Are you new to RVing and need help figuring out what you need? If you’ve ever been into a big box RV store like Camping World or even in the camping section of your local Walmart or Bass Pro, you may have found it daunting, exhilarating, or intimidating – perhaps all three! While there are many amazing RV camping accessories out there that can make camping easier, there are some RV camping accessories that you simply can’t successfully RV without and some that you really don’t want to skip (trust me).
So today, we’re making it easy for you as a new RVer or one ready to up their game. Here’s your shopping list, covering 15 essential RV camping accessories every RVer needs.
Levelers and Wheel Stops
Finding a perfectly level campsite can feel like discovering a unicorn in the wild! They’re practically mythical. But with the help of some levelers and wheel stops, your RV can feel perfectly level.
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Trust us that you don’t want to leave home without these – even the tiniest bit of wonkiness can have cans sliding off your counter in an RV!
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I’m a big fan of Lynx for these RV accessories.
Sewer Hose Kit & 90 Degree Swivel
A sewer hose kit is one of those essentials that is easy to overlook. Yet, it’s impossible to use your RV toilet without it! Unless you have an RV with a composting toilet, this kit will be essential in your arsenal. With the swivel fittings, storage caps, and see-through elbow… you won’t miss them unless you don’t have them. My first kit held up to several years of full-time use before it was time for a new hose.
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Already have a sewer kit, but need the 90 degree see-through elbow? You’ll want to add this to your arsenal of RV camping accessories.
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RV Toilet Treatment
There are so many different opinions on how to keep your RV toilet situation from overtaking your senses. You’ll find a lot of different options, and you may want to do some experimenting. But this one is one of the most popular options, helping to break down waste in your tank and prevent odors.
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Add this to your regular RV maintenance & cleaning regimen. Don’t RV without it!
Sidewinder for Sewer Hose
Having this clever piece of plastic to set your RV hose on is an absolutely essential step in comfortable RVing. Otherwise, you’ve got a hose on the ground, collecting bugs, dirt, and whatever else from wherever you are. Plus, this helps to raise the hose off the ground so you can get gravity on your side when handling the smelly but important business of a sewer system.
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The camping gear will stay in place when at work and then compactly fold up when you move to your next destination. “Simple, no hassle drainage” is well worth the effort!
50 Ft Drinking Water Hose
Yes, there are other RV gear essentials besides sewer accessories you’ll want when RVing – and a drinking water hose is so easy to forget and yet such an important one!
This professional-grade hose is designed specifically for drinking. It’s heavier duty, less likely to kink, and certified safe for drinking water.
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And while 50 feet can sometimes seem absurd, we always recommend at least a 50-foot hose when RVing – sometimes your connections are very far away from your rig, so this is essential RV gear.
RV Water Filter
Water quality can vary significantly from campsite to campsite and place to place. The last thing you want to worry about RVing is whether or not the water is safe to drink! Rest easy with this RV water filter, which surpasses industry standards for drinking water.
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Have extra peace of mind while traveling by picking up a two-pack of filters.
RV Water Pressure Regulator
Just as drinking water quality varies significantly from site to site, so does water pressure! In the case of low water pressure, that can be an annoyance, but high water pressure can also do some damage! So you’ll want to always have an RV water pressure regulator on hand. Protect your hoses and plumbing from harm with this regulator. And yes, it’s safe for drinking water.
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90 Degree Hose Elbow
I wish I’d known about this hose elbow earlier! It can significantly reduce the strain on your hose, extending the life of it significantly over time.
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It’s safe for drinking water and will reduce the kinking of your hose. This camping gear is designed to last for years.
Electrical Adapters
Working at campgrounds, we often saw campers showing up who didn’t have the correct connections to plug into electricity. When you’re exhausted at the end of a day of driving, the last thing you want to do is drive to the nearest big box store or simply go without because you’re parked in a remote location.
Most campgrounds are either 30 or 50 amp, though sometimes older state parks or someone’s driveway will have the standard household 15A plugs.
Do the math with your own vehicle in mind. Have a 30 amp RV? You’ll need to be able to convert to both a 15A and a 50A setup. If your RV is 50 amps (which is usually essential to run two a/c units, for instance), you’ll need to be able to convert down to 30A and ideally 15A as well.
If you’ve got a 30-amp RV, this is the connection you’ll need to connect to a standard household outlet.
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RV Extension Cord
A heavy-duty extension cord built for more power and long enough to reach from your RV to the power pole is an essential RV camping accessory every RVer needs.
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RV Surge Protector
All it takes is one close encounter or electrical scare to recognize the incredible importance of including an RV surge protector in your camping gear. If you wouldn’t plug in your computer without a surge protector, why risk plugging in your home or home away from home without one?
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While pricey, they come with a warranty and are such a lifesaver in your travels. Be sure to choose the suitable amps for your RV.
RV Rubber Roof Repair
RVs inevitably begin to have issues along their seams and roofs, and this is the solution you want on hand for that.
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Don’t wait until you’ve got a big leak on your hands – make it a regular practice, perhaps monthly, to check your seams and roof for anything out of the ordinary.
A Beginner’s Guide to Living in an RV
All of these RV camping accessories will be essential for you in your RV journey. But how does your sewer system work? What do you need to know as a new RVer?
Alyssa Padgett’s guide is essential reading from someone who’s absolutely been there. Even though I read it after we’d been full-time RVing for years, I loved it and would definitely recommend it to any new RVer.
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Summary: Essential RV Camping Accessories
RVing can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be hard with these essential RV camping accessories. Having these items on hand will prepare you for all the most common issues RVers face when camping. Be safe, and enjoy the journey!
Read Next:
- Where to Buy RV Parts for Your Renovation and Repairs
- Our New Favorite Way to Stay Organized on RV Trips
- 13 Nifty Gadgets You’ll Need for De-Cluttering and Organizing Your Camper
