Just Getting Started?
Our Must-Have RV Gear That Actually Makes Travel Smoother, Easier, and More Fun
When we took our first RV trip, we thought we had everything we needed — until reality set in. From searching for the right power adapter to realizing our sewer hose wouldn’t stay put, it seemed like every day taught us a new “must-have” the hard way.
Since then, we’ve refined our gear list down to what actually works — the tools, gadgets, and essentials we use on nearly every trip. No fluff, no “Amazon bestsellers” we’ve never touched, just real gear we own and trust.
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Power: Protect Your RV and Stay Connected
RV park power can be unpredictable — and a bad connection can fry your RV’s electronics in seconds. That’s why our first priority was a quality surge protector.
Hughes Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector
Not only protects against surges, but also monitors voltage, amperage, and wattage in real time via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The indicator lights give us a quick “all clear” before we plug in, and the app helps us troubleshoot if the power cuts out.
Camco Dogbone Adapter & Extension Cord
Not every campground has the hookup you expect. The Dogbone lets us adapt from 30A to 50A instantly, and the heavy-duty 15ft extension cord saves us in those “why is the pedestal way over there?” situations.
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Camera & TPMS: See More, Worry Less
Driving a big rig is easier when you can see what’s happening all around you — and when you know your tires are safe.
Haloview Byte Tango BT7
This 1080p wireless backup camera doubles as a tire pressure monitoring system, giving us a full rear view and live tire stats.
Haloview Side Marker Cameras
Mount right in place of your side marker lights for clear blind spot coverage. A game-changer for lane changes on busy highways.
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Towing: Smooth, Safe, and Secure
Small upgrades can make towing much easier — and safer.
Reese Towpower Lube Plate
Keeps your fifth wheel kingpin gliding smoothly without messy grease.
VULCAN Hitch Lock
Adds serious theft protection when parked or in storage.
Fastway Zip Breakaway Cable
No more dragging or tangling safety cables.
Collapsible Safety Cones
Perfect for roadside stops or marking hazards.
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Water & Sewer: Keep It Flowing
From drinking water to waste management, these essentials make the least glamorous jobs a lot easier.
RVGUARD Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator
Prevents damage from high or fluctuating water pressure.
Camco RhinoFLEX Sewer Kit + Sidewinder Support
Durable, easy to set up, and the clear elbow lets you see when the job’s done.
Zero-G Hoses
Blue for fresh water, grey for flushing the sewer. Lightweight, flexible, and easy to store.
Camco Tastepure XL Water Filter
Great-tasting water and fewer worries. We’ve since upgraded to a more advanced system, but this was a reliable go-to.
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Leveling, Safety, and Navigation
Arrive safe, set up easily, and know where you’re going.
Lynx Levelers
Easy to use, highly visible, and doubles as wheel chocks in a pinch.
First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher
Hopefully never needed, but always essential.
Garmin RV GPS + RV Life Pro
RV-specific routing to avoid low bridges, weight restrictions, and tight turns.
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Campsite Comfort
Make your site feel like home — and a place you want to hang out.
Outdoor Rug
Keeps dirt outside where it belongs.
GCI Rocker Chairs
Once you try them, you’ll never settle for standard camp chairs again.
RV Awning Shade
Adds shade, keeps things cooler, and gives you extra privacy at the campsite.
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Storage & Organization
Stay organized and keep things from shifting in transit.
Fabric Baskets, Airtight Containers, and Storage Bags
Perfect for pantry items, linens, clothing, and gear.
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Other Essentials
Telescoping Ladder
Ideal for roof inspections, slide cleaning, or hanging lights.
Command Strips
Hang decor or essentials without drilling.
Dehumidifier
Keeps condensation and moisture under control.
Collapsible Dish Rack & Dinnerware Set
Durable, space-saving kitchen gear for daily use.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re just getting started, don’t feel like you have to buy it all at once. Focus first on power, water, and safety, then add comfort and convenience as you discover your own travel style.
We’ve built this list over months of trial, error, and miles on the road. Every item has earned its place by making our RV life easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Bookmark this guide for your next upgrade — your future self (and your future campsite neighbors) will thank you.
