Embarking on an RV adventure can be both thrilling and daunting, especially for first timers. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a long-term journey, having the right essentials can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive RV essentials list to ensure you’re well-prepared for your travels.
Table of Contents
- Safety and Maintenance
- The Basics
- Comfort and Convenience
- Outdoor Items
- Tech Gear
- Personal Care and Hygiene
- Kitchen
- To Generator or Not to Generator
- Conclusion
RV Essentials List: Safety and Maintenance
First Aid Kit
Rather than shopping for individual items, make it easy on yourself and get a well-stocked first aid kit. An absolute must for any trip, it should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Remember to stock up on any personal medications if you are taking an extended trip.
Fire Extinguisher
Ensure it is easily accessible and regularly checked.
Carbon Monoxide, Smoke, and Propane Detectors
Install detectors to alert you to potential hazards inside the RV. Note that carbon monoxide and smoke are lower density and will gather near the ceiling, and propane is higher density and will collect near the floor, so plug in the detectors accordingly. We bought two different brands for peace of mind.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Include items like reflective triangles, flares, jumper cables, and a tire pressure gauge.
Weather Radio
Stay informed about weather conditions and emergency alerts with a weather radio that receives NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts. At minimum, keep an old-fashioned AM/FM radio in case the internet goes down.
Basic Tool Kit
Pack screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, duct tape, and a utility knife for minor repairs. If your RV or travel trailer have their own special tools, like lug wrenches and stabilizer jack wrenches, make sure you remember to bring and store them in an easy-to-remember location.
Duct Tape and Zip Ties
Be prepared for unexpected repairs with duct tape and zip ties, which can temporarily fix leaks, secure loose items, and more. We use zip ties to attach our portable brake controller to our truck.
Tire Pressure Gauge and Air Inflator
Monitor tire pressure and inflate tires as needed with a tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor. Don’t go too cheap on these as they will break, especially at the higher PSIs of RV tires.
We went with the Bullseye Air Inflator, and it works great, even for the higher PSIs found in travel trailer tires. It also doubles as a tire pressure gauge and will stop inflating when the set tire pressure is achieved.
Spare Tire and Jack
Make sure they’re in good condition and you know how to use them. Check the air pressure on your spare if it has been a while. We like bottle jacks for their compact size and portability. Make sure you have something like a wood block to place below them for support (and above, depending on where you are jacking).
Read more about RV maintenance in our guide.
RV Essentials List: The Basics
RV Surge Protector
Protect your electrical system from power surges and fluctuations with an RV surge protector that plugs into the power pedestal at campsites. There are 30A and 50A options.
We like Progressive Industries SSP50X 50A 120/240V Smart RV Surge Protector as a nice balance between the high-end models and low-cost options. It has readings to test the voltage and make sure the outlet is safe and in good working order, so you won’t need to buy a separate circuit tester.
Extension Cords and Adapters
You will need extension cords to connect to shore power. Whether you are driving a rig wired for 30A or 50A service, make sure you have an adapter to be able to use the amperage you aren’t set up for. Our rig is set up for 50A service, and we can use 30A hookups with the adapter. They are relatively cheap and provide versatility in camping options. They also come in handy for connecting to generators, as we describe below.
RV Leveling Blocks
Keep your RV level on uneven terrain with RV leveling blocks or leveling ramps. Even though you can use your tongue jack to help with front-to-back leveling, unless you have a self-leveling rig, you will likely be at the mercy of the campsite for providing side-to-side leveling. This is where leveling blocks can come in handy. Pro tip: do not use your stabilizer jacks for leveling. It won’t work, and you will be wasting your time. Also, they aren’t designed for this purpose, and you could break them.
Freshwater Hose
Fill your RV’s freshwater tank and connect to city water hookups at campsites with a durable freshwater hose designated for potable drinking water. Make sure you get a drinking-water, lead-free hose.
We like the 50-foot Zero-G kink-free hose. It is drinking-water safe and shrinks down to a very compact size, perfect for RV travel. Although we only use the water for personal hygiene and cooking, it is nice to have the peace of mind knowing we could drink our water if we needed to.
Water Filter
These are must-have and attach to your hose. Most RVers I’ve seen go with the Camco TASTEPURE RV Water Filter and Hose Protector.
Water Pressure Regulator
Protects your RV’s plumbing system from high water pressure at campgrounds. They are cheap and easy to find.
Sewer Hose
These are also relatively easy to find in a Walmart or hardware store. Get a length longer than you think you need in case you want to move around your campsite to find the best spot and still need to reach the sewer connection.
RV Essentials List: Comfort and Convenience
Comfortable Mattress or Sleeping Pad
Invest in a high-quality mattress or sleeping pad to ensure a restful night’s sleep. Be mindful that your “queen”-sized bedframe in your RV might be slightly smaller than a standard queen-sized mattress. We were able to fit our standard queen in our rig, but it makes moving around the bedroom difficult.
Memory foam mattresses are more receptive to vacuum-sealing and are more easily portable for moving into and out of the RV. They are also arguably more comfortable than a conventional ones. We went with Casper’s mattress and love it.
Compact Laundry Bag
Keep dirty linens organized and contained with a compact laundry bag that can be hung up or stored away when not in use.
Portable Vacuum
Because of the small amount of floor space, we thought we would manage with a simple broom and dustpan and occasional mop with a dishrag, but we found we still gravitated toward the convenience of modern appliances and went with a portable vacuum. The time you save using this will more than pay for its cost.
RV Essentials List: Outdoor Items
Awning or Canopy
These provide shade and shelter from the sun and rain and attach to the side of your RV. If you are RV shopping, this is a must-have. The shading at campsites is hit or miss and you will save time and storage by not having to deal with setting up a separate canopy for shade. A pro tip for your awning is to retract it each night when you go to bed in case of surprise storms. If you get heavy winds or bad hail, your awning might get damaged or break. We’ve seen our RV neighbors forget to do this and suffer the consequences of long hours spent in awning repair or worse.
Folding Chairs and Awning Mats
Create a comfortable outdoor living space with folding chairs and outdoor awning mats for lounging, keeping the bugs from crawling up your legs, and providing a surface for your furry friends to lay on. Most RV parks and campgrounds will supply picnic tables for dining, and you can probably get away without a table.
Insect Repellent
Keep bugs at bay with sprays, candles, bracelets, or electronic devices. Highly recommended by veteran RVers is the Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller. It provides a 20-foot zone of protection against mosquitoes. It’s portable, scent-free, and operates quietly. It uses heat-activated technology to release repellent and offers up to 12 hours of protection per charge. Perfect for backyard, camping, and patio use.
RV Essentials List: Tech Gear
Portable Brake Controller
We use and recommend the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller. It connects wirelessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, offers a simple plug-and-play installation into the 7-way RV blade socket, and can be used with multiple vehicles and trailers.
The Echo provides smooth braking with its triple-axis motion-sensing accelerometer, stores multiple vehicle-trailer profiles, and operates quietly. It’s weather-resistant and comes with a custom app for iOS and Android, offering easy control and monitoring of trailer brake activity.
Make sure to use some zip ties when connecting it to your truck’s 7-pin connection for extra safety.
RV Backup Camera
A must-have for easier maneuvering and parking. We like the iBall Wireless Camera because of its magnetic mount. After we finish using the camera to help us hitch up to our trailer, we move the camera to the rear of our rig to help us navigate into and out of camp sites. The LCD display plugs into your 12v auxiliary outlet. Although the picture quality can get a little staticky, it gets the job done and has proven to be reliable and durable.
RV Apps
Enhance your RV travel experience with apps designed for RVers to find campgrounds, plan routes, track expenses, and more. We’ve tried a few and like The Dyrt for its accuracy and ability to filter on dump stations, water, and overnight RV parking. The yearly subscription is $36, but it is cheaper than other options and The Dyrt’s app is better:
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
For those that work from home, camp sites with spotty Wi-Fi can be stressful. Luckily, cell coverage is usually more reliable and if your phone doesn’t have a built-in hotspot feature, make sure you grab one of these.
For the more adventurous Boondockers, we investigated SpaceX’s Starlink internet service and have seen other campers use it. It is somewhat pricey at $499 for the kit + $150/month for the service, but it could be worth the peace of mind for the reliable internet connection you may need.
GPS Navigation System
Navigate unfamiliar roads with confidence using a GPS navigation system designed for RVs. The Garmin RV 795 Traffic is a portable GPS navigator designed for RVs, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, RV-specific routing, and a built-in dash cam. It offers free lifetime map updates, real-time traffic alerts, and compatibility with a backup camera. The device includes a comprehensive database of RV parks and services, voice recognition, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Its durable design ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Portable Power Bank
Keeps your devices charged when you’re on the move. You can integrate one into your RV or have a separate, portable option. See more on this topic in our guide to the best solar-powered camping gear.
RV Essentials List: Personal Care and Hygiene
RV-Compatible Toilet Paper
Use RV-compatible toilet paper that breaks down quickly and won’t clog your RV’s waste system. The extra pennies you spend will save you from the nightmare that is clogged black water plumbing.
Cleaning Supplies
While you might get away with a light spray on your stainless-steel fixtures, generally stay away from abrasive cleaning products to help protect your more vulnerable RV plumbing. Vinegar is your best friend. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and use this for cleaning.
Portable Waste Tank
Empty your RV’s black water tank without needing to move the entire rig with a portable waste tank. Especially for those with fifth wheels and travel trailers, you could save hours with this tool. The Camco Rhino tanks are a popular choice. Check out the 36-gallon option.
RV Essentials List: Kitchen
Compact Appliances
Get a microwave, coffee maker, and toaster oven that fit your RV’s space. We tried using the propane oven that came with our rig but noticed right away that it didn’t maintain consistent temperature, and we soon got frustrated with having to constantly monitor it.
Rather than spending hundreds of dollars in figuring out a repair or replacement, we decided to go with a Ninja all-in-one convection oven and air fryer option and have liked it so far. There are YouTube videos on how to get the most out of this cool little gadget. A bonus is that it replaces your toaster, and you can repurpose your RV oven for other things like mitts.
Cooking Equipment
A compact set of pots, pans, utensils, and a portable grill or stove. Look for space-saving options for your RV like nesting pots and collapsible sinks and silicone utensils. Make sure you are aware of your cabinet space and what pots, pans, and appliances will (or will not) fit. Stock up on paper plates and plastic cutlery to save time on dishes.
The Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill offers 20,000 BTUs of grilling power with a 285 sq. in. cooking area, three adjustable burners, and matchless Instastart ignition. It features sturdy, quick-fold legs and wheels for easy setup and transport, a removable water pan for easy cleaning, and two durable side tables. The grill is portable, uses 1 lb. propane cylinders, and includes a 3-year limited warranty.
To Generator or Not to Generator
The decision to bring a generator on your RV trip largely depends on your travel style (hookup-friendly RV parks or more off-grid camping and boondocking), and length of travel. The longer you are on the road, the more likely you will run into a situation where you will need one. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Pros of Having a Generator
- Reliable Power Supply: Provides a consistent source of electricity for your RV, especially when camping off-grid or in areas without hookups. We’ve used our generator the most during in-between stops and parking our RV for free overnight when getting to our destination requires multiple days of travel.
- Versatility: Can be used for multiple purposes, including charging batteries, running air conditioning units, and powering electronic devices. Many generators are dual-fuel and run off propane as well as gasoline.
- Independence: Allows you to camp in more remote locations without worrying about power availability. The peace of mind having a generator with you is nice to have.
Cons of Having a Generator
- Noise: Generators can be loud, which might disturb the peace of your campsite or annoy neighboring campers. Inverter generators help mitigate this.
- Maintenance: Requires maintenance, including fuel management and servicing.
- Cost: Can be expensive to purchase and operate, especially with the cost of fuel. You may also need to buy chains and locks to secure it.
Our Essential Generator Pick
We understand the stress involved in making a significant purchase like a generator. If you do decide to purchase one, don’t worry; we’ve done the research and found the best all-around option, the Westinghouse iGen4500DFc Remote Electric Start 5000-Watt Dual Fuel (Gasoline/Propane) Inverter Generator.
- Dual Fuel Capability: Use it mainly with gasoline, but having propane as a backup is a great insurance policy.
- 30A Rig Compatibility: This 30A generator will meet all your 30A RV power needs.
- 50A Rig Compatibility: We use it for our 50A rig with a cheap 30A to 50A adapter and haven’t come close to meeting the wattage limit when running one A/C unit with normal appliance usage in the summer.
- Scalable Wattage: If 4500W isn’t sufficient, this model can daisy chain (parallel) with other Westinghouse generators to scale your wattage, eliminating the need for a larger, more expensive generator.
- Portable and Relatively Light: At 105 lbs., it strikes a balance between being lighter than a larger generator while still being robust enough to meet most or all your power needs.
- Quiet Operation: It’s an inverter generator, operating quietly at 52 decibels, lower than the 60-decibel requirement generally required at camp sites.
Conclusion
Having a well-prepared RV essentials list can significantly enhance your travel experience, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, these essentials will help you hit the road with confidence and peace of mind. Happy travels and make sure to subscribe to the Gorilla Gazette below for more RV-related tips and tricks!
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