The Essentials
Once you have the bare necessities, step up your RV game with the essentials to always be prepared. We consider these items to be must-haves, especially if you are living in your RV full-time or are traveling frequently. We use all of these items often and would always recommend them if you want to be prepared and make the most out of RV life. Having these items with you will also save you from trying to find a Home Depot/hardware store/etc!
Spare RV Keys - never hurts to have an extra set! You can order these from Amazon, depending on your make and model.
Spare RV fuses - you can have a fuse blow anytime, be prepared!
Push to Connect Plumbing Valves - having at least two of these on hand at all times is a must in case a faucet breaks and start leaking. They’ve saved us from having to shut off the water to the entire RV until we were able to get a new faucet.
5 gallon bucket - this is probably the most used item on this list. We’ve got at least three of them and use them for everything from storage to stools.
Extension Cord - kind of like a 5-gallon bucket, you may not know right now what you’ll need it for, but you’re going to need one at some point.
Headlamp - we joke that if there’s one thing the husband truly can’t live without, it’s this headlamp…and pretty much, it’s totally true
Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator - this one has a gauge and allows you to easily adjust the pressure
RV Sewer Hose Support - they’ll help ensure your sewer lines are properly sloped. Plus, some RV parks require them.Waterproof Outdoor Rug
Tire Pressure Gauge - you need to be checking the pressure on all of your tires before every trip. If you don’t have a tire pressure monitoring system that tells you the pressure in your truck tires and also one for your RV, then having a simple gauge like this is a necessity.
DeWalt Cordless Inflator - having a tire inflator with you is a must! Ensuring your tires are properly inflated is one of the easiest ways to prevent a flat.
Inline Water Filter - some RV parks have some NASTY water, so this is definitely a must to protect your health and your RV pipes!
Emergency Power Off Surge Protector - you will be hooked up to random power in campgrounds all over the country…this might seem expensive, but we promise it will save you more in the long run
Shore power cable adaptor/dog bone - in case your spot at the RV park doesn’t have the right electrical connection
RV insect screens - if you’re from the south, you know that mud dobbers get into EVERYTHING. These keep all of the mud dobbers, wasps, & other critters from getting through the vents on your RV.
Black Tank Treatment - helps ensure your black tank doesn’t get crusty and keeps the poop smells from escaping when you flush!
Camco Dual Flush Pro Camper/RV Holding Tank Rinser - this model has a gate valve on it, so it allows you to fill the black or grey tank up and then empty it at one time to flush everything out
RV hose bag storage - this is ESSENTIAL for an RV! You absolutely do NOT want your clean hoses mixed up with your dirty!
Tire Pressure Monitoring System - helpful to identify a tire leak before it turns into a blowout!
Anti-theft 5th Wheel Hitch Lock - definitely a must if you have a 5th wheel
5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate - this keeps your tow hitch from grinding on the jack plate
Broom or Cordless Leaf Blower - for getting leaves/dirt/tree limbs/etc. off of the slides prior to pulling them in
First Aid Kit - always be prepared
Storage tote - just helpful to have for miscellaneous items
Fly swatter - this might seem like a silly suggestion, but remember that you basically live outside now
Pool noodles - we cut these into pieces and use them to secure unstable things during travel (ie the microwave, oven, items in the fridge, etc)
Damp Rid - condensation can be a big deal for an RV;
Sashco Lexel - we use this sealant for anywhere we have discovered the seal is starting to break on the outside of the RV
Tools, tools, and more tools!
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