Do you love camping or traveling in your RV?
If so, you know that having the right RV accessories can make all the difference whether you have a positive or a negative experience. From leveling blocks and sewer hoses to awnings and outdoor rugs, there’s endless options to choose from.
But where do you start? With so many choices on the market, it can be overwhelming. I’ve compiled a list of must-have RV accessories that will help you gear up for your next trip and make the most of your time on the road. The other items listed will make your RV experience that much better.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your camping game to the next level with these top-rated RV accessories.
Table of Contents
1. Essential RV Accessories for Camping
When it comes to RVing, there’s a few accessories that are essential for any trip. These are at the top of our list.
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- Surge Guard – this is probably one of the most important items needed to protect your RV. By plugging in the surge guard first into the electrical outlet to test the power, it will notify you if there are any electrical issues. Once you know there aren’t any concerns you can then plug your RV into the Surge Guard safely. If there’s a power problem and you don’t have any warning you could destroy the electrical components in your RV, which is very expensive to repair.
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- The cost of the surge guard, although expensive, is worth the expense. They usually continue to monitor and display the voltage and amps while you’re plugged in. Some of the protection surge guards provide is against power surges, open ground, low voltage, overheating plug/receptacle, reverse polarity and if the pedestal you’re plugging into is miss-wired you’ll know.
- Wheel Chocks – These are placed up against the tires of your RV to prevent it from rolling away. They’re light weight, easy to use and usually aren’t very expensive.
- Leveling Blocks – Not every campsite is level. I think it would be accurate to say that 90% of campsites aren’t level unless you’re in a site with a concrete pad. Leveling blocks are often described as being like the children’s toy Legos. Having your RV level is important since your fridge may not operate properly.
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- Placing leveling blocks under the tires or RV jacks as needed is a simple solution to leveling your RV.
- Water Pressure Regulator – This is one of those preventative items you should use regularly. A water pressure regulator prevents excessive water pressure to run into your RVs plumbing system which could damage seals, fittings and your pipes that run throughout your RV.
- Tire Pressure Gauge – Having proper air pressure in your tires saves tire wear and helps with better fuel economy. Under inflated tires may cause blowouts, causing serious problems including having an accident. Having incorrect tire pressure shortens the lifespan of your tires.
- Fire Extinguisher – Fires can happen in an RV and having a fire extinguisher handy may prevent the RV from destruction. Place it near an exit and easily accessible so you can fight the fire but also easily escape should you need to.
Understanding the workings of your RV is important. By knowing how everything works and how to maintain them ensures your RV will provide you with many years of great memories. Having the basic accessories to make things easier and safer is just as important.
2. RV Accessories for Food Storage & Cooking
One of the best things about RVing is being able to cook your own meals and not have to eat in restaurants, unless it’s a treat. To make the most of your RV kitchen, you’ll need a few key accessories. We do most of our cooking outside so a few of the items below are essential for us.
- A portable grill (barbecue) is a great option for cooking outdoors, whether you’re grilling burgers, steaks, or vegetables. We have a Napoleon Grill and love it. We sold our big barbecue from home and use the Napoleon both at home and camping.
- Campstove: Because we do most of our cooking outside having a camp stove is mandatory. I don’t like the RV to have cooking odors if I can help it.
- Another ‘nice to have’ RV accessory is a set of cookware that’s designed for RVs. These are typically lightweight and compact, making them easy to store in your limited cabinet space. I’m not even going to try and recommend a specific set because my cupboards are filled with leftovers from our house. They work, so why change them? You may have a favourite and if so, I would love to hear about them.
- Instant Pot:
- I used my Instant Pot to can small jars of salmon after a fishing trip and they turned out beautifully. We did them right on the picnic table in the campground. Easy!
- Other cooking and food storage accessories that can come in handy include a coffee maker, toaster, and an air fryer. I haven’t brought my air fryer along yet, but will definitely be doing so soon. I use it weekly at home so will probably do so traveling as well.
- A set of reusable food storage containers is another accessory that can be useful for keeping your food organized and fresh. They also keep out any bugs, etc. that may try to get at your food. I find glass containers too heavy and let’s face it – they break!
3. Outdoor Living and Entertainment Accsssories
One of the best things about RV camping is being outdoors. To make the most of your outdoor space, you’ll want to invest in a few key accessories.
- An awning is a great option for providing shade and shelter from the sun and rain. I would find it almost impossible to camp without an awning of some sort.
- You can also add outdoor rugs, chairs, and tables to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space.
- Another great outdoor accessory is a portable fire pit, which can be used for cooking or simply enjoying a cozy fire at night. With so many forest fires and campfire bans having a propane fire pit is becoming very popular. We have one and love it. We can even use it in our backyard when we’re at home.
- When it comes to entertainment, there are endless options for RV camping. A portable TV or DVD player can be great for watching movies on rainy days or during quiet evenings. You can also bring along board games, cards, or other indoor games for some family fun.
- A portable Bluetooth speaker is another accessory that can come in handy for playing music or podcasts during your trip.
4. Safety and Security Accessories
Safety and security are important anytime, even when RVing.
- One of the most important safety accessories in your RV is a carbon monoxide detector. It’s essential for detecting any dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your RV, which can be deadly.
- Another important accessory is a fire extinguisher, which should be kept in an easily accessible location in case of a fire. I suggest hanging it by the door, easily accessible plus you can escape if necessary.
When it comes to security, there are a few accessories that can help give you peace of mind.
- A portable door lock can be added to your RV’s entry door for an extra layer of security.
- You can also add window and door alarms to alert you if someone tries to enter your RV while you’re away.
- Finally, a GPS tracking device can be useful for keeping track of your RV’s location, especially if it’s stolen or lost.
5. Comfort and Convenience Accessories
To make your RV camping experience as comfortable as possible, there are a few accessories that can make a big difference.
- One of the most important is a comfortable mattress. There’s many options available, from memory foam to air mattresses, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Another important accessory is a set of blackout curtains, which can help keep your RV cool and dark for better sleep. I don’t need these, but I have friends who absolutely swear by them.
- Other RV accessories that can come in handy in your RV include a portable fan, space heater, and dehumidifier. These can help regulate the temperature and humidity in your RV, making it more comfortable to live in. Using propane creates condensation so it’s worth considering a dehumidifier.
- You can also add a washing machine combo/ dryer for doing laundry. This would probably be more for full time RVing.
- A portable vacuum can come in handy.
6. Must Have RV Maintenance Tools & Equipment
To keep your RV in top condition during your trip, there’s a few tools and equipment that are essential to have with you.
- I mentioned this before but one of the most important is a tire pressure gauge, to ensure your tires are properly inflated for safe and efficient driving.
- You’ll also want to have a set of basic hand tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches, for making minor repairs.
- A battery charger, jumper cables, and a portable air compressor could come in handy.
- You should also have a set of spare fuses, light bulbs, and other replacement parts on hand, in case something needs to be replaced.
These can help you keep your RV’s battery and tires in good condition, even when you’re on the road.
7. How to Choose the Best RV Accessories for Your Needs
With so many RV accessories on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you. To make the best choices for your needs, start by thinking about what’s most important to you. Do you prioritize comfort and convenience, or are safety and security your top concerns?
Are you an avid cook who wants to make the most of your RV kitchen, or do you prefer to spend your time outdoors? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and choose the accessories that will best suit your needs.
You can also read reviews and ask for recommendations from other RVers to get a better idea of which accessories are worth investing in. And don’t forget to consider your budget when making your choices. While some accessories are worth splurging on, others can be found at more affordable prices without sacrificing quality.
8. Where to Buy RV Accessories
There are many places to buy RV accessories, both online and in-store. I seem to do a lot of shopping on Amazon, WalMart, Canadian Tire, and any camping outlet store I come across. We do shop at RV dealerships but find they can be more expensive. However, they have items not available at other locations.
When shopping for RV accessories, be sure to compare prices and read reviews to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. And don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and delivery times if you’re ordering online.
9. Budget Friendly RV Accessories
While some RV accessories can be expensive, there’s many budget-friendly options available. For example, instead of buying an expensive portable grill, you can opt for a small tabletop grill that still does the same job and the food tastes the same.
Instead of buying a high-end mattress, you can add a foam topper to your existing mattress for added comfort. And instead of purchasing a portable washing machine, you can use a laundromat or campground laundry facilities to do your laundry.
By choosing budget-friendly options for some accessories, you can save money without sacrificing quality or comfort. And remember, you can always upgrade your accessories over time as your budget allows.
10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just enjoy the occasional camping trip, having the right accessories can make all the difference. From essential items like leveling blocks and sewer hoses to fun extras like outdoor rugs and portable grills, there’s endless options to choose from.
By choosing the accessories that best fit your needs, you can enhance your RV adventure and make the most of your time on the road. So gear up for your next trip and get ready to enjoy all that RVing has to offer.
Do you have favourite RV accessories that you can’t live without? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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