After six months of full-time RVing, we’ve learned a lot about the must-have items for RVing. These 10 items will make your RV journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Some items we initially thought were optional turned out to be essential, while others proved invaluable in unexpected ways. These are the tools and gadgets we can’t live without, and they’re guaranteed to improve your RV experience.
Whether you’re preparing for your first trip or looking to enhance your setup, this guide will help you prioritize the right gear for every adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Water Pressure Regulator
Why It’s Important: Protect Your Plumbing System
An RV’s plumbing system is designed to handle specific water pressure levels. Hooking up to campground water sources with high pressure can damage your system, causing leaks or even ruptures.
Our Recommendation: A water pressure regulator helps you maintain safe pressure levels, ensuring your pipes and fittings remain intact. Look for a regulator with an adjustable gauge for more control and visibility.
2. Drinking Water Hose
Why It’s Important: Safe and Clean Water Supply
Unlike a standard garden hose, a drinking water hose is specifically designed for potable water. It’s made with materials that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your water supply.
Our Recommendation: Choose a hose that’s lead-free, BPA-free, and NSF-certified for drinking water. Opt for a 25- or 50-foot length to ensure you can connect to water sources at various distances.
3. Water Filter
Why It’s Important: Clean and Fresh-Tasting Water
Campground water sources can be unpredictable. They may contain impurities or have an unpleasant taste. A high-quality water filter ensures your water is clean and safe for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Our Recommendation: We use the ClearSource Ultra water filter. Known for its superior filtration capabilities, it removes sediments, chemicals, and other impurities, delivering crystal-clear water every time.
4. RV GPS (Garmin 795 7”)
Why It’s Important: Avoid Hassles on the Road
Navigating an RV is different from driving a car. Low bridges, weight restrictions, and narrow roads can quickly become problematic without the right guidance. An RV-specific GPS considers these factors and keeps you on RV-friendly routes.
Our Recommendation: The Garmin 795 7” GPS is a game-changer. It provides detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and warnings for road restrictions, ensuring a safer and stress-free journey.
5. Tank Odor Remover
Why It’s Important: Keep Your RV Fresh
Managing your black and gray tanks is an inevitable part of RVing. Without proper treatment, odors can become unbearable. A tank odor remover breaks down waste and eliminates unpleasant smells.
Our Recommendation: We use Liquidfied. This product is highly effective at breaking down solids and controlling odors, making tank maintenance more manageable.
6. RV-Specific Toilet Paper
Why It’s Important: Prevent Clogs and Protect Your Tank
Regular household toilet paper doesn’t break down easily, which can lead to clogs in your RV’s sewer system. RV-specific toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and completely.
Our Recommendation: We prefer Scott’s RV-specific toilet paper. It’s soft, strong, and dissolves efficiently, ensuring a trouble-free tank system.
7. Wheel Chocks
Why It’s Important: Secure Your RV
Wheel chocks prevent your RV from rolling when parked, offering stability and safety, especially on uneven terrain.
Our Recommendation: Look for durable, high-grip chocks made from heavy-duty materials like rubber or high-density plastic. Using them is a simple yet essential step to protect your RV and its occupants.
8. Quality Sewer Hose
Why It’s Important: Easy and Hygienic Waste Disposal
Dumping your tanks is much easier and less messy with a high-quality sewer hose. Cheap hoses can tear or leak, leading to unpleasant situations.
Our Recommendation: We use the Camco Rhinoflex Hose. Its sturdy construction and leak-proof connections make it a reliable and hassle-free choice for waste management.
9. Dehumidifier
Why It’s Important: Control Moisture Levels
Humidity can cause condensation, mold, and mildew inside your RV. A dehumidifier helps maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment by reducing excess moisture.
Our Recommendation: Choose a compact, energy-efficient dehumidifier suitable for small spaces. It’s especially important if you’re traveling in humid climates or during colder seasons when condensation tends to build up.
10. Surge Protector (Watchdog 50 AMP)
Why It’s Important: Protect Your Electrical System
Campground power sources can be unreliable, with risks of surges, low voltage, or faulty wiring. A surge protector safeguards your RV’s electrical components, including appliances and sensitive electronics.
Our Recommendation: The Watchdog 50 AMP surge protector offers excellent protection, with features like real-time monitoring and surge protection. It’s an investment that can save you from costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
These 10 items are more than just accessories—they’re essential tools for ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable RV experience. Investing in the right gear not only enhances your travels but also protects your RV and ensures peace of mind.
As you gear up for your next adventure, double-check your setup to make sure you’re equipped with these must-haves. Happy RVing!
