40 Must Have Items for Your RV
If you have your RV loaded with the necessary facilities, your camping experience is set to turn into a luxurious one. Spending a night in the woods with your mates is both thrilling and adventurous.
The design of RVs ensures survival on the road. These vehicles have the essential tools to let you survive and enjoy your camping experience. However, if you want to take your camping adventures to a whole new level, there are some accessories you should always have.
Here is a list of some cool RV accessories to let you customize your truck. My list comprises both primary and luxury items that can give a completely different meaning to your RV experience.
1. RV Mattress
RV mattresses tend to harden with time. Because of that, people frequently replace their mattresses. While buying a mattress, it’s essential to know your RV class for better functionality and durability. Otherwise, there might be some issues later on.
I found this hybrid gel-infused mattress that fits nicely into an RV. It’s a 10-inch mattress made from a combination of memory foam and pocket spring.
2. Temperature Monitor
To stay comfortable, you have to make sure the temperature inside your RV doesn’t get too high or low. Regardless of how extreme the weather might be, you can always keep a temperature check inside and adjust the air conditioner or heater accordingly.
A Temperature monitor system will measure heat and humidity and send alerts when the readings reach extreme levels. The user interface is simple, and it seamlessly connects with your smartphone.
3. RV Internet Equipment
For full-time RV travelers, internet devices are must-have items. For RV hobbyists, these devices are equally important to stay connected to the world. You might have to answer urgent emails or simply post your travel diaries to social media.
Many travelers look for RV Wi-Fi devices, but I found cellular internet more reliable and a safer option. Cellular internet is much faster, so you can enjoy Facebook live sessions and video calls. Also, you don’t need to carry extra devices, which makes it more convenient.
4. Laptop Stand
Laptop stands are great for RV camping because they help maintain body posture. It’s a simple yet essential accessory, especially for regular travelers.
By maintaining proper posture, you can avoid back and shoulder pain. The stand comes with a carrying case, so it’s easily portable as well.
5. Instant Pot
Instant pot makes cooking less complicated, and this is exactly what you want while traveling. It mainly depends on your appetite and the number of people you are cooking for. However, most standard size cooking pots are sufficient for RV travelers.
Instant pots speed up the cooking process. For instance, you can cook dry beans within an hour. And there is no limit as to what you can cook.
6. Propane Fire Pit
Because of city regulations, wood fires are not allowed in many campgrounds. It can also affect the other travelers. In many parts, it is not allowed because of possible chances of wood fires.
Hence, a propane fire pit will allow you to cook without any worries. It’s a useful accessory because of safety and portability.
7. Drinking Hose
Drinking hose is the essential accessory of all. Hook it to your freshwater tank, and it’s ready for use. Make sure that you clean the hose before use.
When not in use, simply connect the two ends, so that nothing sneaks inside the hose.
8. Sewer Hose
Sewer hose collects all the drained water from your vehicle. Hence, you may need a hose length of 20 to 30 feet. There is no clear favorite for me as there is a wide variety to choose from.
Just ensure that the fittings match each other perfectly so that there is no leakage inside the vehicle.
9. Surge Protector
A surge protector is a piece of essential protective equipment. Although it may be a bit expensive, you must never travel without it. Surge protection keeps your vehicle safe from extreme voltages, protecting your electrical appliances.
There are two options available: A 30 Amp surge protector and a 50 Amp protection for higher surge protection.
10. Walkie Talkies
When you’re out on a hike in remote areas, it’s highly likely to have low or no cellular signals. Therefore, there should be a backup communication system with you all the time. Walkie Talkies are very handy because of several reasons.
Firstly they are lightweight and easy to carry around. Secondly, they can maintain communication for more extensive ranges without depending on a cellular network.
Lastly, most Walkie Talkie devices are cheap, so they don’t cost a great deal. But they can be life-saving equipment in case of emergency.
11. Air Compressor
We all hate flat tires. To avoid such a mess, keep an air compressor with you. They save time in an emergency and are easily portable too.
Air compressors come with all the fitting adapters, but it’s good to carry a few extra adapters just to be on the safe side.
12. GPS
GPS locator and tracker come in handy when you’re traveling into an unknown location. They provide satellite-based guidance; they can also keep track of your movement in case of an emergency.
RV GPS also lets you explore new camping spots without fear of getting lost.
13. Disposable Gloves
Whether you are at home or in an RV, gloves will always have a purpose in your closet. While traveling, you may have to gather wood or perform repair jobs. Hence, a pair of rubber gloves should be in your to-buy list.
14. Water Pressure Regulator
You have to use your stuff carefully because it’s not feasible to find a replacement on camping sites. Especially with hose pipes, pressure regulation becomes crucial as it helps to maintain water pressure. Therefore, the pipes stay safe from damage.
These regulators consist of brass to make them long-lasting. They are also effortless to mount, and the pressure regulation range is sufficient for both new and older RVs.
15. Water Filter
To enjoy safe drinking water, you must have a water filter in your RV. Modern RVs come with an inline filter, but you should buy it if you don’t have one.
Campground waters are unfiltered, so there is always a risk. However, with a water filter, you won’t have to worry about it.
16. Laundry Bag
Travelling is unpredictable. You need to think about every aspect, including the clothes you will take. You won’t always have time to gather and sort clothes that need washing. Therefore, a laundry bag can save you time in such situations.
Some people use laundry baskets, but I prefer bags because they don’t take much space. There are different sizes and materials to choose from. You can use a laundry bag for storing other stuff as well.
17. Survival Knife
It doesn’t matter if you are a regular traveler or a hobbyist, a knife will be the most needed accessory. If you carry a decent knife, there is so much you can do. A knife is both a survival and self-defense equipment.
Whether it is about cutting wood and ropes or you’re thinking of hunting for dinner, your knife will be the best bet. There are several options available, but I like the survival knife set that comes with adjustment tools, a safety cover, and a sturdy handle.
Word of caution: if you are traveling with kids, keep the sharp tools away from their reach. This can be very risky otherwise.
18. Tire Pressure Gauge
400;”>Tire pressure gauge lets you keep a check on your tire pressure. I recommend performing an inspection before and after the trip. Or you can also do occasional checks on the way, whatever suits you.
Since RVs are heavier than other vehicles, it’s better to invest in a high-quality tire pressure gauge to maintain the right pressure needed. They are simple to use and don’t take up any space, so make sure to keep one in your tool kit.
19. Solar Kit
It may be an expensive addition to your RV, but it’s a one-time investment. With a solar kit, you can free yourself from the worries of power problems. A solar kit will be a cost-friendly addition to your vehicle, especially if you are a regular RV traveler.
It’s okay to start with a single panel. It can suffice most of your power requirements. However, the kits are compatible with additional panels, too, so you can upgrade by adding more solar panels.
20. Grill
It’s always nice to have a barbecue in the woods with your mates. If you have a barbeque grill, you won’t have to look for firewood and build frames every time you come back with a hunt.
There are many different models available, but I like the collapsible grill that comes with a propane tank. It’s compact, portable, and doesn’t occupy much space.
21. Chairs
Always keep a pair of collapsible chairs in your RV. Although it may have several seating options, you can’t take them out of the truck. You may feel like taking a break from driving and relaxing outside the camper.
There is a wide variety of chairs to choose from. The collapsible models are my go-to options because they hardly take any space when not in use, making storage convenient.
22. Bike Rack
If you are a biking enthusiast, it’s a great option to add a bike rack in your RV. With this space-saving option, you won’t have to fit your bike inside the RV anymore.
Bike racks mount easily to the back of the truck. You should invest in something that comes with all the mounting accessories, so you can attach or detach easily whenever you like. Some of them can even hold up to four bikes at once.
23. Retracting Table
A folding table gives you many space-saving options inside the RV. You can use it as a work or dining table. After using, simply fold it and put it under the bed. Also, you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee outside.
24. Lithium Battery
I prefer Lithium batteries because of their durability and cycle count—the better the cycle count, the longer your battery life. Most RVs have a pre-installed battery that powers the entire unit.
However, an additional lithium battery can be a good backup for any emergency.
25. Head Lamp
For night-time adventurers, a headlamp is a great thing to have. You don’t have to carry it around as it easily mounts to the head, allowing you to carry additional items like a hunting arrow. Buy the one that has a powerful beam and is comfortable to wear and durable.
26. Shower Head
RVs usually have a showerhead, but the quality isn’t excellent most of the time. I suggest you buy a shower head with adapters and mounting accessories for quick cleaning and showering.
27. HotSpot Antenna
For RV bloggers, secure internet connections are essential. A hotspot antenna can help boost the cellular signal for more stable internet connections. It’s a one-time investment, but it’s worth it.
Many brands like We-Boost are offering high quality boosting services. You can also ask your friends for a recommendation.
28. Drawer Organizers
Rving is all about adopting a minimal lifestyle for your own comfort. Even if you are taking less stuff, you may still face storage issues if you don’t organize smartly.
If you follow the smart hacks for storage, you will be surprised to see how many things your RV can accommodate without looking congested.
Drawer organizers are mostly helpful for two main reasons. Firstly, they are compact and easily portable. You can fit them anywhere in your camper. Secondly, you can also use it as a closet to organize your clothes.
There are various brands to choose from, so there is no clear favorite when it comes to drawers.
29. Leveling Blocks
You will not always drive on smooth roads, so leveling blocks are a great utility product to have. Whether it’s a pop-up trailer or a truck camper, leveling blocks will come in very handy. They provide support to the vehicle on sloped and uneven surfaces.
Moreover, they are also quite sturdy. Users prefer plastic and vinyl blocks because of their material quality. You can buy a kit at an affordable price.
30. X Chock Wheel Stabilizer
X-Chock stabilizers provide additional stability to the vehicle by preventing tire shifts. They help the RV to stay in one place and prevent it from rolling over. I prefer X-chocks because they work with the natural movement of the tires and not against them.
These stabilizers can extend up to 10 inches and can last longer because of their anti-rust coating. They can retract to less than 2 inches, so they are very compact and easy to store.
31. Marine Water Filter
Marine water filters are useful for salty and contaminated water. If you end up on a riverside with visibly undrinkable water, this filter will help you clean out the bacteria, thanks to its granulated active carbon technology.
The unit comes with an extension hose, complete housing, and a filter cartridge. The cartridge can last for months. Therefore, it’s an economical option to have.
32. Backup Camera
It’s trickier to maneuver RVs in smaller places. However, if you have a backup camera, the job becomes much more manageable.
400;”>Backup cameras help you to get rid of blind spots while driving. They make it easier to reverse and help in logging video evidence in case of any accidents.
You can never be too sure about the weather, so it’s better to buy a waterproof backup camera. If you want it to work while reversing only, there is an option for that too. Also, it has an HD display that makes the view clearer.
33. Vehicle Leveling System
For higher precision in RV leveling, a leveling system is an ideal choice. It’s a compact device that will measure surface leveling on two axes. It comes with light indicators that simultaneously indicate the surface level.
Some of the advanced units also feature Bluetooth connectivity that helps display all the measurements on your smartphone. Many of these leveling systems come with leveling blocks. Hence, you can purchase a good deal for a lower price.
34. Mechanical Tool Set
Mechanical tool sets come in handy for emergency repair and regular service. When buying a toolset, keep your budget in mind and decide accordingly.
I like the toolset from MASTERTEC because it’s a compact roll-up kit. It comes with a carrying bag, and there are all the necessary tools that you might need.
35. Kitchen Knife Set
You might have a survival knife, but it’s better to keep that for survival purposes or emergencies. For kitchen use, I prefer using a separate set of knives.
Many modern designs are made up of hard plastic instead of steel. You can buy a set of knives with peelers at an economical price.
36. Heavy Duty Extension Cord
Extension cords are one of the basic accessories for survival kits. Simple yet highly effective, extension cords will serve a wide range of purposes. Hence, you must never travel without at least one of these.
Since extension cords aren’t too expensive, I suggest you keep at least a pair of them. Whether you are setting up a camping party outside your RV or an emergency supply for lighting, a heavy-duty extension cord is just what you need.
These cords can handle up to 50 Amps, so they will be sufficient for most applications.
37. Pop Up Trash Can
Whether you’re stationed or driving, it’s bound to get messy inside an RV truck. Your truck can never be complete without a dustbin.
Thankfully, there are pop-up dustbins available which can retract while not in use. They help in cleaning and also save space, making extra room for your other items.
38. Battery Charger and Maintainer
Battery chargers from NOCO are well known for their quality and durability. They primarily work with lithium batteries. You can charge both 6 Volts and 12 Volts batteries using them, and there is temperature compensation as well.
With a proper battery charger in place, you can extend the battery life considerably. Therefore, it is a useful accessory to have in your RV.
39. Espresso Coffee Maker
There’s nothing better than a nice cup of coffee on a chilly night underneath the dark sky. Espresso coffee makers are easily portable and don’t cost much either. They are sturdy and durable, so they also prove economical in the longer run.
If you depend on coffee to keep you awake, don’t miss taking a coffee maker. You need something that can keep you awake while you are driving at odd hours, if necessary.
Do not take the risk of falling asleep while driving – it’s a big no and even illegal. Hence, a coffee maker will be just the right accessory for your RV.
40. Hammock
If you have a spacious RV and plan to travel with your toddler, consider taking this along. The hammock will occupy some space but can give you peace of mind while your kid is deep asleep. Or you can have some relaxing nap in it under the sun.
They usually come with a stand now, so you don’t have to worry about tying it to a tree. Made from cotton, Hammocks are sturdy enough and can bear enough weight to support two people.
Conclusion
When buying RV accessories, it’s also essential to check your RV class and then buy accordingly. This way, you can avoid any compatibility issues.
Regardless of what class your RV is, there is always room for accessories and customization. The accessories I shared here are the generic ones that can enhance the look and your overall traveling experience.
However, if you are willing to spend more, you can use many other cool accessories to upgrade your RV. It’s also a great idea to keep a logbook for your RV. This way, you can check how your accessories are performing and which ones need an upgrade or replacement.
Lastly, you will only have a good time ahead if you follow the laws. Every state has different RV laws, so make sure to give them a read. Trust me, this is not a great time to fall in trouble. Have fun!
