10 Essential Accessories for RV Camping Trips

Imagine pulling into a beautiful campsite just as the sun begins to dip, only to realize your water connection leaks and your RV is parked at a glaring tilt. Setting up camp shouldn’t feel like a grueling chore after a long drive. With the right gear in your storage bays, you can transform setup from a stressful scramble into a smooth, predictable routine.

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How to Streamline Your RV Setup for Easier Travel

Streamlining your RV setup starts long before you pull into a campsite. Having a dedicated, repeatable system prevents the mental fatigue that often accompanies arrival. By organizing your utilities and tools in designated, easy-to-reach exterior bays, you eliminate the need to hunt through packed gear when you just want to settle in.

Grouping items by their specific function is the key to efficiency. Keep all water-related gear in one bin, electrical adapters and surge protectors in another, and leveling equipment right near the utility bays. This simple separation prevents cross-contamination and ensures that you can hook up utilities in a logical, step-by-step sequence without backtracking.

Finally, utilize a physical printed checklist for arrival and departure procedures. Even seasoned travelers can miss a step when distracted by a scenic view or a chatty neighbor. A checklist guarantees that stabilizers are up, utility lines are disconnected, and antenna masts are lowered before the tires ever roll.

Drinking Water Hose – Camco TastePURE 25-Foot

A dedicated drinking water hose is essential for delivering clean, safe water from the park spigot directly to your RV’s city water inlet. Standard garden hoses can leach harmful chemicals, lead, and plastic tastes into your water supply. A specialized, certified hose keeps your drinking, cooking, and showering water clean and odor-free.

The Camco TastePURE 25-Foot Hose is built specifically for this purpose using NSF-certified, BPA-free, and phthalate-free PVC. It features heavy-duty, nickel-plated brass couplings that resist corrosion and attach smoothly without leaking. The hose is reinforced for maximum kink resistance, and its white color makes it easy to distinguish from utility or sewer wash-down hoses.

• Length: 25 feet (also available in 50 feet)
• Diameter: 5/8-inch inside diameter for excellent water flow
• Material: NSF-certified, non-toxic, UV-stabilized PVC
• Fittings: Lead-free nickel-plated brass with strain-relief guards

Before using it, always flush the hose for a minute to clear out any stagnant air or residual moisture. After disconnecting, thread the male and female ends together to prevent dirt, insects, and road grime from getting inside the hose during storage.

This hose is perfect for casual campers and full-time RVers looking for a reliable, taste-free connection. It is not suitable for sub-freezing winter camping, as standard PVC will freeze and split without a heated sleeve or a dedicated thermal hose.

RV Surge Protector – Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X

Campground electrical pedestals are notoriously unpredictable, exposing your expensive RV electronics to low voltage, power surges, and incorrect wiring. An electrical management system (EMS) acts as a smart gatekeeper, constantly analyzing incoming power and shutting it down if it detects a dangerous fault.

The Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X is a premium external surge protector and electrical management system designed to withstand the elements. It goes beyond simple surge protection by actively monitoring for open neutrals, reverse polarity, and low voltage, which is the leading cause of RV air conditioner failure. The rugged digital scroll screen displays real-time voltage and error codes, making it easy to diagnose pedestal issues.

• Amperage: 30-Amp (50-Amp version available as EMS-PT50X)
• Protection Type: Full Electrical Management System (EMS) with over/under voltage protection
• Display: Digital scroll screen with real-time error codes and voltage readings
• Weatherproofing: Rugged, weather-resistant shield designed for outdoor use

Keep in mind that this unit hangs directly from the campground pedestal, making it a target for opportunistic theft. It features a built-in metal locking bracket, but you will need to supply your own heavy-duty padlock and cable to secure it.

This unit is a non-negotiable insurance policy for anyone plugging a 30-amp RV into public campground grids. It is not compatible with 50-amp rigs unless you use an adapter, though purchasing the matching 50-amp model is highly recommended for those larger vehicles.

Leveling Blocks – Tri-Lynx Lynx Levelers 10-Pack

Parking on uneven ground is more than just an inconvenience; it can cause your RV refrigerator to stop functioning and prevent interior doors from staying closed. Modular leveling blocks allow you to build customized ramps under your tires to achieve a perfectly level coach on almost any terrain.

The Tri-Lynx Lynx Levelers 10-Pack uses a clever interlocking design that mimics plastic building blocks. Made from high-density polyethylene, they are lightweight, incredibly strong, and won’t rot or absorb moisture like traditional wood blocks. The bright orange color ensures they are highly visible, reducing the risk of leaving them behind when packing up.

• Quantity: 10 interlocking blocks per pack
• Weight Capacity: Up to 40,000 lbs.
• Storage: Heavy-duty nylon zippered storage bag included
• Design: Honeycomb modular design that stacks like building blocks

When stacking these blocks, always construct them in a pyramid shape so the tires can roll up a gradual incline rather than trying to climb a vertical wall. Placing a rubber mat under the bottom block can prevent slipping on slick concrete or loose gravel surfaces.

This kit is ideal for travel trailers, class C motorhomes, and pop-up campers needing quick, modular height adjustments. It is not the best standalone solution for massive, heavy Class A diesel pushers that require heavy-duty wood blocks or specialized hydraulic jack pads.

Sewer Hose Kit – Camco RhinoFLEX 15-Foot Kit

Emptying your RV’s waste tanks is a chore that requires reliable, leak-free equipment to prevent messy accidents. A heavy-duty sewer hose kit provides a secure, sealed connection from your RV’s waste outlet to the campground sewer inlet, making the process clean and straightforward.

The Camco RhinoFLEX 15-Foot Kit is constructed from 23-mil heavy-duty polyolefin reinforced with steel wire, making it highly resistant to pinholes and crushed sections. The hose features pre-attached swivel fittings with reusable locking rings, ensuring a tight seal without the need for hose clamps. The translucent elbow adapter allows you to see when your tanks are completely clean and fully flushed.

• Length: Compresses to 56 inches, extends up to 15 feet
• Material: 23-mil heavy-duty polyolefin reinforced with steel wire
• Fittings: Pre-attached swivel bayonet fittings with reusable locking rings
• Adapters: 4-in-1 translucent elbow adapter fits standard sewer inlets

The hose retains its shape once bent or stretched, making it incredibly easy to position. Always use a sloped support ramp underneath the hose to ensure gravity does the work and prevents pooling or blockages in the line.

This kit is a must-have for any RV with onboard plumbing and waste tanks. It is not suitable for campers who only use public facilities and have no waste tanks to dump.

Water Pressure Regulator – Renator M11-0660R

Campground water systems often operate at incredibly high pressures that can easily rupture the delicate PEX plumbing inside your RV. A water pressure regulator limits the incoming water pressure to a safe, steady level, protecting your pipes, valves, and appliances from costly water damage.

The Renator M11-0660R is a lead-free brass regulator that features an adjustable screw and an easy-to-read pressure gauge. The gauge is filled with lubricating oil to prevent the internal needle from vibrating, ensuring highly accurate readings even under fluctuating flow. Its lead-free construction complies with federal safety standards for drinking water.

• Material: Lead-free brass (C46500), drinking water safe
• Adjustment Range: 0 to 160 psi (factory preset to 45 psi)
• Gauge: Oil-filled pressure gauge to prevent needle vibration
• Inlet/Outlet: Standard 3/4-inch garden hose threads

The internal plumbing of most modern RVs is only rated for 40 to 60 psi. Always install the regulator at the campground spigot, not at the RV inlet, to protect both your drinking water hose and your internal plumbing from sudden pressure surges.

This regulator is essential for anyone hooking up to city water lines, especially at newer parks with exceptionally high water pressure. It is unnecessary if you only camp off-grid and rely solely on your RV’s internal 12V water pump.

RV GPS Navigator – Garmin RV 795 Navigator

Standard automotive navigation systems are not designed for large vehicles, often routing drivers onto narrow streets, steep grades, or under low-clearance bridges. A dedicated RV GPS takes the physical dimensions of your rig into account to plot a safe, stress-free route tailored to your vehicle’s specific size and weight.

The Garmin RV 795 Navigator features a bright, high-resolution 7-inch display that is easy to read at a glance. It calculates custom routes based on the height, weight, length, and propane status of your RV, providing clear alerts for upcoming steep grades and sharp curves. It also includes a preloaded directory of RV parks, services, and campsites to simplify pit stops.

• Display: 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Routing: Custom routing based on RV size, weight, and propane status
• Directories: Built-in directories for RV parks, services, and campsites
• Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi for easy map updates without a computer

Standard phone navigation apps do not account for vehicle height and clearance, which can lead to disastrous encounters with low clearances. This GPS requires you to input your exact RV dimensions and weight before your first trip to ensure accurate routing.

This device is ideal for drivers of motorhomes, fifth wheels, and large travel trailers who want peace of mind on unfamiliar highways. It is not necessary for small camper vans or pop-up trailers that share the same clearance profiles as standard passenger SUVs.

Portable Gas Grill – Weber Q 1200 Liquid Propane

Cooking inside an RV can quickly heat up the cabin and leave lingering cooking odors in the upholstery. A portable outdoor gas grill lets you take your kitchen outside, turning your campsite into a comfortable dining space while keeping your living area cool.

The Weber Q 1200 Liquid Propane Grill delivers commercial-grade cooking performance in a compact, travel-friendly package. It features durable cast-aluminum construction, a stainless steel burner, and porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates that distribute heat evenly. The split-grate design allows you to swap one side for a griddle accessory (sold separately) for ultimate breakfast versatility.

• Power Output: 8,500 BTU-per-hour
• Cooking Area: 189 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates
• Ignition: Easy electronic start button
• Fuel: Compatible with 14.1 or 16.4 oz. disposable LP cylinders (or larger tanks via adapter)

The cast-iron grates retain heat beautifully but require regular cleaning and a light coat of oil to prevent rust. If you plan to connect this directly to your RV’s low-pressure propane quick-connect port, you will need to purchase a specific regulator deletion kit and hose.

This grill is perfect for couples or small families who appreciate premium cooking performance in a highly packable footprint. It is not suitable for those looking for a lightweight backpacking option, as the solid cast-iron grates make it relatively heavy.

Portable Inverter Generator – Honda EU2200i Companion

When camping off-grid or boondocking, access to reliable electrical power is limited to your RV battery bank. A portable inverter generator provides clean, stable power to run high-draw appliances like microwave ovens, coffee makers, and air conditioners without draining your batteries.

The Honda EU2200i Companion is widely regarded for its exceptional reliability and quiet operation, running between 48 and 57 decibels—about the level of a normal conversation. The Companion model features a built-in 30-amp outlet, allowing you to plug your RV power cord directly into the generator using a simple adapter. Its advanced inverter technology ensures the power is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and smart TVs.

• Output: 2,200 starting watts, 1,800 running watts
• Engine: Honda GXR120 commercial-grade engine
• Receptacles: Built-in 30A outlet for direct RV cord connection (with adapter)
• Noise Level: Ultra-quiet operation (48 to 57 dBA)

This “Companion” model features a built-in 30-amp locking outlet, which simplifies connection, but running a high-draw RV air conditioner may still require a soft-start device installed on the A/C unit itself. Always transport the generator with the fuel cap vent closed to prevent gasoline fumes from invading your storage compartments.

This generator is a premium choice for dry-campers who value quiet operation, reliable starting, and clean power for sensitive electronics. It is not necessary for campers who exclusively stay at full-hookup RV resorts.

RV Patio Mat – Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio Mat

An outdoor patio mat defines your campsite living area and acts as a barrier against mud, dirt, and pine needles. Placing a mat right outside your steps significantly reduces the amount of outdoor debris that gets tracked onto your clean RV floors.

The Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio Mat is woven from 100% virgin polypropylene, creating a soft, durable surface that is easy to maintain. The breathable weave allows air and water to pass through, meaning it won’t kill the grass underneath—a key requirement at many modern RV parks. The material is treated with a UV stabilizer to prevent fading and sun damage over seasons of use.

• Material: 100% virgin polypropylene (breathable plastic weave)
• UV Protection: Coated to resist fading and sun damage
• Features: Corner loops for staking down, reversible design, easy-fold lines
• Maintenance: Simply sweep, hose down, and air dry

The breathable weave allows air and water to pass through, meaning it won’t kill the grass at your campsite, which is a common rule at many premium RV parks. However, on loose gravel or dirt, always secure the corners with heavy-duty tent stakes to keep the wind from catching it.

This mat is excellent for any RVer who wants to extend their living space outdoors and keep their interior floors clean. It is not ideal for those who camp strictly in paved, concrete-only sites where outdoor seating areas are already clean and defined.

Wireless Backup Camera – Furrion Vision S System

Backing a large RV into a tight, tree-lined campsite can be one of the most stressful aspects of road travel. A high-quality wireless backup camera provides a clear, real-time view of your blind spots, making parking maneuvers safer and easier, especially when traveling without a spotter.

The Furrion Vision S System features a high-resolution 7-inch monitor that mounts inside your tow vehicle, paired with a rugged rear camera. It utilizes a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless connection that maintains a stable, interference-free signal even at highway speeds. The camera includes infrared night vision and an integrated microphone, allowing your spotter to speak directly to you while guiding you into a site.

• Display: 7-inch touch screen monitor with high-resolution video
• Signal: 2.4GHz proprietary wireless connection with up to 492-foot range
• Camera Features: 120-degree viewing angle, infrared night vision, motion detection
• Compatibility: Fits pre-installed Furrion prep brackets on many modern RVs

The wireless signal remains incredibly stable even at highway speeds, avoiding the lag common with cheaper systems. Ensure you power the camera through your RV’s running lights, which means you must turn your tow vehicle’s headlights on (not auto) to power the unit while driving.

This system is highly beneficial for drivers towing long travel trailers or driving large motorhomes where rear visibility is nonexistent. It is less critical for small Class B camper vans that already have factory-installed backup cameras and standard rearview mirrors.

Smart Packing Strategies to Keep Your RV Clutter-Free

A clutter-free interior is directly tied to safety and mental peace on the road. The golden rule of RV packing is to secure heavy items low and over the axles to maintain a proper center of gravity. Utilize clear, stackable plastic storage bins in your overhead cabinets and under-bed storage to prevent items from shifting and falling during transit.

Take advantage of vertical space by installing adhesive hooks, magnetic strips for kitchen utensils, and over-the-door organizers. Before purchasing any item for your RV, apply the “one-in, one-out” rule to prevent the gradual accumulation of unnecessary gear. Keeping counter spaces clear not only makes the space feel larger but also dramatically reduces the time required to prep the cabin for travel days.

Finally, prioritize multi-purpose tools and nested cookware to save valuable cabinet space. Collapsible washbasins, nesting bowls, and multi-use kitchen appliances cut down on bulk without sacrificing functionality. By systematically auditing your gear after each trip, you can weed out the items you didn’t use, keeping your rig light, organized, and ready for the next adventure.

Conclusion

Equipping your RV with the right accessories is the secret to a smooth, enjoyable journey. By investing in reliable utility gear and smart organization tools, you eliminate the stress of campsite logistics and protect your home on wheels from common hazards. Prep your rig with confidence, establish a solid setup routine, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.