Before taking your first RV road trip, you’ll need the right RV essentials.
Having the right RV gear can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable trip and a frustrating experience.
The good news, however, is you don’t need to break the bank to outfit your new camper. We surveyed actual RVers, to come up with this curated list of 30 RV essentials under $30.
From must-have tools to clever space-saving solutions, these budget-friendly RV essentials are what they said they couldn’t live without.
So, whether you’re prepping for a weekend getaway or gearing up for full-time RV living, we’ve got you covered.
RV Essentials Every RVer Needs:
1. RV Freshwater Hose
A dedicated RV freshwater hose is crucial for maintaining clean, safe drinking water in your rig, and no, a garden hose won’t do.
This essential piece of gear prevents contamination and ensures you’re always ready to connect to city water or fill up your tanks with potable water.
Pro tip – Keep a couple different hose lengths on hand to accommodate different RV campsites.
2. Electric Tongue Jack Cover
Protect your RV’s electric tongue jack from the elements with this handy cover. It’s a small investment that can save you from costly repairs and keep your jack functioning smoothly for years to come.
3. Headlamp
Hands-free illumination is a game-changer for RV living, especially when setting up camp after dark, which is going to happen eventually, no matter how hard you try to avoid it.
A good headlamp is an RV essential that’ll also light your way to the campground bathhouse in the middle of the night or during roadside emergencies.
4. RV Grey Water Odor Control
While black water tanks often get most of the attention, it’s important not to forget about your grey tank.
This affordable RV essential is a must-have for maintaining a fresh-smelling camper and tackling grey water odors at the source.
5. Portable Fan
Boost air circulation, beat the heat, and reduce the need for power-hungry air conditioning with a compact, portable fan.
It’s an RV essential that can make a world of difference in comfort, especially in smaller rigs or during warm weather camping.
6. Foldable Step Stool
Reach high cabinets and items both inside and outside your RV safely with a sturdy, foldable step stool.
This space-saving essential is perfect for RVers who need a boost without taking up too much room.
7. Sewer Hose Extension
As mentioned above, RV hookup locations can vary from one campsite to the next, and sometimes, you need a little extra reach when emptying your tanks.
To help with this, a sewer hose extension is a budget-friendly RV essential that can save you from awkward dumping situations at campgrounds.
8. First Aid Kit
Safety should always be a top priority for RVers.
Because of this, a well-stocked first aid kit is an absolute must-have while camping and traveling, as it ensures you’re always prepared for minor injuries or emergencies on the road.
9. RV Tool Kit
From quick fixes to minor repairs, a compact RV tool kit is indispensable for any RV road trip.
This essential gear keeps you prepared for unexpected maintenance needs and helps to ensure that a minor issue doesn’t leave you stranded along the road.
10. RV Sewer Hose Elbow Adapter
Improve your waste management setup with this clever adapter.
It’s a small RV essential that can make a big difference in preventing spills (yikes!) and ensuring a secure connection at dump stations or when connected to full RV hookups.
11. Water Pressure Regulator
Water pressure can vary greatly from one RV campsite to the next, because of this, it’s important to protect your RV’s plumbing system from damage with a water pressure regulator.
A water pressure regulator is an essential safeguard against the varying water pressures you’ll encounter at different campgrounds. It makes sure that the pressure coming into your RV’s water system is at a safe level.
Pro tip – 40 to 50 pounds per square inch is the recommended water pressure for most RVs.)
12. RV Toilet Treatment Drops
Keep your black tank odor-free and functioning properly with these powerful drops.
They’re an RV must-have for preventing unwanted smells from your RV’s black tank and preventing clogs in your waste system, as they contain enzymes to help break down solid waste.
13. Plastic Storage Bins (Various Sizes)
No RV storage system is complete without a handful or armful of plastic storage bins, as they allow you to maximize your RV’s limited storage space.
These organizational essentials are great for both interior and exterior storage and help keep your gear tidy and easily accessible, whether you’re in a small travel trailer or a spacious motorhome.
14. RV Inline Water Filter
When it comes to RV campground and campsite water hookups you never really know what you’re going to get, as the source of the water can be anything from a standard city water connection to well water.
Because of this, for the safety of you and your family, an inline RV water filter is an absolute must-have, as this small piece of equipment ensures clean, great-tasting water wherever the road takes you, by removing contaminants and improving water quality.
15. RV Storage Straps
Secure loose hoses and cords during transit with durable storage straps.
These simple yet effective straps keep your various hoses and cords organized and untangled, greatly reducing your campsite setup time.
16. RV Surge Protector
Safeguard your RV’s electrical system from power surges and faulty campground wiring.
A surge protector is an essential investment that can prevent costly damage to your rig’s sensitive electronics.
17. RV Refrigerator Bar
I think this one is absolutely genius! Keep your food and drinks in place during travel with this clever device.
An RV refrigerator bar is a small but mighty essential that prevents spills and messes in your RV kitchen’s refrigerator while traveling.
18. RV Toilet Paper
While this one might seem simple, don’t underestimate the importance of using the right toilet paper in your RV.
This specially designed toilet paper breaks down easily, preventing clogs and maintaining your black tank’s health.
19. Portable Campsite Trashcan
Keep your campsite clean and tidy with a collapsible trash can.
This RV necessity helps you maintain a clean and tidy campsite while taking up minimal storage room when not in use.
20. RV Wheel Chocks
Every RV owner needs a quality set of wheel chocks, as they ensure your RV stays put and helps to prevent potential accidents from a runaway camper.
These simple yet critical RV essentials provide an extra layer of safety when parking on uneven terrain or during windy conditions.
Pro tip – Opt for solid rubber wheel chocks, as they hold up much better than cheap plastic ones.
21. RV Leveling Blocks
For your RV to function properly it must be completely level when camping, which is where RV leveling blocks come in.
Leveling blocks not only create a stable foundation for your RV but also improve comfort and help prevent damage to your camper’s frame, slide-outs, and appliances.
22. Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
A digital tire pressure gauge is an RV must-have, as it allows you to check tire pressure regularly, which is important for safety and fuel efficiency.
This small but crucial piece of RV gear helps prevent blowouts and ensures smooth travel on the road.
23. Shower Caddy
RV showers are generally known for two things, their small size and lack of storage. While you can’t do much about the first, you can fix the second with a shower caddy.
Available in all different styles and configurations, shower caddies allow you to store your bathroom essentials and maximize the space in your RV’s compact shower.
24. Motion Activated RV Step Lights
Illuminate your RV’s entryway for safer nighttime access with these RV essentials.
These clever lights are a basic addition to prevent trips and falls, especially when returning to your rig after dark.
This is an RV accessory that I didn’t even know existed, but it seems like a great idea!
25. Stabilizer Jack Pads
Stabilizer jacks are a great RV feature, as they give the camper a much more solid feel inside and help to prevent sway or bouncing.
The problem is that unless you’re parked on concrete or asphalt, jacks tend to dig or sink into the ground, which reduces their effectiveness.
26. Retractable Clothes Line
When you’re camping it seems like something is always wet, whether it be towels, swimwear, or clothes, because of this, it’s nice to have a retractable clothesline handy.
Pro tip – I’ve found the best place to install a retractable clothesline is in the RV shower, as wet items can drip dry when the shower is not in use.
27. RV Sewer Hose Support
RV sewer hose supports improve wastewater flow and prevent low spots in your sewer hose.
This essential accessory ensures proper drainage and makes the unpleasant task of emptying tanks a bit easier.
28. Hitch Ball Lubricant
Keep your hitch components moving smoothly with a quality lubricant.
This often-overlooked essential reduces wear and tear, prevents squeaking, and ensures your towing setup remains in top condition.
29. RV Electrical Adapter (Dogbone)
There are three main types of electrical power you’ll encounter at campsites, including 20, 30, and 50-amp outlets. Depending on what amperage your RV is, you’ll sometimes need an RV electrical adapter to plug your RV into shore power.
Be prepared for various campground power options with a versatile RV electrical adapter.
This essential gear lets you safely connect your RV to different amperage outlets, expanding your camping possibilities.
30. RV Tire Covers
Protect your tires from UV damage and extend their life with these RV essentials.
These important RV accessories are a smart investment for RVers looking to maintain their camper’s roadworthiness, especially during long-term storage or extended stays.
Other RV Essentials:
- 53 Best RV Kitchen Accessories to Upgrade Your Camper
- 25 Stunning RV Patio Mats that Will Transform Your Campsite
- 8 Best RV Generators With Remote Start (30 & 50 Amp)
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