Although RVing is a new adventure for us, we’ve compiled a list of must-have gear that beginners shouldn’t go without. These essentials are crucial for any first camping trip, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same way once you see this list.
Embark on Your Camping Adventure: Essential RV Gear for Beginners
Whether you’re embarking on your first journey into the world of mobile living or you’re a seasoned traveler upgrading to your fifth trailer, our list of must-have RV gear is sure to pique your interest. Join us as we delve into the essentials that make RV living a comfortable and enjoyable experience for beginners and veterans alike.
Essential Items for Your Mobile Motel Room: Must-Have RV Gear
For us, the RV isn’t just a ‘camper’ or even a ‘glamper’—it’s our very own rolling motel room. After shelling out $1,800 for a week in a studio apartment, we realized the convenience of carrying our accommodations wherever we roam. So, we invested in a new 26-foot travel trailer, eagerly anticipating our maiden voyage (or perhaps, ‘shakedown cruise’ as some might call it, or even the ‘trip of terror’). As part of our preparations, we’ve stocked up on essential RV gear. Here, we delve into the must-have items you’ll want before embarking on your first adventure.
Beginner’s Guide to Fun and Comfort: Must-Have RV Gear
When outfitting your new RV, you might be surprised at how much you already have on hand from your own home. While you won’t be packing furniture, almost everything else finds its place in your mobile abode. Here’s a peek at the essentials you’ll want to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey ahead.
RV Drinking Water Hose
Ensure your water tastes fresh with an RV drinking water hose, distinctively white, and a garden hose for RV tasks like sewage system maintenance. Opting for the specialized hose eliminates plastic taste and harmful chemicals. Our choice? The white hose from Local Wal-Mart and the garden hose from Amazon.
RV Leveling Blocks
Contrary to popular belief, those jacks are stabilizers, not levelers. Level your travel trailer with wheel placement atop stacking leveling blocks. Our preference? The ones with a convenient handle, sourced from Wal-Mart. These blocks also serve as protective bases for stability jacks on hot asphalt or concrete pads.
Corn Hole Game
Indulge in outdoor fun with the classic Corn Hole game, a must-have for any RV trip. Our set, ordered from Amazon, includes bean bags and a portable carry bag for easy storage.
Portable Camping Grill
For outdoor cooking convenience, opt for a portable camping grill like the Blackstone brand. We chose the compact version featuring a flat top griddle surface and flip side with grill ridges. Pamela, our resident chef, is considering upgrading to the 17-inch Blackstone flat top grill after testing this one.
Collapsible RV Ladder
Tackle maintenance tasks with ease using a collapsible ladder extending up to 12.5 feet but folding flat for compact storage. Available on Amazon, this essential tool takes up minimal space, ideal for the tall travel trailer. Pair it with a telescoping broom to ensure no debris hinders your adventures.
RV Sewer Hose Dump Tube
When we bought our trailer, this crucial item was missing. As the salesperson mentioned, many buyers upgrade from the stock waste tubes, retaining the better ones. We opted for the Camco branded heavy-duty hose from Wal-Mart, complemented by a clear elbow for monitoring flow. Remember this tip: always start with the grey water tube when dumping, as leaks are more manageable with grey water.
Cordless Drill
After our Dewalt drill’s batteries gave out, replacing them was pricier than a new drill. We chose the Porter-Cable 20-volt from Lowe’s, equipped with two batteries—a significant advantage. Opting for the model with two settings, we prioritize low-speed and high torque for operating stabilizing jacks efficiently.
Lightweight Kitchen Dishes
Invest in lightweight dishes to avoid hauling heavy glass or ceramic. Pamela’s delight led to the discovery of Pink Flamingo Pattern Dinnerware, made of unbreakable melamine. Our shopping spree extended to plastic drinking vessels, stainless steel utensils, microwaveable bowls, and more—a complete kitchen that fits snugly in the Glamper.
Flamingos
They add a pop of color to the trailer’s interior, brightening up the space.
Portable Ice Maker
Upon discovering its existence, we couldn’t resist. Compact and convenient, it’s a must-have for on-the-go ice needs.
Rain-X Window Cleaner
We’re experimenting with Rain-X on the inside of shower doors to prevent fogging. While typically used for windshields, its water-repellent properties might prove effective. Additionally, we’ve acquired a shower squeegee to keep glass clear.
Basic Set of Household Tools
Given the trailer’s mobility, having basic tools on hand is essential. Our kit includes a Leatherman tool, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a rubber mallet, and a collection of tools from Dave’s guitar-making endeavors, suitable for trailer maintenance.
Throw Rugs and Floor Mats
To minimize tracking dirt and debris into our vacation home, we’ve gathered throw rugs and floor mats—a small but effective measure against messes from humans and our two mini schnauzers.
RV Linens:
Avoid the hassle of constantly ferrying items from your house by investing in dedicated RV linens. We acquired a set of sheets that conveniently pack into its own bag (though folding proficiency may vary). Additionally, we added a quilt set, featuring—you guessed it—flamingos. We’ve reserved our old linens for bath and kitchen towels only.
Coffee Maker
A coffee maker ranks high among life’s necessities. We opted for a Keurig machine for its familiarity and the convenience of purchasing coffee pods by the case.
Paper Maps
Despite the digital age, a good old-fashioned paper atlas remains invaluable for getting a sense of the route. While GPS systems and online maps are handy, there’s a certain charm and reliability to a tangible map.
Camping Clothing
Ensuring you have appropriate clothing is non-negotiable. For the ladies, essentials include shorts, T-shirts, undergarments, Capri pants, athletic shoes, flip-flops, and perhaps hiking boots for outdoor adventures. In colder months, don’t forget a jacket and jeans. As for the gentlemen, a few T-shirts and a trusty pair of jeans should suffice.
RV Travel Toiletries
Pack the essentials for personal hygiene, including soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste, combs, brushes, and a hairdryer. Keep it simple and streamlined to avoid clutter in your RV living space.
Cleaning Products
Utilize a range of cleaning products for optimal cleanliness, including Clorox wipes, a vinegar and dawn cleaning mixture, and multi-use surgical towels. Additionally, bear in mind that the redhead is both a nurse and a germaphobe.
RV Floor Cleaner
For RV beginners, a Swiffer Wet Jet proves indispensable. Consider storage solutions, such as the shower stall, to prevent clutter and maintain a carefree atmosphere without constant reminders of cleaning chores.
First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit is essential Include supplies for pets as well, such as various bandages, vet wrap or coban, antibiotic ointment, Benadryl, anti-itch cream, aspirin, paper tape, and Tylenol. Remember to store local emergency numbers for both humans and pets, including Poison Control. And don’t forget the EpiPen, crucial for individuals with serious seafood allergies.
Four-bar Lug Wrench
A four-bar lug wrench is indispensable for handling flat tires and can be acquired for around twenty dollars at O’Reilly’s.
Roll of Reflectix Insulation
Enhance comfort during hot summers by investing in a roll of Reflectix insulation material for your RV’s windows and skylights, a highly recommended solution for temperature control.