RV camping essentials will vary from user to user. Out of all RV camping essentials, we recommend to all RVer’s when preparing to travel is to use a checklist. Even as an experienced RVer, we still use a checklist.
Before your trip, we recommend using a GPS that routes based on your RV’s height and weight. We use SmartRVRoute II, a software GPS on our smartphone. Additionally, we use RV Trip Wizard as a great option for planning your route in advance.
DAY ONE
Below are RV camping essentials we recommend you start out with on day one, and others to consider for later. While some of them might not get used on your first trip out, many are things that you will need down the road.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring) – Tire blowout can be very dangerous. This will alert you to a leak before the tire gets hot and blows. Don’t forget about your tow vehicle.
RV ELECTRICAL PROTECTION – Total electrical protection for your RV. Power fluctuates in parks, having electrical protection is a must.
SEWER HOSE – This 15′ kit will be good for most locations. If you want to cover all scenarios or have two sewer connections, you might want to get two kits.
SEWER HOSE SUPPORT – The ultimate protection and support for your sewer hose. We use the 20′ model to help ensure our tanks drain properly.
SEWER 90 DEGREE CLEAR FITTING – This allows you to see when your tank is passing clean water.
SEWER ADAPTER – Easily attach and detach your sewer hose assembly from the sewer inlet. Sewer connections can vary, this will allow you to adapt to almost anything.
DRINKING WATER HOSE – Garden hoses can grow bacteria, always use a drinking water safe hose.
BLACK WATER FLUSH HOSE – Dedicate this hose for black tank flush only. Get a second one if you need a hose for other needs.
Y Valve Hose Splitter – Providing options to hook up a hose without disconnecting water.
90 DEGREE HOSE ELBOW – Relieve strain on your connectors and prevent kinking your hose.
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR – Protect your RV Plumbing. Many parks do not regulate water pressure.
BLACK TANK TREATMENT – Don’t forget to treat your black tank. We have tried many different products and have had good success with Happy Camper.
RV TOILET PAPER – Using RV toilet paper is important. You can also find this brand at Camping World and Walmart.
AIR COMPRESSOR – You to maintain proper tire pressure. We use the 450P-RVS model, depending on your tires, a smaller model may work.
ASSORTED FUSES – Fuses pop frequently, don’t get caught without.
Highly Recommended Items
Travel Safety Items – While we’ve never had the need to use them, we carry various safety items like ROAD FLARES, TRIANGLES, FIRST AID KIT, and FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
GASSTOP PROPANE SAFETY – Propane shut off in the event of a leak.
WASTE VALVE – This valve allows you to keep waste at bay until you have your hoses connected.
WATER METER – Know how much water you are using or putting into your tanks.
50A POWER EXTENSION CORD – There has only been a handful of times, but when the cord comes up just a bit short, always nice to have an extra 10′ of power cord to reach the pedestal.
50A TO 30A ADAPTER – Many RV Parks, State Parks, and National Parks only offer 30A power and you’ll need this to connect a 50A RV.
50A TO 15A ADAPTER – Many times parking in a friend’s driveway, this conversion will do the trick to get some power to charge the batteries.
TWO-WAY RADIOS – Makes communicating with your spotter much easier.
MARCELL MONITOR – If you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can still keep an eye on power, temperature, and humidity for your pet’s safety with the built-in 4G.
GOVEE WATER LEAK DETECTORS – Remotely know when there is a water leak using this Wi-Fi detector.
GOVEE TEMPERATURE SENSORS – Remotely monitor room or refrigerator temperature using this Wi-Fi sensor.
BLINK CAMERA – Remotely monitor the safety of your pet, Wi-Fi.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS – I keep fire extinguishers in all rooms under sinks and in cabinets. Don’t forget your basement storage
COMMAND HOOKS – With RV space always limited, you will like these to hang things.
NON-SLIDE SHELF LINER – Prevent items from sliding around in your cabinets when traveling.
Good To Have Items
PROPANE LEVEL MONITOR – Monitor propane tank levels and get alerts to your smartphone.
WATER QUICK CONNECT – Makes setup, and break down, etc so easier
SLIM NON-SLIP HANGERS – Keeps your clothes on the hangers when traveling.
TENSION RODS – Keep your cabinet items and food in place when you travel.
RV SNAPPADS – We love these! They provide a much more stable base than the jacks alone.
LEVELING BLOCKS – Great for leveling and for a variety of other uses.