Camping… is awesome.
But camping with the right RV accessories along for the ride? Total game-changer. Adding the right gear to your packing list can mean the difference between roughing it and relaxing, making it possible to enjoy a camping trip that feels very far indeed from the version that involves a tent and an air mattress. In most cases, the whole reason you got into RVing in the first place was to find a comfortable, enjoyable way to see the world at your own pace. And no matter what kind of rig you’re in, keeping certain RV camping accessories onboard can help you maximize your journey.
Here are some motorhome and travel trailer accessories to consider adding to your wishlist!
RV Accessories
Here are some RV camping accessories that’ll stand you in good no matter what kind of rig you’re traveling in.
1. Water Pressure Regulator
It’s a small thing, to be sure… but it’s also one of the most important. When you’re hooked up to shore power and city water, the pressure of that outlet can easily overwhelm your RV’s delicate systems, and if there’s one bill you don’t want to pay, it’s the one cooked up by an RV plumber.
Fortunately, a water pressure regulator will keep the pressure to a reasonable level, and you can find reliable ones that are even equipped with gauges for less than $40. These brass fixtures often come with warranties, and in the long run, it’s a small investment that could save you a whole heap of money!
2. Potable Water Hose
If you plan on drinking water out of your RV’s tap — or even using it to brush your teeth or cook with — chances are you don’t want it to taste and smell like the inside of a garden hose. That’s why many RVers upgrade to a drinking water hose, which ensures the H2O coming out of your tap is clean and safe, free of lead, BPAs, and other nasties that can leach in from inferior products.
3. Water Tank Filler Valve
Yes, all three of our top three items on this list are about water. But hey — you need it to survive! It’s pretty important stuff.
And if you’re planning on boondocking, or otherwise filling your fresh water holding tank to supply your sink faucets and shower, you’ll quickly understand how frustrating the experience can be without a water tank filler valve.
Thanks to the physics of normal filling, trapped air can slow down the process considerably. This valve allows you to fill your water tank in a fraction of the time, which is especially helpful for boondockers who are usually filling their tanks right before arriving at their destinations. (In other words, that moment when even a “reasonable” wait can feel like agony!)
Best of all, this little piece of plastic won’t set you back more than $10 on Amazon. Talk about a no brainer.
Motorhome Accessories
Living large — or just prefer a motorcoach that doesn’t require you to mess with a tow hitch?
Here are some motorhome accessories that might make your RV a nicer place to stay.
4. Handheld Vacuum
Don’t get us wrong; space is at a premium in even the largest RVs. But they still have enough nooks and crannies to collect dust… and it can be hard to get a full-sized vacuum in place to take care of the problem.
That’s why a handheld vacuum is close to the top of our must-have motorhome accessories. These powerful little machines can suck up a mess almost anywhere, and better yet, they don’t take up a whole lot of storage room themselves.
Modern technology means you can get your hands on one of these (literal) suckers for less than $40, and washable bowls and filters mean you don’t have to worry about replacing them over time. Black & Decker’s handheld dustbuster offers 10 hours of life on a single charge and a 10.8 power rating, which should be enough to tackle any spill you and your rig encounter.
5. RV Stove Cover
One of the most attractive things about RV camping is the ability to whip up your own gourmet meals on the road. But anyone who’s ever actually tried to do so can probably tell you a thing or two about how frustrating it can be to work in such a small kitchen space — even in the largest Class A motorhomes.
An RV stove cover can instantly change the game, adding leagues of extra counter space for you to chop, season, and prepare your food. While many RVs these days come with them built in, if not, you can find them available affordably: check out this universal wooden version for under $50 or this foldable, metal one for under $80. (Both are by Camco.)
Pop-Up Camper Accessories
If you’re traveling light and small, sometimes, a few extra items can really help make your rig feel like home. Here are some pop-up camper accessories that’ll make your tiny, rugged rig that much more functional.
6. Space Heater (or Fan)
We get it. Part of the reason you decided on a pop-up camper is because you want to feel closer to nature.
But if you’re camping in chilly weather (or an extremely hot summer locale), chances are you’d like to get a reprieve from Mother Nature now and then!
If that’s the case, we recommend investing in a space heater or fan to help create a more livable environment inside your camper. After all, those canvas walls might keep bugs out, but they can’t do much against a broiling sun or Jack Frost… and you need a restful night’s sleep to fully enjoy your adventures!
7. Instant Pot
Okay, you’ve definitely heard us wax lyrical about this little piece of equipment before. But seriously, if you’re in an RV with meager cooking accommodations (*cough* most pop-up campers *cough*), this thing is a total game changer. You know you don’t want to live on yogurt and trail mix for the entirety of your trip!
Instead, you can cook up succulent stews, brilliant sautes, and even perfectly fluffy rice, all in just minutes. And it doesn’t take up too much room at all; you can easily store it in your tow vehicle if you don’t have space in the camper itself. (Here’s a whole blog post singing the praises of Instant Pot, our very favorite RV kitchen accessory!)
Travel Trailer Accessories
Towing your rig? These travel trailer accessories help ensure everything goes smooth and easy, both on the road and at camp.
8. Wheel Chocks
Here’s a real thing that really happened to me once: I unhooked my trailer only to realize I’d forgotten to put my wheel chocks down, and the darn thing started rolling away from me. Luckily, I was able to finagle a solution before it went barreling down the hill to ruination.
Long story short, don’t forget your wheel chocks… and if you’ve yet to buy any, get on it. The little yellow plastic ones that keep your rig stable are a great start, but for a more comfortable camping experience, we also recommend X-Chock wheel stabilizers to keep you from bouncing all over the place as you walk around your rig at camp.
Looking for More RV Camping Accessories?
Although keeping some smart accessories close at hand can make for an easier camping experience, you can never really predict exactly which RV supplies you’re going to need. Maybe your RV refrigerator vent cover blows away (true story), and you have to call the manufacturer to replace it… or maybe you discover other RV replacement parts and accessories that need to be swapped out from time to time.
Either way, the good news is, it’s pretty easy to source these supplies and accessories. You can run a quick Google search for something like “RV store near me” or “RV supplies and accessories near me” to find a brick-and-mortar store that offers what you need. Of course, the internet makes it even easier to get your hands on what you need at the click of a button — and if you’re still in shopping mode, we’ve assembled a number of other posts filled with our favorite wishlist items to drool over.
- Must-Have RV Kitchen Accessories
- 7 Super Cool RV Accessories Under $25
- Camping with Dogs: Tips and Must Have Accessories
- Bathroom Accessories that Will Make your Life Easier
Happy shopping!
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