Congratulations on your new RV!
You’ve mapped out your first road trip and circled all the must-see tourist stops along the way. You’ve packed your bags, stocked the refrigerator, and brought extra handheld device chargers for the kids. You’re all set, right?
Owning an RV is exciting. However, there are so many components, gadgets, and tools that if you don’t know what you’re looking for or have a list at the ready, it can be overwhelming.
Here, we list eight tools and gadgets that are must-haves for your very first RV experience. Before you head out for the RV travel adventure of a lifetime, be sure to stock the rig with this list of RV essentials you didn’t know you needed.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure With An RV Tire Pressure Gauge
For veteran RV owners, the inclusion of this essential item in the RV tool kit might seem obvious — but it’s not uncommon for even the well-traveled RV owner to forget this tool. When you’re traveling on the open road, it can be easy to overlook your tires — after all, out of sight, out of mind. However, making sure that your tire pressure level is reading in a safe pressure range is arguably one of the most important tasks of an RV owner. This is why it’s recommended that you include an elite, non-battery-operated tire pressure gauge in your glovebox or cabin storage. Your tires will thank you!
2. Support Your RV’s Foundation With Leveling Blocks
Once you’ve found a place to park, you’re ready to level your RV. One issue you may run into: The ground where you’ve decided to park isn’t exactly leveled. This is a common problem many RV owners run into. Leveling blocks are essential to add on your list because they even out the foundation upon which your RV rests, which keeps it from sinking into the ground. Depending on the weather conditions, you may want to purchase ones with UV stabilizers like these heavy-duty leveling blocks from Camco. The stabilizers help your blocks remain durable over time, even when exposed to sunlight.
3. Give Your Leveling Blocks Additional Support With Wheel Chocks
Sometimes, leveling blocks just aren’t enough. To keep your RV from rolling on to the next stop without you, give your new motorhome the added support of wheel chocks that can be placed firmly behind each wheel. This will ensure your RV is secured at your campsite while you are hiking or swimming in the lake with the family.
4. Eliminate Offensive Odors And Protect The Environment With Organic Holding Tank Treatment
As a new RV owner, you will be responsible for safely removing waste from your RV’s septic tank. We know, it’s gross. But it’s crucial. That’s why RV owners want to be sure they are well-stocked with holding tank treatment. Are you looking for a way to dump waste without experiencing offensive odors? We’ve got the perfect solution: Select a holding tank treatment — such as Happy Campers Holding Tank Treatment — that’s organic, biodegradable, and septic-tank friendly. This treatment works well even in extreme temperatures — thus reducing the offensive odor no matter how hot or cold it gets — and liquifies waste solids, including most brand name toilet papers (meaning no special toilet paper is required for your trip). It also continues working after you’ve dumped, so no need to keep adding solution to the mix. The best part? This brand not only helps the environment, but it’s also very affordable.
5. Avoid A Septic Tank Cleaning Nightmare By Packing An Extra Box Of Disposable Gloves
There are tons of reasons you want disposable gloves around — one of which is cleaning out your septic tank. To be a champion RV owner, you must accept the gross with the good. By wearing disposable gloves, you can be sure that you are doing your due diligence, caring for your camper and ensuring it’s cleaned. However, there’s no need to dirty yourself in the process. Be sure to pack an extra box of ultra strong, disposable gloves.
6. Ensure That Your Waste Flows To Where It Needs To Go With A Sewer Hose Support
Bruce Lee — famous martial arts master, philosopher, and cultural icon — once said, “Running water never grows stale, so you just have to keep on flowing.” While Lee wrote that to inspire young martial artists from across the world, he inadvertently spoke a philosophical truth about RV sewer waste management. That’s why we recommend that first-time RV owners add a sewer hose support to their list of RV travel essentials. This tool helps to keep your RV waste off the ground — thus mitigating the risk of damaging your sewer hose on rough or corroded terrain — and flowing in the direction it needs to go. Thank you Bruce, for your words of wisdom and our inspiration for including this equipment in our list of RV must-haves.
7. Treat Bad-Tasting Water With A Top-Grade Water Filter
Depending on where you camp, access to clean filtered water may not be an option. As such, first-time RV owners may need to run water through their RV. A water filter is essential for reducing contaminants and odor — which will cause your RV water to taste awful — and provide clean, healthier, filtered water. Even if you aren’t planning to use the filtered water for consumption, a water filter also helps to stream clean water for taking showers, washing dishes, or just about any of your family’s water needs.
8. Speaking Of Water Needs, Bring Along An Extra Hose
A hose can have so many uses — water the garden, spray down the grill, set up a backyard, sprinkler-centric water park for the kids. On an RV trip, your water hose may have other uses that you aren’t aware of yet — such as rinsing off the RV and cleaning out the sewer hose. Anytime your hose has multiple uses — including those related to the dirtier aspects of RV maintenance — the greater your risk of cross-contamination. Bringing along a separate water hose for streaming fresh water ensures that your drinking water will be delicious and contaminant free.
