Tow vehicles and trailers come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not always easy to match them with the right accessories. The following roster of tried-and-true RV equipment can help you outfit a new rig or update a seasoned one
One of the most popular, and fitting, mantras of shade-tree mechanics is, “You gotta have the proper tools.” This rings true with RVs as well. To get the most from your rig — and make the most of your RV camping trips — it’s necessary to pry open your wallet and pick up a few accessories (“tools”) aimed at the RV market.
To spare readers the trouble of skimming the Internet and making random guesses at what’s needed, we’ve selected some of the most trusted and widely
used RV products in categories ranging from towing comfort to trailer livability and gathered them here in Trailer Life’s “2015 Guide to Gear.” Take your pick.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaners
Messes happen, at home and on the road. Having the proper cleaners is important when dealing with the surfaces in an RV, and many household products may not be suitable for RV use. The following companies specialize in cleaners that will help keep your RV spic-and-span.
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Protect All | www.protectall.com
Thetford | www.thetford.com
Roadmaster/Voom! RV Cleaner | www.roadmasterinc.com
Holding-Tank Treatments
Without proper waste management, RV bathrooms can stink. Holding-tank treatments do a good job of minimizing embarrassing odors, if not eliminating them altogether, not to mention helping to break down solids and keeping your RV’s holding tanks in tip-top shape.
Camco | www.camco.net
Century Chemical/Travel Jon | www.centurychemical.com
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Eco-Save | www.eco-save.com
Kronen | www.kronen1.com
Monochem | www.worldwidemonochem.com
Odorlos |
Thetford | www.thetford.com
3X:Chemistry | www.3xchemistry.com
Valterra | www.valterra.com
Walex | www.walex.com
Polishes/Waxes/Protectants
Your RV is your castle on the road, as well as a pretty substantial investment, so it makes sense to keep it looking good outside as well. This not only helps prolong the life of your trailer’s roof, skin and finish but leads to admiration (and envy) from fellow RVers.
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Gel-Gloss | www.gel-glossrv.com
Gold Eagle/303 Aerospace | www.goldeagle.com/brands/303-products
Meguiar’s | www.meguiars.com/en
Poli Glow | www.poliglow-int.com
Protect All | www.protectall.com
RejeX | www.rejex.com
Shurhold Industries | www.shurhold.com
Thetford | www.thetford.com
Roadmaster/Voom! Gold | www.roadmasterinc.com
Wade Maid | www.wademaid.com
Electronics
Backup Monitors/Camera Systems
Need a hand while hitching up? A backup monitor makes solo hitching an easier process and can help avoid collisions with trees and toys.
ASA Electronics/Jensen | www.asaelectronics.com
Furrion | www.furrion.com
Hopkins Towing Solutions/Smart Hitch | www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com
Outdoors Insight/iBall | www.iballhitchcam.com
Rear View Safety | www.rearviewsafety.com
RV Cams | www.rvcams.com
Toren Partners/Swift-Hitch | www.swifthitch.com
Entertainment Systems
Many of us go RVing to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy a big-budget blockbuster from the comfort of our campsite. Adding — or enhancing — a home-theater system in your RV can offer a welcome respite after a long day of hiking or exploring.
ASA Electronics | www.asaelectronics.com
Furrion | www.furrion.com
GPS Devices
A GPS navigational device uses satellite-based locations to get you where you’re going easier and faster, and keeps your RV free of folding-map clutter. Plus, the devices include things like campground locations, weather forecasts, local restaurants and change-on-the-fly capabilities.
Garmin International | www.garmin.com
Magellan | www.magellangps.com
Rand McNally | www.randmcnally.com/category/rv-gps
RV TV Antennas
If you want to watch TV in your RV, chances are, the campground cable feed is limited, if it’s there at all. By using an over-the-air antenna, RVers can view local programming, network TV and maybe even some movie channels. These antennas can also be used in conjunction with residential cable providers.
King | www.kingconnect.com
Shakespeare Marine | www.shakespeare-ce.com/marine
Winegard | www.winegard.com
Satellite Hardware
To receive the signal from your favorite satellite provider (Dish, DirecTV, Shaw, et al), you need the proper equipment. These products can be roof-mounted or moved around the campsite for even better reception.
King | www.kingconnect.com
KVH | www.kvh.com
Winegard | www.winegard.com
Surge Protectors
To help protect electronics from potentially “dirty” campground power or spikes due to foul weather, a surge protector works exactly as its name implies to shield your investments.
Progressive Industries | www.progressiveindustries.net
TRCI/Surge Guard
Tire-Pressure Monitoring Systems
Getting a flat on the road can be dangerous, but it can be difficult to constantly monitor the tires on your tow vehicle and trailer. A TPMS allows constant surveillance from the driver’s seat and alerts RVers with an audible alarm if tire pressure falls below a predetermined safe level.
Doran Manufacturing | www.doranmfg.com
HawksHead Systems | www.tpms.ca
Hopkins/nVision, | www.nvisionsafety.com/tire_safety
Minder Research/Tire Minder | www.minderresearch.com/tireminder
Pressure Pro | www.advantagepressurepro.com/home.asp
RViBrake | www.rvibrake.com
TireTraker | www.tiretraker.com
Truck System Technologies | www.tsttruck.com
Valor | www.valortpms.com
Wi-Fi/Cell-Phone Boosters
Can you hear me now? Probably not, if you’re at a remote camping destination that gets little to no cell-phone service. And you can forget about Wi-Fi in many locations. Plenty of products can help with both situations, meaning you can be texting — and working on that proposal for the office — with no interruptions.
C. Crane | www.ccrane.com
PDQ Connect | www.pdqconnect.com
Shakespeare Marine | www.shakespeare-ce.com/marine
SmoothTalker | www.smoothtalker.com
WeBoost | www.weboost.com/us
Wilson Amplifiers | www.wilsonamplifiers.com
Hitches
Fifth-Wheel Hitches
If you want to tow a fifth-wheel, you need a hitch. The following companies make fifth-wheel hitches that can be installed in just about any truck and are designed for the long haul.
Andersen Hitches | www.andersenhitches.com
B&W Trailer Hitches | www.turnoverball.com
Camping World | www.campingworld.com
Curt Manufacturing | www.curtmfg.com
Demco Products | www.demco-products.com
Draw-Tite | www.draw-tite.com
Husky Towing Products | www.huskytow.com
PullRite | www.pullrite.com
Reese Products | www.reeseprod.com
Torklift International | www.torklift.com
Weight-Distributing Hitches
For a safer, more enjoyable ride, weight-distributing hitches help to evenly distribute the hitch weight of
a travel trailer.
Andersen Hitches | www.andersenhitches.com
Blue Ox | www.blueox.com
Camping World | www.campingworld.com
Curt Manufacturing | www.curtmfg.com
Draw-Tite | www.draw-tite.com
Equal-i-zer | www.equalizerhitch.com
Fastway Trailer Products | www.fastwaytrailer.com
Hensley Manufacturing | www.hensleymfg.com
Husky Towing | www.huskytow.com
PullRite | www.pullrite.com
Reese Products | www.reeseprod.com
Torklift International | www.torklift.com
Tow Vehicle
Air Springs
Towing a trailer can greatly affect tow-vehicle ride comfort. All that weight out back can make the occupants feel every bump, dip and seam on the highway. Air springs can help tame the ride and level the playing field.
Air Lift | www.airliftcompany.com
Firestone/Ride-Rite | www.riderite.com
Hellwig | www.hellwigproducts.com
Michigan Truck Spring | www.truckspring.com
Batteries
Selecting the proper battery for a trailer is a bit more involved than you might think. Do your research to find the battery type that best suits your needs, then check out these manufacturers to help power your rig.
Exide Technologies | www.exide.com
Fullriver Battery | www.fullriverbattery.com
Interstate Batteries | www.interstatebatteries.com
Lifeline Batteries | www.lifelinebatteries.com
Optima Batteries | www.optimabatteries.com
Trojan Battery Company | www.trojanbattery.com
Engine Oil
Changing the engine oil regularly and using the right product can lead to trouble-free towing. Both conventional and synthetic motor oils are formulated to withstand the stress that towing a heavy trailer or truck camper can put on an engine.
Amsoil | www.amsoil.com
Castrol | www.castrol.com
Delo | www.deloperformance.com
Havoline | www.havoline.com
Lucas Oil Products | www.lucasoil.com
Mobil | www.mobiloil.com
Pennzoil | www.pennzoil.com
Quaker State | www.quakerstate.com
Royal Purple | www.royalpurpleconsumer.com
Shell Rotella | www.shell.com/rotella
STP | www.stp.com
Valvoline | www.valvoline.com
Extendable Side-View Mirrors
When towing with a vehicle without factory towing mirrors, permanent or removable extendable side-view mirrors will be necessary. These simple add-ons help eliminate blind spots and enable the driver to keep an eye on the trailer as well as the surrounding lanes.
Cipa USA | www.cipausa.com
JR Products | www.jrproducts.net
McKesh | www.hensleymfg.com/products/mckesh-mirrors
Power Vision | www.powervisionmirrors.com
Fuel Additives
Whether you’re looking to squeeze out a few more mpg from your tow vehicle or are simply on the hunt for a product to cut through the grime in the fuel system, these companies offer additives designed to improve engine performance on the road.
Amsoil | www.amsoil.com
Bardahl | www.bardahl.com/en
Lucas Oil Products | www.lucasoil.com
Marvel Mystery Oil | www.marvelmysteryoil.com
Red Line | www.redlineoil.com
Royal Purple | www.royalpurpleconsumer.com
SeaFoam | www.seafoamsales.com
Sta-Bil | www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil
Star brite | www.starbrite.com
Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Towing a trailer definitely leads to a noticeable drop in the miles between fuel stops. Adding an auxiliary fuel tank increases capacity to keep you on the road to your destination.
KSH Marine | www.kshmarine.com
RDS | www.campingworld.com
Titan Fuel Tanks | www.titanfueltanks.com
Transfer Flow | www.transferflow.com
Steering Stabilizers/Sway Bars
It’s exhausting to fight with your RV to keep it on the straight and narrow. Adding a steering stabilizer or sway bar to your tow vehicle helps keep its nose pointed down the road, which can improve tire life and drive time, as well as soothe jangled nerves.
Hellwig Products | www.hellwigproducts.com
Roadmaster | www.roadmasterinc.com
Safe-T-Plus | www.safe-t-plus.com
Trailer Exterior
Awnings/Fabric
Enjoying the great outdoors can be a difficult proposition when the sun beats down on overheated, not-so-happy campers. An awning is your best line of defense when it comes to the sun. Fabric upgrades or complete replacements are worth the expense to keep the family outdoors.
Awnings by Zip Dee | www.awningsbyzipdee.com
Carefree of Colorado | www.carefreeofcolorado.com
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Girard Systems | www.girardrv.com
Lippert Components/Solera | www.lci1.com/solera-power-awning
Sunbrella | www.sunbrella.com /en_us
Sun-Wave Enterprises | www.rvawningsmart.com
Brake Controllers
Owning a trailer-brake control is a no-brainer (and the law, in most states) when towing a trailer weighing more than 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. But beyond the legalities, knowing there are trailer brakes that can be controlled from the cab of the tow vehicle works wonders toward peace of mind, not to mention stopping the combo safely.
Dexter Axle | www.dexteraxle.com
Hayes | www.hayesbc.com
Hensley Manufacturing | www.hensleymfg.com
Hopkins Towing | www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com
RVibrake | www.rvibrake.com
Tekonsha/Primus, Prodigy | www.tekonsha.com
Tuson RV Brakes/DirecLink | www.direclink.com
Breakaway Devices
In the devastating event that your trailer should disconnect from the tow vehicle on the road, these devices automatically engage the trailer brakes to help minimize an already unfortunate experience.
Fastway Trailer Products | www.fastwaytrailer.com
Hopkins Towing/Engager | www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com
RVibrake/Breakaway System | www.rvibrake.com
Tekonsha/Shur-Set III | www.tekonsha.com
Chocks
Once you’re in camp, it’s necessary to ensure your trailer won’t roll around on an uneven surface. The simple chore of wedging a chock under the tires will keep the trailer steady on the site.
BAL | www.norcoind.com/bal
Camping World | www.campingworld.com
Fastway Trailer Products | www.fastwaytrailer.com
Tri-Lynx Corporation | www.trilynx.com
Covers
For most of us, there will come a time when you have to store your home on wheels. An RV cover protects your investment from harmful weather effects (rain, snowstorms, hail, etc.) and can save thousands of dollars in repair bills caused by damaging UV rays.
ADCO Products | www.trilynx.com
CalMark Cover Company | www.calmarkcovers.com
Carver Covers | www.carvercovers.com
Classic Accessories | www.classicaccessories.com
Covercraft | www.covercraft.com
Coverking | www.coverking.com
CoverQuest | www.coverquest.com
Elements |
Empire Covers | www.empirecovers.com
Leveling Systems
A leveling system minimizes the rock-and-roll feeling of a trailer on an uneven campsite or other surface. Not only can you sleep better, but slideouts and other systems are happier when the trailer or fifth-wheel is level.
Bigfoot | www.bigfootleveling.com
HWH Corporation | www.hwhcorp.com
Lippert Components | www.lci1.com
Power Gear | www.powergearus.com/products/leveling-systems
LP-Gas Cylinders
Propane is a valuable part of the RV experience, from heating and cooking inside to grilling outside. Make sure the RV’s LP-gas cylinders are in good shape and up to code. If not, the following companies offer practical replacements.
Manchester Tank | www.mantank.com
Viking Cylinders | www.vikingcylinders.com
Worthington | www.worthingtonindustries.com
Portable Generators
When your travels take you off the grid, it’s difficult to enjoy many of the comforts an RV has to offer without 120-volt AC power. Bringing along a portable AC generator allows users to run power-hungry devices like the air conditioner, microwave or entertainment system (but be mindful of your neighbors and the noise and exhaust).
Boliy Generator | www.boliygenerator.com
Champion Power Equipment | www.championpowerequipment.com
Cummins Onan | www.power.cummins.com
Generac | www.generac.com
Honda Power Equipment | www.powerequipment.honda.com
Powerhouse | www.powerhouse-products.com
Yamaha | www.yamahamotorsports.com/powerproducts
Sewer Hoses
We may not like to talk about it, but sewer hoses are absolutely necessary to remove waste from our tanks. Since having a bathroom to call your own is one of the biggest draws of owning an RV, selecting a durable sewer hose should be near the top of everybody’s list.
Blueline, Prest-o-Fit | www.prestofit.com
Lippert Components | www.lci1.com
Thetford | www.thetford.com
Camco | www.camco.net
Valterra | www.valterra.com
A-Frame Jacks
Adding another element of stabilization to levelers, an A-frame jack helps keep the nose of the trailer level relative to the body, spreading out the load while you’re parked in camp.
Atwood | www.atwoodmobile.com
BAL | www.norcoind.com/bal
Barker Manufacturing | www.barkermfg.com
Camping World | www.campingworld.com
Fastway Trailer Products | www.fastwaytrailer.com
Fulton | www.fultonperformance.com
Husky | www.huskytow.com/product_categories/brute-power-jacks
Lippert Components | www.lci1.com
RV Improvement Systems | www.rvimprovementsystems.com
Stromberg Carlson Products | www.strombergcarlson.com
Ultra-Fab | www.ultra-fab.com
Stabilizers
A bit more specific in design and operation than levelers, stabilizers used on the corners of any trailer ensure that it’s not only parallel to the uneven surface on which it sits but that it stays that way for the duration of your visit.
Atwood | www.atwoodmobile.com
BAL | www.norcoind.com/bal
JT’s Strong Arm | www.jtrv.com
Lippert Components | www.lci1.com
Stromberg Carlson Products | www.strombergcarlson.com
Ultra-Fab Products | www.ultra-fab.com
Solar Panels/Systems
A little extra power never hurt anybody. A solar-power system harnesses the power of the sun to capture energy that can be used to extend battery life and time spent off the grid.
AM Solar | www.amsolar.com
Nature Power | www.campingworld.com
Trailer Interior
Refrigerator Fans
RV refrigerators are often built into cabinets and/or locations that don’t allow for proper cooling-fan operation, which can ultimately lead
to improper function — and hundreds of dollars of replacing spoiled food. A simple fix is a refrigerator fan to help improve airflow.
Camco | www.camco.net
Smart RV Products | www.smartrvproducts.com
Valterra | www.valterra.com
Roof Vents
A roof vent in an RV is a great idea, but most of the stock vents actually do little to move air inside the trailer and improve ventilation. Many aftermarket vents contain low-draw electric fans that get the air moving at a surprising clip and help control unwanted odors.
360 Siphon | www.360productsnorthamerica.com
Fan-Tastic Vent | www.fantasticvent.com
Maxxair | www.maxxair.com
Kitchen Appliances
An RV galley isn’t quite a kitchen without the right appointments. Adding — or upgrading — creature comforts such as a refrigerator, stovetop or oven can enhance the RVing experience.
Atwood | www.atwoodmobile.com
Brown Stove Works | www.brownstoveworksinc.com
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Furrion | www.furrion.com
Norcold | www.norcold.com
Suburban | www.rvcomfort.com/suburban
LED Lighting
LED lights are perfect for RVs. They’re bright, don’t generate a lot of heat and, perhaps best of all, use only a fraction of the power when compared to traditional bulbs.
Alpenglow Marine Lights | www.alpenglowlights.com
Arcon LED Lighting | www.arconelectrical.com
Coast Distribution | www.coastdistribution.com
Command Electronics | www.commandelectronics.com
Diamond Group | www.dg-usa.com
Jirah Company | www.jirahled.com
M4 Resale | www.m4resale.com
Star Lights | www.starlightsinc.com
Toilets
Every castle deserves a throne. But an RV requires a bit more planning than going to the local home-improvement store and buying the first porcelain potty you see. These two companies market toilets specifically designed for RVs.
Dometic | www.dometic.com/usa
Thetford | www.thetford.com
Water Filters and Purifiers
Roughing it doesn’t mean you have to deal with smelly, foul-tasting water that leaves mineral deposits wherever it touches. Adding a filter/purification system helps remove contaminants from the campground water supply and can lead to a longer life for the faucets inside as well.
Culligan | www.culligan.com
Shurflo/Everpure | www.shurflo.com
Flow-Pur | www.flowpur.com
Hydro-Life | www.hydrolife.com
Multipure | www.multipure.com
WaterKing USA | www.waterkingusa.com
Window Shades
Keeping the sun’s heat and UV rays out of the trailer goes a long way toward protecting interior fabrics and surfaces, and preserving A/C use until absolutely necessary. Plus, many of the shades from the following companies look “cool” as well.
Auto-Motion Shade | www.automotionshade.com
Dicor Corporation/United Shade | www.unitedshade.com
Magne Shade | www.magneshade.com
MCD Innovations | www.mcdinnovations.com
Miscellaneous Trailer and Towing Accessories
Didn’t find your dream accessory yet? Here’s a handful of helpful items for both the tow vehicle and trailer. From bedliners to hitching helpers to disc brakes for your trailer, these products are designed specifically to help enhance the towing lifestyle.
Arrowcraft/Dual-Wheel Conversions | www.arrowcraft.com
B&W Trailer Hitches/Adjustable Ball Mount | www.turnoverball.com
Blue Ox/Fifth-wheel BedSaver | www.blueox.com/fifth-wheel-hitch-accessories/bedsaver
Dakota Metal Works/Hitch Hugger | www.dakotametalworks.com
DualLiner/Bedliner | www.dualliner.com
GiraffeG4/Overhead Collision Alert System | www.giraffeg4.com/rv-info
Hitch Grip/Coupling Tool | www.hitchgrip.com
Pixus/Oil-Drain Valve | www.oildrainvalve.net
Roadmaster/Quiet Hitch | www.roadmasterinc.com
Titan International/Disc-Brake Conversion | www.titan-intl.com/trailer-components
Toren/Swift Taillights | www.swifttaillights.com
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