So you just bought a new RV? Or you’re dreaming about buying a new RV? Regardless, there’s a billion things to learn, and a million things to buy. Everyone wants your money. Let me give you solid advice of some of the best things worth the price tag for your new rig! I’ll also provide links to all of the things talked about so that you have to look no further. Let’s go!
Leveling:
Leveling blocks ($36) – Camco (heavy duty)
I recommend buying two sets of these 10 pack of leveling blocks, totaling 20 blocks total. I have used more than 10 on a few occasions.
These are required in most RV applications, but not all. Some RVs will come with specialty scissor jacks and other auto-leveling assemblies. If you have a basic RV like me, you’ll definitely need some blocks to get that big booty off the ground.
Wheel chocks ($21) – Camco, chocks without ropes
These are straight forward, and you’ll need them with pretty much any RV/camper. Level your rig, and then plan to chock opposite side wheels, to keep that pretty piggy bank from rolling away into the lake.
Electrical:
Surge Protector ($68) – Powsaf RV 30amp surge protector.
Please, please, please buy a surge protector. It’s very possible that the electrical service on a campground could be faulty. If you don’t plug in a surge protector, it’s guaranteed that you will eventually pop a breaker, or fry some electrical wiring/systems in your rig. Keep it safe. This surge protector is only for 30A campers, so you will need to buy a 50A surge protector (or use adapters) if that’s what you’ve got instead.
Power cord ($64) – Kohree brand, needed for juice!
Now, there’s a chance that your RV dealer includes an electrical connection with your new purchase. If not, check out the link above, it’s for a savvy 25 foot cord rated for savvy 30A electrical service. Not only does this come with a carrying wrap, but also includes a 30A to 120V adapter plug. To wrap it all up, it also has a twist-locking fitting for where you hook up to the RV! It won’t come unplugged once it’s locked in place.
30A to 50A RV Adapter ($17) – a.k.a. “dog bone” adapter.
This is a useful tool in the rare case that you camp somewhere that doesn’t offer 30A service. If you’re driving a smaller rig that’s 30A, then you definitely need to make sure you have one of these. It would suck to get to the campground, and not have a cheap adapter that can supply you with infinite power to your rig. Now you’re camping, not glamping 😉
Plumbing:
Water Filter ($19) – Camco (RV/marine water filter)
Buy this day one. Often times, the water connections at a camping site are disgusting. It’s very common to get sediment and debris in camping water spigots. With a water filter, you can guarantee that most of the debris and sediment is being removed before it gets into your on-board piping and running through your system. This is a cheap, easy option. Most people will recommend much more expansive filtration systems but mileage varies here.
Water Pressure Regulator ($34) – Kohree (handwheel adjustable)
This is VITAL for the plumbing on your RV. The reason for this is that most RVs plumbing is rated for something close to 40-50 psi. There’s no guarantee what pressure you will get at a camp site, because it will be different everywhere you go. This handy pressure regulator allows you to set a pressure (say 45 psi) so that your piping will not burst or crack. Trust me, it’s mostly all cheap plastic PVC. It will break.
Water hose ($38) – Zero-G 25 foot kink-free hose
Another thing a promising RV/camper dealership might provide you with a new vehicle purchase is a water hose. This is a vital component to get water delivered into your camper. If you didn’t get a hose included, I highly recommend purchasing from the link above. This Zero-G hose is kink-free, shrinks down to a smaller size when not carrying water, and also is quality material that will last!
Sewer hose ($38) – Camco (20′ with storage caps and transparent elbow)
Shitter’s full. There’s a chance that you’ll get a sewer hose included with the purchase of your RV. However, most of the time the hose they will try to give you is very flimsy and cheap. I highly recommend this Camco hose because of the quality, but also the clear elbow is an amazing additive when dumping your tanks. Watch that brown sploosh out before you disconnect the hoses!
Honorable Mentions:
United States Sticker Map ($20) – Fairwinds Designs travel sticker
If you’re planning on traveling across state lines, or one day want to see all 50 states, this is the perfect purchase for you. This sticker map comes blank with lines drawn for each state, and you add stickers for each state one-by-one as you travel to them. Genius! And you get to display it on the outside of your RV for everyone to gawk at and is guaranteed to start conversations with other campers!
Fuse Assortment ($10) – EPAuto assorted car/truck fuses
You never know when you will blow a fuse on the road. Most RVs/campers will have both a house panel (standard home-style breakers that you just flip back) and also a car panel (requires car/truck style fuses). Always handy to have extra to replace on the go. There isn’t an auto parts store at the campground.
RV Toilet Treatment Pods ($18) – Camco citrus scent
Keep your tanks clean by always keeping a little water in the tank, and drop in one of these pods to help keep it smelling fresh. These pods also help break down any potential waste/solids that may exist in the tank. You never want to have your black tank full with solids without treating it in some way.
Under-sink Water Filter ($62) – Waterdrop ultra filtration
We talked about a water filter being a must-have necessity in the above plumbing section. But if you’re a health freak, you probably want more than just that one cheap filter. I recommend installing this filter underneath your sink, so that you can have fresh filtered water right there in your RV kitchen. Say aaahh.
Disposable Gloves ($8) – vinyl, disposable, 50 pack
If you don’t want to get soupy poopy on your hands, you might want to purchase a pack of disposable gloves. This will help keep your hands clean when you go to open the grey and black tank valves, and when the hose falls off the dump port and spills all around you.
2-Way Hose Splitter ($13) – Heavy duty, shut-off valves
This little tool comes in handy if you want to hook up a hose pipe near the site utility hook ups. Meaning: If you want to hook up a hose to spray off your dog or campsite, then having a splitter like this makes it easy!
Waste Port Adapter ($9) – Sewer hose sealer/adapter
Plug this little baby into the dump station/waste hookup at your campsite. Sometimes, the waste ports are different sizes and will not mate perfectly with your dump hose from your RV/camper. This little doo-dad is to adapt to different sizes so that there is no spillage.
90-Degree Water Hose Elbow ($6) – Camco, solid brass
This little brass fitting is to install on the side of your RV, so that when you connect the water hose it will be completely vertical and not kink. You don’t want the water hose to flex too much coming off horizontal of the RV, because this can result in stress/damage to the hose and fittings.
Tire Valve Extenders ($7) – Mellbree 2 pack, flexible valves.
If you have an RV on a dually truck chassis like me, then you definitely need a way to check the tire pressure of the inside tire. This won’t apply to everyone, but is a cheap accessory to make sure the tire pressure isn’t low on your drivable home.
There’s a billion more things you can buy that are useful, or to deck out your RV. I recommend not buying too many things, until you actually see a use or need for something. It’s easy to overspend when you type in “rv accessories” on Amazon, or even Google.
Hopefully this list gets you going on your first purchases for your new RV/camper. Leave a comment below to let me know what you bought and what your travel plans are!
No Place Like Gone 