The Ultimate RV Camping Accessories List
When you have purchased your RV, you think you are ready to hit the road and start living your RV’ing lifestyle. Whether it is a permanent lifestyle for you or just a weekend getaway, it is always good to go prepared. We have listened to many RV owners and found out some of the best RV Camping accessories they would recommend when starting out on an RV Camping trip.
It can be stressful if you have never done the RV camping thing in your own camper before – and this is supposed to be a fun adventure, not stress-engendering. To help reduce your stress, we’ve put together a checklist of camping necessities, including RV accessories and more that you should bring on every trip.
Let’s begin with a short list of the essentials for your RV:
- Surge protector
- Electrical adapters
- Toilet chemicals
- Sewer kit
- RV-friendly toilet paper
- Water pressure regulator
- Drinking water hose
- Leveling blocks
- Tire pressure gauge
- Extension cords
- Wheel chocks
- Shovel
- Electrical and duct tape
- Extra cotter pins
- Extra motor oil and transmission fluid
- Flashlight
- Battery jumper cables
- Emergency road kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Large zip close bag for documents, including license, registration, reservations, etc.
Now that we have those essentials listed, let’s see some of the details, and also see what the experienced RV’ers would recommend as the “would be nice” to make your camping experience more comfortable.
WATER-PRESSURE REGULATOR
Campground water pressure is often much higher than what RV manufacturers recommend. To reduce the flow rate, attach a pressure regulator to the campsite’s water supply. You can get a brass model that is lead-free and safe to use with drinking water.
WATER FILTER
Any water that goes into the freshwater tank should be filtered. For new RV’ers, an in-line water filter is the simplest option. Not only does it reduce sediments and other contaminants, it can improve the taste of campground water You can use replaceable carbon filters with KDF, which contains zinc and copper additives that resist bacterial growth.
BLUE AND WHITE FRESHWATER HOSE
Campsite water connections can be quite a way from your RV, requiring a freshwater-supply hose that can extend up to 50 feet or a couple of shorter ones that can be connected to go the distance. You get what you pay for when it comes to freshwater hoses, and, for that matter, many other RV accessories. The cheaper the hose, the greater the chance it’ll kink and leak.
WATER HOSE 90-DEGREE BRASS ENTRY ELBOW
Connecting the freshwater hose directly to the RV’s city-water intake can put stress on the hose and fittings. To extend the life of the hose, make a small investment in a 90-degree brass entry elbow. This go-between fitting lets the hose hang straight down from the intake, easing strain on it and preventing kinks.
HOLDING-TANK TREATMENT
Porta Pak drop-in packet toilet deodorizer. Sanitation is one of the things that intimidates new RV owners, but it isn’t a big deal once you learn proper dumping and flushing techniques and use appropriate chemicals. Holding-tank chemicals come in a variety of formulations and forms, and most work as advertised to deodorize and break down solids. First-timers can ask fellow RV’ers for recommendations and try different brands to come up with the treatment they like best.
BLACK AND ORANGE SEWER HOSE
You do need a good sewer hose. Invest in a brand-name kit that includes a high-quality sewer hose and a see-through connector so you can tell when the water is clean as the tank is being flushed. It’s also smart to pack a box of heavy-duty disposable gloves for handling the sewer hose and emptying holding tanks.
BICYCLES
A bicycle comes in handy for more than short errands. If your vehicle becomes disabled, you can pedal away to get help if necessary. If you’re a casual rider, get an all-terrain, upright hybrid bike with street tires wide enough for any surface. Most folks buy based on budget, but if space is a concern you might have a look at foldable bikes. Some of the most popular come from Schwinn, Dahon and Columbia.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR SENSITIVE INFORMATION
If you were caught in a disaster (or the home you left behind was), do you have your most important information stored and ready to go? Some RV’ers, especially folks on extended trips, are using an encrypted USB thumb drive, like a waterproof version available with military grade encryption from Integral.
TOILET PAPER–Two-ply Aqua Soft toilet paper
Quick-dissolving toilet paper is strongly recommended for RV use, and you want to take no chances. Stock up on a name-brand RV-friendly two-ply that is 100 percent biodegradable.
PLASTIC OUTDOOR TABLE
Next to your outdoor kitchen, line up a couple of folding tables for dishing up meals, stacking supplies and plugging in appliances. The space-saving tables not only have legs that telescope and collapse, the tops fold in half to fit in a storage compartment.
FOLDING PORTABLE ROCKER CHAIR OR CAMP CHAIRS
Outdoor seating is essential for happy camping, and some folks just wouldn’t be without their folding rockers. Whether they rock or not, camp chairs should be comfortable, sturdy, weather-resistant and collapsible for storage.
SIDE TABLES
After setting up your rocker, arrange a couple of small tables within arm’s reach for snacks, drinks and cell phones. A familiar site at RV campgrounds, these folding tables stand up to the elements and lay flat for storage.
FLAMING PORTABLE FIRE PIT
Gathering around a crackling fire is the classic camping experience, but if you aren’t keen on hauling firewood or cleaning up ash, instead, pack a portable fire pit that connects to a propane cylinder and lights up under a bed of lava rocks.
PORTABLE GRIDDLE
Frying up bacon and flipping pancakes outside is another camping tradition that’s made easier with technology. For mouthwatering outdoor meals anytime, the try the portable table-top griddle. You can get one that is propane-powered if you like.
BROWN PORTABLE ICE-MAKER
While a portable ice-maker won’t be on every RV’er’s list of essential equipment, it’s a must for some. You can select a relatively compact stainless-steel model that plugs into a 120-volt AC power source and doesn’t take up much space on the kitchen counter or an outdoor table. It cranks out up to 25 pounds of frosty cubes a day, enough to keep everyone’s drinks on ice.
SURGE PROTECTOR
Power spikes and dips are not uncommon at campgrounds. A surge protector can help keep unsteady electricity from putting an RV’s appliances at risk. For newbies to RV’ing, a portable model that plugs into the RV’s cord set does the job. Costlier hardwired electrical management systems that become a permanent part of the RV are also available.
POWER ADAPTER
Commonly called “dog bones,” power adapters come in handy when the campsite’s electrical output is incompatible with the RV or the power plug doesn’t match the pedestal receptacle.
RV FUSE KIT
RV fuses can blow at any time, catching many new RV’ers unaware and unprepared. For such occasions it is a good idea to carry a set of replacement fuses in your toolbox. The kit uses LED technology, making blown fuses easier to locate on dark fuse panels.
Are you inspired yet? This is not a complete list by any means, but it will give you some tips from experienced RV’ers out there. Are you ready to take to the open road and create a mobile lifestyle that lets you enjoy beautiful scenery while traveling around seeing the country? Check out our selection of used RV’s at El Monte RV Sales, and get ready for some real fun!
