Are you a proud owner of a travel trailer, eagerly anticipating your next RV camping adventure? Have you ever found yourself on the road only to realize you’ve left behind a crucial item? Worry not!
This comprehensive guide outlines the must-haves for a travel trailer, ensuring your camping trip is stress-free, comfortable, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Category #1: Essential Setup and Safety Gear
Setting out on an RV camping adventure with your RV camper? Being properly equipped is the first step to a successful journey. Therefore, make sure to pack these items in your gear:
Wheel Chocks
Wheel Chocks prevent unintentional movement (like rolling or shifting) by securing and stabilizing the wheels. Used when an RV, trailer, or car is parked, wheel chocks are especially critical when parking your RV on a slope.
Product Recommendation: Checkers General-Purpose Utility Wheel Chock
Price: $37
Leveling Blocks
Trailer leveling blocks manually level RVs without electric or hydraulic levelers. They are placed under the wheels or jacks of the RV to compensate for uneven terrain, preventing the vehicle from leaning or rocking when parked for camping (or other extended stays like winter storage).
Product Recommendation: Camco Camper/RV Leveling Blocks
Price: $58.99
Stabilizer Jacks
Unlike leveling blocks (which are used to stabilize an RV/camper on uneven surfaces), stabilizer jacks provide stability on level ground and minimize rocking or swaying motions when an RV is parked. For example, stabilizers absorb movement inflicted by harsh winds.
Product Recommendation: Camco Olympian Aluminum Jack Stands
Price: $58.99
Category #2: Water Management Essentials
These are the (non-negotiable) water management items you should have in your RV.
RV Water Hose
Investing in a heated RV drinking water hose ensures a continuous supply of safe drinking water during cold weather. With insulation and electric elements, these hoses prevent freezing, making them a practical choice for northern travel.
Product Recommendation: Camco TastePURE 50-Foot Premium Drinking Water Hose
Price: $50.99
Water Pressure Regulator
High water pressure from city water connections can result in plumbing and hosing damage. For this reason, a water pressure regulator is a must. A water pressure regulator controls the pressure of the water filtering through the vehicle’s plumbing system, preventing costly damage.
Modern RVs can handle up to 100 PSI, but it’s crucial to limit water pressure to 60 PSI, as the faucet, toilets, and connectors cannot withstand higher levels. Excessive pressure risks straining and weakening the plumbing, leading to leaks, bursts, or other plumbing issues.
Product Recommendation: Camco RV Water Pressure Regulator
Price: $13.99
Sewer Hose and Accessories
While many RVs come with basic equipment, investing in a higher-quality sewer hose ensures durability, reduces the risk of leaks, and offers customization options for your specific needs.
Upgraded hoses often feature improved flexibility, superior crush resistance, and enhanced odor control, contributing to a more pleasant sewage disposal experience, even when dealing with toilet paper disposal.
Product Recommendation: Valterra Dominator RV Sewer Hose Kit
Price: $64.99
Category #3: Power Management Must-Haves
Power management in an RV is all about ensuring you have a stable and reliable source of electricity. These are the items you need for RV power management:
Surge Protector
A surge protector safeguards your RV’s electrical system from power surges and voltage fluctuations, protecting appliances from potential damage. A standard surge protector can cost between $80 to $120.
Product Recommendation: Southwire Surge Guard 44270
Price: $104
Electrical Adapters
Electrical adapters connect your RV to various power sources, ensuring ready access to electricity at every campground. These devices eliminate the hassle of searching for specific hookups. This adaptability streamlines setup during travels, saving time and effort while ensuring a reliable power supply for your RV.
Product Recommendation: Camco Power Grip Power Cords
Price: $73.60
Extension Cords
Extension cords offer flexible RV power connections at varying distances. It’s crucial to use a cord specifically designed for RVs that’s capable of handling the required voltage and can render the necessary amperage for your RV’s electrical needs.
Using an improper extension cord can lead to voltage drop, overheating, and potential electrical hazards. When buying extension cords, consider length, amperage rating, gauge, plug type, durability, camper size, and model.
Product Recommendation: US Wire and Cable 74050
Price: $39.90
Category #4: Comfort and Convenience Items
When it comes to RV camping, comfort and convenience are key. So, stock up on these products before your RV trip:
RV-Specific Mattress
An RV-specific mattress provides a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep during your travels. They are designed with the unique dimensions of RV mattresses in mind.
Product Recommendation: The Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $274
Compact Drying Rack
A running dishwasher isn’t a luxury most full-time RVers know. Because handwashing dishes comes with the territory, you’ll need to invest in the right equipment. A compact and foldable drying rack is an essential RV kitchen accessory. It ensures efficient use of limited RV space, allowing you to keep your kitchen area neat and clutter-free. The specialized compartments and trays accommodate various items, promoting proper drainage and preventing water accumulation.
Product Recommendation: Cheform – Over The Sink Dish Drying Rack
Price: $14
Category #5: Outdoor Living Accessories
Here are essential accessories to enjoy a comfortable outdoor camping experience:
Folding Camping Chairs and Tables
Folding camping chairs and tables are space-efficient and easy to transport, fitting seamlessly into the limited storage capacity of an RV.
Product Recommendation: Boulevard F Inc Folding Camping Table & 4 Chairs Set
Price: $53.99
Outdoor Cooking Gear
Nothing beats the smell of sizzling hot dogs on a grill while camping. Unlike traditional campfire cooking, portable grills provide precise temperature control, faster cooking times, and easier cleanup, ensuring a hassle-free camping cookout.
Product Recommendation: Traeger Ranger Portable Grill
Price: $449.99
Awning Accessories
Awning accessories, like lights and screens, enhance your outdoor living space, providing additional comfort and privacy. Opting for awnings with built-in LED lights adds practicality to your setup. These integrated fixtures enhance visibility during evenings, create a warm ambiance, and eliminate the need for a separate lighting source.
Product Recommendation: RECPRO – LED RV Awning Party Light with Mounting Channel
Price: $44.95
Category #6: Emergency Preparedness Essentials
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re on the road. That’s why it’s important to have emergency preparedness essentials on hand.
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid box can address minor injuries and emergencies, ensuring you’re prepared for anything that comes your way.
Product Recommendation: Redcross Deluxe Family First Aid Kit (115 Pc)
Price: $40.99
Tool Kit
From fixing a loose screw to addressing a sudden breakdown, a tool kit with adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, tire pressure gauges, and electrical testers ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected mechanical issues.
Product Recommendation: The Amazon Basics Household Tool Kit (142 Piece)
Price: $29.09
Backup Power Source
Whether it’s a gas-powered generator, portable generator, or solar panels, a backup power source provides peace of mind, ensuring you always have power when you need it.
On average, a product like this will cost you anywhere between $300 to $1,000.
Product Recommendation: Champion 100478 2000/1700-Watt Ultra-Light Portable Inverter Generator
Price: $599.99
Category #7: RV Maintenance Items
Keep these supplies on hand to regularly maintain your trailer during RV camping adventures:
Cleaning Supplies
Keeping your RV clean is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. From antibacterial wipes to disinfectants, these cleaning supplies help keep your RV in top shape.
Top Brand: The Biokleen M02409 RV Roof Cleaner and Protectant
Price: $35.95
Tire Maintenance Tools
Keeping your tires in good shape is crucial for a safe journey. Tire maintenance tools, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, gauges, and inflators, help prevent tire-related issues and ensure a smooth ride.
The Slime 50123 Flat Tire Puncture Emergency Kit is an all-in-one solution featuring a tire inflator and pressure gauge. Swiftly repair and fully inflate your tire in 10 minutes with a hassle-free button press, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.
Product Recommendation: The Slime 50123 Flat Tire Puncture Emergency Kit
Price: $55.99
Waste Tank Treatments
Dealing with waste is an unavoidable part of RVing, but waste tank treatments make waste management more manageable. These treatments minimize odors and break down waste faster and easier.
Product Recommendation: Unique Camping Marine – RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment
Price: $15.99
Summary
Embark on your RV adventure with confidence! Now that you have all the essentials for a smooth journey, don’t forget this crucial step: choosing the right storage place for your new recreational vehicle.
Proper storage ensures your RV remains in pristine condition when you are not set out for a new adventure. You can find an affordable and secure RV storage space on Neighbor – a peer-to-peer marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Avoid When Buying a Travel Trailer?
When buying a travel trailer, don’t neglect your tow vehicle’s weight limits, skip water damage inspections, or forget to check towing and parking regulations at your planned destinations
What Do I Need on My Truck to Pull a Travel Trailer?
To pull a travel trailer with your truck, make sure it has the required towing capacity. You can install a suitable hitch receiver and equip a trailer brake controller for safe towing control. For insight into the best vehicles for towing campers in 2024, check out this article.
