Adventure-ready wardrobe? Check.
Sewer hose? Check.
Outdoor patio mat and folding camp chairs for long nights getting cozy by the campfire? Check and check.
But as attentive as you might be to checking off every item on your list of RV camping supplies, it can still be easy to forget some of the most basic essentials. And while you might be able to replace those items on the road, discovering you’re out of something can make for an uncomfortable experience — especially if it’s toilet paper.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to this inconvenient fate! Wondering how to stock a camper trailer without missing anything? We’re here to help.
Here are some practical, easily-forgotten RV items you should always keep handy.
Must-Have Items for an RV
Don’t leave home without being prepared! Here are a few items to take on an RV trip that you should never be without.
1. A First-Aid/Emergency Kit
No matter where you’re headed, safety has to come first — and that’s why this item is at the top of our list of absolutely necessary RV stuff!
While the exact contents of your first aid and emergency kit might vary depending on where you’re camping and how many people you’re bringing along, at a baseline, it’s a good idea to keep bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and disinfectant ointment onboard, as well as common over-the-counter medications for headaches and tummy troubles. We also recommend investing in some road flares or warning triangles, just in case you find yourself pulled over on the side of the road dealing with a repair issue. And if you’re winter camping, don’t forget an ice scraper! (Trust me, I’ve made that mistake, and my credit cards were not happy about it.)
For more information, check out our post on emergency RVing supplies never to leave home without.
RV Household Items
Here’s are some more essential items it’s easy to overlook.
2. Dish Soap
You’re going to need delicious food to fuel those adventures, and that means dirty dishes. Don’t get caught without the soap you need to clean ’em up!
Psst — if you usually rely on disposable plates and plastic cutlery, you might think this item isn’t actually essential… but it can still come in handy in a variety of ways, from an impromptu car wash to an unexpected spill. Plus, ditching the paper and plastic is a great way to get green and cut down on waste. Try it on your next camping trip!
3. Laundry Detergent
When you’re spending long days out in the sun exploring, those duds are going to get dirty. (If they’re not, you’re doing something wrong!)
If you’ll be out camping for longer than a few days, it’s likely you’ll need to do laundry; after all, even the biggest rigs don’t have that much closet space. Avoid paying premium for single-servings of subpar soap at the laundromat and bring your own.
RV Essentials
Wondering which items to keep in your RV at all times? Add these to the list.
4. Spray Lubricant
If you want to keep things running smoothly, a quality, RV-friendly spray lubricant is an absolute must. From un-sticking your slide out to taking the squeak out of the front door, you’ll find all sorts of applications for this handy can.
5. Sealant
If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you likely know that leaks are your rig’s very worst enemy. Even a tiny amount of water seeping into your coach can wreak havoc.
Keeping some flexible sealant in your RV can help you stay ahead of the water monster, and also avoid the expensive professional repairs you’ll face if things get out of hand. (But if you do need a mechanic, check out our guide on how to find and hire a trustworthy one.)
RV Bathroom Items
When you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go — and a well-stocked bathroom is one of the keys to keeping a coach full of happy campers.
6. Toilet Paper
As far as luxury RV items go, this unlikely suspect tops the list in our books. After all, if you don’t have it when you need it, it’s a pretty messy situation — literally.
Be sure to purchase rapidly-dissolving toilet paper specifically formulated for RVs and boats, which won’t clog your RV’s sensitive plumbing system.
7. Tank Treatment
Another absolute must for a clean, comfortable, and properly-running RV bathroom: holding tank treatment. These special chemicals help break down waste and toilet paper to keep your plumbing in good shape, and they also help eliminate odors (which can be a big problem in such a small space!). Make sure you’ve got plenty and that you use it every single time you dump your tanks!
8. Toiletries (Shampoo, Conditioner, etc)
Now that you’ve got all the stuff you need to keep your RV clean, make sure you’ve got the items required for keeping you clean, too! Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and other bathroom essentials can be expensive to purchase from the camping store — and besides, you’ll only get a teeny-tiny travel bottle.
Stock up with your own stuff from home, or invest in a set of toiletries you simply leave in your RV indefinitely. That way, you’ll never pull out of the driveway only to realize you’ve forgotten them.
Camping Accessories
Obviously, all of these items can be purchased on the road in a pinch, though you may pay more for them than you would when you buy them at your regular grocery store or through Amazon. But when you’ve already got the right stuff on board, your camping trip becomes that much simpler — no last-minute stops necessary!
Looking for even more travel trailer accessories and RV equipment? Check out the following posts here on the RVshare blog.
- 10 Camping Accessories that Will Make your Next RV Trip Even More Fun!
- 7 Game-Changing Kitchen Accessories Every RVer Needs
- 7 Tried and True RV Accessories Under $50
- 30+ Things You Should Never Set off in your RV Without
- 7 Essential Gadgets for RVers in 2017
Alright, now you’re definitely prepared and ready… so go out there and enjoy your camping trip!
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