Things I Didn't Know An RV Needed - Subtitled: Learn From My Mistakes....
Boy, was I living in the dark when I bought my first travel trailer!
I had absolutely no business visiting that RV sale at the fairgrounds in Tucson last May. No business at all. Long story short, I walked out with a brand new 28' 2013 Shadow Cruiser travel trailer and then had to go find a truck! Luckily for me, I have not rued the decision to jump into the RV world. In fact, to the contrary, John and I have had many fine mini vacations in our travel trailer and fairly inexpensive vacations too boot.
Whether you own a travel trailer, a big Class A RV, a Class C RV, or my dream trailer, a fifth wheel, there are things that you need to have on hand for your camping trips. And, there are things you might not have even thought of, which is why I'm writing this Squidoo article. I figured I might as well give you a leg up about stocking your RV - you'll learn what you'll want to have on board your RV to maximize your comfort and usability. So, come along and see what I've uncovered in the 6 months since I've owned my Cruiser RV.
Note: all pictures on Things I didn't know an RV needed are my own pictures unless they're items for sale on Amazon.com.
Edit: Since I penned this article, I've used and loved my travel trailer even more. So much so, in fact, that I started up a website of items I use every time we head out: GoodGiftsForRvOwners.com. Come see what interesting items I've found that might help you or your RV owner friend out.
We lived on the Queen short mattress that came with the RV for over a year. This mattress though, as to be expected, was a cheap imitation of a real mattress. At only 4" thick, John and I both woke up hobbling around in the morning until...
I put a crow bar into my wallet and replaced my flimsy RV mattress with the Parklane mattress you see there to the right.
I read all the amazon reviews and liked what I saw. I also liked that this RV mattress is coils inside, not foam (memory foam is just not my friend). It's also super thick so it's really like sleeping on a nice firm bed. And, boy, do I like having it along for camping trips. I get such wonderful sleep now and wake up feeling refreshed and raring to go.
Now, being of a certain age (ahem), I suffer hot flashes and night sweats so no mattress in the world is going to be cool without a cooling mattress topper. That's how I found the Double Plush Bamboo mattress topper you see there to the right. (You'll need to click that link to see the bamboo mattress topper in action.
The thing is wonderful! Most reviewers (myself among them) love the cooling ability of this mattress pad topper. And, since John likes a softer mattress, this mattress pad added just enough softness for him while keeping the bed firm enough for me.
This cooling mattress pad topper doesn't come in Queen short size so I bought the regular Queen and hoped for the best. With really nice, deep elastic sides, it molds to about any size Queen mattress. I made sure the sides wrapped all the way around. The thing haasn't slipped or even moved an inch. I love it so much that I bought the King size for my thermupedic mattress in my house.
Reviewers note that it's like sleeping on a cloud, and they're right.
A Collapsible Ladder Is A Must Have For An RV
Our Shadow Cruiser has a slide out that you can see there on the right. But, what it doesn't have is a small, protective awning to protect the top of the slide out from leaves, acorns, branches, etc. Especially when we are in a campground in the woods, it's imperative that the top of the slide out be clear of any impediments before we close it (we learned this the hard way - our slide out wouldn't come in one day - a branch was blocking it. Off to the RV repair shop we went).
Since you'll want to reduce the amount of weight you're toting along on your RV trip, a collapsible ladder is the perfect thing to have along so you can climb up there and clear the top of the slide out, the awning, or the top of the RV itself. Now, if you're lucky enough to have bought an RV with a ladder on the back, you can just skip ahead....
Note: the telescoping ladder you see in the link below is the exact same one I saw yesterday at the camping store. The difference? The camping store price was (drum roll please....) $253!!!!!
Comfortable Chairs Are An RV Necessity
Even if you're among the more active campers and enjoy trail hiking, rock climbing, or other physical activities when you're out on an RV vacation, at some point, you just have to sit your fanny down. And, it makes absolutely no sense to be sitting in an uncomfortable camping chair, so pay the extra money and treat yourself to a chair you'll look forward to relaxing in for years to come.
As noted above, my travel trailer purchase was sort of impulsive (not 'sort of' at all - it was 100% 'what the heck did I just do' impulsive....), and I bought my camper in Arizona when I live in MD. So, the very first RV vacation John and I took was a rather ambitious one - we drove 2300 miles from Tucson, Arizona to Boyds, MD.
I did have a few weeks to outfit the RV with the very basics we needed; Costco was my best friend. But, in looking back, the cheap camping chairs I bought there just were a temporary solution. They're not very comfortable for long time lounging, something John and I excel at. So, when we got home, I invested in the Picnic Time Reclining Camp Chair shown below. It's an outstanding chair at a much reduced price on Amazon.com than what I paid. This particular chair is big enough that I can sit Indian-style while writing. I love that.
Here's a link to more camp chairs on my website: GoodGiftsForRvOwners.com camping chairs.
The Camco Little Red Campfire
Even if camping in an area where fires are not permitted, this portable campfire is allowed as it's run on propane. Just turn the valve and the fire is instantly out. It also puts out a good amount of heat and is quite portable and clean with the cover that clamps on.
We also bought the little gas tank to bring along camping for those times when lugging the bigger tank was not feasible.
To see more portable campfires and accompanying extras, come visit my webpage: Good Gifts For RV Owners, Portable Campfires.
For Those Of Us Who Enjoy Our Cocktails -
You Shouldn't Leave Home Without A Travel Bar
We've had our travel bar for a few years now and have found it incredibly handy. The one we own is that Picnic Time 2 bottle case below - that gives us a bottle of vodka for me and a bottle of scotch for John.
When we bought the Shadow cruiser travel trailer, I knew that the travel bar would come in even handier. And, it sure has. These travel bars make great Father's Day, Birthday, or Christmas presents for anyone who enjoys a good happy hour.
Here's an article I wrote with more choices:
Top 15 Travel Bars For Those On The Go
John and I have a travel bar set and love to tote it along on our car trips (it's too difficult to take on flights these days) - no, we don't use it while driving but, after a long and dusty road trip, once you're in the hotel, a cold martini...
A Portable Ice Maker!
We just totally love our new portable ice maker - no more running out of ice, ever! Just fill with 3 liters of water, plug it in and turn it on. Within 15 minutes, here comes your first ice.
Portable ice makers generally either make 28 lbs or 50 lbs of ice a day so you'll have plenty of fresh ice for those cocktails you're planning.
For more details about the NewAir portable ice maker, check out my article: Never run out of ice again.
NewAir AI-100R 28-Pound Portable Icemaker, RedCheck Price
An Induction Hot Plate and Pots
I was turned onto the idea of induction cooking when a friend was making a huge pot of crabs on an induction cooktop outside. I was so impressed that I couldn't wait to get to Bed, Bath & Beyond with my little 20% off coupon. Let me tell you, Amazon is about 1/3 the price for the exact same induction cooktop.
I bought an 1800 watt induction cooktop which is very powerful. Water boils in under a minute on the highest setting and soups and stews simmer gently on low.
Nesting Induction Cookware Set
Since most RV kitchens are pretty small, a nesting cookware set just makes sense. And, if you bought that induction cooktop there above, you're going to want this Magma Nesting Cookware Set.
Reviewers love the stuff so much that many people have actually mentioned they use it in their home kitchens also. It's extremely heavy duty and will work well in any environment so it's perfect for camping or taking on a boat.
Note: induction cooking relies on magnets within the pots so not all cookware will work. When shopping for cookware, just take a magnet along. If the magnet sticks, you're good to go. I love the nesting cookware set for the camper as it gives me full functionality in little space.
The Soleus Portable Mister
John just gave me this portable mister last week in preparation for my trip to Bayshore Campgrounds next week. We immediately set it up on our hot/humid balcony and....instant relief....I mean instant. The mist that this unit puts out is so fine that you can even use it indoors. Just add water and plug it in - no hose connection is needed.
You can read more about the misting fans in an article on my website: The beauty of a misting fan.
This portable mister is a must-have item for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, in and RV or not.
Make Sure To Have Plenty Of Leveling Blocks
Our RV is parked in our backyard when we're not using it. Since the yard is sloped and it's important to keep the RV level, we bought two sets of these leveling blocks to put under the supports. The leveling blocks create a much more stable surface than just putting the support down in the yard. Also, since the yard is sloped, we have to use 5 or 6 leveling blocks at the hitch just to have the hitch meet the ground. These are inexpensive and are great to have along any RV trip.
Tire Locking Chocks
You know how your RV might wobble a bit when you walk in it even if the stabilizers are down? Well, our's sure did - especially with 4 dogs along for the trip. Every time one of them would turn around in their bed, we're rock and roll. That is, until we bought these tire locking chocks.
These chocks work by putting very slight pressure on the tires - you just snug them up to the tires. No more wobble. At all. These are well worth the money.
Here's a few of my other RV related articles you might like.
These articles are geared toward those of us who have stepped outside our comfort level with the purchase of an RV. Did I mention that I tried for ONE FULL HOUR to back the sucker into the first campground? Oy. Anywho - here you go!
The Camco Little Red Camp Fire - When Real Fires Aren't Allowed
I bought my first travel trailer (I say 'first' as I already have my eye on my next one) in May 2013 when I happened to wander innocently into a camper expo in Tucson, Arizona. I wish I hadn't wandered in with my checkbook as, in just two sh...
Camping Tables For RVs, Travel Trailers, Class Cs or 5th Wheels
I just bought a new 2013 Shadow Cruiser travel trailer (which is, as I type this, in the shop - that's another article - sigh) and was thrilled to be given a great camping table as a camper warming present. Since I got it, it's become a staple wh...
Shadow Cruiser S260BHS Review From An Owner
. yes- sir- ee, Bob, that brand new Shadow Cruiser S260BHS was not planned! I'm not one to pass up a free RV show but, perhaps, in the future, I'll think twice. Now, it's not because I don't really enjoy my Shadow Cruiser S260BHS travel...
Good Gifts For RV Owners
With the recent purchase of my Shadow Cruiser RV camper, I've found that outfitting this trailer for travel means doing a lot of shopping. We're just today completing our first trip in the camper, coming across country from Tucson, Arizona to our...
RVing - How To Set Up An Outdoor Living Area
I just bought a 2013 Shadow Cruiser travel trailer in May so I'm brand new to RVing, but one thing I have quickly figured out is how to set up an outdoor living area while camping. I like my creature comforts which is why I'm in a travel trailer...
You'll Need A Good Drinking Water Hose
I did not realize that one shouldn't drink out of a regular garden hose - as, well, I've been doing it 50+ years now. Regardless, evidently, it's not a good idea. So, I bought this Camco drinking hose. I like it as it feels more sturdy than the last white one I had that sprung a leak on day two. This drinking water hose has lasted me a year and a half now.
Just make SURE to keep it separate from where you store your sewer hose. It's also a great idea to carry a small spray bottle with bleach/water combo and spray the ends of the hose and the tap before attaching it.
What Goes In, Must Come Out - RV Sewer Hose and Sewer Hose Supports
rv sewer hose
RV Sewer Hose
The very first thing we lost on our RV trip from Arizona to Maryland was the bumper covers and the sewer hose – shoot. This is a pretty typical happening it appears. So, we had to purchase a new sewer hose our second day out in our new RV. Luckily, we've managed to keep this one for a year and a half now.
Camco makes a nice sewer hose. It's the one we bought at our replacement and, for what it's worth, the Camco sewer hose is much more heavy duty than the cheap one that came with our camper.
Sewer Hose Supports
If you're camping at a site with a sewer hook-up, you're going to really love these sewer hose supports. They allow a steady downhill flow from your camper to the sewer so waste water and sewage drains out much more efficiently.
And, the best part of these sewer supports is that you 'set it and forget it.' It's ready to go every time you open the gray water or black water drain.
I love to hear from the people who wander across my articles. Please leave me a short note to let me know you stopped in.
Please leave me comments ~
TerryG on July 09, 2019:
Thanks so much for all this advice! I have been buying little things here and there for when we finally get our camper sometime between now and the end of next year. The stabilizing and hose information was new info to me and good to know as well as the ice maker...already have the bar! Thanks! Will check out your dot com also!
Sarah on July 01, 2019:
I have the Anderson leveling kit. It’s pure magic, allowing me to level within mm to perfection. I also didn’t want to have to back in and out 1000 times while I add/remove blocks trying to get it level. The Anderson blocks work great as “stools” to drop the stabilizers down on, so they only have to drop a few inches rather than (sometimes) a foot or more (plus, some campgrounds require stabilizers to drop onto a surface)
THERESA on June 29, 2019:
Most of these tips are sales tips. We have been rving for several years. When buying your rv, make sure your slides come equiped with covers, that way you are not climbing ladders to get limbs and acorns out of anything. Once you have your basics in your rv, like it's own towels, dishes, pots, pans ect. you are set to go. Make sure your spare tire has a lock on it as well as a lock on your ball on the hitch. Yes, I know someone who had their rv stolen out of a park while they were away. You must have your rv serviced once a year if you want no problems. Clean the floor and carpet well before you close your slides. Insulation for your windows and sky lights is advised as well, both in the winter and the summer, it makes a big difference. A long extendable push broom is helpful to clean off your awning before rolling up. Happy camping
Debby on June 19, 2019:
Thank you for your guidence. We have never owned an rv but are considering one for a permanent space near the beach. Great information given.
Rvcampingutah.com on May 06, 2019:
These are some great tips for RV and campers I would love to shate some of your tips on my website. I really liked the spice organize tips
Thank you
Barbara Smith on November 20, 2018:
Dont forget the heat tape for water hose if the gets below freezing.
Lisa on September 10, 2018:
Wow !! That’s a lot of information, me and my husband is really thinking about buying one too, after he retires, it’s a lot of stuff to think about . Thank You for the very helpful info.
Tracy T on September 10, 2018:
Bought our first RV today. Plans are to live in it while building a home. Pray for a mild WV winter! Thank you for all of the great tips.
Tracey R on September 08, 2018:
Love all your ideas!!!
John Murphree from Tennessee on August 08, 2018:
Wow, what a lot of information, all necessary, I am sure. My family had a pop-up camper in the 1970's, in which we took several trips, the longest, 30 days from Indiana to California, and Washington, and back home. I have really wonderful memories of it.
gottaloveit2 (author) on August 02, 2018:
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Denise! We are actually about to sell our RV, being in competition during the summer with our boat and WV cabin. Just no time to enjoy it!
But, we sure did have fun and will return to the RV lifestyle once my husband retires.
Denise Mills on August 01, 2018:
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge.
We will be purchasing a 5th wheel in 2019 and we are soaking up all the information you have been so kind to post.
We will be doing some major traveling and because we didn't have time when we were younger to sniff the roses. We are getting another opportunity with retirement just around the corner.
Please enjoy life and do lots of laughing!
gottaloveit2 (author) on June 28, 2018:
Thanks for that tip, Don!
Don McGee on June 27, 2018:
Screens to cover furnace and hot water heater grills!
gottaloveit2 (author) on June 25, 2018:
I didn't even realize that article was still alive! I haven't written here in a year or so. Thanks for the comment!
Jeanene Genusa on June 24, 2018:
RV 101 liv it. I wish I had found this information earlier. I would have saved my self a lot of time
Lana Newlin on May 23, 2018:
for spices, flour, sugar, etc...save used plastic bottles with screw on tops to take just a sampling and not more than you need.
Mary Ann on May 06, 2018:
I'm right over in Poolesville! Great posting on RV needs. Happy trails!
Gina on April 30, 2018:
We just got our very 1st travel trailer much smaller than yours and it's 5 of us plus a small dog. lol We will be trying to full time RV-ing in a few weeks, no real studying on it and actually almost spur of the moment, we currently rent and it was month to month, living here in this house hasn't allowed us to progress so I decided to do this..wasn't hard talking my husband into it as he travels (in our state) for work anyway, this will save on motels and all. Excited to start our new memories! thank you so much for sharing this info has helped.
Cheryl Moniz on April 22, 2018:
Thanks for posting!
Alex on April 07, 2018:
We just bought a new 26' Keystone Bullett. The sofa hide-a-bed has a flat panel in front held by two screws. I wondered what was behind it. When I took it off I found 15 cubic feet of carpeted storage. I replaced the screws on the panel with Velcro strips. I was wondering who I could share this with. Thanks.
Marcella on March 12, 2018:
The best investment you can make is a dehumidifier Your windows will be clear and you won't have mold.
Scott Johnson on January 16, 2018:
You might want to also recommend a few of the not-so-obvious upgrades that 30'ish foot travel trailers and cheaper fifth wheels normally need:
1.) Tires - the ones they come with are usually also-known as "China Bombs". They last maybe 2000-3000 miles before reliability will become a major issue. If you don't recognize the name, upgrade to a Carlaisle at a minimum, Goodyear, and Salun makes the best ones. We had our first blow-out at maybe our 6th or 7th trip, the thing just came apart. We were lucky it happened in a safe place to change it, and the damage to the under-body of the coach wasn't severe and fixable (by me) at our next campsite destination. Could have been much worse. We got rid of that junk as soon as we got back. I had a good price quote from SimpleTire.com but the local tire shop matched it (half what their asking price was).
2.) Equalizer for the tandem wheel axles. Again, this isn't sexy, but those things porpoise up & down like Flipper. We put on a MORyde CRE-3000 which added about 3 inches of suspension travel to what was otherwise basically 0. Instantly, the trailer towed enormously better. (Sold at Amazon but you need a pro to install)
3.) The steel stairways are junk, we all hate them, you can also replace it with a nice aluminum one that doesn't bounce the trailer up & down as you climb in - see MORyde Step-Above (also at Amazon).
gottaloveit2 (author) on January 14, 2018:
Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments! I'm not very active on Hubpages any longer, having started up 6 websites!
I appreciate the comments though.
Carol on January 06, 2018:
Your advise is great if you’re always in a stall with full hookups. Not exactly camping in many folks minds. More important than an induction cook top is a great bbq, more important than an expense mattress is a great duvet, more important than a sewer supports is a great shower head that reduces water usage.
Deb on December 05, 2017:
I feel like an idiot you woke me up on the portable icemaker. Thank you
Brenda on November 10, 2017:
Thanks for the valuable information. My husband and I are getting our 1st travel trailer in the spring of 2018, when I retire. So we are gathering information. I enjoyed reading your article, great information. Thanks.
Rita on November 07, 2017:
A small electric space heater sure saves on propane. I figure I,m paying for the site why not use their electric instead of my propane.
Bill Cline on August 28, 2017:
Your blog was great, on our 6th trailer and would have thought that I figured out what to pack. Opened my eyes again especially about the Parklane Mattress.
Mark Tanner on August 21, 2017:
Doing research to prep for full-time RVing in about a year. Your blogs are so helpful!
Cathey M on August 03, 2017:
We just bought camper #2 and went from 29ft including hitch to 34'11" including hitch. This was our retirement bucket list #1 item. This has so much more than our 9 year old unit and 2 large slides. We have pets and I have MS so we like having our own space when we go somewhere or to visit. I don't always rest well nor do the dogs. It is so nice to have our own space. Love some of your tips that we to learned in the school of hard knocks.
Peggy on August 01, 2017:
Thank you. Enjoyed the article my husband and I are long time campers, but always looking for upgrades. Really like mattress topper. My advice, and the kitchen tool I use most is a cuisanart electric fondue pot, why you ask? Instead of using gas stove to boil water for pasta etc, I use my fondu pot. You would be surprised at all the ways it comes in handy.
Carlina. on July 23, 2017:
useless article. Just pushing products to be bought. I hope they rewarded you for all the advertising of their products good luck.
Dee on July 23, 2017:
Thanks for the tips. We are thinking about getting one. This helps!
Ellen on June 30, 2017:
Our most important purchase has been a Premier AAA membership. Those people are amazing when you are in a jam.
Iona on June 02, 2017:
My Husband and I were surprised that when we purchased our trailer, it came with a spare tire, but no jack! Thankfully we didn't find this out while on the side of the highway!
Kaz on April 11, 2017:
I just bought my first "RV," in the form of a 41' 11" fifth wheel that I intend to live in full time. Eeek! I know that I have no idea what I'm doing or what I've gotten myself in to, even tho this has been on my bucket list all my life. I haven't even taken possession of the rig yet (that'll happen in a few weeks). I'm still looking for a place to park it....
Thank you for the article, the list, and the links! Much peace of mind gained from it! And much has been bookmarked, lol. The links and info are up to date. And I've seen a lot of these products in use when I've driven through some RV parks - now I know what they are!
Thank you, and best wishes to you and yours!
Kaz & Jamie, with pups Boh, Chorizo, and Shea
New Mexico, USA
April 11, 2017
Debi Harmel on March 29, 2017:
My husband and I are looking into RV life. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!