Last Updated on July 3, 2023

Embarking on your first RV trip is a thrilling endeavor, opening doors to a world of boundless exploration and unforgettable moments. To make the most of this exciting adventure, adequate preparation and equipping yourself with essential items will make your trip more enjoyable. While packing bedding, clothes, kitchen essentials, and food is given, there are a few additional must-haves to consider before embarking on your first RV journey. These indispensable items will ensure your trip is not only comfortable but also stress-free, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories along the way. So, let’s delve into the must-haves that will elevate your RV experience to new heights.

Below is a list of essential items every RV owner should have before taking their first trip.

Water Hose

Investing in a high-quality RV water hose is a wise choice for ensuring a reliable water supply during your travels. You can use it in RV parks to be connected to water sources or fill up your fresh water tank.  While you may initially fill your water tank before departure, the time will come when you’ll need to replenish your water supply. Many campsites provide water hookups, and while a regular water hose may suffice, it’s highly recommended to invest in a dedicated drinking water hose. These hoses, typically white or blue in color, are specifically designed for potable water and offer an extra layer of safety and cleanliness for your RV’s water system.

Water filter

To further enhance the quality of your water, incorporating a water filter into your setup is a wise choice. A water filter works diligently to remove impurities and contaminants, ensuring that the water you consume and use in your RV is of better quality. By investing in a water filter, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is purified and free from potentially harmful substances.

By prioritizing a dedicated drinking water hose and a reliable water filter, you’re taking proactive steps to enhance your water experience during your RV adventures. Embrace the refreshing taste of pristine water and enjoy a higher level of water quality wherever your travels take you.

Water pressure regulator

When connecting your RV to a city water source, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience is crucial. That’s where a water pressure regulator comes into play, serving as an invaluable guardian for your plumbing system. This essential device diligently regulates the water pressure, safeguarding your RV’s pipes from potential damage and costly repairs. By preventing excessive pressure from entering your system, the water pressure regulator acts as a barrier, ensuring a steady flow of water without the risk of bursts, leaks, or spills. Prioritizing the safety and integrity of your RV’s plumbing, investing in a reliable water pressure regulator provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the convenience and comforts of city water hookups while minimizing the chances of unexpected mishaps along the way.

Headlamp Flashlight

When you find yourself nestled in the serenity of the great outdoors, surrounded by remote campgrounds and enchanting boonies, the absence of city lights may bring about an unexpected challenge: darkness. To navigate through these dimly lit surroundings and embrace the full beauty of your surroundings, a reliable and high-quality headlight becomes an essential companion. With its powerful beam of light casting away the shadows, a good headlight illuminates your path, providing both safety and convenience during nighttime activities such as setting up camp, exploring nature trails, or simply enjoying a captivating stargazing session. Don’t let the lack of urban lights dim your sense of adventure – invest in a dependable headlight and let its radiant glow illuminate your extraordinary RV journey.

Sewer Hose

To ensure that you are able to drain away sewer water from your RV when traveling, you will need a sewer hose. Even though the hose will work without support, some campgrounds will not allow you to use your hose on the ground. This is why you need to invest in a Sewer Hose Support system as well. This will help to keep the flow by maintaining a proper slope to the dump hole.

Power cord and Surge Protector

Your RV probably has an electric outlet. In order to use your electric devices or charge your home battery, you need to plug into a 30 AMP electric outlet. You need a special power cord for this. (50 AMP is usually for larger RVs.) When you are plugged in, you are able to use all-electric devices, outlets on your RV. It’s great if you are working remotely, you can charge your laptop, use your AC, or watch TV. You will also need a surge protector to protect your electric devices from electrical surges.

Power cord adapters

In the world of RV travel, adaptability is key to ensuring a seamless connection to power sources wherever your journey takes you. To bridge the gap between different power outlets, having a reliable power cord adapter is a wise investment. While many campsites provide RV hookups with 30 or 50 AMP connections, your own power cord adapter becomes invaluable when plugging into regular household outlets at home or a friend’s house. This versatile tool enables you to effortlessly adapt to various power configurations, allowing you to stay charged and connected no matter where you choose to park your RV. With a power cord adapter in your arsenal, you can enjoy the comforts of home wherever your adventurous spirit leads you, making every stop along the way a welcoming and energizing experience.

Tool Kit

Keep a basic tool kit handy for any minor repairs or adjustments that may be required during your trip. It’s wise to include a set of essential tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, and a tire pressure gauge.

Investing in a good toolset for your RV travel is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting out, having the right tools on hand can save you time, money, and potential headaches on the road. A well-equipped toolset allows you to handle minor repairs, maintenance tasks, and emergency situations that may arise during your travels. From fixing plumbing issues to troubleshooting electrical problems, having the right tools ensures you can address common RV issues promptly and efficiently. Additionally, a good toolset gives you the confidence and peace of mind to handle unexpected situations and enjoy your RV adventures with greater convenience and self-sufficiency.

Fuses

Having spare fuses helps to rectify problems such as blown fuses that cause power devices to stop functioning. It happened to me that I couldn’t figure out why I can’t make the furnace work. Well, the fuse was broken. I am glad that I had a spare with me. It’s pretty cheap, for about $7 you can buy a whole box of them.

Mobile hotspot

When you live in an RV, you want to feel at home. Internet is needed for work and entertainment. I am able to use my cell phone service for the internet but I wanted to make sure I have backup. Nowadays I have Starlink which I use in most places. If you need to work while you travel, it is best to also invest in a mobile hotspot device. I personally have an AT&T  unlimited plan with a hotspot device which I use for work and watching my tv. My cellphone has an unlimited Google Fi plan. 

Holding Tank Deodorizer and Waste Digester

Honestly, I hate these things. Unfortunately, you need them. I’ve tried multiple kinds but they all smell funky, are full of chemicals, and give me a headache. This green, BIO-PACK says all-natural but there is no ingredients list, so I have no idea what’s in it. It is definitely saying not to be swallowed because it is toxic. Even though the restroom door is closed, you smell the deodorizers everywhere. I’ve been trying to find the one that is not so toxic, and after some research, I found the Happy Camper. They state that it is ORGANIC, and got very good reviews on Amazon. I just put it in my potty cassette and it does everything that others do without the strong artificial perfume smell. It is working pretty well.

Do not forget the toilet paper! It has to be septic-safe. My favorite one is Cottonelle. I’ve been using this for years at home and I was happy to find out that it is septic-safe, so now I am using it on my RV.

Portable Radio &  Manual Charger

Even though you can go camping without this, it is a great addition to a survival kit. Portable radios can be helpful when you spend countless hours on the road. Imagine not being aware of an upcoming storm and you get right in the middle of it. It is important to invest in a portable radio, especially an NOAA radio which provides weather alerts. I found this great little radio you can use to charge your cell phone; light to carry and I love to have it just in case. You can generate power by micro USB, hand crank it or use its solar panel.