Heading out in an RV can be a great way to spend time with family, see the country, or just have an interesting adventure. One of the ways to potentially make it better and easier is through the use of some amazing RV accessories. But which ones should you choose? You don't want to spend money on things you don't need, or that won't add any benefit to your excursions. Instead, you want to select the accessories that are going to give you the most value, add to your security, and make your travels a lot easier.
Below are 10 of our top picks for RV accessories, so you can choose the ones that are right for your rig and will improve your overall traveling experience. Enjoy them below.
You use water from a lot of different places when you have an RV, and some of it is water you do not want to drink. Drinking water is different throughout the country and it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to using city water. With a good quality filter, though, you don't need to worry about what's in the water you just hooked your RV's system up to. Instead, you can drink water that doesn't taste weird, smell bad, or look gross. Not only that, but you know it's safe! A good RV water filter is one of those things you don't even think about needing, right up until you need it, which is often too late. Invest in one before your RV travels and you'll be thankful you did.
Driving an RV isn't like navigating in a car, and there can be plenty of places that can get you in a pickle if you aren't prepared. Just ask anyone who has tried to back up with a motorhome or a travel trailer, after accidentally making a wrong turn. While many RVs do come with navigation systems, some do not. When you invest in a navigation system for your RV or trailer, you reduce the amount of map double checking, accidentally taking the wrong road and a whole lot of frustration.
Don't skimp out on a surge protector, or you could experience a lot of overcooked electronics. Sometimes the power you hook up to at a campground can surge more than expected. It's not quite the same system and stability as what you'd have at home. Protecting the electrical system in your RV (and everything hooked to it) doesn't have to be difficult, though. The right tools can help. Then, if there's a power surge, it'll be blocked before it gets to your items.
Need to see what's going on back there? You most definitely do when you're backing up an RV! Whether you have a truck and trailer combo or a Class A, backing up a large RV can be more of an adventure than you're looking for. Having someone get out and try to guide you isn't as convenient as simply having a camera that can show you all the angles and potential pitfalls. You'll have more peace of mind, and you'll be far less likely to back into something, too.
A flat tire on an RV can be stressful, and it's even worse when it happens in the middle of nowhere. But having some warning of an impending tire problem can make all the difference. Most newer vehicles come with a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), but that's not always the case on motorhomes and travel trailers. If you have a monitoring system, you can feel more secure in your travels. You may also have the chance to get your vehicle into a place that can help you before the tire goes completely flat.
Filling a holding tank or connecting to city water means you need a dedicated drinking water hose. You want one that's clean, safe, and sturdy, and that you can trust to work right, every time. Good drinking water is so important. A garden hose isn't recommended, and you should be sure to choose a hose that has the proper connections on it. The right fittings on the hose ends will ensure a good connection, so you don't have to worry about leaks.
You don't want to end up with a flooded RV due to burst pipes. The pressure of the water at some campgrounds and RV parks can be unpredictable. You have a lot of other people using that same water. If they're all using it at the same time, the pressure will be lower. But what if you're the only one using it at the moment? It could be too high for your pipes, and that could cause one to burst. Avoid the flood risk by using a good regulator you can rely on. It will help keep the water pressure even and steady for you.
You want to make sure your RV is in the same spot you left it, when you come back. This is true of any RV, but especially important for some trailers that don't have the same kind of braking system as a typical vehicle. Parking on a slant could cause rolling. So could a lot of moving around in the trailer. Chocks are small and easy to carry with you. They don't take a lot of time to use but they definitely add to the peace of mind you'll feel when you're traveling.
Sure, an awning is great. But when you add a sun shade to it, it becomes so much more comfortable to sit out in front of your RV and relax. No matter which direction you're facing you can deploy the shade and spend enjoyable time outside. It attaches to the front of your awning, and gives you a feeling of a screened-in room (the sides will still be open) while you enjoy the ability to come and go as you please. Enjoying a meal, watching TV, or just relaxing under your awning is all easier when the sun isn't blinding you.
While dumping waste is not a fun aspect of RVing, it's a necessary one - and one you want to handle as easily and conveniently as possible. Get some good rubber gloves, some tank treatment, and a proper drain hose, so you can take care of this task when parked at a campground. Then you can get back to enjoying the aspects of your trip that are a lot more fun - and you won't have to worry about the toilet!
So there you have it! Ten of the very best accessories for your RV needs. No matter the kind of RV you have or its sizes, these accessories are among the most popular - and the most likely to provide you with big benefits, too. The idea of "roughing it" is still popular with some people, and that's fine. But if you want to travel with more comfort and safety you can choose plenty of great options that will offer you that help and support.
From proper hoses to bring water in and send waste out, to systems that can tell you when tires are low and help you back up more securely, RV accessories have come a long way. There's no reason not to take advantage of the upgrades, so you can spend more of your time enjoying your trip and less time worrying about potential issues.