44 RV Essentials For First Timers & Beyond (By Expert!) 2025
Are you trying to figure out what you need for an upcoming RV trip?
This list is a great starting place to get suggestions from long-time RVers. Over the past few years, Alan and Morgan have outfitted 3 RVs with all the necessities and have completed countless camping trips. Let our experience make your journey easier.
Were you hoping for an easier to digest printable list? Check out our downloadable RV Essentials list that includes all of the items below.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on it and make a purchases, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Read the full disclaimer here.
Must Have General RV Accessories
Our list has been developed from years of experience camping in everything from a pop-up camper to a drivable RV. Depending on what setup you have, your list of necessities might be a little different than ours.
In this section, we talk about the standard things you need for an RV when it comes to the systems and general maintenance.
*If you are renting an RV for your trip, you can probably skip most of this first section.*
1. Electrical Gear
This includes your power cord, a power adapter or “dog bone”, and a surge protector or EMS unit.
Power Cord
Most RVs come with a power cord upon purchase. This should be the same amperes as your unit (30-amp or 50-amp) and we recommend at least a 25′ cord. There are also 30′, 50′ and extension cords available in case you plan to camp in areas where the power pedestal is a little farther out of reach.
Power Adapter
30-amp camper with a 50-amp pedestal? 50-amp camper with a 30-amp pedestal? Even better… are you trying to plug into a 15-amp outlet at a friend’s house? A power adapter or “dog bone” will solve all of those problems.
And yes, it got the nickname because it looks like a dog bone.
Surge Protector or Electrical Management System (EMS) Unit
Huh? To put it simply, these devices will help protect your RV’s electrical system in the event of high voltage (surge protector), low voltage (EMS unit), or other electrical issues from the power source (EMS unit).
An RV surge protector is just like a surge protector you would use in your home to protect a computer or television.
We highly recommend having an EMS unit to protect your RV. It is much easier to replace than your entire electrical system!
Make sure you select either 30-amp or 50-amp to match your RV.
2. Water Supplies
Hoses, pressure regulators, and filters, oh my!
Water Pressure Regulator
Remember when we were talking about saving your electrical system by using a surge protector or EMS unit? A water pressure regulator will help do the same thing for your RV’s plumbing.
You can choose between a fixed or adjustable regulator.
- Fixed means the psi (pounds per square inch) is set and cannot be adjusted.
- Adjustable allows you to set the psi that will enter your RV. Adjustable Water Pressure Regulators are typically more expensive and often come with a gauge that shows the water pressure.
Pro tip: Spend a little extra money and purchase
an adjustable regulator with a gauge. You won’t regret it!
Drinking Water Hose
We highly recommend having a dedicated drinking water hose that is at least 50′. These hoses come in either white or blue and are safe for drinking.
Water Filter
If you spent money on the drink-safe water hose, you should also invest in a water filter. There are plenty to choose from but we highly recommend an inline water filter because they are small and easy to use.
3. Tires, Tires, Tires
We are not going to actually talk about your tires per se. Instead, this section is all about the things you need to make sure you do not have a blowout and, if you do, to make sure you are prepared to handle it.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This works similarly to what you probably have in your vehicle. You know… that silly looking light that resembles a flat horseshoe with an exclamation point in the middle? Well that is a version of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS.
Whether you are towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel or driving an RV with a vehicle behind it, having a monitoring system that alerts you if there is a slow leak or a blowout is Ah. Ma. Zing.
There are different sized units you can purchase with varying number of transmitters. The system works by placing 1 transmitter on each tire. The system will alert you if there is an issue.
Air Compressor & Tire Gauges
Getting ready to leave for a camping trip? Check your tire pressure! If it is low, having a portable air compressor, or one built into your RV, will save you time and energy.
Even worse, you’re driving down the road and your TPMS shows that one of your tires is leaking and you are no where near a fuel station. No worries! You have your own gauge and compressor.
Spare Tire & Bottle Jack
This one is self-explanatory and hopefully, if you have them, you won’t need them.
4. Dump Equipment
You’ll want a sewer hose, a sewer hose adapter, disposable gloves, and holding tank treatment.
Sewer Hose
We recommend having at least 10′ of sewer hose but it can be beneficial to have a longer hose or a second hose/extension. Campsites do not always have their dump are located in the best spot.
Sewer Hose Adapter
Quick connect sewer hose adapters help make a poopy situation a little better. There are many different choices but we recommend the elbow adaptor with a clear section so you know when your tanks are running clean and clear.
Sewer Hose Supports
These are not essential, especially for shorter camping trips or boondocking, but if you plan to stay in your campsite for a longer period of time, sewer hose supports may come in handy. They help keep your sewer hose at the right angle to avoid any backups.
Gloves
You’re handling human waste and there is a small chance there could be a leak. It is up to you, but we recommend wearing gloves.
Holding Tank Treatment
There are plenty to choose from and if you ask RVers which Holding Tank Treatment they use, you will probably hear many different answers about which brand is preferred. The important thing, is that you use one.
Want to know more about handling the 💩? Read more here. *Use the table of contents or search “How bad is the poop situation?”
5. Leveling Blocks or Ramps
These are especially useful for any RV that does not have auto-leveling. But even if your rig is equipped with auto-leveling, you may still want to keep a couple blocks around in the event you have a campsite with an extreme slope. We have found that a few wood blocks can do the trick.
6. Wheel Chocks (X Chocks)
There are standard wheel chocks and the increasingly popular X chocks. Check out this video from Josh the RV Nerd that explains more about the difference between chocks and stabilizers and which ones he recommends.
*This is not a sponsored ad. We find his videos informative and wanted to share one.*
7. Jumper Cables & Battery Jump Box
We highly recommend having a stand alone Battery Jump Box or Jump Starter because you do not need a second battery to jump start your vehicle. Only downside to a jump box is that you have to remember to keep it charged.
Best of both worlds: have jumper cables and a jump box available.
8. Tool Kit
- Hammer / Rubber Mallet
- Screwdrivers
- Drill / Impact
- Socket Set – Make sure you have the correct sizes for all the lug nuts on your rig! The manufacturers often use multiple different sizes.
- Pliers / Needle Nose Pliers
- Channel Locks / Vice Grips
- Adjustable Wrench
- Wire Cutters
- Razor Knife
- Zip Ties
- Ratchet Straps
- Tape – electrical tape, duct tape, masking tape
- Tape Measure
- Volt Meter
- Extra Fuses
- Caulk Gun
- Pex Crimpers / Shark-bite Fittings
- Sealant / Flex Seal
- Scissors
9. Telescoping Ladder
This recommendation is for anyone whose RV does not have a ladder attached. Morgan purchased a telescoping ladder years ago for her business. The simplicity but stability and compact size make this option a win for camping too.
There are telescoping ladders in a wide variety of price ranges and heights but make sure you are purchasing one that is safe. Morgan selected a more expensive but OSHA compliant model.
10. Extension Cords
We couldn’t tell you how many times our RV “neighbors” have asked to borrow an extension cord over the years. You may not think you need one but ours has been used frequently.
11. Jack Pads
These are like shoes for your RV jacks. They help with stability (they make the base of the jacks wider) and durability (most of the pads are stronger than the actual jack feet).
or use code MORGAN96205 for 10% off
Best part – if you buy decent jack pads (see our recommended brand above), they stay in place after the first use. Install them and never worry about them again.
Interior RV Necessities
12. Fire Extinguisher
What is better than having one fire extinguisher? Two! One for the interior and one for the exterior.
Pro Tip: Check the expiration date every year!
13. First Aid Kit
Whether you buy a first aid kit or DIY one, we recommend having at least the following items:
- Bandages (assorted sizes)
- Gauze / Adhesive Tape
- Hand sanitizer / Antiseptic Wipes
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Pain Relievers
- Antacids
- Allergy Relief Medicine
- Anti-itch Cream
- Aloe
- Eye Drops
- Ace Bandage
Morgan was a girl scout and likes to be prepared for everything.
14. Charging Cords
Make sure you have the necessary cords and blocks to charge all of your devices. Otherwise, you may wind up having an unplanned, unplugged vacation. 👀 If you haven’t tried one, you should!
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
“Got this for our RV…. Serves the purpose of giving more counter space and protecting the glass cover.”
~ Tia Shimmer in a review of
GoldenMomentGifts on Etsy
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.
- Utensils / Serving Spoons
- Spatulas / Tongs
- Cups / Bowls / Plates
- Cutting Board / Knives
- Pots / Pans / Cookware
- Corkscrew / Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Measuring Cups / Mixing Bowls
- Colander
- Appliances (think about space)
- Baggies
- Aluminum Foil
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
- Hand Soap
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Broom / Dustpan
- Swiffer / Mop
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Wet Wipes
- Small Vacuum
- Sponges
27. Electric Heater
We have an electric oil filled radiator style heater that we use during cold days and nights. We have found that it can be more cost effective, and simpler, to use the electric heater than our propane.
If you choose to use an electric heater, do some research to make sure the one you select is safe for use while sleeping, outside, etc.
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.
There are subscription services like Waggle, Govee, and Marcell that can remotely monitor the temperature and alert you if it falls outside of your set parameters. If you decide to purchase something like this, check to see if you need Wi-Fi and if there is a battery backup option 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!
We love our 17″ Blackstone griddle. Perfect size for transporting between campsites and you can cook almost anything on it. Eggs, bacon, sausage, and even cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Steaks, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and so much more.
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 (shhh!)
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.
If you have never played LCR, you need to! Get a group of friends together and try it out.
This game is fun for all ages and sure to get the entire group laughing, even the people who don’t like to play games.
Some people play with chips, some play using dollar bills.
41. Bicycles, E-bikes, or Scooters
We absolutely LOVE our electric scooters!
We see a lot of people with bicycles and e-bikes which are great too… but these scooters fold down and do not take up much space at all. Plus they are lightweight and less expensive than many of the alternatives.
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
- Undergarments / Socks
- Base Layers (if appropriate for the climate)
- Pants / Shorts / Skirts
- Shirts / Dresses
- Pajamas
- Jacket(s) – Lightweight, Heavy, Rain
- Beanie / Scarf / Gloves (if appropriate for the climate)
- Tennis Shoes / Hiking Boots / Flip Flops
- Swimsuits / Towels
- Sunglasses / Hat
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 (middletonsonthemove@gmail.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
Conclusion: RV Essentials
Everyone may have a different opinion on what is considered an essential item for their RV.
In our opinion, an outdoor rug is essential because it keeps the inside of our RV cleaner; with a large pup, and husband who likes to wear his shoes inside, an outdoor rug helps cut down on the time Morgan has to spend cleaning up after them. HAHA But for RVers with less space, or *better* roommates, an outdoor rug may not be a priority.
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).
Looking for more tips & tricks about RVing? Check out these posts:
