RV Essentials
Whether you have just bought your first trailer, 5th wheel or RV, you'll definitely want to buy these things!
These are all the exact items that we use on a daily basis and highly recommend (Unless Specified)
If you buy using the below links, we receive a very small percentage kickback from the sale at no extra cost to you
1 - Wheel Chocks
We originally used these to hold our trailer when unhitching, but we quickly upgraded to the awesome Anderson Levelers. These still do the job perfectly and I have learned that Camco make really good affordable products. If you don't glamp regularly or are on a budget, these will work just fine to stop your trailer from rolling down into that lake!
2 - X-Chocks
X-chocks are an upgrade from the above basic wheel chocks. They take longer to install, but work better if you are using leveling blocks. I'm not sure why as I've never had an issue with basic wheel chocks, but they also provide me with more confidence about trailer roll. Apparently they also help with stability of the trailer in winds or just walking around inside. We can't say we've noticed much difference, but either way, we use them and love them.
3 - Spirit Level
To be comfortable, you'll need to make sure your rig is level both side-to-side and front-to-back. Put this on the floor on the inside of your trailer when setting up to get level. First, make sure you are level side-to-to side; this is the hardest part, but pretty easy when you get the hang of it. Then, swing the level around 90 degrees and use the jack on the front of the trailer to get it level front-to-back. Not only is having a level trailer more comfortable, but also helps with rain run-off if it rains.
4 - Sticky levels
I'm going to be honest, we don't use these as we have the Levelmate pro. However, out first trailer had something similar to these and they worked really well. First, use the manual spirit level above to get the trailer perfectly level, then stick one of these on the front (To level side-to-side), then one on the side (to level front-to-back).
5 - LevelMate Pro 2
So, you think of yourself as a professional nerd do you? This is the creme-de-la-creme of leveling systems. This is pricey, but is exactly what we use and love it. Once you are at your site, switch this on and open the app on your phone. It tells you exactly what you need to adjust to the nearest 1/4 inch. As you are adjusting, it updates you realtime. No, I'm not on YouTube while adjusting the front jack, I'm watching the app to make sure I'm 100% level! It pairs perfectly with the Anderson levelers below when leveling side-to-side
6 - Leveling Blocks
We originally used these to level our trailer, but we quickly upgraded to the awesome Anderson Levelers. However, we still have 20 of these and use them mainly for under the front jack (They save time waiting for it to drop and raise) and for each of the stabilizers. They are cheap and work brilliantly for many things.
7 - Andersen Levelers
I'm going to be honest, I thought these were totally unnecessary, and the above leveling blocks were fine. But, oh-man, are these so much easier. These, paired along with the Level Mate Pro 2, make life so much easier. At the time of writing, they also have a lifetime guarantee, which we have used, with no-questions-asked. Love them......just love them!
8 - 30 Amp Power Cable
Whether buying new or used, most rigs will come with a power cable. Not all power cables are the same. There is a general standard, but your rig may be different. Before buying this, make sure the end that connects to your rig is correct. I suggest contacting the manufacturer to be sure of this.
9 - 50 Amp Power Cable
Whether buying new or used, most rigs will come with a power cable. Not all power cables are the same. There is a general standard, but your rig may be different. Before buying this, make sure the end that connects to your rig is correct. I suggest contacting the manufacturer to be sure of this.
10 - 50 Amp outlet to 30 Amp inlet adapter
If you have a 30 amp trailer, but only have access to a 50 amp outlet, you will need an adapter. This will work just fine. It's unlikely that you'll need this, but you never know.
11 - 30 Amp outlet to 50 Amp inlet adapter
If you have a 50 amp trailer, but only have access to a 30 amp outlet, you will need an adapter. This will work just fine. It's unlikely that you'll need this, but it is possible that an RV park will only have 30 amp outlets, or if its busy, they will only have 30 amp sites available. If this happens, just be sure to not overload the power supply or you'll trip the breakers (Don't use every electrical item in the trailer at the same time!)
12 - 30 Amp Surge Protector
If you have a 30 amp rig, you need one of these. This protects against power surges and will also tell you if the site power supply is wired correctly. If the site is not wired correctly and you plug in without this, you will likely blow up you inverter and any electrical items in your rig with the possibility of starting a fire. You really do need this!
13 - 50 Amp Surge Protector
If you have a 50 amp rig, you need one of these. This protects against power surges and will also tell you if the site power supply is wired correctly. If the site is not wired correctly and you plug in without this, you will likely blow up you inverter and any electrical items in your rig with the possibility of starting a fire. You really do need this! We currently use the 34850 model, so we have linked to the newer 34950 model.
14 - Sewer Hose
If you are human and eat & drink stuff, you need this. Some campsites have amazing bath houses, most do not. This connects your on-board tanks to the RV site septic system. Just go ahead and buy the longest one or you might regret it. It's one of those things that you don't need it until you do. We've only used the extension twice so far, but boy, am I glad we had it! Remember, empty the black tank first, then the grey tank(s).
15 - Sewer Hose Support
Honestly, we thought this was a luxury item, but we've used it every single place we have been. Most septic connections are raised slightly, which will create a dip in your hose where ugly things can get stuck. You'll want to create a perfectly angled path, so that this weeks converted dinners can take the path of least resistance from your tanks to somebody elses. You really don't want sag in the sewer hose.
16 - Fresh Water Hose
Erm....this is pretty obvious. You need a hose connection from the RV Site fresh water outlet to your Trailer/RV if you want water hookup. Even if you don't want a permanent hookup, you'll still use this to fill up your Fresh Water tank. I've found that Camco products are great. They are affordable and reliable. We have never needed more than 25ft, even when the hookup was on the wrong side and we had to run this under our trailer
17 - Inline Water Filter
Sometimes, RV sites and campgrounds don't have the best water supply. These are highly recommended and you'll see them everywhere you go. This is one of things that if you don't have one, people will look at you funny...well, actually they won't, because you'll spend all day in your RV because you are sick.
18 - Water supply pressure regulator
It's likely that your rig will have a pressure limit on the pipes. If the water supply pressure is more than that, you can burst your pipes or get leaks. That then leads to very expensive water damage. You don't want that. These are cheap. Just get it. There are many types of these available at different price ranges. We use this one and it's been just fine.
19 - Water supply splitter
We use this all the time to split the water supply outlet into two. One for our fresh water and one for our black tank flush.
20 - Expandable hose
Full disclosure here.....they no longer sell the one we have, so I have recommended one that we'll likely buy when ours needs replaced. It has great reviews and is a great price....looks like it also comes with a storage bag too! We use our one purely for the blacktank flush. Expandable hoses are so convenient as they store away so easily.
21 - PTFE/Plumbers tape
Almost every site we are at, the water connection leaks. I use this to wrap around the threads to stop leaks or drips. It's cheap and it works well.
22 - Disposable Gloves
Full disclosure here.....these aren't what I use as I picked some up in Harbor Freight, however, I will likely buy these in the future a they are 1 mil thicker than the ones I have, they are a good price and have great reviews. I use these for emptying the tanks and when hitching and unhitching. There's nothing worse than having grease, oil or **** on your hands :-o
23 - Hand Sanitizer
I use this a lot. Probably more than I should, but if you ever have to handle the stinky slinky and not have soap and water to hand, this is the perfect alternative. It also helps get grease or oil off your skin. I have a few of these lying around (In the truck cab, truck bed and a few in the trailer).
24 - Hitch Grease
I've seen so many people not use this and that's not good at all. Metal on metal isn't nice and it need some lubrication to prevent nasty noises and it also prevents rust. Its cheap and a tub lasts a long time (You don't need much!)
25 - Tire Pressure Gauge (100 PSI)
Always check your tire pressures. If they are not set perfection, you are at high risk of a blow out, which can be disastrous when towing! You need a special gauge for your trailer as the pressure is much higher than most tires. Normally a trailer tire will be about 80psi. Bear in mind that most gas station tire pumps can not produce 80psi, so if you need air, make sure you go to a truck stop, or invest in a special pump, such as the Viair (See below)
26 - high pressure tire pump
So your tire pressures are low? Most gas station tire pumps can not produce 80psi, so you need another option. You can try and find a truck stop, or maybe a pay a tire fitter to help..........or you can buy the Viair. This comes with long hoses and simply connects to any 12 volt battery. We use ours before we tow every-single-time.
27 - 4-way cross wrench
We haven't actually had to use this yet, and fingers crossed we never will, but your trailer wheel lug nuts are not standard size and its unlikely your trailer will come with tools. You will need this to remove and change a wheel. It's cheap and you'll likely need it one day!