10 Things Every RVer Should Have in Their Rig
A List of Essential Items You Shouldn't Leave Home Without
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Stocking an RV with everything you need to stay safe and comfortable while on the road is a bit like furnishing a small apartment. You’ll need everything from pots, pans, and dishes to sheets, towels, and bathroom supplies. You’ll also want to pack RV-specific items like holding tank chemicals and shore power cords.
With so many things to keep track of, it is easy to forget about some other important items that may not seem quite as obvious. When prepping your RV, don’t forget these ten essential items that will improve life at the campground.
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First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of those things that you hope you don’t need to use but are happy to have just in case you do. From minor cuts and bug bites to more serious ailments and injuries, having proper medical supplies on hand is a necessity. Be sure your first aid kit includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and helpful tools like a thermometer, scissors, and tweezers.
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Took Kit
Just as a first aid kit helps to keep RVers healthy while on the road, a well-equipped tool kit can do the same for the RV itself. Having a good inventory of basic tools at your disposal can be incredibly handy, allowing you to make minor repairs and adjustments while on the road. Some tools to add to your motorhome include screwdrivers (regular and Phillips), wrenches, pliers, socket set, and a hammer. A toolbox will help keep everything organized and easy to find.
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Headlamp
A headlamp is one of the most valuable items an RVer can have at the campground. It is surprising how many uses you’ll find for a hands-free light source. From making repairs to the vehicle to preparing a meal outdoors after dark, a headlamp shines a bright light exactly where you need it most. These lights are even handy for navigating the campsite or the interior of the RV without having to turn on bright lights that may disturb others. Add one or two to your rig, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever got along without it in the past.
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Surge Protector
The power poles found at campgrounds can sometimes be a bit flakey, potentially creating issues with the electrical system in an RV. One of the easiest ways to protect those delicate systems is to add a surge protector to your vehicle. These devices plug into the power pedestal, regulating the flow of electricity. If a problem occurs—such as a power spike—the surge protector will prevent damage to the RV and any electronics inside.
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Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to protect your RV and make your campsite safer. These plastic wedges are shaped to fit snugly against a tire and prevent accidental movement. This brings added stability and will keep a motorhome or travel trailer from unexpectedly rolling away, potentially damaging the vehicle or injuring people.
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Leveling Blocks
It is inevitable that at some point, you’ll come across a campsite that simply isn’t level. Even if your RV comes with leveling jacks, it is impossible to park at the site without creating a potentially unsafe situation and possibly damaging your motorhome or travel trailer. Adding leveling blocks to your camping inventory can alleviate those concerns and provide more flexibility in terms of where you park your camper.
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Fresh Water Hose
You’ll need a variety of hoses in your RV, but a fresh water hose may be the most important. Having this type of hose on board allows you to refill your fresh water tank and connect to the water lines at a campsite with full hook-ups. These hoses come in various lengths, but 25′ should be enough for use in most locations.
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Weather Radio
A weather radio is a handy gadget to have in your RV for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it can keep you updated on current weather conditions and share alerts for potentially dangerous storms passing through the area. It also allows you to listen to local radio broadcasts, which can be a good way of discovering things to see and do that you might otherwise miss. Some of these radios—like this one from WeatherX—are multifunctional devices that serve as lanterns and battery packs for recharging small electronics.
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Cell Phone Signal Booster
RVers often travel and camp in remote locations where cellphone service can be limited. Adding a cell phone signal booster to your vehicle can amplify your smartphone’s wireless connection, making it much more useful while on the road. These boosters help with both voice and data connections and can often spell the difference between a strong connection and no signal at all.
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Portable Power Station or USB Battery Pack
Keeping all of your electronic devices charged and functional while at the campsite is easier than ever, thanks to portable power stations and USB battery packs. Both types of devices come with rechargeable batteries which can be used to store power to keep smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronics functioning, even while camping off the grid. Battery packs are inexpensive ways to recharge small devices, while more-expensive power stations offer enough juice to keep running for days at a time. Both options can be charged using the RV’s electrical system or solar panels.
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Each of these items brings added convenience, safety, and comfort to any RV. If you’re missing any of the products on this list, upgrade your camper by adding them to your camping inventory. You’ll be happy to have them available when you need them.
