In an attempt to make myself more comfortable, I would grab one of the dinette backrest pillows and sit on it while in my camping chair.

Then one weekend we took all 4 of our camping chairs out of the RV and forgot to put them back. When we went camping all we had were the Zero Gravity Lounge Chairs . Oh no! But that’s when the light bulb went on for me! I realized over that weekend that I could just use my zero gravity chair full time when we go camping and be much more comfortable.

Not only are these chairs much more comfortable for sitting around the campfire, but we also took them to a concert at a Harvest Host Winery and to movie night at another campground. They are also awesome for kicking back and stargazing! We definitely recommend these chairs!

24. Portable Folding Camping Table

Even if you only plan on going to campsites with picnic tables, you won’t regret adding a portable camping table to your RV accessories list. This little thing is so useful!

We absolutely love our camping table . In fact, we have two of them. We keep one camping table in the RV and the other in the car. We always set it up when we are sitting in front of the campfire at night and it holds our drinks, snacks, cell phones, and outdoor speaker.

The lower shelf is great, too, for a flashlight or whatever else you need. We actually have the red and the black colored tables. This is definitely an RVBlogger favorite!

25. Heavy Duty Log Grabber and Fire Poker

Do yourself a favor and add a log grabber and fire poker to your RV accessories list. You’ll thank me later!

All too often, my fire poker was a stick that I found lying on the ground. Most of the time, it would break in half or catch on fire—or both! I would get frustrated because I liked to have a nice fire and keep it going…and Susan would laugh at me.

But then she took pity on me and bought me this awesome log grabber and fire poker and I love it! It has a spring-loaded grabber, so I can literally grab a burning log, pick it up and reposition it. And it’s heavy-duty! I push it into the ground so it stands up – that way I don’t lose it or step on it.

Now, it’s super easy to tend the fire and keep it going!

26. Magical Flames : A Fun and Unique RV Accessory

This may not be an absolute must have as far as RV accessories go, but it sure is a cool RV accessory sure to wow the kids or grandkids!

Want to add a little magic to your fire? Magical Flames are the perfect accessories for any wood burning fire! Simply toss an UNOPENED packet or two into your fire for a magical experience that is sure to delight all ages!

Magical Flames adds dazzling blues, brilliant greens, and delightful purples to transform a boring yellow and orange fire into a dancing rainbow of flames!

27. RV Camping Mat

A camping mat is one of the most essential RV camping accessories for setting up the campsite.

We really try to keep the inside of the RV as clean as possible. We just can’t stand the feeling of dirt or sand on our feet when we are in socks or barefoot inside the RV.

So, we discovered this RV Camping mat , which is great for creating an outside 9′ x 12′ patio that helps to keep us from tracking dirt or sand into the RV. It’s essential to have a camping mat if you ever camp at the beach or in a sandy area. It makes a huge difference in the sand.

When combined with the Grassworx doormat listed above we are able to keep the inside of the RV cleaner for longer. It’s nice to get out of bed in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and not feel sand or dirt on the floor.

28. Universal Stove Top Cover

An RV stovetop cover is one of the most essential RV kitchen accessories. This cover turns your stovetop into more counter space—genius!

I don’t know about you, but our RV does not have enough countertop space. The sink is right next to the stove, which leaves about 4″ of countertop space. Yikes!

Luckily, we found this stove top cover, and now we have a place to set up the coffee maker and toaster in the morning or a place to put our cups if we want to pour a soda.

The great thing about this stove top cover is that it is universal so you don’t have to guess if the stove top cover will actually fit on your stove. We bought ours and used the template on the back to measure where to install the rubber cups that stick to the burner grates.

It was very easy to install and now we have extra countertop space. And the rubber cups that hold it in place prevent it from squeaking too!

29. RV Journal : Unique RV Accessory to Document Your Travels

An RV camping journal is one of the most unique RV accessories. It will help you memorialize your travels so that you can look back on them and reminisce.

We have been RVing in a lot of really cool places, and after we stay somewhere, Susan loves to Journal about it while we are on the road to our next destination.

We can record the route we took, mileage, people we met along the way, and memorable sights and events. It’s fun to relive our journey as Susan writes about it. Plus, it’s a perfect gift for your favorite camper or to keep for yourself.

30. Custom Keychain

It’s no secret that many RV keys are the same. It’s also no secret that most of us have lost an RV key at some point.

Customized keychains not only hold your keys they can also have useful features such as a flashlight, stylus, or multi-tool. Keychains are small, durable, lightweight and you always have it with you!

Having a multi-functional key fob that can be used as a tool and make it easy to spot your RV keys and identify them from all the other look a likes is super convenient. Custom keychains are practical and a fun way to personalize your RV!

Thanks for reading this article. We hope you find our list of 30 Must Have RV Accessories for a New Camper or Travel Trailer useful when you stock up your new camper or travel trailer accessories and supplies.

Over the past few years, we have seen lots of other RV gadgets and accessories like tire pressure monitoring systems, lithium jump starters, two-way radios, air compressors, cast iron skillets and even instant pots! (We have an instant pot too) But we feel that these items are one tier up from the must have tips and lists we have seen.

If you would like to contact us directly, please feel free to visit our Contact Page and send us an email.

Learn More!

– How to Setup Your RV Campsite for Beginners Water, Sewer, Electric, and Gear – 25 Must-Have Campervan Accessories – 8 Best Places to Buy RV Gifts Accessories and Supplies – 33 Best Pop Up Camper Accessories – 25 Essential Truck Camper Accessories

To see a list of all of our articles, check out the Blog Archive !

What is the one must-have accessory you just can’t live without when you are RVing? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.

25 thoughts on “30 Must Have RV Accessories for a New Camper Trailer”

This is such an awesome list. Because we started watching your videos about 6 months before we bought our trailer and took a five-month road trip, we have all of these items. (we did opt for a different coffee maker). The one additional item that we bought, although a bit expensive, was a set of folding solar panels and a solar generator. This proved to be perfect for all the dry camping we did in National Parks where our roof solar panels were covered in shade or clouds many times and we could locate the portable panels in direct sun. You guys are the best and I continue to love your newsletter and videos.

I always enjoy these articles. Most everything here I already have except the coffee maker. I just use a percolator on the stove

Hi Nancy, If you have most of what is on our list, then it sounds like we did an ok job with our lest of must-haves. Thanks for reading the article! Mike

Hello, I enjoy your articles. Very helpful. I would recommend an article about going small with appliances, LOL as I see people buying large items. I have a Travato and space is the final frontier.

Also another item to consider is a small vac for cleaning that recharges. I find this very useful. I also have a small plug in heater that has come out (for bathrooms), and it is safe and easy to use instead of cranking up the heater.

Thank you and safe travels everyone. Larry T Florida

What a great idea! Thanks for all your suggestions!

You mentioned walkie-talkies as a second tier, nice to have but not essential. It looks like you have a Class C, and I would agree with you, in your case. We tow a TT, though, and find those to be one of the essentials as my wife will stand at the back of the trailer and help guide me in when backing up. Since she’s standing about 50′ behind me, and often out of my sight (so hand signals aren’t a good option), and we tow with a diesel truck and all the noise associated with those, yelling directions don’t work well, either. Some people use their cell phones, but where we like to camp, we often don’t have cell phone coverage. Great basic article, though.

Hi Skip, The walkie-talkies are a great idea! Thanks for sharing! Mike

I gotta tell ya something. I frickin love yer videos! And yer blog! I just found your channel while surfing the web (so bored since job loss from covid) and your channel is so very unique. So professional and very informative. I have an RV that I use as a summer escape and I wish I had known about that black tank washer thingy before! And you were made for how to videos, are you an actor? I think you could be a fine actor. And who is operating the camera? Your spouse? She’s a fine camera operator! The best part of your video is you get straight to the point and don’t add unnecessary stuff, we all have shorter attention spans, are you aware? lol Anyway, great job, and happy RVing!

Hi Lisa, I’m no actor and yup Susan shoots and edits all of our videos. Glad you like them so much! Thanks for the kind words! Mike and Susan

The only two items that I have issues with was your comment in regard to water pressure, I have a 2008 Roadtrek and the pressure is to be no more than 40 psi, so saying 50 could cause some newbie an issue. Also, there is absolutely no reason to use RV specific toilet paper. The only requirement is RV safe paper which a number of brands meet and certainly are a lot cheaper.

HI Jacqueline, What’s the difference between RV specific toilet paper and RV Safe toilet paper? Thanks! Mike

Thanks for the info. Iam researching now and found your information to be very helpful. Happy travels. Gini

Thanks Gini!

This article was super helpful! My boyfriend and I bought our TT about a year ago and did a few trips, but we only had a handful of these items. We’re hoping to go for a longer trip now, so we stocked up on almost everything on the list, minus only a few things I plan to buy later in an effort to slow my spending some 🙂

Hi Sinead, Glad the article was helpful! Safe Travels! Mike

Me and my wife just started searching for travel trailer. We in our 70’s. I have Frontier Pickup Crew Cab 4.0 V6 2-wd GVWR 6300lbs. not sure what travel trailer look at for Beginners that is quality travel trailer. Any suggestions

GVWR or Gross vehicle weight ratings take into account the base curb weight of the vehicle plus the weight of any optional accessories, cargo and passengers. A vehicle should never be loaded beyond the manufacturer’s listed GVWR. That being said, what you really need to know is the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) for your truck. The GTWR is the total mass of a road trailer that is loaded to capacity, including the weight of the trailer itself, plus fluids, and cargo, that a vehicle is rated to tow by the manufacturer. This information is most likely in your owner’s manual. Personally, given your truck, I wouldn’t look at anything with a GTWR greater than 4,000 pounds.

Great information – Thanks!

Thanks Sherry

As a Jehovas Witness and an RV’er I found this article very useful indeed.

I’m glad you found the article helpful. This is all stuff we use personally so we are happy to let others know about it too. Let us know if there is anything in particular that you find to be a Must-Have RV item.

What propane generator is best when you do not power, just to run coffee pot or charge phones or run a fan?

Great Question – one of the quietest small generators on the market is a WEN 56125i Super Quiet 1250-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. It runs at only 51 dB and will last for 9.5 hours. And it’s one of the less expensive models with great ratings on the market. I actually added it to the article above if you want to check it out.

Mike – have you checked out the Goal Zero generators? This is what we take camping and what we’ll have when we get our RV.

Hi Deirdre, I haven’t checked them out yet but they look pretty cool. I would love to find a solar powered generator that can run the Air conditioner! Thanks for reading the article and for your comment! We started a new Facebook group that we are launching today called RV Camping for Newbies! It’s a great place to ask questions and get great answers from your fellow RVers in the group! We hope you’ll check it out! Mike and Susan https://www.facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies/

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50 RV Essentials You Should Consider in 2022 – Expert Buyer’s Guide

August 22, 2022 December 1, 2021 | Christopher Harvey

Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

Maximize RV living and ensure that you own all the RV accessories that will keep you safe and comfortable while you travel!

Whether you plan to full-time RV or just head out on weekends, filling your storage space with all the right RV camping accessories can seem overwhelming.

And while RVers are known for setting up some pretty amazing campsites with all sorts of cool camping gear, there are several key RV gadgets and camping accessories that you absolutely must have on the road. 

In this post, we will not only give you a list of the most important RV must-haves, but also we’ll share our personal experience from over 4 years of full time RV living in why they are important enough to add to your list.

We’ll also share links to our Expert Buying Guides for many of the products so you can see the other options we’ve considered as we have equipped our RV to be our full-time home on the road!

Every RVer has his or her own reasons for promoting certain items. We want you to be safe , enjoy your journey and trust u s to help you make the most of your experience on the road!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post m ay contain links to products we think you’ll like. If you purchase any of the products through the links below we’ll receive a small commission. As full-time RVers, we know our RV products well and only recommend those that we either own or would consider owning ourselves.

RV Must-Haves: Everything You Need to Equip Your RV For the Road

We’re giving you a snapshot of everything we carry with us in our newly remodeled Class RV and recommend that you consider packing into your before you hit the road. Whether you own a travel trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome or campervan, we’re confident you’ll find a use for most, if not all, of the items on our list.

While we are full-timers and believe in being completely self-contained, you may not need everything on this list. But we do recommend you consider each of these items and how they may be useful for your RV living.

We’ll start with the basics and take you through each topic of life on the road so you can feel confident knowing you have all the best RV accessories for your next adventure!

Our Honesty Disclaimer: In the course of living in our RV full time for over 4 years we have thoroughly researched all of these products before making the choice on our own. So we’ll give you honest information that allows you to make the best decision for which product is right for you.

The Basic RV Accessories

Starting with the basics. These are the true RV accessories that you really can’t do without.

As such we think you’re going to want to consider the following must-have RV items to handle your first and foremost priorities in life on the road. 

Water H ose // Camco 25ft TastePURE Drinking Water Hose

At the top of the list of RV must-haves is a water hose dedicated to drinking water.

Fresh water is a commodity on the road. When you refill your RV water tank you want to make sure you have a clean hose.

Sure, you can still use it to wash the dog. But you don’t want to mix this hose up with a hose used for cleaning your black water tank! 

In-line Water Filter // Camco TastePure RV/Marine Water Filter

We also recommend an in-line filter from the water source.

No, you don’t HAVE to filter your water before it comes into your camper. But it’s only a few bucks and a few extra minutes to hook up each time we fill up our holding tanks.

You’ll see a lot of RVers in every RV park using these standard blue filters at the end of their hose. 

Water Pressure Regulator // Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge

You would be surprised at the varying water pressure in campgrounds! Too much water pressure can damage your RV water system.

So we hook this water pressure regulator up and it takes any worry away about how high the water pressure will be when filling our water tanks!

Sewer Hose // Camco RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit

If you have a grey and/or black tank you’re going to need a sewer hose to help you dump your holding tank.

It’s always better to have too much rather than too little when it comes to sewer hose length. We carry the maximum length we can stow (20 feet)! 

You can also add a sewer hose support like this one to help move your business along.

READ NEXT: Looking for more sewer hose options? Check out this post on the best RV sewer hoses on the market.

Leveling Blocks // Camco Heavy Duty Leveling Blocks

Leveling blocks are considered an RV must-have because they serve a variety of important purposes.

Parking level is important not only for comfort but also to protect your gas absorption refrigerator.

These are also good for helping to support and level a travel trailer or fifth wheel.

Power Adapters (15/30 AMP, 30/50 AMP) // Camco Heavy Duty RV Electrical Adapter

Not all power is created equal. Depending on the size of your RV electrical setup, you will want to have several power adapters on hand to step up or down the current that your RV requires. 

We recommend that you have both the 30/50 amp power adapter and a 15/30 amp power adapter so that you can use any power source an RV park provides. 

Shore Power Extension Cord // Camco 25′ PowerGrip Extension Cord

Sometimes your RV power cord will reach the power source on its own. Other times you will need a power cord extension. 

We always try to park as close to the power source as possible. But when it is not possible, our 25′ foot RV power extension cord more than does the trick. 

Remember to buy the 50 amp cord if your RV electrical system runs on 50 amps instead of 30.

RV Clubs and Memberships // Harvest Hosts Membership

A unique recommendation on our list of RV must-haves, Harvest Hosts is by far our favorite and most recommended RV camping club to join.

With over 2,500 unique locations on which to camp – farms, distilleries, vineyards, museums and golf courses – you’ll find yourself passing Harvest Hosts virtually anywhere you travel across the US. It is incredibly affordable and pays for itself in just 2 or 3 nights on the road.

SAVE 15% on your membership through this link .

READ MORE: Check out this post for other great RV clubs and memberships that will save you lots of money when you travel.

Portable Jump Starter // NOCO Boost Plus

A portable jump starter is a great way to ensure that you can be self-reliant in the event you need to jump-start your RV.

One like this is also ideal because you are able to use it to power other electronic devices you may need in the event of an emergency or breakdown.

We used to just carry jumper cables until we stumbled across this compact portable jump starter and we haven’t looked back since.

Multi-port USB Charger // Anker 60W USB Wall Charger

This multi-port USB charger is a game-changer when it comes to charging multiple devices at the same time. Instead of having a block charger for each device simply connect the wires for each device to this multi-port charger and let it do its thing.

This is a space saver and one of the most practical RV gadgets out there.

Headlamp // PETZL Tikka Outdoor Headlamp

Another great overlooked RV gadget is an LED headlamp. They are versatile enough that you can use them for the same purposes as a flashlight and yet you can keep your hands free to do what you need.

Whether you’re just walking around the campsite at night or need to illuminate dark areas you’re trying to reach inside your RV or engine bay, a good headlamp like this will earn its keep in no time at all.

Water-Saving Shower Head // Oxygenics Shower Head

Swapping out your standard RV showerhead for one of these by Oxygenics will be a game-changer when it comes to being frugal with your water.

You don’t want to waste precious water in your motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel when it comes to showering because you only have so much water and grey tank storage.

These showerheads are ergonomic and you can control the flow of water with the click of a button.

Handheld Vacuum // Shark UltraCyclone Pro

While some people consider a vacuum nonessential for RV life, we wouldn’t travel without one. Whether you are traveling with dogs, have kids or just want a quick way to clean up the camper – a handheld vacuum solves all of this for you.

We’re fans of this vacuum because it charges quickly, is lightweight and stows away easily.

READ NEXT: If you’re interested in shopping for other RV vacuums, check out our buyer’s guide for our other top RV vacuum options .

RV Mattress // ZINUS 10 Inch Ultima Memory Foam Mattress

Whether you’re buying a new or used RV, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is replacing the existing RV mattress.

We’re big fans of these memory foam mattresses and recommend the thickest one you think will fit in your RV.

We add a foam mattress topper to ours for the perfect night’s sleep!

Air Compressor + Tire Gauges // VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor

An air compressor is one of those RV accessories that combines safety and recreation into one.  

Whether you’re reinflating tired from going offroad, topping off your tires from time to time, or simply filling bike tires and water toys an air compressor will add value to your life on the road.

We used to carry a larger pancake compressor until we discovered Viair.

READ NEXT: If you’re interested in a different air compressor, be sure you read the best RV air compressors in our Expert Buyer’s Guide before you buy an air compressor!

Generator // Honda 2200

If your RV comes with an onboard generator, great! If not, you’re going to want to consider a generator for backup power particularly if you plan to spend any amount of time boondocking. 

Generators will give you the extra energy you need to run larger appliances such as air conditioners and microwaves. But more commonly, a generator is a great way to keep your battery bank topped off especially if you do not have solar installed.

A solar generator is a great alternative to traditional gas or propane generators.

READ NEXT: Check out our expert buyer’s guide on the best RV generators on the market.

RV Kitchen Essentials

Although your RV kitchen will likely be many times smaller than what you’re used to, you can still turn it into a fully functional space where you can cook your favorite meals.

These are our top recommendations for your RV kitchen based on our years of trying to make the most of our love for cooking food on the road.

Pressure Cooker // Instant Pot

An Instant Pot has recently become one of the top must-have RV kitchen items for RVers of any level. It is a great crossover kitchen appliance you can use at home and in your RV.

Cook all sorts of meals in your Instant Pot and keep it clean with minimal effort. There are also several Instant Pot sizes from which to choose. We opted for the smallest 3-qt size to save space.

Of course, be mindful of the fact you’ll need quite a bit of electricity to power it.

Coffee Maker // AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker

The Aeropress is our absolute favorite travel coffee maker. Check out this post for all of the reasons why we think you should invest in one for your RV.

It is a unique coffee maker in that you do not need to have electricity to use it. Combining the functions of a french press and a percolator, all you need to do is add hot water and you’ll have delicious coffee instantly.

It’s easy to use and packs away in a small space to travel with you wherever you go.

READ NEXT: Check out our Expert Buying Guide for the best RV coffee makers if you want to research other great options!

Magnetic Knife Rack // SimpleUsefulThings 16 inch Wood Professional Magnetic Knife Strip

We call this a magnetic “knife” rack, but really it’s simply a magnetic bar that you can attach anything metal to. We use it for our knives, but also for magnetic spice holders.

Save space, add another layer of texture to your kitchen and, of course, make your knives easily accessible.

Blender // Magic Bullet Blender

One of our favorite RV gadgets, the Magic Bullet blender is a great addition to your kitchen appliances because it is small, yet packs a punch, and is easy to clean.

Whether making fruit smoothies in the morning or crafting a delicious pesto sauce, the Magic Bullet leaves no regret for adding it to your RV kitchen.

Cast Iron Skillet // Lodge 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet

Cast iron skillets have long been praised for their versatility in indoor/outdoor kitchen settings.

This is what makes it a great addition to your RV kitchen as you will find yourself cooking in both places – sometimes at the same time! Some of your favorite RV recipes likely call for cast iron skillets.

And while anything cast iron is bulky, just know it’s worth the investment and weight in your RV!

READ MORE: You can find every RV kitchen essential in THIS POST . See what you need and why we consider each item essential to your RV life on the road.

RV Campsite Setup Must-Haves

One of the joys of RV camping is setting up your “home away from home” at the campsite. Having the right gear makes hanging out at the campsite comfortable and setting up and breaking down quick and easy.

These are our top recommendations for your campsite.

Foldout Camping Chairs // Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Folding Chair

You can’t camp anywhere without camping chairs! We find that these foldout chairs are the best overall value.

From comfort to convenience they pull out and pack away easily and are some of the most comfortable camping chairs you can find.

Foldout Table (Small) // Sunnyfeel Folding Camping Table

While some camping chairs include a small foldout table for holding small things, we absolutely love this small foldout table that is quick to set up and break down.

It can be easily moved around the campsite and holds just enough of the things we use the most.

From coffee cups and plates to tablets and books, you’ll find you likely start and end your day using this table.

Sandless Mat // CGEAR Sand-Free Mat

Don’t track sand around your RV. A sand-free mat like this is literally the foundation of your campsite. Unroll this mat at the foot of your RV door and set up the rest of your campsite around it.

Having a small broom or handheld vacuum near the door helps us get rid of any sand that happens to escape this mat.

USB Speakers // Anker Soundcore Waterproof Speaker

Your RV or travel trailer may have an outdoor entertainment center. But many do not.

We love these USB speakers because they are portable, last a long time between charges and are loud enough to fill the ambiance if the sound of crickets and campfires isn’t your thing!

Propane Fire Pit // Camp Chef Portable Fire Pit

A new addition to our RV must-haves list, this portable propane fire pit is one of the best RV gadgets that comes in handy virtually anywhere.

Whether you travel to areas with fire bans, don’t want to pay for expensive firewood or simply enjoy the convenience of ending the campfire with the turn of a propane nozzle rather than waiting for the ashes to burn out, this fire pit is for you!

READ MORE: We have lots of other great campsite recommendations. Check out our comprehensive list of campsite gear and tips and tricks for your RV Campsite setup in THIS POST .

RV Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves

An important part of your campsite setup is an outdoor kitchen. Whether you keep it simple and stick to grilling on a fire pit or enjoy a more comprehensive outdoor kitchen setup, we recommend you consider these camper accessories as the basics to your kitchen setup.

Propane Grill or Griddle // Blackstone Griddle

The secret is out of the bag among RVers when it comes to the Blackstone griddle. This one is by far our favorite RV grill and the centerpiece of your RV camping kitchen.

We’ve had a few propane grills in our years of full-time RVing and the Blackstone quickly became the best. It is the right size to both pack away and cook an entire meal on.

You can cook a variety of meals on the griddle and it’s quick and easy to clean and stow away.

READ MORE: Interested in other grills to take on your next camping trip? Check out this RV grill buyer’s guide we put together to help you find the perfect one!

Grill utensils // Grilling Accessories BBQ Grill Tools Set

Having a good set of grilling utensils makes the difference between struggling to cook on the grill or having a good time enjoying the experience.

This set is pretty much all you’re going to need in one concise package.

Foldout Table (Large) // Camco Aluminum Roll-Up Table

While you want a small foldout table to keep next to your camping chairs, a larger foldout table will be the cornerstone of your outdoor kitchen.

This one is large enough to fit most grills and griddles, plus allows you the space to prep your food and keep all of your grill utensils in one place. It’s hardy but lightweight enough to pack away easily.

Water Container & Water Dispenser // Brio 5 Gallon Reusable Water Bottle Container & CHIVENIDO Drinking Water Pump

Setting this water container and water dispenser on your outdoor kitchen table makes drinking water simple and convenient.

Plus it’s always nice to have water nearby for cooking and cleaning.

READ MORE: Check out this post for our complete list of outdoor kitchen must-haves.

Essential RV Power Items

Next, consider the fact that, while unpleasant, it is possible to live for extended periods of time as long as you have enough water and food. What makes this time unbearable would be also going without power. 

Understanding your RV power and electrical system is hugely important when you live out of your RV or travel trailer for any amount of time.

NOTE: Many of the power products we recommend can be purchased directly through Renogy in addition to the Amazon links provided. We encourage you to find the most competitive prices. Use coupon code “CALLEDTOWANDER” at checkout for a 10% discount when shopping directly with Renogy.

Solar Panels // Renogy 100 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Although you don’t necessarily need solar panels, we believe that no RV should hit the road without them, especially if you plan to go dry camping.

At this point in time, they are so reasonably priced, efficient and easy to install that there is really no reason to go without. We’ve never gone a day worrying about power.

READ NEXT: Want to shop for other options? Learn more about the best solar panels for RVs in this post.

Solar Charge Controller // Renogy 40A MPPT Solar Charge Controller

Solar charge controllers like this MPPT controller reduce the energy captured by the solar panels to levels that your batteries can handle.

You have various options for these. Depending on whether you purchase a solar panel package or buy components piecemeal, you may end up with a “good-better-best” controller.

We recommend this controller at the least to go with your Renogy panels. Again, everything is easy to understand and mostly plug-and-play. 

If you have multiple solar panels or are willing to spend a little extra on a more efficient controller you should consider purchasing an MPPT controller.

READ NEXT: Check out this buyers guide to learn about other solar charge controller options.

Power Inverter // Renogy 2000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter

Like solar panel systems, inverter options are limitless. We recommend having at least a 1000W inverter because it allows us just enough energy to power pretty much anything we want without requiring a substantial battery bank. 

Do mind the safety suggestions and installation advice concerning the distance, gauge and connections of the wire between the battery bank and the inverter. 

Every time we go “off-grid” we rely exclusively on our inverter to power the essentials. Small appliances like cell phones to larger appliances like our computers can be powered through our inverter. 

READ NEXT: If you are interested in other great inverter options, read our Expert Buyer’s Guide HERE .

Various Fuses // EPAuto Assorted Blade Fuse Set

Sometimes what seems to be the most difficult of electrical issues can turn out to be a simple blown fuse.

It’s good to have fuses of various sizes on hand. You are not likely to end up in an emergency if a fuse does go out on you before you can find a place with spares.

But these are so affordable and small that it just makes sense to keep them handy. 

Surge Protector // Progressive Industries 30 Amp Surge Protector

Having a surge protector like this one from Progressive Industries can provide peace of mind when it comes to keeping your electronic appliances in working order.

While most formal campgrounds in the US and Canada have reliable and steady shore power connections, if you travel south of the border you definitely want to consider adding a surge protector to your RV.

Automatic Transfer Switch // Xantrex PROwatt SW Auto Transfer Switch

If you’re just getting started with RVing you may not fully understand how power works or does not work, in your RV. When we were new we knew enough to have an inverter to power our devices when we were boondocking.

But we didn’t realize that this automatic transfer switch would allow us to use our power outlets even when we weren’t plugged into shore power.

It blew our minds and think it will be a game-changer for you too!

RV Must-Have Tools

Things break quite frequently when you RV. So whether you can make it to an (overly priced) RV repair shop or have to make a few quick fixes on the road, these RV must-haves will keep you safe and allow you to get where you can make proper repairs as necessary.

Whether you RV full time or only on the weekends, it’s advisable to keep the following tools handy.

Multi-bit Screwdriver // CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set

Almost everything these days is assembled using screws of some kind. Having a screwdriver with multiple heads will allow you to manually remove/replace screws of all types.

This is easily our most-used tool and why we consider it an RV must-have in your tool kit. 

Ratchet Set // DEWALT Socket Set

Aside from screws, nuts and bolts of various sizes hold your life together when you are on the road in your RV. From this standpoint, having a good ratchet set and/or a few different pliers will come in handy. 

Because we used bolts as we custom-built our flatbed truck camper ensuring that we could tighten/loosen them at times is imperative to the general operation of our truck and camper. 

Wrench Set // Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set

While ratchets can get the job done quickly most of the time, sometimes you need a flatter-profile wrench to help tighten down a hard-to-reach nut.

We keep a set of both standard and metric size ratcheting wrenches just for that purpose.

Eternabond Tape // EternaBond RV Sealant Tape

Eternabond is the best heavy-duty tape to count on if and when you need to stop or prevent leaks in your RV.

We primarily use it preventatively to cover up the screws and holes prior to resealing our roof with Henry’s Tropi-Cool roof sealant. We have even used it to patch our awning.

But it comes in handy for sealing up leaks pretty much anywhere.

Duct Tape // Gorilla Black Duct Tape

Duct tape is great for short-term repairs and holding things together until you can make a more permanent fix. But it’s not good for long-term solutions – especially outside where the sun can cause it to stick to the paint/roof of the camper.

We have used duct tape to secure a tarp over our camper when hail destroyed our vent covers. And we have attempted to use tape to cover our refrigerator vent when we lost ours on the highway. 

You can’t go wrong adding a roll of duct tape to your camper accessories.

Zip Ties // Cable Matters 200 Self-Locking 6+8+12-Inch Nylon Zip Ties

Zip ties belong on the list of RV must-haves because they are so simple and versatile (and affordable). Most of the wiring in your RV is likely to already be zip-tied and neatly tucked into crevices.

But if you ever have to work on any part of your electrical system (which is likely, if not inevitable) you will likely want to bind the wires together again using zip ties. 

You can also make handy items from zip ties, such as key chains. Or you can connect loose items together, such as tools and kitchen utensils. 

READ MORE: A good RV tool kit is important for your safety and convenience. Check out this post for everything you should include in your tool kit.

RV Safety Essentials

While you may or may not think about the importance of having (properly functioning) safety equipment in your RV, we’d recommend you put it near the top of your list of things to buy.

Do a quick inventory of your RV and check the date, batteries and/or other power sources and general condition of each of these items.

First and foremost you need to make sure you have the following 3 alarms installed, powered up and working correctly before you even leave your driveway.

LPG Alarm // Safe T Alert 40-442-P-WT Propane/LP Gas Alarm

Your liquid propane gas alarm is required by law and typically located at a low point in your RV. Usually, they are hard-wired to your battery so they are always functioning.

Having a working LPG alarm is important since most of your major appliances run on propane and over time they may be prone to leaking.

Smoke Alarm // First Alert Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Smoke alarms are incredibly affordable for the peace of mind they provide in knowing that you are safe in your tiny home.

We have multiple smoke alarms in our Class C RV to ensure that we have the warnings in place regardless of where we’re spending time.

CO Alarm // Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is essential to your safety. As CO is odorless, without a CO alarm you won’t know you’re exposed to it until you pass out – which can lead to death.

You can often find combination alarms where the CO alarm is part of either the propane alarm or the smoke alarm.

Fire Extinguisher // First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are also required by law. But ones like these are affordable and tuck away nicely in your RV so they are accessible but out of the way.

We have 2 of these in our RV within reach no matter where we may be.

First Aid Kit // Essentials Soft-Sided First Aid Kit

First Aid kits can have all sorts of bells and whistles. The important thing is to make sure they include the basics – antibiotic cream, bandaids/bandages, antiseptic and Tylenol.

We like this kit because it has everything you need in one spot.

Dash Cam // Rove R2-4K Dash Cam

While we love using our Dash Cam to capture memories of the road, these are also great investments in your safety because they can keep track of the world around your RV.

Whether you’re driving and have an accident or you use it for additional anti-theft security when you park – a good dashcam gives you all sorts of reasons to add it to your list.

Tire Valve Stem Extenders // 2pcs Valve Stem Extension Adaptors

If you have a dual-rear-wheel axis (“dually”) you’ll want to add these valve stem extenders to your rear tires. Reaching your rear inner tires is difficult.

And since you want to check the tire pressure regularly and fill up as needed, accessing your dually tires is important for your safety.

READ MORE: We have lots of other great RV safety recommendations as well as tips and things to consider about RV safety in this post.

RV Emergency Roadside Kits

While being mindful of your RV maintenance is important for your safety, there’s always a chance you’ll break down somewhere along the road.

These are our top recommendations for items we suggest you pack in your RV emergency roadside kit.

20-ton Bottle Jack // Torin 20 Ton Bottle Jack

Depending on the size and weight of your RV, you’ll want to consider having at least a 20-ton bottle jack to help you in a bind.

They are easy to use and heavy-duty enough to be reliable and safe when you need to change a flat tire or do any other routine maintenance on the road.

Jumper Cables // Cartman Booster Cable

Jumper cables are one of the classic items found in any emergency roadside kit.

We like these jumper cables because they are heavy duty enough for large engines and versatile for helping out anyone else you may come across who needs a jump.

READ NEXT: Check out this post to learn about other great RV air compressor options.

Emergency Roadside Kit // Car Roadside Emergency Kit

Having a pre-packaged emergency roadside kit is a good idea for any occasion.

Kits like these include all of the things you’ll want to rely on in the event you find yourself on the side of the road.

Emergency Roadside Insurance // GoodSam Roadside

We had a pretty major breakdown once and had to rely on our auto insurance company to tow our truck camper a short distance to the nearest mechanic.

While the company is one of the top national insurance companies, unfortunately working with them on our towing claim was difficult because they didn’t really understand RVs.

GoodSam Roadside fills in the blanks for all things related to RV breakdowns and is incredibly affordable at that.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tire Safety

Because every RV is different, we can’t recommend one size to fit all. However, we keep a full-size mounted spare tire in good condition at all times (We rotate it when we have our tires rotated and balanced). You also want to keep a mindful eye on your tire pressure and check it regularly.

In addition to our standard-issue bottle jack, we also carry a 20-ton hydraulic jack capable of doing its own heavy lifting. 

Both of these came in handy when we had a flat tire on the Dalton Highway at the very top of Alaska! 

You should never travel without a mounted spare tire (that you inspect from time to time) or a jack. So even if you do not know, or are unable, to change a tire – it is likely someone will stop to assist you. 

For added insurance, consider joining an RV club such as Escapees or GoodSam Roadside where you can purchase very affordable roadside assistance tailored to the RV community. 

READ MORE: Check out everything else you need for your Emergency Roadside Kit in THIS POST .

RV Boondocking Essentials

We love boondocking. So pretty much all of the items we’ve recommended above are part of our planning to be able to dry camp anywhere.

But in particular, we recommend that you consider the following items if you plan to spend any amount of time boondocking.

Reliable RV Batteries // Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah

Having the best RV battery bank is one of the first investments you should make in your RV. When we started out we had mediocre Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries.

We later upgraded to more durable and affordable AGM batteries. But now that lithium batteries are much more affordable and efficient we recommend these batteries at the minimum.

READ MORE: Be sure to check out our Expert Buyer’s Guide when shopping for the best lithium ion RV batteries .

Fantastic Fan // Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vent

An overlooked part of boondocking is simply creating airflow in your camper. This Fantastic Fan is our favorite rooftop fan for either pulling in or pushing out air from the camper.

They’re affordable, easy to install and run on very little energy – which is important when you’re boondocking.

Cell Phone Booster // Weboost Cell Phone Signal Booster

You don’t need a cell phone booster. You’ll find that you will have cell service in most places across North America.

But we think it’s a great idea to have a WeBoost cell phone extender especially for boondocking so you can stay connected/reconnect in the event of an emergency.

We had to rely on our WeBoost when we were stranded in Glacier National Park and were able to get just enough cellular service to call for help.

Portable Power Bank // Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240

Energy storage and use is one of the top priorities in boondocking. So while you want to have the best RV batteries, solar panels and a generator for powering your RV, this portable power bank is another great way to store energy that you can use to charge your cell phone, laptop or other USB devices when you’re boondocking.

READ MORE: Find out all of the things you need and lots of tips and tricks about boondocking in THIS POST .

The Bottom Line About RV Must-Haves

RVers of all walks of life will have his or her own list of RV essentials and RV gadgets. But what they often fail to keep in mind is that not every RV is created equal.

The items you pick and choose to keep as your RV must-haves must fit your circumstance – not ours or anyone else’s.

That said, we wish you safe and happy travels as you head out on your RV adventure! Let us know which items we may have left off and we’ll add them to our list!

About Author

Christopher Harvey

Christopher Harvey is the co-founder and main copywriter for Called To Wander. His passion is to create content that engages and informs readers and helps them to pursue the Abundant Life on the Road. Aside from writing, he also edits videos for the YouTube channel. He has freelanced for a variety of publications and consults with different brands on SEO and content strategy.

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• The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs

Sitting behind the wheel of your new RV comes with a lot of elation and anticipation. The open road is in front of you, and with all of the national parks and wild spaces available to explore in the U.S., there is nearly endless adventure ahead.

But of course, you’ll have to make sure you are prepared before any big trip. Having the right gear ensures safety, and will save you money and time in the long run. You don’t want to have to go out hunting for niche pieces of gear or be worried about getting lost during your journey.

We’ve created first-time RV checklist for you to read and use while packing up your RV for the first time. This list isn’t exhaustive, but should provide you with the basic items, and a few extras, for your trip.

RV Essentials

You’ll need some essential, mechanical gear that will help you stay safe on the road. Depending on the type of RV, you may need to add a few items or ignore others on this RV-first-time checklist.

• Drinking Water Hose
• Surge Protector
• Electrical Adapters
• Water Pressure Regulator
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Emergency Road Kit
• Extra Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid
• Fire Extinguisher
• Closed bag for documents like registration, insurance, reservations, etc.

Clothing Items:

You’ll know which clothing items are best for you, but when on the road, it’s best to keep it simple and not overpack.  We’ve put together a list of clothing items that work well in the RV as well as on adventures like hiking or backpacking. Make sure to choose clothing items that are comfortable, made of high quality materials to keep you warm or cool, and are suitable for both adventure and relaxation.

• Sun protective hat
• Shoes: Chacos or Tevas, hiking boots, running shoes, etc.
• Bathing suit
• Down Jacket
• Short and long sleeve shirts
• Base layers (if backpacking)

Bedroom Items:

These bedroom items will be obvious to bring along, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the things you’ll need to fill your RV. These are some must-haves for your bedroom that you wont want to forget.

• Bed and sheets
• Clothes hangers

Camping Gear and Technology

Your camping and outdoor gear should reflect how you spend your days outside. Think about your favorite outdoor activities and make your gear list. Below are some basic items that apply to a variety of activities.

• Camping chair
• Outdoor grill or cook station
• Walkie talkie
• Fishing gear
• Hatchet and wood
• Small backpack for day hikes
• The Dyrt PRO
• NOAA weather radio

Games/Leisure:

After a long day of hiking or biking, you may want to spend some time relaxing and having fun with friends or family inside or outside the RV. Bring indoor and outdoor games for just that.

• Yard games (corn hole, horseshoes, etc.)

Kitchen and Cooking Supplies:

You’ll probably be spending a lot of time in the kitchen between hiking, biking or even surfing. Cooking is a great way to bring the people in your RV together. You’ll want to make sure you have the right supplies to cook and bake the things you love.

• Cutting Board
• Utensils and Cutting Knives
• Matches or a lighter
• Dish Towels
• Garbage Bags
• Paper Towels
• Camping griddle
• Pot Holders
• Reusable storage bags
• Sponge and other cleaning utensils
• Disinfecting wipes

Want an exciting adventure of your own? Find free camping near you!

Did you know that almost all states in the US have free camping? 

Although, some of it is not-so-great and can be hard to find.

There is an easier way:

• Hand-picked free campsites 
• Pre-saved to your phone
• The best in all 50 states

It’s the only hand-picked list of 5,000 free camping locations that you will find anywhere. 

It comes with a bunch of other features like last-minute camping texts, offline maps, etc.

You can check it out for free today by starting a free 7-day trial. After the 7-day trial, the membership is just $35.99 for a full year of access — well worth it if you camp more than 2 times per year.

Food Ideas:

Check out any of the hundreds of camping recipes we’ve got listed on The Dyrt!

Personal Items / Toiletries:

You’ll know best which personal items you’ll need in your RV. Below are some basics to help guide your own RV first time checklist

• Phone chargers
• Reservation confirmation
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers

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Emily Gallegos

Emily Gallegos is a travel-lover, backpacker and is generally curious about all this world has to offer. She grew up in the front range of Colorado where she fell in love with snowboarding, fishing and being outside as often as possible. She has studied Spanish in Spain and Argentina and has written for magazines in Boulder, CO such as Elevation Outdoors.

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Ultimate RV Packing List for a First Time Camper

While preparing for an RV adventure is exciting, packing all the gear you’ll need can be overwhelming.

To help reduce your stress, we’ve put together a checklist of camping necessities, including RV accessories, kitchen supplies, clothing, personal items and more that you should bring on every RV trip. And you can download printable versions of our RV Adventure Checklist in E-book form to take with you wherever you go, here !

RV Essentials:

• Surge protector
• Electrical adapters
• Toilet chemicals
• RV-friendly toilet paper
• Water pressure regulator
• Drinking water hose
• Leveling blocks
• Tire pressure gauge
• Extension chords
• Wheel chocks
• Electrical and duct tape
• Extra cotter pins
• Extra motor oil and transmission fluid
• Battery jumper cables
• Emergency road kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Large zip close bag for documents, including license, registration, reservations, etc.

Kitchen and cooking supplies:

• Water bottles
• Cutting board
• Utensils/cutting knives
• Tongs and skewers
• Camping griddle and pie iron
• Bowls, plates and cups
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags
• Plastic wrap
• Zip close bags 
• Dish towels
• Disinfecting wipes
• Matches and lighter
• Food storage container
• Cooler 

Food staples:

• Batter mixes
• Vegetables and fruits
• Butter or margarine
• Condiments, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.
• Grill meats, like hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.
• Drink mix packets
• S’more ingredients
• Freeze dried meals
• Salt, pepper, herbs and spices
• Baking items, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, etc.
• Canned foods
• Peanut butter and jelly 
• Snacks, including crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
• Cooking spray or oil

Clothing and bedroom items:

• Shoes, including sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc.
• Bathing suit
• Sweatshirts and jackets
• Pants and shorts
• Short and long sleeve t-shirts
• Clothes hangers
• Alarm clock
• Sheets and blankets

Personal items and toiletries:

• Phone chargers
• Cash and credit cards
• Reservation confirmations
• First-aid kit
• Medications and prescriptions
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Travel map and campground directory
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Brush and comb
• Shaving gel
• Nail clippers

Camping and outdoor fun gear:

• Camping chairs
• Fishing gear, including rods, tackle, license, etc.
• Sports equipment, including football, basketball, baseball, mitt, etc.
• Yard games, including corn hole, horseshoes, hula-hoops, etc.
• Books and magazines
• Playing cards
• Notepad or journal
• Saw or hatchet
• Flotation devices
• Guitar 

Download a printable version of this RV Adventure Checklist here before you start packing to take with you and keep track of what you need!

Now that you are all packed up, download our free checklist for Setting Up and Breaking Down Your Campsite ! Visit our blog for more tips, tricks and advice about RV life.

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20 Essentials to Keep in Your Travel Trailer

Packing up the trailer to leave on a camping trip is arguably one of the most stressful parts of the entire process, especially if your trailer is brand new. You’re taking it out for the first or second time. You walk into your nearest camping store, your local Wal-Mart, or even Target, and you’re faced with a million different options. Even worse, they make you feel like you need all of it. Online RV packing lists can seem overwhelming, too – there are essential items on those lists. Still, it can be hard to decipher what you need and what the best RV accessories are.

What to Know About Must-Have Items for Your Camper

Before you spend your life savings on travel trailer accessories and outdoor gear, take a step back and think about the essential items. Of course, there are a few staple items you should always keep in your camper to be safe. Still, in reality, you probably won’t need extra throw pillows on the couch or a sleeping bag onesie. When you go back to the basics and get only the right gear, you’ll have a much better camping experience with less clutter and more room to have a great time. You have limited space, so make the most of it and don’t pack too much stuff.

We have you covered if you’re a new RV owner and are unsure what you’ll need. Start with this checklist to get your travel trailer ready to hit the road! And don’t worry, if you forget something, you can always make a stop or two on the way to your destination. Here are 20 RV essentials to bring on your next trip!

1. First Aid Kit

A fully stocked first aid kit in your travel trailer is not just a safety measure, but a proactive step towards ensuring your well-being and that of your fellow travelers. Accidents can occur at any moment, from a minor cut or scrape to a more severe injury requiring immediate attention. By having a first aid kit readily available, you can promptly address any injuries, preventing them from escalating and fostering a sense of security, responsibility, and proactivity.

Picture this: you’re in the middle of a remote camping trip or on a long road journey, and suddenly, someone gets hurt. Having a first aid kit in a place with easy access in your travel trailer could be a lifesaver. Whether it’s a minor cut or a more serious injury, having quick access to bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and other essential supplies can significantly affect how quickly and effectively you can respond to an injury. It’s not just about safety, it’s about practicality and being prepared for the unexpected.

Overall, having a fully stocked first aid kit in your travel trailer is a simple yet vital precaution to ensure your safety and well-being and that of your fellow travelers. Being prepared for potential accidents can give you a sense of peace of mind, making your travels more enjoyable and worry-free.

2. Surge Protector 

When traveling to a campground with hookups, a surge protector is crucial to protect your travel trailer from potential electrical issues. A surge protector safeguards against power surges caused by faulty outlets, lightning strikes, or other electrical malfunctions. These power surges can damage the electrical system of your travel trailer, leading to costly repairs and potentially ruining your RV trip.

Using a surge protector, you can ensure that your travel trailer is shielded from sudden spikes in voltage, which can cause damage to appliances, electronics, and other sensitive equipment onboard. Investing in a surge protector is a cost-effective measure that can save you money in the long run by preventing damage to your RV’s electrical system.

Ultimately, using a surge protector at campgrounds with hookups is a practical and necessary precaution to protect your travel trailer and ensure a safe and enjoyable RV trip. By taking this simple step, you can minimize the risk of electrical system malfunctions and have peace of mind knowing that your RV is protected from potential power surges.

3. Water Tank Essentials 

When your travel trailer is equipped with running water, it is essential to pack all the necessary cleaning supplies for adequately maintaining and emptying your gray and black tanks. These tanks are crucial components of your trailer’s wastewater management system, and regular maintenance is critical to preventing clogs, odors, and potential damage to the tanks.

The dealership where you purchased your trailer should provide information on the specific supplies you need for cleaning and maintaining your tanks. If you are still deciding what to pack or need additional guidance, consider conducting some extra research or contacting the dealership for assistance.

Properly cleaning and maintaining your gray and black tanks is essential for your travel trailer’s long-term survival and functionality. Neglecting this vital task can lead to odors, leaks, and costly repairs. Additionally, using the correct cleaning products and techniques will ensure that your tanks remain in good working condition for years.

In addition to cleaning supplies for your tanks, it is also vital to pack other essential items, such as a freshwater hose, a water pressure regulator, and chemicals designed explicitly for your black water tank. These items will help you properly maintain your trailer’s water system and ensure your waste tanks function efficiently and effectively during your travels.

4. Toilet Paper

Using RV friendly toilet paper is essential for maintaining your camper’s appropriately functioning septic system. While regular toilet paper may seem harmless, it can actually cause damage to the system over time. RV-friendly toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in the tank, preventing clogs and ensuring your waste disposal system operates efficiently.

To purchase RV-friendly toilet paper, visit any camping store or travel trailer dealership. These establishments typically carry a variety of products specifically designed for RVs and campers. Be sure to have ample RV-friendly toilet paper on hand before embarking on your travels to avoid any potential issues with your septic system.

Investing in RV-friendly toilet paper and using it exclusively in your camper can prevent costly repairs and maintenance. Maintaining a healthy septic system is crucial for the overall functionality of your camper, and using the appropriate toilet paper is a simple yet essential step in ensuring its longevity. Make it a priority to stock up on RV-friendly toilet paper before hitting the road to enjoy worry-free travels in your camper.

5. Electrical and Duct Tape 

Having electrical or duct tape readily available in your camper trailer is a wise decision for any camping adventure. These versatile tapes can be indispensable in a variety of emergency situations, making them essential items to keep stocked in your camper.

Electrical tape is commonly used to insulate electrical wires, make temporary repairs to damaged cords or connections, or secure loose items. Duct tape, on the other hand, is known for its strong adhesive properties and can be used for a wide range of repairs, such as patching up tears in tents or tarps, fixing broken equipment, or even splinting a broken pole.

By keeping electrical and duct tape stocked in your camper trailer, you can quickly and effectively address unexpected issues during your camping adventures. Whether you need to repair quickly to keep your equipment functioning or address a safety concern, having these tapes on hand can be a lifesaver in emergencies.

In conclusion, having electrical or duct tape readily available in your camper is a proactive step that can save you time, money, and stress when faced with unexpected challenges during your camping trips. Make sure to keep these essential tapes stocked in your camper trailer so that you are well-prepared for any emergencies that may come your way.

6. Basic Tool Kit 

Being prepared for unexpected breakages or repairs while camping is essential for a smooth and stress-free outdoor experience. Having a vital tool kit on hand can be a lifesaver in such situations, allowing you to quickly address issues such as loose screws, minor repairs, or other maintenance tasks without the need for multiple trips to the store.

Carrying a well-equipped tool kit in your camper trailer can save you from potential headaches and frustrations that may arise when something unexpectedly goes wrong. Whether it’s a loose cabinet door, a broken tent pole, or a malfunctioning piece of equipment, having the right tools readily available can help you fix the problem efficiently and effectively, ensuring that your camping trip continues without interruptions.

Furthermore, bringing a cordless drill along with your tool kit can further enhance your ability to tackle repairs and maintenance tasks with ease. A cordless drill can be invaluable for assembling furniture, tightening screws, or drilling holes, providing you with extra convenience and efficiency when working on various projects during your camping adventures.

In addition to a tool kit and cordless drill, having an emergency roadside kit on hand is also a brilliant idea for any camping trip. This kit should include essentials such as jumper cables, a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, and basic first aid supplies to help you handle unexpected roadside emergencies and ensure your safety while traveling.

In conclusion, being prepared with an essential tool kit, a cordless drill, and an emergency roadside kit can significantly enhance your camping experience by allowing you to address unexpected repairs and emergencies quickly and efficiently. Having these critical supplies on hand can minimize disruptions, save time and resources, and enjoy a more enjoyable and stress-free camping adventure.

7. Flashlights

Proper lighting is essential for a comfortable and safe camping experience, especially in remote locations where access to external lighting may be limited. Having flashlights in your trailer is a practical and wise choice, providing you with a portable and reliable illumination source for various tasks and activities.

If you are boondocking or camping off-grid without the convenience of campground lighting, having flashlights readily available can significantly enhance your ability to navigate your surroundings, perform tasks after dark, and ensure your safety.

8. Extra Blankets 

Being prepared for cold weather while camping is essential, even during the warmest summer months, when temperatures can drop significantly at night. Packing extra blankets in your trailer is a practical and thoughtful way to ensure everyone stays warm and comfortable on those chilly evenings and mornings.

Storing extra blankets in your trailer provides a cozy and convenient solution to combat the cold. It allows you and your fellow campers to bundle up and stay warm when the temperatures dip. 

9. Dish & Hand Soap 

It can be pretty irritating when you’re ready to tackle the post-meal dishwashing, only to discover that you still need to remember the soap. You can easily avoid this frustrating scenario by keeping a few bottles of dish soap in your travel trailer. This simple solution will save you from unnecessary trips to the nearest grocery store and allow you to efficiently clean up after meals without any hiccups.

10. Extra Towels 

Ensuring extra showers and beach towels are stored in your trailer is an innovative and convenient practice. By having these extras readily available, you eliminate the need to remember to pack them each time you embark on a trip. Having a few spare towels on hand is always beneficial, as they can come in handy for unexpected situations or additional guests. After using them, wash the towels when you return home and promptly return them to your trailer, ensuring they are always available for your next adventure. By following this routine, you can rest assured that you will never need to worry about having clean towels while camping, as you will consistently be well-prepared.

11. Paper Products 

Preparing for your initial camping excursion involves stocking up on essential disposable items such as paper plates, bowls, plastic utensils, napkins, and straws. Having these items readily available in your RV kitchen before your trip alleviates the hassle of remembering to pack them each time, saving you both headaches and valuable time. To further streamline your meal preparation process during camping, consider keeping a crock pot and instant pot in your trailer. These kitchen appliances can simplify cooking tasks and enhance your camping experience by providing convenient and efficient meal options. By proactively stocking up on disposable items and incorporating time-saving kitchen appliances into your camping setup, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience on all your outdoor adventures.

12. Non-Perishable Food

A convenient way to ensure that you always have food on hand during your camping trips is by keeping a supply of non-perishable items in your trailer. Non-perishable food items such as pancakes, cakes, cereal, pasta, drink mix packets, s’more ingredients, baking items, and freeze-dried meals are ideal for stocking your new camper. These items have a long shelf life, making them perfect for storing in your RV kitchen without spoiling. By having a selection of readily available non-perishable food options, you can quickly whip up various meals and snacks without the need for frequent grocery store visits. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, a simple dinner solution, or a tasty treat around the campfire, having these non-perishable food items on hand will ensure you’re well-prepared for any culinary cravings during your camping adventures.

13. Spices 

Spice enhances the flavor of your meals during camping trips; stocking up on critical seasonings and herbs that can easily be stored in your trailer is essential. Basic staples like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are must-have items in your RV kitchen pantry. These essential spices add depth and complexity to your dishes and ensure that you have the necessary ingredients to elevate the taste of your meals while on the go.

There’s nothing more frustrating than preparing a meal only to realize that you still need to pack the herbs and spices essential for seasoning. Keeping a selection of salt, pepper, and staple spices in your trailer can avoid this common oversight and guarantee you have everything you need to create delicious and flavorful dishes during your camping adventures. These versatile seasonings provide a simple way to enhance the taste of your meals and ensure that you’re well-equipped to cook tasty and satisfying dishes while enjoying the great outdoors.

14. Rain Gear

Preparing for unexpected weather conditions while camping is crucial, as a sudden storm can disrupt your outdoor adventures. One essential precaution is ensuring that you have extra rain gear on hand. This includes waterproof jackets, pants, boots, and umbrellas, which can protect against rain and keep you dry and comfortable during inclement weather.

Having additional rain gear in your camping supplies can be invaluable in ensuring that you stay warm and dry when a storm unexpectedly hits. Whether hiking, sitting around the campfire, or simply moving between your tent and campsite, having the right gear readily available can make a significant difference in your camping experience. By being proactive and packing extra rain gear, you can be better prepared to handle sudden weather changes and enjoy your outdoor escapades with peace of mind.

15. Bedding 

Ensuring that you have comfortable bedding essentials such as pillows, blankets, and sheets is essential for a cozy and relaxing camping experience, particularly if your travel trailer still needs to be equipped with them. Having the right bedding can significantly impact the quality of your sleep and overall comfort while spending time in the great outdoors.

Investing in high-quality pillows, soft blankets, and cozy sheets you enjoy sleeping in can make a difference during your camping trips. Comfortable bedding will not only help you relax and unwind after a day of outdoor activities, but it can also enhance the overall enjoyment of your camping experience. By prioritizing comfort and selecting bedding that suits your personal preferences, you can create a welcoming and soothing sleeping environment that allows you to rest well and wake up refreshed and ready for another day of adventure.

16. Phone Chargers 

Having phone and smartwatch chargers readily available in your trailer is a practical and convenient essential to ensure you stay connected and capture memorable moments during your camping trips. By keeping these chargers stocked in your trailer, you eliminate the need to remember to pack them each time you embark on a new adventure, reducing the risk of forgetting them and facing a dead battery.

While cell service may only sometimes be available in remote camping locations, having a charged phone is invaluable for capturing photos, videos, and memories of your outdoor experiences. Even without service, during downtime, your phone can be a camera, alarm clock, or entertainment device. Additionally, smartwatch chargers are essential for keeping track of time, activity, and notifications while exploring the outdoors.

By ensuring that your phone and smartwatch remain charged and ready for use, you can stay connected, document your adventures, and enhance your overall camping experience. These simple yet essential items can provide peace of mind and convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the great outdoors without worrying about battery life.

17. Toiletries 

When traveling in a travel trailer, it is vital to pack essential toiletries to maintain personal hygiene and stay comfortable. Some necessary items are toothbrushes, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, bug spray, and sunscreen. These products ensure you can maintain cleanliness and protect yourself from bugs and sun exposure, regardless of where you travel.

To make packing more accessible, opting for travel-sized options of these toiletries is recommended. Target and Wal-Mart are excellent places to find travel-sized products that are convenient and compact for your travel trailer. These smaller sizes take up less space in your luggage and are perfect for on-the-go use.

By ensuring you have all these essential toiletries packed for your travel trailer journey, you can feel prepared and confident in staying clean, comfortable, and protected on the road.

18. Hammocks & Chairs 

When spending time outdoors, it’s essential to have a comfortable seating option for relaxation. Hammocks and camp chairs are both excellent choices for this purpose. Hammocks provide a unique and relaxing way to unwind, while camp chairs offer a more traditional seating option.

One benefit of using these seating options is that they can easily be stored in the compartments underneath the trailer when unused. This helps to save space inside the trailer and keeps the outdoor living area clutter-free. By utilizing the storage compartments for these items, you can keep your outdoor space organized and easily accessible.

A designated place to sit and relax outside can enhance your camping or outdoor experience. Whether you prefer lounging in a hammock or sitting in a camp chair, having these options readily available under the trailer ensures you can easily set up a comfortable outdoor space wherever you go.

19. Games 

A selection of indoor and outdoor games is a fantastic way to enhance your camping or outdoor experience. Games are a great way to pass the time and provide entertainment for children and adults. Keeping a few of your favorite games in your trailer ensures you always have fun activities to enjoy with friends and family.

Indoor games, such as board games or card games, are perfect for rainy days or evenings when the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities. These games can pass the time and create opportunities for bonding and friendly competition. Outdoor games, such as frisbee, cornhole, or ladder toss, can be enjoyed in the fresh air and sunshine, adding an extra element of fun to your outdoor adventures.

By having various games on hand in your trailer, you can cater to different preferences and ages, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing way to unwind or a lively activity to keep everyone entertained, games are a versatile and engaging option. So, stock up on a few of your favorites and be prepared for hours of fun and laughter with your loved ones.

20. Fire Extinguisher 

Having quick access to a fire extinguisher in your trailer is not just a safety measure, it’s a potential lifesaver. While you may never want to use it, the absence of a fire extinguisher can turn a small fire into a life-threatening situation. Having one readily available can provide peace of mind and potentially prevent a small fire from escalating into a more dangerous situation.

In the event of an emergency, such as a cooking mishap or an electrical malfunction, a fire extinguisher can be your tool of empowerment. Being able to quickly and effectively extinguish a fire can help protect you, your family, and your belongings. It is important to familiarize yourself with how to properly use a fire extinguisher and to ensure that it is easily accessible in case of an emergency.

It’s not just about being prepared for emergencies, it’s about being proactive. Having a fire extinguisher on hand is a small detail that can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of others while camping or traveling in your trailer. It’s about taking the time to prepare for potential emergencies, no matter how unlikely they may seem. It’s about making a wise and responsible decision.

That Sums It Up!

Stocking the essentials in your trailer will make packing and leaving easier for everyone. If you’re looking for camper trailers for sale, reach out to Oliver Travel Trailers. We have travel trailers and campers, so you can find something to meet your specific needs. Reach out to our team today to see what we have available!

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38 RV Must Haves That We Cannot Live Without

Sharing is caring!

There are RV must haves that you need to be able to travel safely and comfortably in an RV. Camping, RV travel, cooking, and internet connections are just a few of the things we touch on while going through a list of 34 RV must haves.  

We hit the road to travel as a full-time RV living family back in 2017, so we also include a few ideas that will help digital nomads who want to travel in RVs. We include our top RV essentials for beginners and suggestions of the best RV accessories for inside your camper .

These are items we highly recommend for all types of RVs including a travel trailer, motorhome, fifth wheel, and any other type of RV living or camping. Some, you can do without for the first few days or weeks of traveling, while others you must have to make it work.

Check out our list of the best RV gadgets and basic tools for 2024 that we feel we could not travel full time without!

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT .

RV Must Haves FAQ

When hitting the road in your RV, it’s essential to have some key supplies. Start with your kitchen essentials like pots, pans, utensils, and dishes. Don’t forget your bedding, towels, and toiletries. For a smooth ride, you’ll want leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a sewer hose for waste disposal. And don’t leave home without a first-aid kit, tools for minor repairs, and camping chairs for those cozy outdoor evenings.

Apart from the basics, consider getting some RV-specific items like a water pressure regulator to protect your plumbing, surge protectors for electrical connections, and RV-specific toilet paper to keep things running smoothly. A GPS designed for RVs is handy for navigation, and a good set of leveling ramps can make campsite setup a breeze.

While it’s tempting to pack everything, it’s important to be mindful of weight limits. Avoid overloading your RV with unnecessary items that can strain your suspension and engine. Also, be cautious about bringing too many breakable items; the road can get bumpy!

Consider a compact washer and dryer combo or utilizing laundromats along the way. Invest in a reliable RV generator for off-grid power and a portable water filtration system for clean drinking water. And of course, don’t forget about entertainment – books, board games, and gadgets to keep the family entertained during downtime.

RV Must Haves – The Essentials 

These items are the best RV accessories you must have right away. They are must haves for RV camping of any kind, either full-time RVing or weekend camping. So, if you’re planning to take your RV out for the first time, be sure to shop for these RV must haves for newbies and seasoned travelers.

Looking for a great resource to help you keep your RV Organized? ‘ Organize Your RV Like a Pro ‘ is a digital ebook that I created just for you! Use the code: SaveBig to save 20% now!

1. Drinking Hose

Be sure to have a clean and ready-to-use drinking hose ready to hook up to your fresh water tank. We learned a simple tip to connect the two ends while traveling so that nothing climbs up into the hose when it’s not in use.

A second hose that you plan to use to flush your tanks, or to clean off your sewer hose, is also one of the items you need for a camper trailer or RV. We keep a grey-colored hose for this purpose in the same container that we carry our sewer hose, which is separate from our freshwater hose.

2 (a).Surge Protector & EMS for 30 Amp

The EMS component of this surge protector protects your RV from over and under voltage by automatically shutting off your power to save your RV electrical system .  This is one of the top must have RV accessories!!   Do NOT go without one of these as it makes all the difference!

While it may seem a bit expensive, this EMS will tell you when there are issues and actively turn off current to your RV… taking care of your RV when you aren’t even there. 

We’ve hooked up to a pedestal before and right away it told us if the polarity is reversed, meaning it was wired with the hot to the ground.

Click here to check prices on Camping World for the Progressive EMS Surge Protector.

Or, we’ve been out exploring and came back and noticed the microwave clock was reset, so we look at the EMS and it gives us the error code. In this case, it was a power surge. Without this we probably would’ve had fried systems in our RV and may have had to pay to have our entire electrical system replaced!

That’s why I cannot stress it enough that this is one of the must have camper accessories for every RV owner.

Related Post: Click here to read our full review on the best RV surge protectors.

2 (b). Surge Protector for 50 Amp

If you have an RV that needs 50 Amp then this is the surge protector that we recommend. Again, this is one of the top, must-have camper accessories and does exactly what the EMS above does, but for a rig that has 50 AMP instead.

3. Sewer Hose

Sewer hoses are RV items you just NEED . We recommend getting 15 to 20 feet of sewer hose, as some connections can be a bit of a stretch. The Camco brand has done well for us and I’d say that this is for sure one of the camper essentials you can’t go without. 

If you’re looking for a quick download that you can reference back to on how to keep your RV organized, then be sure to check out our free guide below!

4. Clear Sewer Connector

It’s gross, I know. Yet, having a clear elbow is really helpful when dumping the tanks so that you can see that it’s all done.

This is all about paying the “paradise tax” 🙂

5. Disposable Gloves

Please buy some disposable gloves …and use them when touching any sewer hose or connections! We use ours each time we dump the gray or black tank.

6. Leveling Blocks & Chocks

Whether you have a camper trailer, pop-up trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome, these leveling blocks come in very handy and I’d say are some of the simple camper must-haves listed. We use them quite often.

Even though our motorhome has leveling jacks, there comes a time when even the most “level” site isn’t level enough. This is where the blocks come in handy, especially if our front wheels are off the ground due to a sloped driveway. I’ll put these down and drive up on them so the tires don’t appear “dangling” to scare the neighbors.

If you have a pull-behind camper such as a travel trailer or a fifth wheel, you’re going to want a set of X-Chocks   as well. X-Chocks are absolutely travel trailer necessities.

If you want to know more about which leveling block is the best for your RV, check out our  Best RV Leveling Blocks blog post !

Related Post: Click here to learn our expert tips for living full-time in an RV with kids!

Best RV Gadgets

We recommend grabbing all of these RV must haves before you travel in your RV. You could make it a day or two without the following camping must haves, but we wouldn’t suggest it. Only if you are tight on money, you may be able to wait. If you recently bought the best RV to live in full time and now need all the right accessories, then please keep reading.

Do NOT wait too long for some of these camping accessories…especially a generator. 

7. Generator

If you don’t have an onboard generator as we do, then this is the highest-ranking portable generator available and one of the top RV must-have accessories for boondocking or dry camping. 

Or consider getting an Eco Flow portable power station and solar generator that you can run just about anything off of!

We also created a detailed review of the best generator for camping and RVing here. Go check it out.

8. Air Compressor

We started our full-time RV living journey out without carrying an air compressor until we had our first flat tire. Now  we have one with us at all times and check the tires in the motorhome and our minivan before each and every travel day. 

If you have the budget and space, don’t go without carrying your own portable air compressor with you…or you just might be trying to fill your spare tire with a bike pump like we had to do!

Don’t be like us. Be sure to always have an air compressor while traveling. We bought our air compressor the day after we had this flat tire up the side of a secluded mountain.

9. Walkie Talkies

We drive in two separate vehicles while RVing the states full-time, so these Two-Way radios come in very handy. Especially when we’ve been in the mountains or areas with no cellular service so that we couldn’t call each other on our phones even if we wanted to. They are great since you can select nearly any channel on the spectrum, not just the few general channels.

We’ve heard great things about driving with the use of an RV GPS . What a great RV must have gadget to own! This is one of those RV must haves for newbies that would make a great gift!

It helps by suggesting routes based on your inputs such as length, height, and towing. It’ll avoid tight areas, low-bridges, etc for your routes.

Friends of our swear by their Garmin. 

Or, you can  check out the top rated RV GPS’s at Camping World here.

11. Shower Head

The shower head in your RV is not worth keeping. We bought and changed ours before we even used the RV. This one has worked out well for us so far.

It’s without a doubt the favorite of RV enthusiasts out there. It’s able to take even the lowest pressure from poor lines and give you a clean, fresh, blast!

12. RV Mattress

RV mattresses are usually pretty hard and many people replace them quickly. We needed a queen short mattress that would NOT overheat us and was comfortable. This mattress has worked great in our Class C motorhome.

I’ve also found that Camping World carries many high-quality mattresses. Such as this Comfort Zone 10″ Elite Queen Short mattress made just for RVs. 

Check out our more detailed guide to replacing your RV mattress .

13. Water Pressure Regulator

A water pressure regulator makes sure that the pressure isn’t too high where it can do damage to the pipes in your RV as it comes in through the freshwater hose. We use one at every campground. It’s one of these essential RV accessories you should add to your list.

Like an EMS, a water pressure regulator is one of those things needed for RV camping you just don’t know you need until it’s too late.

14. RV Sewer Hose Support

We didn’t start with this RV sewer hose support, but bought it quickly after we began to travel more. We use it quite often when the campsite isn’t very level. It’s one of those essentials for RV living.

Since sewer connection locations for RV sites can vary so much, this will help keep a downward slope on your sewer line so things drain AWAY from your RV.

15. RV Water Filter

Many RV’s come with an inline water filter. If yours did not, we highly recommend purchasing one of these . The water at campgrounds isn’t often filtered.

Even if you have a coach filter these are nice for hooking up anyway because you never know what’s coming out of that spigot. Add this to your camper supplies list just to be safe.

16. 50 amp to 30 amp Adapter 

We have an RV that requires 30 amp service. If you have an RV that requires 50 amp then you will need the 50 to 30 amp adapter at some campgrounds if there are no 50 amp spots left. Or for us, we carry a   30 to 50 since we’ve gotten places with only 50 amp before too. Your RV needs one of these adapters if you have to hook up to power, for example, in a RV park that is not what your RV is built to use.

17. Tire Pressure Gage

We needed this particular gauge to read the second (or inside) tires on the dually of our motorhome. You’ll want to have a tire pressure gauge to check all of your tires regularly to avoid a blow out!

If you have a Class A, Class C, Class B, or tow with a dually then you’ll definitely want the right tools to check your tire pressure and this simple one doesn’t take up much space. Consider this one of the essentials for RV camping.

18. Travel Laundry Bag

We highly recommend having a laundry bag that is portable when you’re camping or RVing. Laundry is a necessity and even if you have an RV washer dryer combo in your camper, you’ll still need a hamper/bag to collect dirty clothes. This bag with straps to put over your back is the most ideal.

Related Post: Best RV Vacuum Cleaner

• RV Kitchen Accessories

Here is our family’s list of RV appliances and other RV must have items for your kitchen. If you plan to spend some time cooking in your RV, then we highly recommend purchasing these RV kitchen accessories and items to make life in a camper, motorhome, or trailer easier. 

19. Instant Pot

Meal preparation is much easier with our Instant Pot ! I use it daily! We cook dried beans in under 1 hour without soaking, stew, roasts, soups, rice, and more. Oh, and we also use it make hard-boiled eggs in just 5 minutes. I honestly recommend it to everyone I talk to. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of counter space as it’s an all in one pot!

20. Cast Iron Skillet

We use our cast iron skillet daily and store it inside our oven when it’s not in use. Our eggs taste so much better cooked in it. This is one of those RV camping must-haves because you can use it over a fire, in the oven, or on the stove top.

21. Berkey Water Filter

The best purchase that we’ve made yet!

Finding clean, safe, and pure tasting water on the road can be hard if you don’t just buy bottled water all the time. Oh, and if you DO, be ready to have a TON of plastic bottles laying around. We drink a lot of water as a family of 6 living in our RV full-time, so the Travel Berkey  has been amazing. It filters out ALL of the bad bacteria, viruses, and sentiment and puts my mind at ease. Oh, and it makes our water taste the same no matter what state we’re in.

Click here to grab a Berkey water filter now, or check out our review of Berkey Filters on our post sharing why we feel they are the best countertop water filtration system available for RV owners. 

We use our Berkey for all of our drinking water and we consider it on the top of the list of the best RV accessories 2021 has.

22. Immersion Blender

We have an immersion blender like this one and use it often in place of a food processor. It works great and is much smaller and lighter than a food processor.

While it won’t replace a Vitamix, it does a fair job of blending without taking over an entire cupboard for storage.

23. Espresso Maker or Coffee Maker

We have owned our Breville Espresso Maker for almost 10 years and it’s still going strong! Honestly, it’s even fallen on the floor a few times and still works great. Now, if you’d rather have something smaller and easy to transport we also LOVE and highly recommend the Staresso Portable Espresso Maker . 

24. Kitchen Knife set with Covers

A good set of sharp knives is right up there as one of the top RV accessories for most campers.

Now, having covers for your knives is a bonus, and rates it high on my list as one of those cool RV accessories because then we can throw the knives in the drawers and not be afraid of cutting ourselves.

Not having to worry about a knife block tipping over and knives flying about is a good reason to store your knives in a drawer while traveling. But all the bumping around will dull them quickly, that’s why these knives are great since they all have covers.

Related Post: Click here to read our ultimate list of RV Kitchen Accessories.  

Camping RV Supplies 

These outdoor camping items and fun RV accessories are those that we highly recommend and enjoy.

We’re often asked about the must have camping gear and gadgets. Take a look at the list and see if there’s any camping gadget on here that you may not have thought of!

Or, check out our recommendations of dry camping essentials   if you plan to go boondocking or wild camping without hookups. 

25. Hammock

Our friends have one of these and we just love it! The kids play in it, it’s durable, and it packs up very easily. 

While it can take up more space, it’s definitely a priority to have a hammock to unwind in and this one has it’s own stand so you don’t have to worry about needing trees to hang it in.

26. Propane Firepit

Many campgrounds don’t allow wood burning fires. Either due to the close proximity to fellow RVers, city regulations, or if you’re out west during the dry summer and fire season. This comes in handy in those instances and our friends would rank it as one of their best travel trailer accessories.

Although Florida is known for its warm winters, this comes in especially handy at night when the temps dip down but you want to still socialize outside with friends and neighbors.

Read our review of the best portable propane fire pits for campers here.

We love our Cuisinart grill . Not only does it store easily in a Rubbermaid bin for travel, but it allows us to cook outside too! Grills are definitely must have RV camping accessories that you want to consider bringing along with you on any camping or RV trip.

And when ours finally died after being used 3-4 times per week for 2 years, we bought a second one exactly like the first. 

28. Folding Table

This table is one of the camper trailer essentials that we highly recommend! It adjusts to be just the right height for the kids to eat at outside while sitting lower to the ground. It also functions as a work table that we stack on a second table or on top of our bed to hold our laptops on as a workstation!  

Make sure to put your name on the bottom of this table though, as you will quickly see it’s an RV standard and most people have one. So at the next potluck, yours could get scooped up by an unsuspecting RVer.  

Check out our review of the best camping tables here .

These chairs are great for around the fire or at the beach, making them some of the best RV gear. We love multi-functional items. They have storage on the back and straps to make it easy to carry.

30. Grilling Utensils 

A good set of grilling utensils are a camping item that most RVers can’t go without. If you don’t already have some, grab a set now and keep it with your grill.

31. Best Bike Rack

This bike rack has worked great   carrying 2 adult bikes and 3 children’s bikes. We looked into many different racks before choosing this rack based on the reviews and it has really held up great.

We are now 2 years into full-time RV life and it’s still holding up great on the back of the RV, or the back of our minivan.

RV Internet Accessories

If your plan is to  travel full time in an RV , then you might want to stay connected to the internet on a regular basis. 

We don’t recommend depending on campground wifi connections, as they are often very unreliable. Cellular internet is your best bet, and in order to have a great connection to stream videos or even connect on Facebook, you will need these must haves for RV living.

Learn all about RV internet here , as we deep dive into the topic to help you understand your options better so you can get internet on the road. 

32. We-Boost

Install this in your RV to boost cellular signal for hot spots and cell phones. We could not have worked online in many places out West without our We-Boost. We highly recommend investing in a We-Boost if you need to work online like we do!

While it’s not required to use all of the time, if you don’t have one it could make you miss work or have to choose another campground or area to stay in.

 33. Laptop Stand 

This was a game changer for our posture while working on our laptops. As soon as we discovered this laptop stand , bought it, and began standing to work, shoulder and back pain went away. It folds up small and has a carrying case too. 

34. Battery Pack

You WILL use your battery pack to charge cell phones or run laptops while away from access to power. It is a must have item. We have also found it very helpful when we are boondocking!

35. Hot Spot Antenna

Connect this to your cellular hot spot to increase the range, and you can pick up signal when you may not have been able to.

I use this in the van to help boost signal while driving.

In fact, this is in use almost every time the hotspot is in use. Having a MIMO antenna like this helps even a good signal.

My Favorite Gifts for RVers!

We recently created an additional post with some fun ideas for gifts for RV owners . Honestly, just make sure that whatever you get for an RVer, that it has a function (or multiple functions) and is hopefully small or lightweight. 

Here are a few of our top picks:

36. RV Logbook

This RV Logbook is such an inexpensive, thoughtful, and useful gift for any RVer! Whether you’re looking for must have RV gadgets or must haves for campers, this is a great find. 

We actually wrote an entire review here for you to check out  if you want to learn more about this RV logbook.

37. Headlamp 

A headlamp could make a great gift for any RV owner. It’s very useful and small enough to even be a stocking stuffer.

38. Organize Your RV Like A Pro

Consider gifting your RV friend a 73-page eBook on how to keep their RV organized. They will learn exactly HOW to become a master at keeping their RV organized and looking amazing without feeling overwhelmed when they read our ebook called Organize Your RV Like A Pro .

Created with 12 other RV owners, the 73-page digital ebook contains 100+ captivating photographs of how others organize space inside small RVs they call home on wheels: from kitchen organization tips (don’t forget those spices!) or bathroom organizational tricks; through organizing bedrooms, living rooms/entryways, children items such as toys or clothing chests.

Click here to order a digital copy to be delivered to your friend’s inbox today.

What Other RV Accessories?

What other RV accessories do you highly recommend? As a full-time RV family of 6 that traveled the US for over 2 1/2 years, we’ve tried our best to keep this post up-to-date with recommendations and tips. However, we love hearing about other ideas that maybe we haven’t thought of. Add it in the comments below.

Or, if you’re looking for some other great resources for finding things for your RV check out these related posts.

• Fun Camper Gadgets
• RV Organization Accessories
• Finding Cheap Campsites
• Boondocking Guide
• Best RV Tool Kit Essentials
• What To Pack For A Road Trip
• Best Dehumidifier For RV Living

56 thoughts on “38 RV Must Haves That We Cannot Live Without”

I want to try out the fire pit on our trip in N Carolina please. Love bon ?

Your choice of Walkie talkies is a good one, as the Baofeng UV5 is a tough, easy to use radio. This being said, be sure when you program them that you are not transmitting on bands allocated for amature radio. These require the user to be licensed. They can be used for FRS/GMRS frequencies as well. I would recommend that you invest in new drop in chargers, and a spare set of batteries. Safe travels!

Thanks for the heads up Ron! Yes, we use FRS while in-transit or around large campgrounds when the kids are roaming since we don’t have licenses yet. Although, the HAM world would be a good venture for our Homeschooling bunch. The drop-in chargers that came with these are fantastic and allow us to charge while driving as well with an inverter. The batteries don’t do too bad and we’ll probably pick some more up if we start using them more outside of just driving.

One additional item of note in my opinion would be to add an RV GPS to your list of must have’s. Like this one: Garmin RV 770 NA LMT-S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5Q2YMO/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_VAX3AbMGC5MSS

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

That’s a great recommendation! We have never used an RV specific GPS as we have used the GPS on our cell phones. But having a one that would help us take the best route for our large and tall RV would be really helpful. Thanks for the tip, I’ll add it to the list.

Thanks for the tips they were really helpful as a first time trailer owner!

I’m so glad that it was helpful for you Mike. Enjoy your trailer and this beautiful Spring!

We are super safety conscious especially now that fire season is so long. We always carry a 5 gal. bucket with us, easy storage for all kinds of junk but when we set up camp, we fill it with water from lake or stream and set it right next to the campfire area. It’s nice to have an old towel nearby to use for a quick cleanup, wash station, or a nice splash for a cool off. But most importantly water is handy for out of control sparks and for completely dousing your fire each night

That is a really great tip! Especially when you don’t have water access at your campsite like at many State and National Park campgrounds.

I liked your recommendations especially WeBoost, but disagree with the Camco recommendation. The filter has 100 micron filtration, granular carbon and reduces very little sulfur smell. I own a Clear2O water filter pitcher which I love and they recently launched a couple of RV products. The Clear2O RV Inline water filter has a solid carbon block with one micron filtration. The smell of sulfur is gone, reduces contaminants and chlorine. The only thing that is a disadvantage is the water flow is slightly slower, but this is understandable if it’s blocking contaminants from my drinking water, rinsing and shower water. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your tips on the water filter, we had no idea.

Good overview, I have been a stable fulltime for several years now and love it. However growing up camping my whole life and my military background, I noticed a few things you did not mention. Basic RV equipment, sledge hammer, axe or/and chainsaw, shovel, madox, 4-way lug wrench, jack (large enough to support the weight) and air hose with attachments ( tire inflator, impact gun, blow gun, …..). Road side safety kit ( flares/warning triangles, warning light), first aid kit, CB or walkie talkies, maybe a pair of coveralls (if you don’t mind doing your own work). With my background,what I mentioned earlier and being a Certified master mechanic my hardest thing to do is downsize my tool boxes (from 4 full size roll-a-round boxes and 6 portable boxs and the dozens of test kits and special tools that come in there own carrying cases down to (1) one general mechanics portable tool box. (Thank you Army for teaching me to fix so much with so little.) Talk about a task, but you have to have a general mechanics tool box with a few extras for electrical troubleshooting and repair. As far as kitchen appliances go we have our Rice maker (on 24/7), instapot, smokeless grill, ice maker, coffee pot, power Air-Fryer oven elite and waffle iron. That with our set of copper pots and pans and we are good. (I still have my outdoor smoker which I still have to downsize). And those are the only tools we need in the kitchen. Must have our washer and dryer, maybe that is a luxury item but we are spoiled with the convenience of having it. Getting ready to install a complete solar system, I guess for boondocking it could be a must have. Anyway, good article to feed off of. Everyone needs different things for their survival but I believe this article is ment to be about what EVERY RVer must have to survive the wilderness. Happy travels

Thanks for all of your suggestions! I think it differs if you plan to travel in your RV or are stationary, so you make a good point. We have been traveling in our RV full-time for 16 months now and have not needed any of the outdoor equipment you talk about. An ice maker would be amazing though 😉

I almost forgot, everyone as I have noticed are so involved with family life and making income that I have never seen anyone include in their lists the ultimate outdoor essential items. Why are we in our RVs to begin with? To partake in outdoor activities; hiking, fishing, hunting, boating / kyacking (?), looking for minerals (gold, silver….), or any other outdoor activity you like. I would call any equipment associated with that activity a must have. Other wise you might as well stay in the city. Isn’t the main part of RVing to adventure out into the wilderness? Enjoy and safe travels

Honestly, every person has a different reason to travel or live in an RV. Thanks for your input though!

Loved it, It’s really helpful for me.

I’m so glad you found this helpful!

I’m very new to RV lifestyle, I just purchased my first Sportsman and will be living in it full time. I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and found yours to be very helpful, thank you.

Hi Tammy, I’m glad that you’ve found our posts helpful! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and enjoy your Sportsman!

Thanks Jill for all your information. My husband and I have just purchased our 1st camper, and our first trip out is coming is coming soon. Happy camping

How exciting Janet I hope you enjoy your first tip out in your new camper.

What about satellite attenna recommendations for Dish & Direct tv?

Great question. We ourselves don’t use satellite TV and didn’t feel the items were a MUST HAVE.

I’m buying our first travel trailer this week. I just retired from the Navy and I now live in Bakersfield but my new job’s in San Diego. I’m getting the trailer to live in while the family finishes the school year, then they will come to SD when we find a place that doesn’t cost my whole paycheck. This was a great site for me. I like how you included amazon with reviews for the must haves. This is my first trailer and now I have most of the what if questions worked out. Thanks V/R Mike

I hope you enjoy your new trailer Mike. We love the San Diego area, but wow it an get expensive there. Feel free to reach out with any questions as you start this new lifestyle!

What a great list! We have 18 weekends left until our family of 4 goes full-time. Hearing suggestions for other road-families is so valuable to us. Thank you. I’m looking into options for online/homeschooling. Any wisdom you could pass on would be so appreciated!

Hi Bobbie, how exciting! Only 18 more weekends left, what a great way to look at it! What type of RV will you be traveling in? Where are you launching from? Feel free to send me a message through our contact page or even on Instagram or Facebook if it’s easier, I’m happy to help! Regarding homeschooling, feel free to check out our post about why we worldschool our children here: https://www.letstravelfamily.com/why-we-worldschool-our-children/

Hi there, I love your blog so thanks.My husband & I traveled for years living in our fifth-wheel.We loved every minute of it. I am widowed & would love to travel again (with my 6 fur babies). Family tells me I’m too old (78) but what do they know? Anyway, keep blogging, I’ll keep reading & learning from you.God bless you & your beautiful family!

Hi Dorothy, thank you so much for your kinds words. How wonderful that you and your husband were able to travel for years in your fifth-wheel together! Maybe you’ll be able to take a weekend trip sometime again with family. Best of luck and keep reading 🙂

I’m pretty pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new information on your web site.

I’m happy it’s helping you!

All those are really important for an RVer but you did not mention fire extinguisher. I think it is most important for safety. Thank you for sharing a lot of good things

Oh, good addition! Our RV came with a fire extinguisher, but if yours does not then YES, that should for sure be on the list!

Jill, I feel you left out a couple of very important items. A electrical test meter and spare fuses. Also a battery hydrometer to check batteries. Of course the list goes on you did mention some good ones but your list is incomplete. As it is always a work in progress the more you know the more you need. thanks

Ah yes…thanks Bob. Sometimes we don’t even think about the simple things like fuses…which we do have on hand in our RV. I’m updating the post this week and I’ll be sure to add these to the list!

Very helpful site. This is one the best site.I am very happy to see this.

Glad you’re enjoying the site! Maybe we’ll have to swing by if we’re ever on that side of the pond, which may be sooner than later. Not quite sure a 33′ Class C would be street legal throughout the UK/EU though. If you got any tips for UK/EU RVing for a large family we’d love to hear more from you.

Thanks for this article! My hubby & I are planning for our transition to full-time RV living in a motor-coach. We’re senior citizens (73 & 70), so the kids aspect isn’t relevant for us, but I’m reading all I can & compiling a list of links & notes to refer to when the time comes (in about a year). Yours is one of the top 3 so far, & some of your comments made it even better! Thanks again, & we’ll be following your blog from now on.

We’re so happy that you find our blog helpful! Reach out anytime with questions. 🙂

I have noticed you don’t monetize letstravelfamily.com, don’t waste your traffic, you can earn extra cash every month with new monetization method. This is the best adsense alternative for any type of website (they approve all websites), for more info simply search in gooogle: murgrabia’s tools

From many of the suggestions I have seen, Tire pressure and temperature monitors seem to be a must have.

Great article!

Great list of things for RVers. We have been full time RVing for 9 years. Bungee cords come in very handy when traveling. Command hooks are great for hanging utensils, pot holders, bath towels, leashes etc. Just a few things we learned over the years!

A few additional things that have helped us are canvas shoe pockets hung around the base of the bed, command hooks, undercabinet paper towel holders that fold flush when not in use, and a magic wand. One of those rotating wands that unclog the toilet. Only needed it once. But it’s been a lifesaver. And I’d recommend a portable water softener to protect appliances and faucets from hard water deposits.

And another thing that has proven very useful is a splitter after the water filter with a hose bib on it. You can attach a hose to it then to the trailer flush port to flush the black tank, use it for hand washing, or to clean your coach if the park allows. I’ve used that every time we’ve been out. A few bucks at Lowe’s. But it’s the only way to have water outside your coach without using the outdoor kitchen, which sometimes you don’t want to wash your hands in there after certain tasks, even with gloves on.

I pull my 38 foot travel trailer with my mobile service truck, so I’m spoiled with an on board generator and 200 psi air compressor on the truck. Along with any tools I could need. So I tend to forget and take that for granted.

Ah yes, I need to add the magic wand to our list! We have one and we completely forgot to add it! Thanks for all the great additional tips!

Very great list, we are prepping for a near future rv life, and many of these items we currently have, or have on list to buy. Great job

Thanks! What an exciting time for you. Best of luck and reach out if you ever have any questions.

Cold weather water hose. It’s an RV water hose with a length of heat tape fastened to the entire length, then you cover it with flexible pipe insulation. It’s easy to make yourself, fairly inexpensive and a must have during the winter in cold climates. I made my own and it works great. I was working in Iowa one year during the winter and I never had any problems with frozen pipes.

What a great idea to add to the list. It sounds like you are handy and created your own!

For Item 16, it appears you have the recommended adapters SWAPPED? I have a 30amp RV and bought a 50amp male to 30amp female adapter….

Oh no! I’m so sorry about that. I’ve made sure to fix the link.

I’m just in the process of being a full-time Travel Nurse. I’ve worked with many who have traveled from contract to contract in a camper as opposed to taking the housing allowance and using it all on an apartment or a house. I’m very nervous doing this on my own, but I found your list of essentials to be very comprehensive and helpful. I’ve written it all down, I’m making my shopping list.

Hi Jess, I hope your travel nurse experience is going well. I’ve met several travel nurses on the road while RVing, and it seems like a great way to travel. You bring your home with you. Good luck!

Jill: This is a great list! We just sold our “beginner” motor home and are preparing to move up to a wee bit larger one. You have some really excellent ideas here. The shower head is a great idea as are the headlamps. Many thanks for the recommendations.

Hi Eric, thanks for reaching out. I hope that your move up to a larger motorhome goes well!

Thanks for this information. I have gotten great ideas & a better understanding of what I’m looking at. I’m doing my research ahead of my purchase so that I go into it with eyes wide open. I’m really excited about this next adventure.

Hi Lisa, I’m so happy that you’ve found some great ideas here. Good luck on your next adventure!

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Your Essential RV Camping Checklist 2023 (+Printable Checklist)

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   More information: disclosure page .

What do you need for a family RV camping trip?  Here is my best resource for RV packing list for the family. You are getting a sneak peek at my personal RV packing checklist for camping with babies, toddlers, and big kids. You will see a special section just for packing for the baby or toddler.

The first baby we took tent camping at a few weeks old.  Since then we have been tent camping and backpacking with infants and toddlers but now with #5 and #6 we have been enjoying RV camping.  

See our sanity-saving tips for RV camping with a toddler and packing checklist specifically for RV camping with a toddler.

I love to tent camp but RV camping with young children has allowed us to get out and camp more and extend the season.  Plus, we have been able to take very long, 3 week and month road trips, that would have never worked in a tent or car camping.

Our first RV experience was renting a camper. We rented from Canadream on a half-price special. Otherwise, that would have been quite expensive.

You have some great options for renting campers. One option to find the best and most flexible RV rental rates (and lots of insider tips) is Outdoorsy.

A basic Google Doc for you to download a packing list that you can edit is at the end of this article or subscribe to get full access to discounts, checklists, and travel planners . If you want a checklist specific for babies and toddlers, you can read more and download that checklist at our article RV Packing Checklist for Babies and Toddlers

You can get a printable checklist when you sign up for our trip planning kit (it is prettier than the Google file) or download your own copy in a Google file. Click this link for the Google file , choose to make your own copy (on the dropdown on the left), and save to your own Google drive.

I hope you find this checklist helpful for answering all your questions about – What Should I pack in my RV checklist?

Family RV Camping Trip Packing Checklist

Whether you have been tent camping, or are new to camping altogether, RV camping requires some equipment specific to an RV.   

Get this 19-page Travel Planner that I personally use for our family trips

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RV Equipment  and Necessities

• Hitch 
• Weight distribution bar
• Leveling blocks
• Wheel chocks
• Tire pressure gauge
• Fuel for the generator 
• Surge Protectors
• Electrical adapters
• Water pressure regulator
• Water purifier
• Drinking water hose
• Sewer hoses and gloves
• Battery jumper cables
• Roadside emergency kit with flares or triangles 
• Small tool kit with screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches
• Fire extinguisher
• Hydraulic or scissor jack

A travel trailer and fifth wheel must be towed safely with the correct hitch.  A motorhome is one unit and does not include a hitch – so you can cross that off your list along with the weight distribution bar.

RV Kitchen Checklist

In an RV you will have the luxury of cooking as you do at home.  Take advantage of this by having a well-stocked kitchen, ready to make, fun meals for the whole family.   When we are boondocking, I use the built-in propane cooktop and oven.  When we are camping at a campground, I pull out all the electric appliances and use the power from the campground.  So I have multiple options when cooking. 

• Lid- One size fits all
• Microwavable bowl
• Pressure cooker (Instapot)
• Electric griddle
• Coffee Pot 
• Water bottles
• Paper plates
• Ziplock bags

Cleaning Supplies List for RV

The best and worst thing about an RV is cleaning.  In this small space, you can clean your entire house in just minutes but the mess will also happen in just minutes.  So you can feel like you spend your entire day cleaning small messes.  Be prepared with some cleaning supplies on hand to make the job easier and faster. 

• Paper towels
• Rubber gloves
• Magic Erasers
• Fabric/upholstery cleaner
• Carpet cleaner
• Toilet brush
• All-purpose cleaner
• Dilute bleach
• Toilet bowl drop-ins

RV Bedroom and Sleeping Checklist

Sleeping in an RV can be as much as camping or home as you would like it to be. You can have the comfort of sleeping at home with sheets and blankets, or the kids can still have a campout and sleeping bags.  

In cold season camping, the bottom of the beds and floor can get cold. So we use wool blankets under the sheets or electric blankets to keep warm. 

• Waterproof mattress pad
• Pillowcases
• Blankets 
• Sleeping bags
• Wool blankets (for under or on top)
• Electric blanket
• Air mattress
• Lovey or stuffed animal for the kids
• Window coverings
• Space heater (safe and electric)

RV Bathroom Checklist

I think the most wonderful thing about RV camping is an indoor bathroom.  Especially with kids …. In the middle of the night.  You do need to have some RV bathroom essentials and keep up with the cleanliness in this tiny space though.     This is our RV bathroom packing checklist: 

• RV toilet paper
• RV toilet drop-ins
• Toothbrushes
• Small paper cups
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Quick-dry towels
• Brush and comb
• Laundry soap
• Dirty clothes bag
• First aid kit

Other RV Camping Essentials

• Shade tent 
• Bug screen tent
• Portable table 
• Camp chairs
• Doormat 

Hobbies and Camping Activities

RV camping is about having fun and exploring the area around you.  This may mean riding bikes around the campground, swimming in a lake, or hanging out by the campfire.  This is list is likely more comprehensive than what you will need on every trip but it is a start. 

Some of the athletic gear and bikes go on a platform on the back of our travel trailer.  We also have a specific bike rack that we squeeze a couple of extra bikes onto. 

• Glow sticks
• Collapsible bucket
• Butterfly net
• Sports balls – Soccer, football
• Puzzles 
• Drawing and art supplies
• Playing cards
•  towels
• bag for wet suits
• life jackets

RV First Aid Kit Checklist

Our first aid kit has grown over the years from some basic anti-biotic cream and bandages to include more things for emergencies.  With 6 kids, we have had our share of bumps, bruises, accidents, and the occasional stitches.  Here is our personal checklist for our RV first aid kit. 

• Triple Antibiotic
• Anti-itch cream or hydrocortisone cream
• Absorbent compress dressings
• Individual eye drops 
• Thermometer
• Baby fever medication
• Fever and cold medication
• Pain reliever
• Allergy pills
• Children’s motion sickness pills
• Prescription medications
• Nausea and diarrhea remedies
• Vitamin and supplements
• Coconut oil

Camping Clothes Checklist

• Pants (Hiking pants)
• Short sleeve shirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• sweatshirts 
• Socks 

Camping Outerwear for the Family 

• Rain Jacket and Pants
• Fleece Jacket
• Snow Jacket and Pants
• Hiking Boots
• Hand Warmers

 Baby and Toddler Camping Gear Checklist

Traveling with a baby or toddler in tow requires some extra gear.  When we travel in the RV we take along some of the comforts of home.  Taking care of a baby or toddler in the camper is much easier when you have the basics on hand.  Your baby or toddler will be more comfortable and happier also.  See our article here on the blog for a complete checklist for RV camping with a baby or toddler.

• Diapers or pull-ups
• Diaper cream
• Bottles and cleaning supplies
• Nursing supplies (breastfeeding)
• Fleece sleep sack
• Warm hat for sleeping
• Baby sleeping bag
• Portable bassinet or sleep tent
• Small booster seat (at the dinette)
• Baby monitor
• Portable High chair

RV Dog Essentials Checklist

A baby and dogs are a big reason that we transferred from tent camping to road tripping in an RV.  The dogs loved tent camping but in order to do long trips with dogs, we chose our travel trailer.  

• Treats 
• Collar and tags
• Dog towels (rags)
• Blankets or pet bed
• Portable pen
• Medications

Rounding up the Family RV Camping Packing Checklist

Get the ultimate guide to planning an RV Vacation and the Family RV Packing Checklist (and more RV hacks) by subscribing to our newsletter and get the Family RV Discounts and Packing Checklist

Oh, and one more thing – I have the RV packing checklist set for 3 kids – but you already know I have more than that. So just make more rows or print more copies for more kids.

If you prefer, you can use this live camping checklist by Outdoorsy and click the boxes.

Our first time traveling as a family in an RV was when we flew to Toronto Canada and rented an RV.  The time we had planned to visit downtown Toronto turned into an unforgettable adventure to the surrounding Provential Parks, Niagra Falls, and upstate New York.    

No moving in and out of hotel rooms, traveling with our bathroom and bedroom in tow.  

We all loved the whole time that we came home and started dreaming about an RV.

Then, we went tent camping with 4 kids (including a baby and toddler) in the rain and I was totally sold on an RV. (Psst – you read our article here for 2 7 more pros and cons of RV travel.

We have some great options for renting campers. One option to find the best and most flexible RV rental rates (and lots of insider tips) is through RVShare . Another option in the sharing space which is the largest RV rental marketplace in the US and Canada is Outdoorsy.

We now take short and long road trips in our travel trailers.  Every time we leave, I use this RV camping trip checklist to pack the RV for our trip.

Grab a copy of the checklist and start packing everything you need right into the camper. If you are renting a camper, use this packing list to ask the company what they supply for your trip and what you will need to bring.

I hope this checklist helps you prepare for your next trip too. 

Hi, I’m Shauna – Welcome to Family Travel Fever.  We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug!  I take the kids by myself because I don’t mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places.

Sign up for our email list for my best travel tips plus get the family travel planner free. 

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Your article Awesome Thanks for this information, very informative as well as Modern.

This is a great checklist for RV camping! I’m looking forward to using it this year!

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Travel Trailers

Last updated on: March 8, 2022

20+ Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories [2021 List]

by Peter Wade

www.rvtalk.net is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Being a full-time RVer is a desirable lifestyle, given that you are well prepared for the countless problems associated with camping and living in your RV . The good news is these handpicked travel trailer must have accessories will make your journeys on the road a whole lot more pleasant.

From the absolute necessities like power- and water-related devices and space-saving homeware and kitchenware to handy outdoor equipment, this list of 20+ travel trailer accessories includes all the items that seasoned full-time RVers have tested and would highly recommend. 

1. RV Water Pressure Regulator

2. rv surge protector, 3. lithium jump starter, 4. rv battery charger, 5. a quiet generator with remote start, 6. wifi ranger, 8. rv water filter, 9. air compressor, 11. bubble level or leveling blocks, 12. hampers & closet organizers, 13. hand-held vacuum, 14. bladeless table fan, 15. reflectix, 16. camping hammock, 17. portable propane fire pit, 18. liquid propane grill, 19. multi-functional cooker , 20. stove top oven, 21. coffee maker, 22. plate organizers/protectors, 2021 travel trailer must have accessories – absolute necessities.

The first category is of course the must have RV accessories without which you will NOT be able to survive intact on the roads. 

Traveling in a camper plus setup and maintenance is no simple business. Many first-time RVers have underestimate the importance of thorough research on what to equip their travel trailer with, only to regret later on when they are in the middle of nowhere. 

The following travel trailer must have accessories include the tools and devices for powering your RV, for managing its water system and for the most basic maintenance. 

It’s not that uncommon to blow out the water system on your trailer due to the unusually high water pressure on the campgrounds. High water pressure can cause extra stress in your RV’s water system which eventually will lead to troublesome leaks.

While some campgrounds already have the pressure regulated on their water source, it’s best not to leave this to chance. Imagine the time, efforts and irritation having to find and fix the leaks yourself. 

Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). While a typical recent model would be capable of handling up to 100 psi of water pressure, the recommended water pressure for RV is around 50psi for older models or 60 psi for newer models. 

The regulator is attached to the water supply at the campground and your RV water hose will connect to the regulator. If the water pressure at the campground is higher than 50 or 60 psi, the regulator will keep the psi of the water entering your RV down to a safe level. 

Since there are a wide selection of reliable water pressure regulators at a price range of under $15, this is an affordable and worthy insurance for your RV. A cheap but good option is Camco’s all-brass water pressure regulator , offered at about $10.

An adjustable water pressure regulator would be ideal to deal with inconsistent pressure levels at the campground. You can easily adjust the water pressure setting by using a screwdriver to turn the screw head. The setting is displayed by a gauge. 

RV water pressure regulators are commonly factory preset to a certain psi. For instance, if your regulator is preset to 45 psi and you find the water pressure to be too low in the shower, use a screwdriver to turn the screw: typically clockwise to increase water pressure for stronger stream and counterclockwise to reduce water pressure. 

There will be instructions for adjustments on the screw in the form of a two-way arrow and the “ +” and “-” symbols.

Similar to a water pressure regulator, an RV surge protector is like an insurance for your electronics. It is more than a good-to-have but is one of the travel trailer must have accessories you will need for hassle-free travel on the road.

An RV surge protector is a device that you plug into the power source on the campground, then you would plug your RV’s cable into the surge protector.

This surge protector protects your RV’s electrical system from any problems stemming from the power outlet. For example, the power outlet might be wired incorrectly or its voltage might be too low. In case of a lightning strike, the outlet might provide a sudden electrical spikes to your RV. 

Since your RV’s appliances require a consistent level of voltage to operate safely, all of these issues will wreak havoc on your electronics. In short, an RV surge protector keeps your electronics safe.  

An RV surge protector typically detects and shuts down when the power supply is at dangerously low or high levels, thus not allowing this problematic electrical source enter your RV and power your electronics. 

2 Types of RV surge protectors :

There are two types of RV surge protectors with different levels of protection. You can find an entry-level RV surge protector for $100 and above, while an EMS can cost from $250 to $500. 

An RV surge protector typically protects your RV’s electrical system from higher-than-normal voltage and sudden electrical surge, hence the name of the device. This is an entry-level protective device, thus is considered by many first-time RV owners.

An RV electrical management system (EMS) can protect your RV’s electronics from a range of electrical problems, including power surge, low voltage, high voltage, and also other common issues such as overheating plug or receptacle, reverse polarity, high neutral, open ground and mis-wired power outlet.

Such is really an extensive protection, thus it is well worth the price if you are a full-time RVer. While an EMS is quite the ideal surge protector for RV, you should make a decision based on your budget and your camping needs.

A portable jump starter can be a lifesaver on the road especially when you travel to less populated areas. 

Look for a jump starter that is powerful, compact and lightweight. Another handy tip is to look for a jump starter with low discharge rate. One with a discharge rate of only 1-2% per month means you can leave the jump starter in your RV in 1 year and still have enough charge in case of emergency. 

A reliable jump starter loved by full-time RVers is the Wagan Corporation’s iOn Boost V8 Air Lithium Jumpstarter .

Being effective and safe for 6.0 L V-8 engines, this jump starter uses lithium-polymer battery technology that produces 300 cranking amps or maximum 500 amps. It is also conveniently equipped with an air compressor, two high-speed USB ports and an LED spotlight.

A bonus is its built-in safety features that protect against overvoltage, overcharge, short-circuit and reverse polarity.

Most RVs come with a built-in battery charging system, however, more likely than not such system would fall short of expectations. It may actually under-charge or damage batteries by over-charging them, especially in older RVs.

Therefore it’s a good idea to upgrade your RV’s battery charger when you’re planning on a long trip in more remote areas. An option that receives great reviews by seasoned RVers is the UltraSafe Smart Battery Charger , a notable feature of which is its ultra-safe spark-proof technology.

Getting a reliable RV battery charger will ensure safe and efficient charging without any undercharge or overcharge. These advanced battery chargers are designed to convert energy up to a few thousand times faster than your typical built-in battery charging system, thereby minimizing energy consumption. 

You can find many compact, lightweight, and portable battery chargers on the market. In addition, you might want to grab one like the NOCO Genius Chargers that comes complete with a built-in battery desulfator to rejuvenate underperforming batteries.

This one is quite obviously among the top travel trailer must haves.  Seasoned RVers will insist that you need a generator for your camper , ideally a quiet generator.  

A permanently installed generator supplies power to your RV when you don’t have access to home and campground electrical hookups. 

The top choices for many RVers are the Yamaha and Honda generators, however, they come at steep prices. A more affordable yet powerful and quiet generator is those by the brands NOCO and Champion, such as the Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator .

The added remote start feature would be handy when you don’t want to have to leave your RV to go outside and start your generator. 

While there are more expensive models by other brands offered at above $800, RV generators by Champion and a few other brands including Predators typically costs between $400 to $800.

An RV campground is huge, and being parked a mile away from the campground router might mean weak wifi signals or no access to wifi at all. Furthermore, RV campground’s wifi is always plagued with problems and security issues.

You will no longer have to pull your hair out with irritatingly weak wifi. A nifty contraption like the WiFiRanger boosts weak WiFi from up to two miles away and tether multiple wifi signals together to create an even faster wifi.

An important feature is connection encryption to protect you from the massive number of unsecured wifi signals you’ll be connected to on the road. In addition, these RV wifi boosters are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.

While hoses do not sound sexy, they are definitely travel trailer must have accessories.

It’s generally recommended that you get two garden hoses with different colour for easy distinction: one RV fresh water hose to fill the fresh water tank and another RV sewer hose to empty the black water tank at a dump station.

One handy tip is to get lead-free hoses so they are safe for drinking. 

While the ideal length is generally 25 inches as recommended by experienced RVers, it’s useful to get extra hoses for when you need extra length. A longer hose can be troublesome to take out and unkink.

The price of a hose usually depends on the length. A 25-inch hose typical costs around $10.

When it comes to the water you drink, extra precautionary measures is never a waste of money. Traveling on the roads mean you will be using water from a variety of sources, the quality of which is questionable.

An RV water filter that ensure your RV water pump is free from particles and sediment out of  As you travel around in your RV, thus it usually comes up in discussions on travel trailer must have accessories.

Check out the best RV water filters here !

Again, among the things you need for a camper trailer , an air compressor isn’t very sexy. However, when you live the RV life, you will be thankful you have one.

Having an RV air compressor to ensure tire health is key in preventing a blowout and avoid excessive tire wear. 

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories: Parking

These blocks keep your RV from rolling away when parked. Since a travel trailer doesn’t have any kind of automatic brakes, chocks is a travel trailer necessities.  

There are a variety of block styles offered at different price range for you to choose from. Plastic and rubber chocks typically costs between $10 to under $30 for a pack of two, while more advanced metal wheel stabilizers like the X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer can range between $30 and $60 for a pair.  

When you travel off-road into nature, parking on uneven ground is common, which means you won’t get your trailer level.  

There’s a simple and affordable remedy for this: bubble levels or leveling blocks . You can get a bubble level for as little os $5 or even get a fancier level with raving reviews on Amazon, which can cost from $20 to under $40.

In addition, you can get leveling blocks instead of bubble levels. You can stack these flat blocks up like Lego to achieve the desired thickness, a super simple yet effective and convenient mechanism.

The two best sellers in this domain are Tri-Lynx RV Leveling Blocks and Camco Heavy Duty Leveling Blocks . Tri-Lynx and Camco are among the most loved brands by RVers thanks to the usefulness, quality and variety of their offerings.

The model from Tri-Lynx costs around $36 for a pack of 10 blocks, and is claimed to withstand any RV weight. Camco’s blocks are more affordable: ~$23 for a pack of 10. 

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories: Interior

Open storage compartments in an RV are never adequate, even if you are a minimalist. Hampers and closet organizers will help you effectively optimize space and keep things organized. 

These come in a variety of forms and shapes. Most are foldable for space saving and super lightweight. You should definitely get some foldable storage bin cubes, which you can stack up, and some hanging shelves with sturdy metal frame.

Storage bin cubes usually come in packs of 4, 6 or 8 at $12 to typically under $30 for a pack. Hanging shelves can range from $13 to $30 for one. 

If you are a neat freak, maybe grab some drawer divider for underwear and thin summer clothes. When you don’t need them any more for your RV, they will always be useful in your home. 

WIth so many dirty shoes coming in and out from the campground, an RV gets messy more quickly than you would expect. While a broom would not be very helpful, a lightweight and compact hand-held vacuum will keep your RV clean without any hassle.

Good news is, you can get one with amazing reviews from fellow RVers without paying a fortune. An example is the ThisWorx For TWC-01 at $30. 

This is one of the coolest RV accessories , or home devices, that will save you the trouble of cleaning the fan blades.  

This bladeless fans guarantee smooth airflow and quick cooling. They typically come with a 2-year warranty. 

The price range is huge, so while you don’t need to grab a fancy fan for something between $150 and $300, do take some time to browse and check the reviews for the more affordable fans offered at under $80. 

This is a great RV hack that not many RVers know about. 

If you travel during summer or in areas with year-round hot weather, then Reflectix is definitely one of the travel trailer necessities you need for economical temperature control. 

Reflectix is a reflective insulation roll, which covers all your windows to reflect sunlight away from your RV, thus keeping your RV cooler. These rolls typically costs around $15-$20 each, an economical and effective way to survive brutal summer days. 

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories: Outdoor 

You might think a hammock is only a good-to-have, however, many full-time RVers would challenge you otherwise. For me and my fellow travellers, a life on the road is not complete without the perks of reading a book or a nap in a hammock. In fact, many campers love to sleep outside under the stars in good dry weather. 

You can grab a basic, entry-level camping hammock for as little as $20, or if hammock is really your thing, you might get a fancy one with mosquito net and/or rainfly cover for around $80-$110.

A durable option with great reviews on Amazon is the Therm-A-Rest Double Camping Hammock , which can easily accommodate 2 persons.

Want to upgrade for the optimal hammock experience? Many brands, including Therm-A-Rest, also sell ultralight foam hammock mattress for between $40 to $100 for a top-notch quality mattress that will last you many trips to come. 

Like a hammock, you might think a fire pit is not that ‘essential’ to include in your bucket list of travel trailer must have accessories. Spend some time camping and you’ll think again. 

Camping and outdoor gatherings won’t be the same without a centerpiece campfire. 

Say goodbye to dirty ash, expensive firewood, and bothersome smoke. For typically $80-$130, you and your fellow travelers can enjoy clean, hassle-free and realistic propane campfire with cozy warmth and beautiful ambiance.

In addition, a big plus is a CSA-approved, spark-free propane fire pit is safe to use during most campfire bans, the objective of which is to  protect campgrounds and forested areas.

A huge perk of the RV life is outdoors BBQ. Do not compromise this, as there are a wide range of compact, go-anywhere grills offered at different price range you can choose from to perfect your RV experience.

Portable outdoors grills also solves the nuisance of cooking in limited space in the RV. 

You can find compact, portable gas grills with a 6,500 BTU-per hour burner and porcelain-enameled cooking grate for $60-$90. For easy carrying, look for one that features handles, plated steel legs and pivot to lock lid in place. 

A liquid propane grill, which runs on disposable liquid propane cylinders, would typically cost a little more. For $150-$250, you can get a grill that offers some 12,000 BTU-per-hour, 280 square-inch cooking area and easy-start electronic ignition.

Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories: Kitchen

A multi-functional cooker will save you space on your small RV by combining typically 7 kitchen appliances in 1, including: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer.

The most user-friendly, reliable and affordable cooker is arguably the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric , which costs $60. It receives a 4.5 overall rating from almost 50,000 positive reviews on Amazon, making it the absolute best seller. 

If your RV has an oven, you can skip this item. However, if yours does not and you do not want to compromise great oven-cooked dishes, a stove-top oven is a convenient choice.  

A great option is the one by Omnia , which costs around $70. The brand also offers a variety of accessories for oven cooking. 

There is no doubt that every traveller needs a coffee maker, which does not take up space and does not cost a lot. You can easily get a stove-top coffee maker for under $25 that offers at least 6-cup capacity, durable cast aluminum design and also includes 1 replacement filter plus 3 replacement gaskets.

There are also plenty of options for programmable coffee makers with fast brewing feature and stainless steel design for under $40. 

This might not sound super grand, but is an RV accessories you will love more and more the longer you spend on the roads. Towing on bumpy roads can cause annoying rattling and worse, your cutlery can fall off the shelves and brake. 

A favourite cutlery protector by full-time RVers is the Camco Stack-A-Plate , which costs around $10 for a pack of 2, one small and one big.

While you’re on it, getting some organizers for your fridge would also prevent rattling and things knocked over as well as maximizing space.

If you’re a full-time RVer, then you will definitely need the items in this carefully selected list of travel trailer must have accessories .

About Peter Wade

Peter Wade is a co-ordinator and writer at www.RVTalk.net. His hobbies are coffee, RV camping and photography. He now enjoys exploring the U.S. by RV with his two dogs. After obtaining a MA degree in Public Relations and Journalism, he had 8 years of experience working for the R&D Department of Outdoorsy. Peter provides a unique look and insightful knowledge about the RV lifestyle, and fills his blog with everything from RV camping guides to reviews about necessary RV accessories. If you are an RV enthusiast and want to get the most-updated trends of the RV industry, Peter’s articles are the must-visit contents.

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I viewed this article, ’20+ Travel Trailer Must Have Accessories [2020 List]’. Great Stuff here. Thnx much

A 25 inch hose isn’t much help. A typo, perhaps?

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25+ Travel Trailer Must-Haves to Get on the Road Now

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Whether you’re a seasoned RV veteran or a new RV owner, you should have some travel trailer must-haves before heading out on a road trip.

If you’re not prepared, you could face a slew of different problems on your RV camping adventure. 

With over three years of RV living experience, I can attest that the appropriate travel trailer accessories can guarantee a seamless, comfortable, and secure RV trip, including items for:

• dumping your RV tanks
• leveling your rig
• getting power safely
• getting clean, fresh water

If this is your first RV, let this list of items for your camper serve as a checklist of the essentials you’ll need . It will give you everything required to maintain your RV travel trailer and handle almost any issue that arises while you’re on the road.

RV Dump & Sewer Essentials

Before your first time out in your travel trailer, you’ll need a few RV sewer essentials to empty and maintain your grey and black tanks.

Items #1 – 6 below are the RV must-haves for your holding tanks and the answers to why you need these essentials.

1. RV Sewer Hoses & Kit

A 10-foot RV sewer hose is a requirement for dumping your black water tank. You’ll also need a transparent 90-degree elbow adapter to see when the water from the tank is running clear after rinsing.

We carry two 10-foot sewer hoses but most often only need one to reach the sewer connection.

PRO TIP: When we’re further from the sewer connection, we use a small 2-foot sewer hose (shown above) combined with the 10-foot hose to get more length without needing another long hose. This makes the dump station process easier to manage.

2. rv sidewinder.

An RV hose support , also known as a ‘sidewinder,’ will allow you to set up your sewer hose to run downhill and keep everything moving in the right direction through your hose.

• Lightweight with a durable frame
• Fits a 10-foot hose

The sidewinder will also keep your sewer hose off the ground, out of the dirt, for a cleaner campsite breakdown.

3. Black Water Rinse Hose

When you finish cleaning your tank, use a black water hose to rinse out your sewer kit and components. If you have a black water flush system, you can also use this hose to rinse the inside of your black water tank.

• 5/8-inch diameter hose
• Heavy-duty design for rinsing black tank and clean sewer hose

You’ll see orange RV hoses that are marketed as black water hoses. These are orange, so you don’t confuse this hose with your other RV hoses (that would be bad).

PRO TIP: We use an old drinking water hose and mark it with colored tape to avoid mixing them up.

4. waterproof gloves.

Waterproof gloves protect your hands from contamination when dumping your black water tank and storing your sewer hoses.

• Flexible, dry work gloves with double-coated latex
• Sandy grip foam
• Available in sizes small to extra-large

We try to be green by using reusable waterproof gloves such as the ones above, but you can also use disposable gloves when dealing with you’re dumping your RV black tank.

5. Holding Tank Treatment

There are holding tank treatments for both the grey and the black tank. Black tank treatment is a must-have for RVing, while grey tank treatment isn’t always necessary to keep your tank smelling fresh. It’s more of a personal preference.

Here are the tank treatment options we use in our tanks.

There are many different black tank treatments available for RVs. We recommend avoiding enzyme treatments since they can create a “sludge” that coats your tank sensors and renders them useless. There are also treatment options available for making your own!

6. RV Toilet Paper

RV toilet paper is designed to break down in your black water tank to avoid clogs and paper covering your sensors.

We use the Scott RV toilet paper brand and have never had clogging issues in our RVs or when we lived on a boat.

• Quick dissolving toilet paper for RVs and boats
• Prevents clogging

You’ll hear a ton of advice from RV owners on which toilet paper to use or whether you should even put toilet paper in your RV tanks. No matter what type you choose, use it sparingly!

PRO TIP: You can also do a ‘shake experiment’ to test your favorite toilet paper brands. Check out this video on how to test your toilet paper .

Rv fresh water accessories.

Getting water on the road requires a few RV and camper must-haves to ensure you can put clean water into your water tank or run water straight into your RV plumbing system.

Items #7 – 10 below are RV necessities for fresh water access are below.

7. Water Pressure Regulator

When connecting to water sources using your city water connection (this is your campground or home water hookup), you want to control the pressure of water flowing into your RV.

RV campgrounds often have water pressure set to a level higher than your RV can handle.

A water pressure regulator will help you prevent stress on your plumbing components and leaks in your RV.

• Adjustable water pressure reducer with gauge

PRO TIP:  Water pressure around 40 PSI will give you good water flow for a shower and at the kitchen sink without causing damage to your RV.

8. inline water filter.

An inline water filter is inserted between your water source and your RV water tank or plumbing system.

The filter is essential for eliminating heavy metals, chlorine, odors, and other things you don’t want in your water.

There are many options for RV water filtering, including some pricier systems that new RVers may not be ready to invest in quite yet.

If you’re a beginner RVer, we like the water filter above from Clear2o that filters to one micron. Most of the popular inline filters only filter to around 20 microns.

• Reduces contaminants, bad taste, and odors
• Filters contaminants down to one micron
• No more Chlorine or sediment in your drinking water

The Clear2o will filter out much smaller sediment and is a great, affordable water filter to get you on the road with clean water in your tanks.

9. RV Fresh Water Hose

Drinking water hoses are made specifically to fill your RV water tank and connect to RV water sources. These water hoses are safe for carrying drinking and other water to your RV. They are BPA, phthalate, and lead-free.

• 25-feet, 5/8-inch diameter
• Super flexible design allows the hose to be easily stored over and over again
• Ideal for drinking water, BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free

PRO TIP:  Choose a hose long enough to reach your RV water intake from the water source. For most RV rig sizes, a 20-foot hose is sufficient. We carry a small 10-foot hose for short connections and the rare occasion when the water hookup is inconveniently located.

10. 90-degree elbow.

Lastly, you’ll need a 90-degree elbow to connect to your water intake. The elbow will prevent a bend in your water hose that occurs when you join the water hose directly to your water intake.

• Solid brass 90-degree elbow
• Helps protect your hose by reducing stress and strain

The fitting will prevent wear and damage to your hose or water intake over time.

RV Power Accessories

You’ll need power in your camper when you’re on the road! Getting power to your RV safely and efficiently requires a few more pieces of gear.

Items #11 – 14 below are essentials related to getting power to your RV and using power inside your RV.

11. Surge Protector

When connecting your RV to power, you won’t always know the quality of the power source.

This must-have RV gadget is the best way to protect your rig and its electronics by preventing damage from electrical power surges.

There are many options when it comes to surge protectors . We previously used the exterior connected surge protector in our motorhome, but now we use a hardwired surge protector in our travel trailer. 

Both surge protectors are good options – the difference is between hardwiring the surge protector into your system or connecting it each time you plug into power.

PRO TIP: Consider the smaller hardwired surge protector if you have a small space to store your power accessories. If you choose the surge protector designed for exterior connection, make sure it has a lock!

12. power adapter (dog bone).

Whether connecting to power at a campground or a residential home, you might need a power adapter. Homes usually run on a 15 amp connection.

If you have a 30 amp RV, you’ll need a 30-15 amp adapter to connect to power.

You could find your campground spot doesn’t have the connection your RV requires. If you have a 50 amp RV, you might need to adapt to a 30 amp connection. 30 amp RVs might also need to adapt to a 50 amp.

• Available in multiple versions including 15/30, 30/50, 50/30, 15/50
• Heavy-duty, flexible, and durable construction

PRO TIP:  Dog bones are also handy in RV parks if you get an error on the pedestal for your power connection. You can quickly adapt up or down to use the other connection until someone can look at it or you solve the issue.

13. heavy-duty extension cord.

An extension cord will allow you to extend the reach of your power cable. It is necessary for moochdocking at a family or friend’s house or setting up your RV to plug into your home power grid.

• Heavy-duty 3-prong extension cord
• Water-resistent and highly visible

PRO TIP: We recommend purchasing a heavy-duty extension cord that is also water-resistant. These cords also come in handy for powering tools or other camping gear outdoors.

14. small inverter (optional).

Although not a true RV essential, a small inverter is a good investment if you plan to do any dry camping (camping without power hookups).

Many large inverters are a component of permanently installed off-grid systems with solar panels, but to get your RV on the road, let’s look at a small inverter that can run a fan or other electronic item with a low-power draw. This is a small investment that is ideal for RV living.

• Car charger inverter adapter (DC to AC power)
• Includes 4.2A dual USB charging ports and two AC outlets

A small inverter that plugs into a 12-volt port will help you during an overnight in a Walmart parking lot or another short stay without a power connection.

PRO TIP:  Choose a pure sine wave inverter if you plan to charge a laptop. Other inverters can permanently damage a computer.

Travel trailer leveling & securing.

Each time you park your RV, you must level it side to side and front to back. You’ll want to do this for comfort, and your RV fridge needs to be level to operate correctly.

Slideouts should also be level to evenly distribute the weight and avoid putting strain on specific components. With travel trailers (and other towable RVs), you also need to secure and stabilize the trailer.

Items #15 – 18 below are the best RV accessories for leveling, securing, and stabilizing your RV.

15. Trailer Wheel Chocks

These are must-haves for towable RVs (travel trailer or fifth-wheel). Wheel chocks keep your trailer tires secured when it’s not connected to the tow vehicle.

• Size of chocks: 8" x 4" x 6"
• All-weather design with a traction pad for securing a trailer in any conditions
• Built-in handle for easy maneuvering

We have both a plastic and rubber set of wheel chocks.

The rubber set of chocks above is more heavy-duty and superior to the plastic version, in my opinion. They give us a better sense of security, especially on  steeper inclines and in wet weather.

16. Leveling System

Is your RV level? You’ll need some form of a leveling system to confirm which way to raise or lower your rig when you set up camp.

The simplest way to level your camper is to walk inside and place a small level at different ends of the RV to see which ends and sides need to go up.

Some trailers and motorhomes will have level reading and even self-leveling built-in. If your RV doesn’t have one, a popular system to install is the LevelMatePro.

• Easy to use smartphone and Apple watch Bluetooth RV leveling tool
• Built to be installed in your RV
• Powered by batteries or can be connected to power depending on the version you purchase

The previous owners installed this system in our travel trailer. It works through an app on your phone to tell you how many inches you need to raise your camper and on which side.

Our opinion? It’s one of our favorite RV gadgets. It makes setting up your RV campsite more hassle-free and takes the guesswork out of leveling!

17. Anderson Levelers & Leveling Blocks

There are different RV leveler options for your camper. We have both Andersen levelers and Lynx Block levelers , so let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Andersens are typically the easiest levelers to use. Just pull the camper onto the leveler until the RV reaches the desired height.

Lynx Blocks provide about a 1-inch lift each and require stacking the blocks to get the height you need.

As full-time RVers, we like to carry both types of levelers to have options and be prepared. Also, the space between our trailer tires isn’t wide enough to fit a second Andersen leveler, so be aware of this issue if your trailer tires are close together.

PRO TIP: You can also use leveling blocks under your jack pads when needed. We’ve also used these blocks to raise the truck for maintenance and increase the height when leveling the trailer front to back. If you’re a full-time RVer, we recommend  two packs  of ten blocks (especially if you boondock often).

18. camper stabilizing accessories & jack pads.

Travel trailers need jack pads for the stabilizers (such as the set below).

These pads will keep the stabilizers from sinking into the soft ground and provide an extra cushion on hard surfaces.

Although you can hand-crank your RV scissor jacks, a drill adapter , and a cordless drill will save you time and effort in lowering and raising your jacks.

Some trailers have built-in mechanics to move your jacks up and down, which will not require a drill or drill adapter.

ALTERNATIVE ITEM: A popular RV item on the market called SnapPads actually attaches to the stabilizer. This means you avoid unpacking the pads and inserting them under the stabilizers each time you camp. SnapPads are compatible with specific travel trailer and fifth-wheel stabilizers. You can check their site to see if they support your RV model.

Travel trailer tire pressure.

Before your first camping trip, you must understand how to monitor your RV tire pressure and your tow vehicle’s tire pressure, as this is crucial to safety when towing your camper.

Closely monitoring tire pressure will help you avoid a tire blowout and increase your tire life.

I always recommend checking your tires before moving your RV.

Items #19 and #20 below are essential tools to check and manage tire pressure.

19. Tire Pressure Gauge or TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

A tire pressure gauge or tire pressure monitoring system will allow you to quickly check your tire pressure on your RV from your campsite.

A tire pressure gauge is an easy, affordable way to check the pressure. However, a TPMS is a great way to monitor tire pressure and temperature before traveling and while on the road.

The TPMS requires a little more investment and installation but is worth the time and money to set up.

New RV owners who plan on covering many miles will save a lot of time and worry by upgrading to one of these systems.

PRO TIP:  For interior tires on dually trucks, you may need to install valve stem extenders to make checking and adjusting tire pressure easier. This was one of our first upgrades on our motorhome and later on our F350.

20. air compressor.

A portable air compressor adds a layer of convenience to maintaining your tire pressure in your towable RV or towing vehicle.

An air compressor is also a good idea for safety in your RV, especially in rural areas where it could be difficult to find one.

You can run an air compressor by connecting it to your vehicle battery or (sometimes) the house battery of your RV.

• Tire inflator with alligator clamps
• 12-volt, 120 PSI for up to 33-inch tires

PRO TIP: We recommend the above air compressor because it allows you to inflate to 120 PSI, making it suitable for trucks and large motorhomes.

Rv hitch for travel trailers.

Your RV hitch is one of the most important travel trailer accessories you’ll purchase for your RV.

21. Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch is the best option for towing a travel trailer safely and efficiently.

These hitches evenly distribute the trailer’s weight across the towing vehicle’s axles. This reduces the strain on the rear axle and improves stability on the road.

• 4-point sway control
• Weight gauge, 6 or 8-inch drop hitch, 2-inch shank
• 15,000 lbs. maximum GTW, 1,500 lbs. maximum tongue weight
• Includes 2-5/16" tow ball

Weight distribution hitches will improve the trailer’s handling and can even increase fuel efficiency. If you RV full-time or plan to put a lot of miles on your trailer, I highly recommend one of these hitches.

If you have a smaller travel trailer (under 5,000 lbs), you may be able to get away with a weight-carrying hitch. These are less expensive but are not as easy to tow.

RV Safety Accessories

When you’re on the road in your RV, you want to have a few important safety items on hand. It’s easy to let them slip your mind, but trust me, you’ll be thankful when you actually need them.

Items #22 – 25 below are some recommendations to ensure you and your family travel safely when you’re on the road.

22. Emergency Roadside Kit

This must-have RV accessory is crucial if you have a tire blowout, an issue with your tow vehicle, or any other problem while riding down the road on travel days. These kits often include:

• Jumper cables
• Safety triangles
• First aid kit
• Bungee cords
• 110 premium pieces and tote bag
• Includes heavy-duty jumper cables, heavy-duty tow straps, safety triangles, first aid, and more.

PRO TIP: You can put this kit together yourself or just purchase a couple of individual items you’re missing to create a kit. Remember to make sure your RV has a spare tire! 

23. fire extinguisher.

Most travel trailers will come with at least one fire extinguisher installed. However, we like to have another one (or two) in other locations in the trailer.

We purchased the below small fire extinguisher cans and have one easily accessible by the bed and an extra one in the kitchen.

The aerosol fire spray is ideal for small RVs since the cans are compact and store easily.

• Extinguishing aerosol spray for fires involving paper, fabric, wood, cooking oils, and electrical appliances
• Discharges 4 times longer than regular extinguishers
• Pack of two

PRO TIP: You might also want to invest in a “fireball” fire extinguisher that automatically deploys when a fire occurs.

24. trailer hitch lock.

This simple yet effective travel trailer device helps prevent unauthorized access and theft of your camper.

In addition to deterring thieves, a hitch lock provides peace of mind, especially when leaving your trailer unattended in a boondocking area.

It’s a relatively low-cost accessory that can save owners from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with a stolen or tampered trailer, making it a wise addition to your travel trailer setup .

• Universal fit trailer hitch lock
• Includes two keys and swiveling clip
• Easy to install

The above hitch lock is similar to ours and is made by the same trusted brand.

25. Emergency Propane Shut-Off

This safety RV gadget is installed on the propane tank between the tank connector and the propane line.

The device automatically cuts off the access to the propane tank in case of a major gas leak, minimizing the risk of fire or explosion and protecting both occupants and the trailer itself.

We consider this a valuable safety feature that ensures peace of mind during our travels and keeps our trailer and family safe.

• Automatic shutoff of propane in case of a major leak
• Compatible with RV ACME-type connections

These devices can be a bit pricey if you have multiple tanks. We have three propane tanks mounted on the front of our trailer, but we only connect two to our trailer at a time. We have two GasStop devices and rotate them between the tanks that are in use.

NOTE: This propane shut-off will only activate if there is a large leak. Small leaks won’t trigger the device.

Other travel trailer must-haves.

After years on the road, here are a few other camping accessories we consider must-haves for travel trailer owners. Although they aren’t crucial to getting on the road, we thought #26 and #27 below were worth including.

26. Insect Screens

Insect screens for your exterior vents, including the water heater, fridge, and furnace, will keep pesky bugs from making nests in these areas.

These are an affordable way to keep the bugs out, preventing any issues with your RV systems. They are also easy to install.

27. Screen Door Cross Bar

Most RVs have a screen door that locks into the main camper door. However, when the screen door is used separately, there’s no way to control the door from the inside.

A screen door cross bar solves this problem and is easy to install.

• Creates an easier exit and entry when using the screen door
• Durable bar with a secure grip
• Doubles as a towel drying rod

This is one of the first accessories we install when we purchase a new RV. It’s an affordable, easy upgrade!

BONUS:  This bar doubles as a drying bar for hanging kitchen or bath towels – definitely a plus for smaller campers.

More info on rving travel trailer must-haves.

While other RV accessories will make your life easier and more comfortable,  the essentials above are everything you’ll need to start RVing in your travel trailer.

Your Guide to Launching RV Life

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From leveling your RV to monitoring your tire pressure, we’ve covered all the tools and camper equipment you need to maintain your travel trailer and stay safe on the road.

Follow the guidelines above, and you’ll have your travel trailer outfitted and ready for travel quickly!

RELATED ARTICLES

• Travel Trailer Campsite Setup & Checklist
• 13 RV Campsite Setup Ideas for Outdoor Function & Fun
• Practical Gifts for RV Owners

Need a full guide to outfit your RV?

For more on essential RV gear, including kitchenware, RV gadgets, and campsite setup items – view our complete guide.

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Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

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RV Essentials List for Newbies: The Gear You Never Want To Forget

Planning your first RV vacation? Great!

While preparing for an RV trip is fun, getting all your gear sorted out can be a bit overwhelming.

Creating a checklist of RV essentials is your starting point for an enjoyable, safe, and less stressful road trip.

Even though an RV gives you more room to store your gear, you don’t want to end up under-packing necessary items and overstuffing on the least important ones!

For your guide, here’s a comprehensive list of RV gear and packing tips for beginners that you never want to forget… ever.

Most likely, you will be sleeping in the comfort of your RV bedroom so shelter isn’t going to be a major concern.

However, it helps to bring some foldable chairs and a table that you can conveniently set up for outdoor viewing with your family.

It’s also a great idea to make your RV more ‘homey’ by adding lights, vintage rugs, a hammock, throws, pillows, and a few accessories.

If you’re planning for an extended trip, it makes sense to upgrade your RV mattress.

Storage is important too. You'll benefit from well-planned RV organizers, kitchen shelves, suction cups on doors, and space-saving containers.

Personal Items and Toiletries

The key to staying fresh and comfy throughout your outdoor adventures is to have enough personal care items and toiletries. A basic hygiene kit should contain the following items:

• Travel-size shampoo/conditioner
• Antibacterial soap (choose eco-friendly options)
• Alcohol and hand sanitizers
• Bug spray or mosquito repellent
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

As a general RV rule for beginners, each person should have their own toiletry or hygiene kit for easy access when they need it.

First Aid kit

Accidents and injuries can happen in the wild outdoors so make sure you have a first aid kit within your reach.

• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibacterial ointment for cuts, bruises, and wounds
• Butterfly bandages
• Non Stick sterile pads
• Pain relievers such as Ibuprofen
• Antihistamine
• Splinter tweezers
• Safety pins
• Medical adhesive tape
• Hydrogen peroxide

It’s also a great idea to bring a first aid manual so you’d know what to do in case an emergency happens. Your knowledge of basic first aid care goes a long way in keeping your family safe.

You don’t have to bring your entire wardrobe even though you have quite a big space in your RV camper. Unless you’re having a long trip (over one week), stick to a few staples.

Warm rainproof clothing

Pack insulated rainproof jackets and clothes that allow you to enjoy the outdoors without getting soaked when it rains. If going to colder regions, pack thin yet insulated jackets that keep you warm without the bulk.

Light, breathable shirts

Most RV adventures include moderate to intense physical activities, such as walking, hiking, and swimming. It’s best to bring clothes that allow you to move freely and easily. Choose moisture-wicking sports or workout shirts that keep you cool all day. You can just layer with a jacket in case it gets cold.

It’s best to wear casual sneakers that make walking comfortable . If you’re hiking, consider packing a pair of protective technical kicks that are easy on your feet. Depending on the activities you anticipate (and the weather), you can also stash a pair of boots, hiking sandals, or flats.

Socks and underwear

Go for breathable underwear and socks.

Pack a lightweight hat or visor since you’d be spending most of your time outdoors. If you’re going somewhere cold, you also need a beanie or a winter hat.

Note: Only pack essential clothes. As a rule of thumb, bring one top for each day, plus one extra. Then, only bring half the amount of pants since you can wear each pair for two different days.

RV Kitchen Items and Supplies List

Since most RVs are equipped with a full kitchen, you will need to pack some basic items so you can cook your meals, such as:

• Cooking pans
• A large pot
• Utensils/Cutlery
• Cups and mugs
• Cooking utensils (tongs, spatulas, big spoons, ladles, etc.)
• Dish towels
• Dish soap and sponge
• Food containers/zip lock bags

Water and Food

During your trip, you may have a hard time looking for restaurants or grocery stores to buy food and cooking supplies. That’s said, be sure to bring the following:

• Drinking water (bring at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Salt, pepper, and spices
• Cooking oils
• Nuts, chips, granola, and easy-to-eat snacks
• Canned food
• Coffee, tea, and other beverages
• Pancake mix

Outdoor Gear

Your outdoor gear will generally depend on your planned activities or adventures .

However, you'll most likely do some scenic driving, swimming, fishing, or hiking. You may also decide to go on a picnic or simply stroll around the park.

Therefore, you want to have these items in your RV camper too:

• Camping chairs and tables
• Picnic blanket
• Food basket or cooler
• Water bottles
• Fishing rods and tackle
• Compass, maps
• Camping utensils

Miscellaneous

One of the perks of RVing is you can bring more than what you need. Therefore, feel free to add some more items to your list to make your trip a lot more comfortable, safer, and more convenient.

• Extra blankets
• Radio or Bluetooth speakers
• Board games
• Entertainment

RV Supplies

• Surge protector
• Extension cords
• Tire pressure gauge
• Motor oil and transmission fluid
• Emergency road kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Jumper cables
• Portable generator
• Electrical and duct tapes
• Cleaning supplies
• Laundry detergent
• Large zip lock bags for documents, such as IDs, registrations, driver's license, tickets, reservations, etc.

Final Words

This list might seem overwhelming at first but they are some of the most basic and essential items you need to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

However, remember that each person or family is different so feel free to add or remove items in this essentials list for an RV to suit your needs.

Enjoy your trip!

This article was written by Mariam Simmons, an outdoor and fashion enthusiast. https://www.alpineswiss.com/   

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Complete List of RV Essentials You Will Need

• BEGINNERS GUIDE / BUYERS GUIDE

G. Yoganand

Camping in RV is great and you can enjoy the outdoors with a homelike feeling. Campers come with appliances and amenities that can give you all things you would have in your home. But, RVing can be stressful and everything can get messed up if you don’t plan properly.

Preparing a full list of items you need before starting the journey can help a lot. Having such a RVing checklist makes it easy and you don’t end up messing things up.

RV Essentials

What RV essentials you need totally depends on you but some things should always be there in your RV storage else you could face problems.

Here is a list of important RV essentials in each department . This will be helpful if you are a beginner or renting an RV.

When you camp for the first time its important that you have some list with you. Instead of making a full checklist, dividing the entire checklist into sub categories can really help. In this post lets list out RV essentials under each category.

RV Kitchen Necessities

There will be ton of things to carry inside your RV kitchen. How to stock a camper kitchen is up to you and deciding on items priority is key. Keeping a full list ready before packing is important so that you don’t miss anything. While bigger motorhome will have larger space to accommodate things as you want, a smaller travel trailer may not give you that luxury and thus prioritizing is necessary. Lets put out a list of things you should carry for your kitchen.

• Cutting board
• Non stick cook wares, numbers depending on how many will be Rving
• Plates and bowls again as per number of people
• Cups and mugs
• Containers to carry spices and other ingredients (amazon link to check price)
• Sauce bottles
• Portable coffee maker : get this only if you need else it can be a space eater.
• Wine glasses
• Spoons and fork set
• Plastic containers : multiple with reducing sizes so that they can be packed easily.
• Paper towels and holder (amazon link)
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Ice cube tray

There will be many other things that can be part of your kitchen but just make sure you don’t over-pack. Keeping a list can really help. A good idea is to build a list over a period of time. As you camp, remove items that go unused and keep those that are needed the most. This way you can really make it easy for you. Kitchen is an important part in your Rving experience and getting it right can make the Rving super cool. Specially when you have kids on-board preparing food is a real priority and getting things wrong in your kitchen can make it bad.

Electrical essentials

A RV has electric connections, switches, wires, lights and so many things that make the whole system work. While the electrical essentials may not come into play during normal outing, they will be needed when things go wrong. Having some of these things or at-least a basic electric kit will save you from annoyance. Especially when boondocking you don’t want these things to happen to you and thus have these essentials as part of your packing list. Lets see the RV Camping List that comes under electrical category.

• Surge protectors (amazon link) for 30 amp and 50 amps
• Jump Starter : Very essentials when boondocking, can help start a vehicle and also charge the batteries
• RV fridge fan
• Multi-meter or voltmeter
• Screw driver set (amazon link)
• Compact electric kit that has basic electric repairing tools
• Portable table fan
• 50 amp to 30 amp adapter
• 30 amp to 15 amp adapter
• Power cord or extensions
• Battery charger
• Portable Generator and inverter (amazon link)

Water essentials

Water and water essentials in RV are critical as that can affect the overall RVing experience. There are lot of such essentials that you need to Pack in an RV. Having good capacity fresh water and holding tanks is necessary for longer duration RVing. To support the whole water system inside the RV you need to have below additional accessories as well. Many of these will be needed while you start doing the set up at the campsite.

• Shower-head
• Shrinking hose
• Water pressure regulator (amazon link)
• Drinking water hose
• Portable water tank
• Water bottles
• Sewer hose support
• Holding tank treatment solution
• Water Filter (amaozn link)

Bathroom essentials

Most RV’s come with bathroom and toilet inside them. RVing has evolved over the years and it has become a home away from home. More and more people are going full-time RVing.

All RV’s do not have bathroom though. A very small pop up or tent trailer may not have a bathroom inside. Having a good sized bathroom equipped with all necessary items inside will only make you RV longer. Compromising on these things will be difficult experience and thus make sure you are fully packed with these items.

A compact yet well equipped bathroom and toilet makes it more interesting. A smaller RV will have a compact bathing space and thus having those innovative accessories is always great. Explore online as well as at retail shops to get accessories that are compact and multi-use for bathroom . Remember its going to be different as compared to your home bathroom and toilet.

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toiler paper roll
• Toilet paper holder (amazon link)
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Soap and soap case
• Deodorant and body lotions
• Shaving kit
• Toothbrush holder
• Soap dispenser
• Towel holder
• Easy dissolving toiler paper (Amazon link)
• Toilet paper holder
• Air freshener
• Shower drain catcher (Amazon link)
• Wall mirror

Bedroom essentials

First time rving can be tough since you don’t know what to bring and what to not. Most people learn the right way of packing through experience. Bedroom is one such part of RVing that needs better planning else you may end up taking extra things that can increase the weight and eat up space.

Having a cozy bedroom inside a RV is a dream for all Rvers. Making sure your bedroom inside the RV is fully equipped for RVing experience is necessary. Make a full list of these items so that you don’t have to buy anything while RVing. Most bigger RV’s like class A or class C or even fifth wheels will have a bigger bedroom that are already equipped with all necessary items needed.

If you camp often then mostly the bedroom would be pre-arranged and you don’t have to worry much. But if you own a compact camper like travel trailer or if you are renting a RV then such a list makes sense and is more critical.

• All essentials clothes
• Clothes hangers (amazon link)
• Pillow covers
• Jackets and winter clothes (if its winter time)
• Towels and napkins

Living room essentials

RV Living Essentials will depend from person to person. Living inside a RV can be incredibly amazing for a family. A small compact living area will allow you to be with each other in a completely different manner. Living area are mostly convertible where in you make use of it as dinning area as well as living. Having electronic gadgets and other entertainment systems can make it more interesting. If you are a family having kids then do get some games that you can play during indoor relaxing.

• Sofa covers
• Dinning table covers
• Dinning set
• foldable Chairs (amazon link)
• Weather radio (amazon link)
• Portable television (if you own a smaller RV without normal TV)
• Entertainment games like playing card
• Table napkins
• Electronic gadgets like laptop, Bluetooth speakers

Outdoor activity essentials

RVing is not all about spending time inside the RV. You can do that very well but getting out and enjoying the outside world is also important. Boondocking is all about getting out of the RV and having fun.

Outdoor activities make it more fun and for that you need to plan before leaving. Setting up a grill and enjoying that barbecued food will need pre-preparation. It totally depends in which area you are RVing. You can play games, do activities like rock climbing, swimming depending on the campsite or boondocking area. Below is the list of items that you can carry.

• Camping chairs (amazon link)
• Outdoor compact barbecue grill (Amazon link)
• barbecue coal and sticks
• paper cups, plates
• Outdoor games
• Swimming suits
• Food items Grilling
• Easy to arrange tents and shades
• Hats or caps
• hunting items if you interesting in that
• Portable coffee maker (amazon link)

Maintenance and repair essentials

A RV can remain in use for years but an old RV needs good maintenance. Having some basic repair and maintenance things with you can come handy at times. An awning or a window may need adjusting. Such a mammoth engine may need repairing at times which you yourself can tackle if you have the required tools with you.

Not only the RV but also the interior appliances may at times need repairing or fixing. Having such a basic kit will always save you from lot of headache. Lets see some of the basic items that you need to carry inside a RV or camper.

• Folding ladder (amazon link)
• Leveling blocks
• A small drill (amazon link)
• Adjustable wrench
• Silicone and Caulking gun
• Screws, bolt and other nuts Kit
• Electric testing kit
• Hydraulic jack
• Tire pressure monitoring
• LED light torch (amazon link)
• A safety helmet
• Cleaning brush
• Inspection mirror with LED
• Fire extinguisher
• Plumber putty
• Working gloves
• A small pocket knife

Other general but important items to carry

There can be unlimited list of things people would love to bring in their RV. But, always remember to prioritize else you will end up overloading the RV. A motorhome or travel trailer need to be inside the recommended weight limits else that can be against the rule and will also lead to many issues. Having a handy list before starting the packing for RVing is always great and also you don’t give a chance to miss anything . Lets check out the General Essentials RV checklist.

• First Aid kit and medicines (amazon link)
• Window covers
• Coffee pots
• Outdoor fun games
• Folding table
• Dehumidifier (amazon link)
• Air compressor
• Walkie talkie
• Water filter
• Hiking shoes
• Swimming costumes
• Instant pot for kitchen

Unique things to carry that will make camping or RVing easy

Lets see some of the unique must have RV accessories that can really make the RV camping easy and fun.

• Hand held vacuum : camping can make the whole rv floor dirty and you definitely don’t want to do the job using a broom. Thus, get a quality vacuum that’s smaller in size.
• Bubble level : Getting the trailer leveled is very critical and not keeping it leveled can cause damage to your refrigerator. Get a bubble level to see if the RV is really well leveled or not.
• RV GPS : This is an interesting one. It can really help to find out lots of RV related things like campground parking and so many other things. Phone gps may turn out to be useless at times. A lot of companies have worked on such GPS and having one on your RV is must.
• Fridge airator : A unique product that can be used inside fridge to absorb odors and smells
• Portable campfire rig
• Portable Bluetooth speakers
• Digital wireless camera

Planning is key for better RVing. Plan a proper list and update that list as you camp month after month. If you are RVing for the first time or have been doing it for past many years, having a list of items to pack really helps. Hope these tips for packing for RV has helped both beginners and others as well. Happy camping.

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Journey With Confidence

25 Must-Haves For Full-Time RV Living

• RV Lifestyle

You’ll want to keep these full-time RV living essentials on hand. Photo: Shutterstock

25 Essentials For Full-Time RV Living

Once you decide to hit the road full-time, you’ll want to consider all the items you’ll need for RV living. Having the right tools, home items, and accessories with you can make all the difference between misery and comfort. Especially if you like to boondock or are in the middle of nowhere.

Everyone’s RV camping style is different. But most people will find this list of full-time RV living accessories helpful for both short and long road trip adventures.

1. Spare parts

Driving your RV down the road is the same thing as experiencing an earthquake inside your home. Expect parts to degrade or break over time and keep those spare parts available—especially for things you use the most. If you are looking for parts at the last minute, you may find them hard to get or on back order. 

Focus on the parts that would be most important to you should something go wrong, as well as items that are harder to source locally. Also aim for small and lightweight replacement parts that are easy to store and transport.

Take time to examine your rig and consider the things that might break down or are more susceptible to road damage, and determine if carrying extras might save you a lot of time. Some must-have parts for full-time RV living include furnace parts, assorted nuts, bolts, screws, washers, varied sizes of hose clamps, and extra lug nuts for both your rig and tow/towed vehicle.

If you carry a generator or outdoor toys like motorcycles or ATVs, plan to carry additional fuel. A five-gallon gas can may be very useful. An extra propane filled tank is good if you RV with outdoor grills and griddles or expect cold weather!

At a minimum, you will want a multi-bit screwdriver (be sure to have a square bit, too!), pliers, a Crescent wrench , and a hammer. Being able to fix something yourself quickly can keep your schedule on target. If you are comfortable diagnosing electrical problems, be sure to carry an AC/DC voltmeter .

4. Maintenance products

All RVs have seals and something that squeaks. Seal lube, slide lubes, and various kinds of tape for maintenance are great to have on hand in the RV.

When possible, use silicone-based lubrication instead of petroleum-based lubricants. These products tend to gather and collect far less dust and dirt. Consider carrying additional water filters and sewage treatment packs.

Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance . Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.

Basic tools we like to keep on hand: USB battery packs, a battery jump kit, rechargeable batteries, and charging station.

5. Batteries

Having USB battery packs on hand can be mighty useful when you need to keep devices charged or even to jump start a vehicle! Older rigs do not have DC-powered USB plugs sprinkled throughout. You will need AC to power that charger plug, which might not be available while boondocking or during a power outage. 

Consider using rechargeable AA and AAA batteries too. There are also USB battery packs that hold a much larger charge. They can even be used to jump the largest of automotive batteries. 

 6. Fresh water and food

When parked, you can just run out to a local grocery store to fetch these items. But what happens if you are stuck beside the road overnight? Fresh bottles of water and some ready-made foods are good to keep on hand if you RV full-time.

7. Water and sewer hoses

Whether you prefer campgrounds or boondocking, you’ll need to empty those holding tanks at some point. Have the appropriate sewer hoses to drain your wastewater properly and legally.

Having a sufficient water hose is also important for refilling your freshwater tank. Plus, being able to expand the hose length in some parks will be important.

8. Shore power cable and adapters

Unless you are a 100% boondocker , you’ll want to connect to shore power at some point. Obtaining a high-quality power cable ensures that can happen. 

Remember: the available connection could be a 15-, 20-, 30- or 50-amp source. Ensure you have the appropriate adapters (or “dog bones”) to enable a connection between your rig and the power source available.

9. Pedestal surge protector

There are misconfigured power pedestals at campgrounds. Protecting all your appliances and laptops is important! Different RV surge protectors vary in cost, protection rating, and other features. 

Never plug up to shore power without a surge protector to protect your RV. The cost is far less expensive than replacing your microwave, TVs, air conditioners , etc.

We made our own homemade leveling jack pads with all-weather handles—easy to pull up from the mud!

10. Jack pads and wheel chocks

Not all camping spots are created equally—or level! Whether you have automatic or manual leveling jacks on your rig, being able to reduce the amount of required lift for your jack legs can change a wobbly rig into one that’s more stable. 

In addition, sometimes the ground is soft or soggy, and increasing the size of the footprint can prevent your rig from sinking during a long stay. You can purchase premade pads or make your own! Having wheel chocks will also minimize movement and potential rolling of your rig.

11. Maps and apps

Using apps and websites can help get you to your destination safely. You’ll want to find the right campground for you and your traveling partners, and you may need to find dump stations along your route. And the heavier and taller your rig is, the more you will need to plan your path. Not all bridges are rated for a 20,000 pound or 13’6” high rig!  

For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campground Reviews and RV LIFE Trip Wizard . Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App , RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.

Your needs will vary. Image by L. Belden.

12. All-weather clothing

Unless you’re parking permanently in the Florida Keys , traveling to different parts of the country means encountering a variety of weather. Having ample clothing means being prudent about layering, as RV space is limited. 

13. Dishes and cookware

Hopefully you don’t plan to live on TV dinners and takeout! Part of the benefit of full-time RVing is the ability to save money and cook at home. Look for durable but lightweight dishware like Corelle .

14. Comfortable bedding and linens

The main benefit of full-time RVing is having your home with you. Having good fitting sheets, comfortable pillows, and warm blankets is an important part of being in your rig. A good RV mattress should be a part of your must-haves, just like in your brick-and-mortar home.

15. Water pressure regulator

RV water lines are susceptible to pressure overloads that can cause leaks long term, if not immediately. Purchase a pressure regulator to put between all water spigots and your rig. 

Contact your manufacturer for the maximum pressure your lines are rated for, and ensure that the regulator, if adjustable, is set below that threshold. No one wants a leak in the underbelly of their rig!

16. Camping memberships

Do your research. There are many organizations you can join as a full-time RVer. We suggest selecting only a handful. Too many and you can’t fully utilize the services offered, and it can be heavy on the pocketbook. 

Passport America offers up to 50% off camping rates at participating locations. Harvest Hosts is another great resource for one-night stays across the US at wineries, breweries, farms, museums, and more. 

17. Emergency supplies

Never travel without one or more easily accessible fire extinguishers . Know where to keep them and how to use them in case of an emergency. Accidents happen! Be sure to keep an emergency medical kit in your rig and make sure it is accessible.

18. Vehicle insurance

For drivable vehicles, all states in the US require liability insurance at a minimum. Because you are taking your home with you, talk to your insurance agent about the best policies to fit your lifestyle, budget, and financial situation. Note that not all insurers will cover full-time RV living. Make sure your policy does or find one that will.

19. Medical insurance

If you aren’t yet retired and have government-provided assistance, talk with your financial planner to ensure you have good medical coverage in case of catastrophic needs while on the road. Not all plans cover you in all states, but most have out-of-network exceptions.

You can start with policy shopping from an online provider like RVerInsurance.com . RVer Insurance Exchange offers free quotes for RV insurance , health insurance, even extended warranties .

20. Internet access

Whether you are retired or planning to work from the road, most RVers need internet access. There are cell phone plans, satellite offerings, and more to keep you connected. You can have a simple connection or several mobile hotspot plans , depending on your particular needs. 

We used this advanced cell-based Internet router installation.  

21. Medical records

You should be able to digitally access all your medical records and lists of medications. Don’t forget about your pets too. Most campgrounds require that pets have their shots up-to-date and may require proof of vaccinations. 

22. Resilience and a positive attitude

When you are full-time RVing, your everyday activities, your work requirements (even being retired has appointments), your home, and your vehicle are now all tied together. When one goes down, the others are stalled. Once you realize this, you can approach any issues head-on and be better prepared.

23.  Domicile and mail service

You will be required to establish a domicile and a permanent address where you can receive mail . There are lots of services out there, but you need to select one. The top states for establishing your domicile are Texas, Florida, and South Dakota due to taxes. Get all this set up before you start on your journey.

24. Spare tires

While it’s great to have a roadside service contract, they will very rarely have the replacement tire you need or be able to deliver it in a timely fashion. Most RVs have a designated space to keep a spare tire, so use it! 

At least you will have the spare tire on hand for a mobile service if you can’t or do not want to change it. Also ensure you have a jack, tire tool, and a way to air up your tires.

25. Community

You can access many RV forum communities online. These sites are some of the greatest resources for full-time RV living. You can quickly join any of the forums and talk to all types of RVers. They can provide all kinds of support from fixing your rig to just getting together and making new friends.

Related articles:

• The Dirty Truth Of Full Time RVing
• Do You Have What It Takes To RV Full-Time?

25 Most Useful Travel Trailer Accessories

Now that you have all your essential RV items , you’re probably starting to wonder what could make camper life even better.

After traveling in our RV full-time for the past two years we’re sharing our favorite and most used travel trailer accessories that have really enhanced our camping experiences.

From something as small as the wireless 3-speed fan in those hot summer months or the bluetooth leveling system all controlled by an app, these items have all become non-negotiable!

This page includes affiliate links. I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Travel Trailer Accessories

1) LevelMate PRO

Something you may not realize you want, but may need is the LevelMate Pro bluetooth leveling system. We all know RV sites (free and paid) are never really all that level.

Instead of eyeballing which part of your site looks most level or getting out your hand held level, open your cell phone and click on the app to instantly tell you how level or unlevel your RV is down to a quarter of an inch.

It measures both left to right and front to back.

It is so much easier to get level with this device, especially when we are boondocking.

You can even recall your hitch position height to quickly hook back up to your tow vehicle.

2) RV Keyless Door Lock

Definitely a little more costly of an upgrade, but it is so nice being able to go for a quick run or walk with the dog without having to worry about carrying my keys.

It took us about 20 minutes to remove our old lock and install this one. Now everyone can lock the door on the way out and not have to worry about who has keys to get back inside.

3) Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

While it is very easy to clean a smaller space, it also seems to get dirtier much quicker. Having a cordless vacuum in our RV has been life-changing!

This vacuum is much cheaper than a Dyson and works incredibly well.

4) Wireless Clip-on Fan

When you’re boondocking and not able to run the A/C or just sitting outside enjoying summer camp, these fans are a lifesaver!

The fans are about 8 inches in diameter and recharge with a 12V USB plugin that lasts for 8 hours per charge. The fan also works while being charged.

5) Motion Sensor Lights

I put these motion sensor lights in places that are hard to see during the day like the pantry and any deep closet.

I also put one of these strips under the bathroom vanity and one on the steps so it will light up just enough at night for me to see without having to turn on any bright lights.

One charge usually lasts 3 weeks on auto mode and it is quickly charged by a USB cord.

➔ Read next: 7 Best Travel Trailers [+Brands to Avoid]

6) RV Step Covers

Not only do these step covers feel so much nicer on your bare feet (and your pup’s paws) but they are also very durable, quick-drying and actually stay in place.

I especially love having these during winter so we don’t have to worry about slick ice on the metal steps.

7) RV Outdoor Mat

These specific RV mats work incredibly well at trapping dirt and sand before you enter the RV.

You can also use it to workout on or setup your outdoor cooking station on, all without getting your feet dirty.

The mats are 6x9 feet, lightweight and easily roll up to store in your RV’s underbelly. They are made of straw and don’t fade in the sun. Even after 2 years of full time traveling ours is still going strong!

8) LUCI Solar Patio String Lights

A fun way to spice up your outdoor ambience are hanging up these solar powered outdoor string lights.

They are recharged by the sun (or by usb) so you don’t have to worry about a cord running through your camp or finding an outlet.

These string lights are the best lightweight solar lights on the market for being super compact, not getting tangled, and the highest setting is very bright if you need.

9) Tire Covers

Not as exciting, but still very useful are tire covers. The trailer tires are a lot more fragile than your beafy truck tires, especially during summer months.

A quick and inexpensive way to help your trailer tires last longer and get you from point A to B is to put these covers over your tires when they are sitting in the sun.

I really like these specific tire covers because the elastic bungee makes them very easy to put on vs trying to tie a hook behind your tire.

10) Collapsible Dish Drying Rack

I really hate having dishes out on the sink, but the reality is it will happen. Having a dish rack at least keeps the dishes contained. Whenever you’re done you can easily collapse and put away the rack when you need more counter space.

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11) Fire TV Stick

Instead of worrying about the satellite hookups or cable selection, we prefer the Amazon Fire Stick.

It’s very affordable, can easily plug into any HDMI jack, and opens the door to all your favorite subscription services like Netflix, YouTubeTV, and Disney+. You will need WiFi, but we’ve got that covered next.

12) AT&T Turbo Hotspot

Whether you are a digital nomad or just like a nightly dose of Netflix, it’s hard to live without WiFi. If you’re like us and have a built-in hotspot with your cell phone plan, it is usually limited in high-speed data and only one device can connect at a time.

The AT&T hotspot includes 100GB for $55/month and allows you to connect multiple devices at once. It is really easy to set up and you can purchase the prepaid data also at Walmart.

13) Mounted Remote Holder

Listen, nothing has changed from living in the home to the camper. You will still consistently lose the TV remotes unless you have a designated spot to put them.

Cue the quick and easy wall-mounted remote holder. The double-sided tape is super sticky and it’s still holding on strong inside our RV.

14) Refrigerator Organizer Bins

As you may know, everything will move around in the trailer if it isn’t securely fastened or stored properly, including everything in your pantry and fridge.

We use these clear bins with tall sides inside our fridge, in the pantry for snacks, to house our cups in the cupboard, and in the bathroom to hold medicine and beauty supplies.

15) Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Some people need their beer while camping and some need their coffee. I personally make room for both in the fridge because this cold brew pitcher is a game-changer.

It takes about 3 minutes to pour the coffee grounds (preferably course) into the patented cylinder and then fill her up with water. Let it steep for 24 hours, add your choice of creamer and you will have quality cold brew tasting even better than Starbucks.

16) Magnetic Knife Bar

Something very simple that makes a difference is having our knives up and out on this stainless steel knife bar.

The bar is extremely sturdy and the magnetic is incredibly strong. Even when we are traveling down long bumpy roads, the kitchen cabinets may be open and shelves broken, but our knives are still completely secured to this bar.

➔ Read next: 12 Simple, yet Genius RV Storage Ideas

17) Over The Door Organizer

There is never enough storage in the travel trailer, especially if you’re living in it full-time.

If you’re like us and have the world’s tiniest bedroom closet then you’ll want this over the door organizer for more places to store your smaller items like underwear, socks, bras, etc.

We also hang an organizer over the bathroom door for extra storage.

18) 100% Bamboo Cooling Sheets

If you tend to sleep warm, having a nice pair of cooling sheets can do wonders for sleep. I do care about having organic and chemical-free fabrics, but I also didn’t want to break the bank.

After hours of research, I discovered these sheets that are OEKO-TEX certified and just as soft and cooling as advertised. I prefer darker colors since dirt is always lurking on every body part and window seal.

19) Antimicrobial Toilet Seat

A common challenge in RV life is the smell coming from the toilet bowl, even after freshly dumping the black tank. You should be using deodorizer packets , but if that still isn’t helping then I highly recommend an antimicrobial toilet seat.

The toilet seat that came with our trailer has so many notches underneath it and makes a haven for urine and bacteria.

This toilet seat is much smoother and it has a built-in freshening pod. Ever since we made the quick switch to this toilet seat the lingering odor is gone!

20) Lightweight Storage Bags

Because living tiny means you don’t have much space and being organized is key. These storage bags are perfect for storing seasonal clothes, blankets and gear under your bed. I also like that they have a clear window to easily see what is inside them.

21) Collapsible Water Cube (5gallon)

When you’re camping without hookups and need just 5-10 more gallons to get your through your stay, these collapsible water cubes come in handy!

The cubes can easily collapse to stow away and are very durable. It’s always nice to have extra, easy way to top off your RV water tank. Some people complain they can taste plastic from the cubes, but we have never noticed that with these specific ones.

22) Next Exit Interstate Guide

This comprehensive booklet will tell you just how far the Next Exit is for all USA interstates, what gas stations and restaurants are available and you'll know if the stops are RV friendly.

Next Exit is also a great gift idea for a fellow RV owners.

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23) Tire Pressure Monitoring System

You can’t feel or hear the trailer tires as easily as the truck tires and this monitor will beep as soon as the tire pressure goes under the minimum PSI that you manually set or if you have a flat.

Trust me, once you have a blowout on your trailer tire you will know the peace of mind is easily worth the money.

24) Jump Starter with Air Compressor

This device here is a game changer. It is a portable jump starter for your battery and can inflate/deflate your tires with a push of a button. Yes, it can even inflate our truck tires up to 80 PSI.

The piece of mind we now have that we don’t have to rely on someone else to be able to jump our car battery is completely worth this device. Additionally, we can air up our tires for both the truck and trailer at home and not have to deal with the hassle of fitting into the gas station.

25) Truck Bed Stabilizer Bar

Having a bar to keep all your stuff from moving around in the bed has done wonders for us.

This bar extends to the width of your truck bed and does a perfect job at keeping your cargo in place and from sliding around.

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An adventure seeker and nomad who created this blog, Nomads in Nature, to be a source of inspiration for epic hikes, camping, RV or van life, and where to go on your next adventure vacation! A professional wilderness guide and part-time traveler.

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Rv maintenance & safety checklist, rv camping essentials checklist, rv kitchen checklist, rv grocery checklist, rv bed & bath checklist, make your own rv checklist.

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