RV 101:The Essential Gear
The Necessary Items You Need to Start Your Adventure
You’re probably wondering what RV items you can’t live without, the essential gear. Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve been RVing all over the US for more than three years and we’ve learned a thing or two. Or three. Or four. Okay, we’ve learned a lot. And we’re not afraid to admit that we made some rookie mistakes along the way. We bought stuff we didn’t need, stuff we didn’t use, stuff we didn’t like. Stuff that cost us money and space. Space that we could have used for more important things. Like snacks. Or souvenirs.
Now we know better and want to share our RV essentials with you. These essentials can make travel easier and more enjoyable. These items make us happy campers, literally!
*This page contains affiliate links. We are compensated from these links, but that compensation does not effect our reviews or recommendations.
RV Essential Leveling Gear
You managed to back into your campsite without causing a fight, but now what? Time to get that RV chocked and leveled. These three items are the go to items we use on every setup. There are some fancier products out there, but with these three items, you’ll be able to get setup and stabilized quickly and without breaking the bank.
Lynx Levelers – 10 Pack – Orange with Carrying Bag
4 – Pack Solid Heavy Duty Rubber Wheel Chocks
BAL X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer – Pair w/wrench
RV Essential Sewer Gear
Nothing in this category will get you excited, but it’s very necessary to help dump your fresh, grey, and black tanks at the end of your trip. Getting Started with your sewer accessories is pretty simple. We have used these items linked below and they have worked for nearly every campsite we have been at.
Camco RhinoFLEX 20’ Sewer Hose Kit
Camco Flexible 3-in-1 Sewer Adapter
Valterra T58 Twist-On Waste Valve
RV Essential Water Gear
Getting Started with your water is equally as easy. All you need is a hose, regulator and filter and you are good to go. After experimenting with different hoses, regulators, and filters over the years below are the ones that have worked the best for us.
Camco EvoFlex 25-Foot Drinking Water Hose
Accumeter 3/4 Lead-Free Water Pressure Regulator
Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System
RV Essential Power Gear
This is a category that is a little more nuanced. There are many options for power, and when it comes to surge protectors the saying of “buy once, cry once” applies. Any surge protector is better than nothing, but the better and best provide some advanced features that are useful such as low power protection, circuit protection, and even Bluetooth monitoring. In hindsight we wish that we had gone straight for the “best” option.
Good
Southwire Company Surge Guard 50Amp Portable with Weather Shield
Better
Smart RV Surge Protector 50 Amp with in-App Real Time Monitor
Best
Power Watchdog Bluetooth Surge Protector with Auto Shutoff, 50 Amp
In addition to these, we recommend some adapters and other accessories that will allow you to connect to your RV in multiple different ways. Our RV is a 50amp unit, so linked below are the adapters you would want to be able to connect your RV at a site, at home, and even connect normal drop cords to your sites 30amp receptacle if you aren’t using it.
Kohree 30 Amp to 50 Amp RV Plug Adapter
Kohree 50 Amp to 15 Amp 110V RV Adapter Plug
Camco PowerGrip 30AM/15AF Camper
If you are looking for more of the “fun stuff”, check out our RV Gift Guide for all of our favorite RV gear and gadgets. Happy Camping!
