The RV Essentials We Use After 5 RVs (from Full-Time RVers)

The first time we pulled our RV into a campground, we realized we forgot a sewer hose… definitely not ideal.

It was one of those “I wish someone had told us” moments that every RVer runs into at some point.

Whether you’re just starting out or planning your first big trip, figuring out what you actually need for RV life can be confusing. After owning 5 different RVs, we’ve made our share of mistakes and tested a lot of gear.

In this guide, we’re sharing the RV essentials we truly can’t live without. These are the items that have saved us stress, solved annoying problems, and helped us enjoy life on the road with fewer surprises.

Must Have RV Essentials (Start With These)

When you’re just getting started with RV life, it can be hard to know what’s truly essential and what’s just “nice to have.”

Trust us… after forgetting a sewer hose on our very first campground stay and learning the hard way about sketchy power connections, we’ve figured out what gear actually matters.

This section covers the physical RV gear you should get from day one. Whether you’re towing a travel trailer or living full-time in a fifth wheel like us, these items will help you stay safe, functional, and stress-free on the road.

Power & Electrical

• Surge Protector (Power Watchdog)
  We don’t plug in without this. Campground pedestals aren’t always reliable. This little box could save you thousands in fried electronics.

• Power Cords & Adapters (30amp to 50amp or vice versa)
  You’ll eventually end up at a site with the wrong hookup. Have adapters on hand for peace of mind.

Water Setup

• Drinking Water Hose (Heated and Regular)
  Use a dedicated RV water hose, not your garden hose. If you’re traveling in cold temps, a heated one is a must… seriously, we bought one this year when we were in Michigan and are so glad we did.
• Water Pressure Regulator
  Protects your RV’s plumbing from campground water systems that crank out fire-hose levels of pressure.
• Inline Water Filter
  Helps improve taste and filter out nasties from questionable water hookups. A small investment for big peace of mind.

Sewer & Dump Station Gear

• Sewer Hose, Adapter, and Gloves
  Essential. Alan learned the messy way why gloves matter. Get a quality hose with the right connections, especially if you value clean shoes.
• Holding Tank Treatment
  Helps break down waste and keep odors under control. Trust us. Your nose will thank you.
• Portable Waste Tank (a.k.a. the “Poop Caddy”)
  If you’re boondocking or staying at partial hookups for extended periods, this lets you dump without moving your entire RV.

Safety, Tires & Travel Day Prep

• Wheel Chocks and Leveling Blocks
  Keep your rig steady and level. This is important for fridge operation and your own comfort. We personally use the Andersen buckets since they help our jacks not extend as far.

Setup & Navigation Tools

• Basic Tool Kit
  Things will rattle loose. We’ve used our tools for everything from tightening screws to reattaching trim mid-roadtrip.
• Telescoping Ladder
  If your RV didn’t come with a built-in ladder, grab one. You’ll need it for cleaning, roof checks, and installing gear like Starlink. Morgan already had a telescoping ladder from her previous business that we kept as a secondary option.
• RV/Trucker GPS
  If you’re in a larger rig like our 44′ fifth wheel, don’t rely on regular GPS apps. A trucker or RV-specific GPS will route you away from low clearances and scary turns. This is really not necessary for campervans or small trailers, but critical for the big guys.

Lighting & Emergency

• Flashlights, Headlamps, Lanterns
  You’ll need lighting when setting up after dark or heading out for late-night dog walks.
• Fire Extinguisher
  Always check the one that came with your RV. Many are dinky and may not be enough for your size RV. And in case you didn’t know, they expire… Yep. Make sure it is still good.

RV Necessities That Aren’t Essential… But Almost

There’s a lot of RV gear we would not technically call essential. That said, we use this stuff constantly, and skipping it would make RV life a lot less comfortable and, honestly, more frustrating.

These are the items that make setup easier, outdoor living more enjoyable, and day-to-day life smoother. You can live without them, but once you have them, you probably will not want to.

Outdoor Living & Cooking

• Blackstone Griddle
  We use this more than our indoor stove. It is perfect for breakfast, smashburgers, and easy dinners without heating up the rig.
• Solo Stove
  A smokeless fire pit that actually works. Less smoke, fewer bugs, and way more enjoyable campfire nights.
• Folding Table & Collapsible Outdoor Trash Can
  Extra surface space outside is always useful. The trash can folds flat for travel days and keeps critters out of your site.
• Camping Chairs
  We have tried several over the years. Spend a little more on chairs that are sturdy and comfortable enough to sit in for hours.
• Outdoor Rug
  This keeps dirt out of the RV and makes your campsite feel like a living space instead of a parking spot.
• Solar-Powered Bug Zapper
  Quiet, effective, and clutch during mosquito season.
• Pop-Up Canopy or Shade Tent
  We use this for sunny sites, beach days, and boondocking. Shade is a game changer.

Recreation & Relaxation

• Speakers
  Music makes campfires, cookouts, and long stays so much better.
• Fishing Pole & Tackle Box
  Not essential for everyone, but we like having them for spur-of-the-moment lake days.
• Binoculars
  We did not bring any to Wyoming and immediately regretted it. Wildlife is a lot cooler when you can actually see it.
• Cooler or Backpack Cooler
  Perfect for beach days, hikes, or extra drinks when hosting friends.
• Games
  Rainy days, power outages, or quiet campground nights are all better with a few go-to games onboard.

Site Maintenance & Boondocking Tools

• Battery-Powered Blower
  We use this constantly to clear slides and the roof before travel, clean off rugs, and even help start campfires.
• Weed Eater
  This sounds excessive until you pull into a boondocking site with knee-high grass. We learned that lesson the hard way once and have been thankful many times since.
• Ax or Hatchet
  Useful for firewood and general campsite cleanup, especially when camping off-grid.

Digital Nomad Gear (For Life and Work on the Road)

If you’re working remotely, running a business, or just need a solid internet setup while you travel, having the right tech gear makes all the difference. We’ve tested a lot of setups over the years and have found a few key tools that keep us connected and productive without eating up space or sanity.

Our Work-From-RV Setup

• Monitor
  We use a portable monitor to expand our screen space without taking up much room. It makes editing, researching, or working side-by-side way easier.
• Xebec SoloScreen
  This sleek little monitor setup gives you a dual screen experience, even if you’re working from the dinette or a tiny corner of the fifth wheel.
• Bluetooth Mouse & Keyboard
  A simple but essential comfort upgrade if you’re working long hours. We use wireless to reduce cable clutter.
• Charging Cords & Surge-Protected Power Strip
  Between phones, cameras, and laptops, we always have something charging. A surge-protected strip gives us peace of mind when plugged into campground power.

15. Nesting Containers

Why nesting containers specifically? Because storage space in an RV is limited. Check out our post about optimizing storage here.

16. Sink Cover or Drying Mat

Some RVs come with an insert to cover the kitchen sink which provides additional countertop space. If yours didn’t, we recommend purchasing a drying rack (the kind that roll ups when not in use) to cover your sink. This is great way to dry dishes or provide additional usable space while serving meals.

17. Stove/Range Cover

18. Quick Dry Towels

We have been using quick dry towels for years. Why? Several reasons – they dry quickly even in high humidity and they are compact. There are plenty of brands to choose from with tons of color options.

Pro tip: Pay attention to what size you are purchasing.
Some of the towels are pretty small.

19. Sheets, Blankets, & Pillows

20. Kitchen Towels, Washcloths, & Oven Mitts

21. Paper Towels or Napkins

22. Toilet Paper – Do you need RV Toilet Paper?

This question gets asked a lot and answered in a gazillion different ways. Here are a few things we have learned:

• RV toilet paper works but is often thin and more expensive.
• Septic safe toilet paper also works well.
• Some people prefer to use standard toilet paper and dispose of it in a trash can instead of flushing. For 💩, they still dispose of it but use doggie cleanup bags.
• If you plan to flush toilet paper, remember that using more water is your friend. The extra water will help prevent clogs and issues later on when dumping. *This method may not be ideal if you are boondocking.*

23. Trash Bags

We keep multiple size trash bags on hand – kitchen size, the big black bags, and smaller bags for the bathroom trash cans. If you don’t have small bags, extra grocery bags work well too!

24. Cooking / Eating Equipment

Think about what you have in your kitchen at home and you will probably want to duplicate most of those things.

25. Food & Drinks

Think about all the things that you prefer to eat and drink at home and put them on your list.

Do not forget to add spices, condiments, butter, and vegetable oil to your staples. Bottled or jug water is also recommended.

26. Cleaning Supplies

27. Binoculars

While they are not necessarily useful on every camping trip, we have used ours a TON during our stay in Wyoming.

We have a pair of Nocs and are constantly fighting over them. It might be time to buy another pair. The reason we prefer this brand is their LIFETIME warranty!

28. Thermometer for Furry Friends

If you travel with your pets and plan to leave them alone in your RV, being able to monitor the temperature inside the RV helps with overall peace of mind.

We chose the Necto Cellular Temperature & Humidity Monitor because it does not require a monthly subscription or Wi-Fi. When we purchased the monitor it included two years of service and then we can purchase additional service after that if needed.

Set up was so simple, the user interface is easy, and there is an app so you can monitor temperature and humidity from anywhere! It also has 3 day battery life in case you lose power.

29. Notepad & Pen

Morgan has used these on numerous occasions. Whether it is to jot down ideas from fellow campers about things to do nearby or to create the numbers to draw from for a White Elephant Gift Exchange, you can’t go wrong with a small notepad and pen.

30. Scissors

We keep one pair inside and one outside. They are more useful than you realize.

Camping Gear

31. Outdoor Rug

Putting out our rug not only makes our campsite more decorative but it also cuts down on the things that get tracked into the RV. 🧹 Between a large fur-child and an active husband, Morgan really appreciates this.

32. Camping Chairs or Hammock

Bring along your folding chairs and Eno to enhance outdoor time while at camp. Looking for some new chairs? Try these:

• Camping Chair Rocker (Alan’s pick)
• Heated Camping Chair (Morgan’s pick for the cold)
  Use MORGANMIDDLETON as your coupon code for 20% off

33. Fence for Furry Friends

Want your pet to be able to sit outside with you without being on a runner? These portable fences are amazing and come in a variety of sizes.

We have had one for Coco since 2022 and absolutely love it. Only downside – they are a little cumbersome and heavy for transportation. The pros outweigh (HA!) the cons in our opinion though.

We do recommend that you verify with your campground that you can install a removable fence. Some places do have limits on the height and aesthetics.

34. Grill or Griddle

Don’t forget the charcoal and/or propane!

35. Folding Table

Not all campsites come with a picnic table. Plus, having your own folding table gives you more room to serve food, play games, or make arts and crafts.

36. Cooler

If your RV has an outdoor kitchen or refrigerator, this may not be as important, but we have found that a cooler is great for your beverages on outdoor days. It saves you from going in and out all day long and saves room in the fridge for food items.

37. Portable Speaker

38. Firewood, Lighter, & Starter Logs

39. Flashlights, Headlamps, & Lanterns

40. Games

Cornhole, ladder ball, horseshoes, playing cards, LCR, or a frisbee.

If you have never played LCR, get a group of friends together and try it out. Fun for all ages and sure to get the entire group laughing, even the people who don’t like to play games.

41. Bicycles, E-bikes, or Scooters

Want more information about the scooters we have? Check them out here.

42. Bug Spray, Citronella Candles, or Bug Repellent Machines

43. Sunscreen

44. Bear Spray

Personal Items You Do Not Want to Forget on an RV Trip

We’ve all been there. You’re driving down the road and it clicks! You forgot your ____ (fill in the blank). Hopefully this will help you remember all of your personal items.

Personal Hygiene Items

• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Soap / Body Wash / Face Wash
• Brush / Comb
• Blow Dryer / Styling Tools / Styling Products
• Razor / Shaving Cream
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss / Mouthwash
• Lotion / Moisturizer / Deodorant
• Shower Kit (if using the public bath house including flip flops)
• Contacts / Contact Solution / Glasses
• Tweezers / Nail Clippers
• Medications (prescribed and over the counter)
• Sleep Aids (sound machine, eye mask, ear plugs)

Clothes, Shoes, & Accessories

Work Equipment

Since Morgan works as a Virtual Assistant while traveling, work equipment is a must. My list of required items include:

• Laptop and charger
• Bluetooth mouse
• Xebec SoloScreen – this is a real game-changer. I previously had a 36″ curved monitor. When we started traveling, I needed more than just my laptop screen and this was the perfect solution. Best part – the screen can be used vertically or horizontally!

Did you see something missing from our list that you use in your RV? Please let us know via email (hello@middletonsonthemove.com) or via our socials.

What is in an RV Starter Kit?

Great question! The problem is there are a ton of “RV starter kits” available and what they include can vary significantly. Most starter kits include at least the following items:

• Standard 10’ Sewer Hose 
• Quick-connect Sewer Hose Adaptor/Fitting
• Water Pressure Regulator (may be brass or plastic)
• Power Cord Adapter
• Holding Tank Treatment
• Water Hose
• RV Toilet Paper

You can also find deluxe starter kits that include additional items like wheel chocks, leveling blocks, additional sewer hoses, gloves for emptying black tanks 💩, and more. 

If you decide to purchase an RV starter kit, make sure you know what is included and compare it to what you may already have. It might be more cost effective to only purchase the items you need.

Where is the best place to buy RV gear?

• Buy RV gadgets while attending an RV show
• Purchase the essentials at your local RV dealer or a big-box store
• Order specific RV necessities online through stores like Amazon or directly from the manufacturer

RV Essentials

Everyone may have a different opinion on what is considered an essential item for their RV.

All jokes aside, how do you decide what you really need? Use the list above and think about which items are important for your needs. Start simple and you can always add more things (if you have room).

New to RV Life? Here’s What to Read Next

If you’re just starting your RV journey, we’ve got more resources to help you hit the road with confidence:

• 👉 RV Essentials for Beginners – Gear you actually need (and what you can skip)
• 👉 How to Plan Your First RV Trip – A step-by-step trip planning guide
• 👉 Helpful RV Apps – Navigation, campgrounds, weather, and more
• 👉 Unwritten Rules of RV Etiquette – Don’t be that neighbor
• 👉 RV Travel Is the Best Way to Explore the US – In case you need a reminder of how awesome this life is

Whether you’re setting up for the first time or the fiftieth, we’re glad you’re here—and we’re always just a blog post away.