RVing is so much easier when you have the right gear. These new travel trailer must-haves are guaranteed to help you enjoy easy camping wherever you roam.

Must-Have Travel Trailer Gear for Effortless Camping

Whether you’re a new travel trailer owner or a seasoned camper, consider these essential RV gear items to elevate your camping adventures.

Ultra-Quiet Remote Start RV Generator

Ensure your trailer stays powered with a generator to keep batteries charged. Consider buying a Champion generator, a cost-effective alternative to Yamaha/Honda models, featuring a remote start and garnering positive reviews for innovative features.

RV Toilet Bowl Brush

Combat the challenges of RV toilets with a dedicated bowl brush, particularly useful for shallow bowls and post-dumping cleanup. My preferred choice is a compact RV toilet bowl brush with a cover and handle hole for convenient storage.

RV Bed Sheets

Ensure a comfortable sleep in your new travel trailer by investing in affordable and quality RV bed sheets. Opt for sheets that are budget-friendly, dirt-resistant, aesthetically pleasing, and of good quality.

First Aid Kit

Make safety a top priority during your RV journeys by having a dependable first aid kit on hand. In our RV travels, I highly recommend the Mueller brand first aid kit

RV Sewer Hose

Choosing a sturdy RV sewer hose can be a challenging decision. Emptying RV tanks is far from enjoyable, but having the right equipment can make the process much smoother.

Consider These Tips When Buying an RV Sewer Hose

• Optimal Length: A 15-foot RV sewer hose is generally ideal for most places, ensuring you can reach any sewer hookup without complications. Avoid lengths that may impede waste flow—10 feet might be too short, while 20 feet can become cumbersome.
• Clear Right Angle Bracket: The best RV sewer hose features a clear right angle bracket, allowing you to monitor the contents as they flow through. The frosted clear bracket ensures you don’t have to face the unsightly aspects but provides visibility to confirm liquid movement and avoid premature hose retrieval.
• Convenient Storage: Look for an RV sewer hose that fits snugly in the travel trailer bumper for convenient storage. Exercise caution when selecting, as hoses with overly large connectors may not fit in a bumper.
• Durability Matters: Invest in a hose known for its durability to withstand the test of time. Discovering a hole in the hose during black tank dumping is a situation to avoid. Many hoses are prone to cracking if stepped on, so prioritize durability in your selection.

While there are numerous quality RV sewer hoses available, I haven’t conducted a comprehensive comparison. However, the 15′ Camco dump hose meets all the mentioned criteria.

RV Water Pressure Regulator

Guard your trailer’s water system against high campground water pressure by investing in an affordable water pressure regulator. Camco offers an all-brass regulator for around $10 on Amazon, providing peace of mind during your RV adventures.

RV Sized Clothes Hampers

Organize your clothing during RV trips with a practical solution like a net bag hamper. Avoid the inconvenience of standalone hampers and utilize open storage compartments for a hassle-free experience.

RV Water Hoses

Carry two essential water hoses for your RV adventures—one for fresh water and another for dumping purposes. Opt for a 25′ hose, striking a balance between convenience and manageability.

RV Water Tank Filler Valve

Facilitate efficient filling of your fresh water tank with a filler valve to combat “bubble back.” A simple RV water tank filler hose attached to your water source streamlines the process.

RV DVD Movies

Enhance your RV entertainment with DVDs, providing a delightful option during downtime. Whether enjoying The Office or the comedy “RV” with Robin Williams, a movie night in your travel trailer can be a cozy experience.

Portable RV Size Hand-Held Vacuum

Combat dirt and debris in your compact RV space with a portable vacuum like the Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum. Affordable and well-reviewed, it’s a practical solution for maintaining cleanliness on the go.

RV Kitchen Items

Ensure a well-equipped RV kitchen by double-checking essential items before each trip, minimizing the risk of forgetting crucial supplies.

Gas Can for RV Tow Vehicle and Generator

Optimize your RV experience by investing in a new gas can for your generator. Consider a 5-gallon option, providing ample fuel for extended camping periods.

RV Toilet Chemicals

Maintain your RV’s black tank with proper flushing and chemical treatments. Convenient options like porta packs make this task easier, preventing odors and ensuring efficient waste breakdown.

RV Bubble Level

Avoid potential fridge damage and ensure a level RV setup with a bubble level. Choose a suitable option based on your preferences, whether a highly-reviewed model or a simple $5 bubble level.

2 and 5/16″ Trailer Ball

Update your trailer ball size to accommodate your travel trailer, ensuring compatibility for safe towing.

3/4 Drill Socket and Drill

Streamline the operation of stabilizer stands with a cordless drill and the appropriate socket. This simple solution significantly reduces the effort required for setup and takedown.

RV Trailer Insurance

Consider the importance of insurance for your travel trailer, offering coverage for accidents and potential injuries. Explore insurance options to safeguard your home on wheels.

RV Door Mat

Enhance cleanliness around your RV with a spacious outdoor mat. Investing in a quality mat reduces the need for constant cleaning from dirt and sand, contributing to a tidy camping space.

If you’re in search of information on average trailer weights, you’re in the right place. These figures are valuable for determining the suitable size of a trailer to tow with your current or future truck.

Unveiling the Importance of Trailer Weight

There is a camper trailer for nearly every type of vehicle, even a car can tow a small one-man teardrop trailer. However, attempting to tow a massive 26′ trailer with a mini-SUV may stress its towing capacity.

In general, a vehicle claiming a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds (3,250 kilos) is sufficient for towing most trailers under 24 feet. Be cautious when shopping for trailers to avoid being misled by marketing claims of trailers being “lightweight” or “featherlite.”

Weight Breakdown of Popular Camper Models

On average, trailer weights hover around 5,200 pounds (2,350 kilos) in dry weight. This is the weight of the trailer without filled tanks and gear. To get a real-world example, add approximately 1,500 pounds (680 kilos) for gear and water.

The weight varies based on the camper trailer’s length and construction type. As a rule of thumb, expect your trailer, filled with water and gear, to weigh about 250 pounds per foot of trailer (box length, not including the hitch).

• 3,715 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jayflight 19RD (19 feet box length)
• 3,786 pounds without gear and water – 2017 R-Pod RP-176 (17 feet long)
• 3,974 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Coleman CTS192RDWE (23 feet box length)
• 4,800 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Rockwood Mini-Light 2504s (25 foot long box length, 29 foot total length)
• 5,118 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Salem Hemisphere 24BH (24 foot long box length)
• 5,605 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jay Flight 26RKS (26 foot long box length)
• 6,030 pounds without gear and water – 2015 Jayco Jay Flight 27RLS (27 foot long box length)
• 7,690 pounds without gear and water – 2016 Jayco Jay Flight 38BHDS (38 foot long box)
• 7,705 pounds without gear and water – 2017 Cherokee West 274DBH (32 foot long box)

Decoding Trailer Weight Numbers

Understanding the various numbers associated with trailers can be confusing. Focus on the unloaded vehicle weight and add 1,500 pounds for gear and water to get a practical figure.

• Unloaded vehicle weight: The weight of the camper itself without water or gear.
• Gross vehicle weight: The total weight of the trailer with full tanks and an average load of gear.
• Dry hitch weight: The dry hitch weight represents the load on the trailer ball when the trailer is without water and gear. Typically, this figure is relatively low, approximately 10% of the total trailer weight.
• Cargo carrying capacity: The maximum amount of gear the trailer can hold.

Trailer and Truck Considerations During RV Shopping

Check the sticker on the driver’s door of your tow vehicle for the accurate towing capacity. Rely on that number rather than the one obtained from online searches, as it depends on the vehicle’s options and packages.

The weight your tow vehicle can pull depends on the options and packages it was purchased with. This number represents the maximum weight the trailer can bear when empty or fully loaded. Stick to this weight rating, considering you’ll likely travel with a loaded trailer.

Impact of Water, and Gear on Trailer Weight

Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and an average trailer has a 48-gallon fresh water tank, adding nearly 400 pounds to the trailer weight. Additional gear, such as a generator (90 pounds) and camping supplies (around 400 pounds), contributes to the overall weight.

Slides and Trailer Weight

Camper slide-outs increase trailer weight, with a single slide-out often adding 800 pounds. Motorized slide-outs contribute to the weight, unlike canvas tent “pop-outs.”

Fiberglass vs. Aluminum Trailers: A Weight Perspective

Camper trailers are built in two main ways: fiberglass construction, which is lighter with smooth exterior side walls, and “stick-built” trailers with aluminum corrugated siding, usually about 900 pounds heavier.

Tow Wisely: Don’t Max Out Your Towing Vehicle

While your vehicle may have a “maximum towing capacity” greater than your camper’s weight, it’s advisable not to tow it. Ensure the weight of the camper, plus 1,500 pounds, doesn’t exceed 80% of your towing vehicle’s total capacity.

Reasons not to max out your towing capacity:

• Risk of transmission burnout over the long term.
• Inability to drive near the speed limit uphill.
• Leave room for error in case of optimistic numbers from trailer companies or towing vehicles.

If you want a large RV, consider getting a matching larger truck.

Introducing the Fresh Winnebago M Series Travel Trailers

As 2023 winds down, RV manufacturers are revving up, eager to announce new projects and unveil vehicles set to hit the market in the coming year. With numerous RV shows taking place in the fall and winter, Winnebago has taken the spotlight by introducing their all-new M Series lineup.

While Winnebago is renowned for its motorhomes, the company has also expanded into towable vehicles like travel trailers over the years. Among the options in their catalog, lightweight mini campers have garnered substantial popularity.

The M Series brilliantly aligns with this trend. Comprising three distinct floor plans, each weighing under 5,000 lbs, these trailers were showcased at the 2023 Open House Event in Elkhart, Indiana. While not yet available for purchase, attendees had the exclusive opportunity to tour these RVs and gain insight. Let’s provide you with an insider’s view of these upcoming trailers, so you’ll be well-prepared for their market debut!

M Series in a Nutshell

The Micro Minnie was a game-changer for the Winnebago brand, revealing a growing interest in accessible vehicles for enjoying the RV lifestyle. These models may not boast numerous bells and whistles, but they encompass all the essentials.

The M Series follows this ethos. These vehicles closely resemble the size and shape of the Micro Minnie trailers, yet they bring an entirely new perspective. This lineup is designed with the modern customer in mind, offering an ideal solution for small groups eager to embark on camping adventures and explore the country more conveniently.

During the Elkhart Open House, three floor plans were unveiled, all of them compact, with each measuring 26 feet or less. This makes them highly towable, even with vehicles like SUVs, making them incredibly accessible for RV enthusiasts. Moreover, with an unloaded vehicle weight of 5,000 lbs or less, these trailers are relatively lightweight.

Best of all, these trailers are budget-friendly. The cost of RVing can be a deterrent for many, with some motorhomes and trailers commanding prices upwards of $100,000 or more. In contrast, the M Series starts at an attractive price point, commencing at just $27,860. These trailers serve as a welcoming entry point for those curious about RVing but not keen on making a significant financial commitment.

The Debut Event

The grand unveiling of the M Series trailers took place on September 25, 2023. Attendees of the Elkhart RV Dealer Open House were the first to catch a glimpse of these exciting new trailers, with some fortunate individuals even having the opportunity to step inside and explore the innovative layouts!

The event featured a diverse array of brands and manufacturers, yet the spotlight was undeniably on the newest releases. Winnebago products consistently draw a crowd, and the excitement is amplified when an entirely new product line is introduced. As a brand celebrated for its motorhomes, it’s remarkable to witness their expansion into the realm of towable RVs.

The M Series trailers were on display from September 25 to 29. It’s important to note that the models showcased were prototypes, and the final products may undergo some refinements. While these prototypes are not yet available for sale, there’s a good chance they’ll hit the market within the next year or two.

In addition to these new models, the showcase also featured the Winnebago Access towable and the Class B Solis Pocket 36B. Both of these RVs are ideal for customers seeking a vehicle that’s easy to travel with.

If you’re curious about the debut event, visit winnebago.com for additional details.

The Floor Plans

Currently, three floor plans have been unveiled for the M Series. Each of these is compact, lightweight, and easily towable by standard vans and SUVs. This ensures that they are accessible to a broad spectrum of camping enthusiasts.

Given the novelty of these vehicles, we’re still awaiting comprehensive specifications. Nevertheless, we can offer a brief overview of their interiors and distinctive features.

2326RK

First on the list, we have one of the more spacious options. The 2326RK stretches to 26 feet and 7 inches in length. It features a rear kitchen, offering captivating views overlooking the countertop. This setup not only provides a pleasant cooking atmosphere but also imparts a sense of openness. Near the entrance, there’s a conveniently accessible refrigerator, and the rear wall is occupied by a wedge-shaped countertop.

The mid-section functions as a versatile living space that can transform into a bedroom to accommodate multiple occupants. The booth-style dinette and jackknife sofa on the opposite wall are both convertible into beds, with extra storage space discreetly tucked beneath the dinette seats.

A complete bathroom spans the width of the trailer, separating the living space from the front bedroom. This bathroom is equipped with a shower, toilet, vanity, medicine cabinet, and storage shelves beneath the sink. The front bedroom showcases a walk-around bed, complemented by windows on either side. Small wardrobes on the sides offer convenient storage for clothing and bedroom essentials.

2225MK

The 2225MK, although slightly smaller at 25 feet and 8 inches, maximizes its space efficiently. It shares many features with the previous floor plan but reorganizes them for a fresh arrangement. The kitchen galley is situated near the entrance at the rear of the trailer, while the sofa and dinette occupy the rear section.

The presence of a rear wall access door makes it easy to load and unload bulky items from the trailer. This feature is particularly useful for those planning to transport a significant amount of gear.

The bathroom is also positioned differently, set off to one side of the trailer. It may be compact, but it contains all the essentials.

The front bedroom boasts a full-sized bed that sits flush against the walls, with large storage cabinets positioned above the bed, accompanied by side tables on either side of the entry.

2326MBH

Currently, there are no additional details available for this third floor plan. However, it follows the same general format as the preceding two floor plans, adhering to the criteria of weighing less than 5,000 lbs and being shorter than 26 feet.

It’s reasonable to anticipate that the 2326MBH will encompass similar fixtures and amenities. So, while the arrangement of these components may differ, you can expect to find everything you need for a delightful camping adventure.

Final Remarks

The M Series models showcased this fall were prototypes and may undergo a few refinements before becoming publicly available. However, their readiness is evident, and their market release is imminent.

For additional information on the M Series and Winnebago’s other towable RVs, visit winnebago.com.