15 Must-Have RV Accessories (Your Dealer Doesn’t Include)
Before you set out to go pick up your new RV, fifth wheel or trailer, you need to have these RV Must Haves to get you on the road camping comfortably and safely!
Whether you are buying a new or used RV of any kind (drivable or towable) there is a high probability the seller will not be including some essential RV must haves to help you make it down the road and especially not for camping.
Once you have the camper essential down, read 30 Camper Accessories for the inside and outside
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RV Must Haves
Essential list of RV accessories you will need before hitting the road on your next camping trip.
1) RV Lynx Leveling Blocks
Lynx leveling blocks are essential for going under your stabilizer jacks when one or both sides cannot touch the ground evenly.
The blocks can also stack to help raise your trailer hitch and get level front to back. We use the leveling blocks EVERY time we setup camp.
2) Inline Water Filter
Unfortunately, in America not all water sources are pure and clean. Instead of guessing whether or not the campground water spigot or the Love’s Travel Stop has clean water, it’s easier to just have your own water filter and peace of mind.
One water filter should last for about 6 months.
3) Water Pressure Monitor
You have to be equally as cautious about the water pressure coming out of the water spigot as you do the water source.
Using a water pressure monitor will you give you the ability to set the exact amount of pressure coming out of the water spigot.
This is important because if you have too much pressure coming out of the water spigot into your water lines, the water pressure could bust your RV water pipes and cause water damage inside your RV.
4) Drinking Water Hose
You will need to buy a specific water hose that is rated for “drinking water.”
I would suggest at least one 25’ water hose and ideally another 15-25’ water hose. I recommend two separate hoses because one 50’ hose usually is too much for most jobs and trust me when I say it gets frustrating trying to wrangle that length of hose. But there has been a few times we needed the full 50 feet.
I would also recommend a velcro clamp to help keep the hose coiled up together.
*Do not buy the fiber-jacket material kink-free hose, they are awful quality and stay kinked.
5) Black Tank Flush Hose
Most new RVs now (and thankfully) have a black tank flush so you will want a separate water hose from your drinking water hose to flush the blank tank. You can also use this hose if you have an outdoor shower hookup to wash off your RV, gear, or dog.
I love how small this one shrinks down when not in use and doesn’t take up much space at all.
6) Sewer Hose a.k.a. “Stinky Slinky”
Surprisingly a sewer hose is not included with your RV, even though there is no other way to dump your black tank.
I recommend getting the 20’ hose, since we tend to need the full length. The 20’ hose does shrink to fit inside the tailgate bar if that is an option on your RV.
If you’re planning to stay at RV parks, it is likely you will also need to have a sidewinder to hold up your stinky slinky.
Make sure to have disposable gloves as well!
7) Black Tank Deodorizer
If you plan on using your toilet, I highly suggest investing the $10 in black tank deodorizers. Make sure to get the packets instead of the liquid bottle.
Just after you dump and before using the toilet, toss in one pack and a gallon of water down the toilet. This will help keep the bathroom from smelling and it breaks down fecal matter quicker while it’s sitting in the black tank.
In case no one has informed you yet, you also will need to use single ply RV toilet paper if you plan on flushing your toilet paper down the toilet.
8) RV Vent Insulator
Not only does it insulate the RV when it gets cold out, you can flip it over to the other side during summer to reflect the sun and UV rays to keep your RV cooler.
Admittedly, I didn’t think this would actually make much difference, but it really is noticeable at keeping the RV cooler during summer and warmer during winter.
Not to mention is aids in blocking out any unwanted light while sleeping.
9) RV Travel Guide
This handy guide book tells you whether or not every exit on the U.S. interstates is RV-friendly and which exits have gas, food, lodging, superstores, etc.
As a new RVer, this book was very handy helping us get comfortable driving our big rig around.
10) Simple RV Level
Once you are ready to park your rig, you will need to make sure it is level to properly setup.
In most cases, the slides or fridge will not operate properly without being level. You could also incur damage to your tires if they go unleveled for a long period of time.
Good news is any regular old level like this one will work, or you could ask for one of the best “house warming” gifts and get the LevelMate Pro!
Make sure to level side to side first with the Anderson or Lynx Blocks then level front to back with your stabilizers.
11) 1/2" Thin Wall Deep Impact Socket
Something I wish we knew before buying our fifth wheel is that 99.9% of the time the trailer or RV does not come with a specific socket to take off your tire if you have a flat or need a repair.
With the newer rigs you will need a thin walled, deep socket usually in the 3/4'“ or 1/2” size. In addition, your rig will probably not come with a jack either so make sure you have a jack that will lift the weight of your rig too.
12) RV & General Tool Kit
As it goes, something will break eventually. Hopefully not on your very first trip, but it did happen to us and I’m thankful we had some RV household tools with us!
You don’t need to be the handiest person alive or know how to work on motor vehicles, but you will get better at being handy the longer you own a home on wheels.
Sometimes all you need is cable jumpers for a faulty battery or a screwdriver to fasten down a wobbly cabinet. Either way it’s better to be with than without.
13) Surge Protector
While a surge protector may not be as necessary as the other items, it is extremely important.
You never know if the power source you are plugging into is faulty and a surge protector will be able to save your RV electrical system in case of a surge or poor wiring altogether. It’s not worth the risk, headache, and money spent rewiring your rig.
Tip- Check your RV to see if you need the 30 or 50 amp.
14) Hitch Lock
If you have a fifth wheel or travel trailer, I strongly suggest getting a hitch lock. It takes less a minute to attach to your hitch and gives you peace of mind. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you have a travel trailer then use this link for the correct hitch lock that works with a 2” coupler.
15) 50 to 30 amp Adapter
If your rig has a 50 amp plug, it is smart to invest in a 30 amp adapter. Our fifth wheel has a 50 amp electrical system, but most state campgrounds only support 30 amps and this adapter comes in handy all the time!
You can also plug in the 50 amp surge protector I’ve listed above into this adapter.
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