Small items can make a big impact.

As RVers, we love the gear. The gadgetry. The puzzle of organizing the RV – and keeping it that way. We also love that we don’t need everything. After all, our RVs can’t store it all. However, there are some select, smaller items that make a world of difference for us when we go traveling and camping. Some of them are expensive while others are not. Some are glitzy, some are purely functional. Let’s take a look.

Operation & Care

Since your RV is your home away from home, or it might be your permanent residence if you’re full-timing, it’s imperative to keep any unit you own in as pristine condition as possible. This requires regular maintenance as well as taking care of problems as they arise. Some of these items are more preventative in nature, or will tip you off sooner when there is a problem to be addressed.

  • Tires: A digital tire pressure gauge is a must-have for RVers and applies to both towables and motorized RVs.
  • Electrical: Many RVers consider a surge protector an absolute necessity, as it helps to protect your RV’s delicate electrical system. So many things depend on electricity – appliances, lights, detectors and alarms, heating and cooling systems, etc. – that it’s a small thing to add to your go bag when it’s time to hit the road.
  • Water: A water purifier can help ensure that drinking and cooking water is as pristine as possible. City water and private wells are not equal everywhere. Another little item to pick up is a drain hair catcher for your bathroom sink, which helps to prevent clogs in your RV’s water system. A water pressure regulator is another critical device that helps to reduce water pressure from an exterior source to a reasonable level your RV’s system can handle, preventing damage.
  • Appliances: Keep everything clean and neat, so some microfiber dish cloths can come in handy for a multitude of reasons. Another handy item to consider is a refrigerator deodorizer, which helps to ward off unfriendly or unbecoming smells from permeating your RV’s interior dwelling.
  • Septic: As we all know, taking care of the water tanks is one of the most essential jobs of RV ownership, even if it’s one of the least liked. Black nitrile gloves are necessary for this job, and a sewer hose support kit can help keep that hose off the ground. A clear sewer hose elbow will better assist you to monitor the dumping process more effectively. After you’re done, you may consider purchasing washable, zippered organizer bags for each of the hoses – for organization and for cleanliness.
  • Climate: The handy WiFi temperature and humidity sensor provides remote monitoring of the interior climate of your RV. You receive instant alerts if the temperature or humidity goes above or below the thresholds you set. All you need is the sensor placed somewhere in the RV, the associated app on your smartphone, and the ability to connect to WiFi. Most of these are battery powered, so make sure you replace them every camping season.

 

Tools & Tech

In addition to a standard tool kit, there are some other items that might be worth adding to your list. They don’t all fit into a toolbox, but they are handy tools for any RVer.

  • Mini level: An essential, handy tool that will be your best friend when it comes to leveling your unit on uneven ground.
  • Headlamp: No need for a cumbersome flashlight between your teeth or a helper holding the flashlight, a headlamp offers illumination and visibility while keeping your hands free. This can be helpful if you need to look under the hood, in any unlit compartments, or if you happen to be packing during nighttime hours. Better yet, bring two. (But still don’t forget to pack the flashlights, those are handy, too.)
  • Trailer hitch lock: More for the towable crowd, a hitch lock helps to deter thieves from thwarting your camping plans. Locks in general are good to have – for the front door, for bikes, etc.
  • Backup camera: If your unit didn’t come with a backup camera, you need to get one. Backing up is one of the aspects of driving around an RV that takes practice- and patience. In addition to helping you park your RV at a campground, you’ll have enhanced visibility in parking lots or if you visit any attractions. It’ll help keep the people and pets around you in better view as well.
  • Wireless RV leveling system: Another techno gadget, some RVers can’t live without them while others see it as an unnecessary expense. However, it’s important to note that this exists because it can be helpful in guiding you to a level spot and offer suggestions for adjustments (front-back, side-to-side). Again, you’ll need a phone or a tablet.

 

Organization

Keeping the RV organized is essential for harmonious living. You need to make the most of your space, especially if you’re living in the RV for an extended time or with other people.

  • Over the door organizer: The real estate in the bathroom can’t be overrun with personal items, so bring those items in and out with an over-the-door organizer. Add command hooks and towel bars wherever you can to help linens dry out or to keep your clothing off the bathroom floor.
  • Velcro cable organizers: Use them to wrap or mount wires, cables, and hoses. There are stretch storage straps as well so that you can make use of previously dead space.
  • Non-slip drawer and cabinet shelf liners: A little change goes a long way. Not only will a non-slip surface help keep your dishes and other kitchen items in place, especially when in transit, but lining cabinets and drawers keeps the surface finish in better condition.
  • Bungee cords: There is always a use for these. Adjustable, even better!

 

RV Comfort & Fun

  • Mattress pad: Some RVers decide to get a whole new mattress altogether, however, a thick, comfortable mattress pad that you can sink into may do the trick nicely. Quality sleep is important when you’re in an RV and living an active life.
  • Packable throw blanket: Even in the summer, there is something comforting about curling up with a throw blanket.
  • Stove top espresso maker or pour over coffee maker: If you don’t want to clutter the limited counter space you have or simply want a different experience, then
  • Insulated travel mug: To keep that delicious coffee, espresso, or tea nice and toasty all morning, or during your drive, an insulated travel mug is a must. Likewise, it keeps cold beverages cold for long periods of time.
  • LED puck lights: You don’t need to DIY electrical work if you use LED puck lights, which can be mounted underneath cabinets and inside dark recesses of the RV’s storage areas in a flash (literally).
  • Outdoor camping grill: Yes, you may have cooking appliances inside the RV, and there’s always the dependable campfire, but sometimes it’s nice to simply cook outdoors on a grill. Other advantages: It takes the heat and smells out of the RV (and saves on utility usage), and it’s a simpler operation than a campfire.
  • RV step covers: Step covers add comfort for bare feet (because you know you’ll be at the beach at some point) as well as help to capture dirt and sand off dirty shoes.
  • Awning lights: These add a little party atmosphere as well as provide essential exterior lighting without the need of a flashlight or lantern.

 

RV Travel & Safety

There could be moments in your RV life that don’t go according to plan. Be prepared.

  • Road flares: Road flares help signal for help and also stand out much better (and farther) in bad weather conditions, such as snowstorms, fog, or rainy days.
  • Reflective triangles: A standard piece of safety equipment that gives other drivers on the road a visual perimeter of the location of you and your rig if you’re stuck on the shoulder.
  • Wheel chocks: This is an essential item regardless of the type of RV you own. It’s for everyone’s safety.
  • Leveling blocks: These keep your RV stable and even, which is essential for comfort as well as safety. They also help sure that the overall structure of the RV is well supported. Even if you have leveling jacks on your RV, leveling blocks can enhance that stability.