RV Camping Accessories – 40 Must-Have Gadgets for RVers 2024 Edition

1. Electrical Management System (EMS)

The electrical system in an RV isn’t made to withstand voltage drops and surges. That’s why an electrical management system (or EMS) is a must-have to protect your RV against damage.

You’ve probably heard about surge protectors, but those will ONLY do what the name implies – protect against a surge. An EMS, like this one from Progressive Industries, protects against high and low voltage, accidentally plugging into a 220v outlet (which is easy to do with a 30 amp plug), reverse polarity, AC frequency and open neutral. Read our full review of the Progressive Industries Portable EMS.

An EMS will cost more up front than a surge protector, but trust me: they’re worth it. Your RV is a big investment and it’s probably your home, too. This is great insurance to have against campgrounds with overloaded or poorly installed electrical outlets.

2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The TST 507 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an invaluable tool for any RV owner, particularly those who tow. This system monitors the pressure and temperature of your tires, providing crucial alerts if there are any sudden changes.

The importance of a TPMS like the TST 507 cannot be overstated. In scenarios where a tire blows out or loses pressure, it may not be immediately noticeable, potentially leading to further damage. With a TPMS, you’re alerted promptly, allowing you to address the issue quickly to try and prevent harm to your rims, or worse, extensive damage to your RV. Having this system in place adds a significant layer of safety and can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations on the road. It’s not just a convenient gadget; it’s a crucial component of your RV’s safety equipment, regardless of the type of RV you own.

3. RV-Specific GPS

Navigating the roads in a motorhome or while towing a trailer presents unique challenges due to the increased height, length, and width of your vehicle. This is where a specialized RV GPS like the Garmin RV 795 becomes an essential tool for your travels. This device allows you to input your specific RV’s dimensions, ensuring that the GPS routes you away from roads and bridges that could be hazardous for your larger vehicle. It also provides alerts for upcoming hazards, such as steep grades, which are crucial for safe RV travel.

The importance of using an RV-specific GPS like the Garmin RV 795 cannot be understated, especially when considering the limitations of standard navigation software. General mapping apps like Google Maps are typically designed for standard-sized vehicles, and there are numerous accounts of these apps leading RVers onto narrow, winding roads or routes with low-clearance bridges.

When we traveled in our Class A motorhome, the Garmin RV GPS was indispensable. Not only was it tailored to the needs of RV travel, but it was also user-friendly, easily plugging into the 12v cigarette lighter for power. The convenience and safety it provided made it a non-negotiable part of our travel toolkit, ensuring we navigated the roads safely and efficiently.

4. Cell Phone Signal Booster & WiFi Repeater

Staying connected while on the road in your RV is essential, especially when you’re boondocking or parked far from traditional internet sources. To achieve this, two types of boosters – cell and WiFi – become indispensable tools in your connectivity arsenal.

Starting with the cell booster, a device like the WeBoost is a game-changer for remote internet access. It amplifies cell signals from any carrier, transforming weak, nearly unusable signals into robust connectivity. This is particularly crucial for those of us who run online businesses from the road. The boosted signal is rebroadcast inside your RV, allowing you to stay connected in the most remote locations. This can mean the difference between a signal so faint that it’s unusable, and the ability to run our online business while boondocking. For more detailed insights on cell boosters and to determine if it’s the right fit for you, check out our comprehensive post on Cell Boosters for RV.

In addition to the cell booster, a WiFi booster (or extender) combined with a repeater extends the range of available WiFi networks. This setup is perfect for RV parks where the best spots might be at the edge of the park, far from the WiFi tower. It also proves useful in urban areas, where you might want to tap into the WiFi of a local cafe while enjoying the peace and quiet of your RV. While we advocate supporting these businesses if you use their WiFi, the flexibility to work remotely from your vehicle often offers a quieter and more comfortable workspace. To learn more about enhancing your RV’s WiFi capabilities, don’t miss our detailed guide on how to Extend WiFi Range.

The setup we have is this WiFi desktop booster kit. Read our full post on how to Extend WiFi Range to learn more.

Additionally, Garmin offers the inReach Mini 2, a compact alternative to the GPSMAP 66i. This smaller device seamlessly pairs with your mobile device, providing access to maps and aerial imagery. Its lightweight and portable design make it an ideal choice for backpackers, hikers, and mountain bikers who require reliable communication without the bulk. Whether you’re on a remote RV adventure or traversing rugged trails, having a Garmin satellite communicator enhances your safety and ensures you’re never out of reach.

6. Garmin Smartwatch

For RVers who love exploring the great outdoors, whether it’s hiking through trails or boondocking in remote areas, a Garmin smartwatch is an essential gadget. One of its standout features is the GPS capability, which proves invaluable for navigation during outdoor adventures. This feature is particularly useful when you’re away from your RV, ensuring you can always find your way back or explore new areas without getting lost. Moreover, the ability to pair the Garmin smartwatch with devices like the Garmin inReach enhances your safety by keeping you connected even in the most isolated locations.

A Garmin smartwatch offers a suite of health and fitness tracking features, making it an indispensable tool for maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road. It can monitor your daily activities like steps taken, distance traveled, heart rate and even your sleep patterns (along with MUCH more). This is particularly beneficial for RVers, as it encourages a more active and health-conscious lifestyle, counteracting the sedentary nature of long drives. The watch’s ability to track fitness activities is not only great for those who regularly hike or bike but also for anyone looking to stay fit and healthy during their travels. By keeping tabs on your daily activity and health metrics, a Garmin smartwatch ensures that your adventures are not just about exploring new places, but also about taking care of your well-being, no matter where the road takes you.

I got the Garmin Tactix 7 and the tracking features motivated me to get back into the gym and start running. Since getting the watch, I’ve lost over 10 pounds, have gained muscle and am in much better shape. It’s like having your own personal coach on your wrist. Now, the Tactix 7 is one of their most expensive smartwatches and has almost every feature they offer in a watch along with preloaded TopoActive maps from your region and gives you free access to download additional maps from around the world.

If you’re not looking to break the bank, the Garmin Instinct has many of the same features but a more basic display, limited maps (more can be added at additional cost) and is a fraction of the price.

Battery life on most Garmin watches is measured in weeks and can be indefinite if you purchase the models with solar. I’ve tested mine and get about 2-3 weeks when using all of the features, tracking workouts, using the flashlight, GPS, etc.

8. Apps for RVing

Allstays consistently ranks high on our list of essential RV gadgets, and for good reason. This versatile app is a must for any type of RV travel, streamlining trip planning in remarkable ways. Its comprehensive features allow RVers to easily locate accommodations, as well as essential services like propane refills, dump stations, and fresh water sources while on the move. The flexibility and ease of use that Allstays brings to RV travel makes it a tool we frequently recommend for those looking to enhance their RVing experience.

GasBuddy, another must-have mobile app for RVers, offers a valuable resource for cost-effective travel. This free app provides real-time updates on gas prices across the United States and Canada, helping RVers find the most affordable fuel options. We regularly use GasBuddy to strategically plan our fuel stops, ensuring cost savings on every trip. The app allows users to view gas prices not only in their current location but also along their route and at their destination. This feature has been a game-changer in our cost management strategies for RV travel, a lesson we learned early in our journey. GasBuddy continues to be a crucial tool in our arsenal, contributing significantly to reducing our travel expenses.

9. Two-Way Radio

A set of handheld radios are great for helping you and your traveling companions communicate while you’re backing the RV into a spot, or if you’re driving two separate vehicles in an area with patchy cell signal. We used these quite a bit when we were in a motorhome towing a vehicle. The radio we had came with NOAA weather channels built-in which was very useful during the tornado warning.

Now we use these radios when we’re with a group of RVers, for example when we led a caravan of 10 rigs cross country or when we go on a group overlanding trip. The radios are perfect for letting others know if you need to pull over, have a problem or just want to point something out along the side of the road.

13. Basic Set of Tools

I wrote a whole article on the tools we carry in our RV. It’s easy to go overboard with tools – I did this myself when we first started out – but having some basic tools and knowing how to use them will always serve you well.

14. Portable Air Compressor

Understanding the unique needs of RV tires is crucial, especially when it comes to maintaining the correct tire pressure. Many RVers initially think that a standard gas station air compressor will suffice for their needs. However, we quickly learned through our own experiences that this isn’t always the case. RVs, vans and trucks, with their larger, load-bearing tires, often require a higher PSI than typical passenger vehicle tires. This higher PSI requirement means that most air pumps at gas stations are not equipped to adequately fill RV tires. In fact, using a gas station compressor can sometimes result in a loss of PSI, rather than an increase.

That’s why investing in a VIAIR portable air compressor is a game-changer for RV owners. When considering an air compressor, it’s important to select a compressor that is specifically rated for the tire size and PSI requirements. VIAIR makes various size compressors for different types of truck and RV tires. The portable air compressor we had will work on all tires up to 150 PSI.

Owning a VIAIR compressor not only ensures that you can maintain optimal tire pressure for safe and efficient travel, but it also adds a level of convenience and independence to your RV journeys. No longer reliant on gas station air pumps, you can confidently handle your tire pressure needs wherever you are. We’ve also used ours on many occasions to help fellow RVers and motorists air up their tires on the side of the road.

15. Camping Stove

Even though we live in a very small space, we consider our Coleman camp stove essential. It’s great to be able to cook outside on a nice day, and it keeps messy or strong-smelling foods like bacon or fish outside our tiny indoor kitchen. They also make an adapter, so we can connect our stove to our large propane tanks without having to carry those little green bottles around.

If you have more storage than we do, a Weber portable grill might be more up your alley. Either way, it’s good to have a way to cook outside.

18. Drinking Water Hose

When it’s time to fill up your RV’s fresh water tank, you will want to use a hose that is rated for drinking water. The Zero-G hose is especially good, since it is lightweight, stores easily, and doesn’t kink.

While we love our 25 foot water hose, they do make a 50 foot water hose for those RVers who need the additional length to reach some of those challenging RV fill stations.

19. Water Pressure Regulator

Ensuring the safety of your RV’s plumbing system is crucial, and a water pressure regulator plays a vital role in this. High-pressure water, commonly found in city water connections, can cause significant damage by causing leaks within your RV’s water system. This is why it’s essential to use a water pressure regulator every time you connect your water hose to a city water source. Before purchasing a regulator, it’s a good idea to check if your RV already includes a built-in water pressure regulator. If not, a water pressure regulator is a small investment that can save you from costly repairs and ensure a worry-free experience when using city water connections during your travels.

20. Outdoor Camping Mat

An outdoor mat is a valuable addition to any camp set up, transforming from a convenient accessory in good weather to an absolute necessity in rainy conditions. When rain turns your campsite into a muddy mess, an outdoor mat can significantly minimize the amount of mud and moisture that gets tracked into your RV. Not only does it help in reducing the amount of dirt and debris brought inside, but it also enhances the overall comfort and cleanliness of your outdoor living space. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day or facing unexpected rain, an outdoor mat is an essential item that helps keep your RV and campsite clean and enjoyable.

21. Clear Sewer Dump Elbow

A clear elbow for your RV’s sewer hose is essential for effective waste management. It allows you to visibly monitor the waste flow during dumping, helping you identify any backups or blockages and ensuring your tanks are thoroughly flushed. This tool is not just about convenience; it’s crucial for maintaining your RV’s hygiene and preventing potential issues in the waste system.

22. Hose Splitter

Hose splitters are handy because you can connect your RV to the city water at a campsite and connect a second hose soyou can still rinse your muddy shoes off or fill a dog bowl outside. Make sure to get one that’s rated for drinking water.

23. Handheld Vacuum

A good handheld vacuum is an invaluable tool for RVers. The nature of RV camping often means tracking dirt and other debris into your RV, which can quickly accumulate. This is especially true when traveling with dogs, where the need for regular cleaning becomes even more pronounced. Investing in a high-quality handheld vacuum is a must to be able to keep up with all of the dirt and hair that can find its way into your RV.

Our personal experience has led us to a handheld vacuum that we’ve grown to love. Its effectiveness and ease of use are so impressive that we find ourselves using it not only in our RV but also in our home. An added bonus for those who own Craftsman power tools (I love mine) is the compatibility of the batteries with this vacuum, offering a convenient and versatile cleaning solution. If you don’t already have a Craftsman battery, this is the set you’ll need (the vacuum runs much better on the 4 amp battery vs the smaller 2 amp versions).

24. Shower Shut-off Valve

Conserving water is a critical aspect of RVing, especially for those who spend nights without hookups. While showers are one of the biggest water consumers, we found a practical solution to this challenge. Initially, we joked about avoiding showers altogether when dry camping, but of course, that’s not feasible!

Our motorhome’s original shower head included a “pause” switch, but it proved tricky to operate with soapy hands. To address this, we installed a shower shut-off valve, which significantly improved the situation. This simple yet effective upgrade allows us to take “Navy showers,” drastically reducing water usage and enabling us to extend our off-grid stays. Not only does this valve help in conserving water, but it also maintains the water temperature. This means no more fiddling with the tap to find the perfect temperature each time we resume the shower. This small piece of equipment has become an indispensable part of our RV gear, enhancing both our water conservation efforts and overall shower experience while off the grid.

25. Multi-cooker

Kait has been perfecting the art of using the Instant Pot multi-cooker for years, and now it’s such a staple of our RV kitchen that it’s hard to imagine how we’d eat without it. The great thing about a multi-cooker is that you can save space by having one cooking gadget with multiple features. It’s a rice cooker, slow cooker and so much more all in one.

26. Berkey Water Purifier

The Travel Berkey water purifier has become an indispensable gadget in our RV lifestyle, offering the peace of mind that comes with access to safe drinking water wherever our travels take us. This purifier’s ability to filter water effectively allows us to comfortably venture to a wide range of locations, confident in the knowledge that we can always have clean water to drink.

However, we also advocate the use of an inline water filter alongside the Berkey. Inline RV water filters are iconic in the world of RV camping gear, and they serve an important purpose. While these filters may not remove chemicals, bacteria, and viruses as comprehensively as the Berkey, they remove sediment and significantly improve the taste and overall quality of the water coming into your RV. This dual-filter approach ensures not only the safety of your drinking water but also enhances the everyday water usage experience, making it a recommended practice for any serious RVer.

For a more detailed review of RV water filters, check out our Water Filter article.

27. Scrubba Clothes Washing Bag

The Scrubba is a fantastic RV accessory to have when you need some fresh clothes, but don’t have access to a washing machine (or a pocket full of quarters). We’ve taken ours around the world and used it in RVs and hotel rooms alike.

While it doesn’t have the capacity to wash large loads, you can get a day’s worth of clothes in there. One trick if you’re out camping is to fill the Scrubba and let it sit in the sun for a while before washing your clothes.

28. RV Holding Tank Treatment

When we had a traditional RV black tank in the Class A RV, we used Happy Camper holding tank treatment. The product has no chemical smell and eliminated black tank odor without the use of formaldehyde.

Unfortunately Happy Camper cannot be shipped to states like California so another option we found that works great is the original holding tank treatment aka “the blue stuff.” It is scented and has formaldehyde in it but it absolutely works and what we use now.

29. Binoculars

Exploring National Parks and immersing in the wilderness are fundamental aspects of our RV travel experience. Our visit to Yellowstone National Park highlighted the importance of carrying a quality pair of binoculars. We chose the Vortex Viper HDs and have been thoroughly impressed with their performance. Whether it’s for spotting wildlife at a distance or taking in the details of the stunning natural landscapes, these binoculars have greatly enhanced our outdoor adventures.

Carrying binoculars like the Vortex Viper HDs is especially crucial when RVing because of the unexpected wildlife encounters that often occur. These binoculars not only allow us to observe animals from a safe distance but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to our nature experiences. They have become an essential item in our RV gear, ensuring we never miss an opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of the wildlife and scenery around us.

30. Bear Spray

Venturing into bear territory requires not just caution but also the right equipment, and bear spray is a crucial part of that. In some regions, carrying bear spray is more than just a recommendation—it’s a mandatory safety measure. We’ve been carrying Counter Assault bear spray for years on our trips through bear habitats. Fortunately, we’ve never had to use it.

For those planning cross-border adventures, it’s important to note the regulations regarding bear spray. As of this writing, you are permitted to bring bear spray into Canada, provided it’s explicitly labeled for that purpose. However, it’s essential to be aware that Canada has strict rules against bringing pepper spray or other self-defense sprays into the country.

Motorhome-Specific RV Accessories

Whether you have a Class A, B, or C, you may need some items specific to motorhomes. Here’s our list.

31. Spare Tire Carrier

Many motorhomes, surprisingly, do not come equipped with a spare tire or a designated mount for one, presenting a challenge for long-distance travelers and adventurers.

Our solution came in the form of the Roadmaster Spare Tire Carrier. This innovative product is a hitch-mounted carrier that is compatible with nearly every type of RV wheel/tire. It accommodates a wide range of tire sizes, from 16 inches up to 24.5 inches, making it a versatile and essential addition to your RV. The convenience of the Roadmaster carrier lies in its accessibility and ease of use, eliminating the need for strenuous lifting or awkward maneuvers to access the spare tire. It also has a built in receiver that allows for towing a car or attaching a bike rack or accessory.

32. RV Level

The Camco Camper/RV EZ Level revolutionized the way we leveled our Class A RV. What stands out most about this leveling system is its ability to level both axes of the RV simultaneously, providing fast and efficient leveling.

Additionally, the EZ Level’s illuminated indicator lights are a key feature that are not only easy to read but also clearly indicate the leveling status of the RV. When the lights turn green, you know your RV is perfectly level. If there’s a red light, it shows which side is lower, guiding you to make the necessary adjustments. This intuitive system allowed us to sometimes find naturally level campsites just by driving around and keeping an eye on the indicator lights. The combination of its quick, dual-axis leveling capability and the clear, bright lights made the Camco Camper/RV EZ Level an essential and user-friendly tool in our RVing adventures.

Towable-Specific RV Accessories

We’ve never had to tow an RV, so we got input from some friends who live full-time in travel trailers and fifth wheels to round out our list of RVing gadgets.

33. Weight Distribution Hitch

A weight distribution hitch can make all the difference when it comes to stability while towing. It takes the tongue weight of the trailer, which would normally rest on the very rear of the tow vehicle on one single point (the ball hitch) and distributes it more evenly onto both axles.

The Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitch significantly enhances stability while towing by evenly distributing the trailer’s tongue weight across both axles of the tow vehicle. This design not only stabilizes the tow vehicle and trailer but also greatly reduces sway. One of the standout features of the Equal-i-zer hitch is its Integrated 4 Point Sway Control, which offers resistance to trailer sway.

Additionally, the Equal-i-zer hitch’s design effectively keeps the front of the tow vehicle on the road, promoting safer steering, braking, and overall sway control. The Equal-i-zer hitch is compatible with nearly all bumper-pull trailers, including RV, horse, cargo, boat, and utility trailers, even those with surge brakes. With a variety of shank sizes available, it provides a custom fit for almost any receiver height.

35. Backup Camera

The Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System with 4.3-Inch Monitor is an essential upgrade for towable RVs, where a backup camera isn’t typically pre-installed like in newer motorhomes. This system offers a wide-angle view, making it incredibly useful not only for smoothly backing into campsites but also for enhancing safety on highways.

With its 4.3-inch monitor, the Furrion Vision S provides a clear and expansive view of what’s happening near the bumper of your trailer or fifth wheel. This feature is invaluable for changing lanes on busy roads, allowing you to see your surroundings more clearly and avoid blind spots. The wireless design ensures easy installation and a clutter-free setup. Overall, the Furrion Vision S Wireless RV Backup Camera System represents a significant step towards safer, more confident driving and maneuvering for any towable RV owner.

36. Electric Drill and Scissor Jack Adaptor

Manually lowering and raising scissor jacks can be a strenuous task, often resulting in raw and sweaty palms. To avoid this hassle, consider using an adapter for your electric drill. This simple yet ingenious RV gadget transforms what could be a laborious process into an effortless one. By attaching the adapter to your drill, you can quickly and easily raise and lower your manual jacks without any physical strain. This inexpensive tool is a must-have for RV owners, making the setup and breakdown of your campsite a breeze and saving you significant time and effort.

If you don’t already have a drill, the Craftsman V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is worth getting, especially if you’re planning to invest in the previously mentioned Craftsman vacuum, you can interchangeably use the same battery and charger between the two devices. This compatibility offers a seamless and efficient experience for various tasks around your RV.

37. Torque Wrench

Regularly checking the torque on your wheel lugs is a smart practice for maintaining your RV’s safety and reliability, especially if you often have long intervals between trips or have recently had your tires rotated. To facilitate this, it’s advisable to carry a torque wrench in your RV. Having a torque wrench on hand allows you to periodically inspect and tighten the wheel lugs as needed. Ensuring that the lugs are correctly torqued is crucial for safe driving, as it prevents the wheels from becoming loose or unstable on the road. Keeping a torque wrench in your RV toolkit is a simple yet effective step towards ensuring your vehicle’s wheels are always securely fastened and road-ready.

38. Heavy-Duty Chocks

Investing in a high-quality set of heavy-duty rubber chocks is especially important if you have a long or heavy trailer. While we haven’t experienced towing firsthand, it’s clear that ensuring your trailer remains stationary once parked is crucial. Heavy-duty rubber chocks provide that essential stability and security, preventing any unwanted movement of the trailer.

These chocks are not just for trailers, though. They are also incredibly useful for any RV, particularly when parking on a hill or in situations where you need that extra bit of safety assurance. By placing these robust chocks under your wheels, you add an additional layer of safety, ensuring that your RV stays exactly where you want it, regardless of the terrain or incline. This simple precaution can make a significant difference in maintaining the safety and security of your RV when parked.

39. X-Chocks

X-Chocks that come with a locking feature serve dual purposes for trailers with a double axle: they enhance safety and act as a theft deterrent. These chocks are designed to fit snugly between the wheels, effectively preventing any tire movement while your trailer is parked. This is particularly important for maintaining stability and safety, especially in conditions such as high wind or when there’s a lot of movement inside the trailer.

The added advantage of X-Chocks with a locking mechanism is their role in theft prevention. By securing the chocks in place, they not only keep the trailer steady but also make it more challenging for anyone to unlawfully move or tow the trailer. This combination of stability enhancement and theft deterrence makes lockable X-Chocks a valuable investment for any trailer owner seeking to increase both the security and functionality of their vehicle.

40. RV Hitch Lock

Hitch locks, such as the Proven Industries Trailer Coupler Lock, are a vital component of RV and trailer security. While no lock can guarantee absolute theft prevention, a high-quality hitch lock like the Proven Industries model offers a significant deterrent to potential thieves.

The Proven Industries Trailer Coupler Lock, with its robust design and changeable puck lock, acts as a formidable first line of defense. Its construction is designed to withstand various attacks, making it a challenging obstacle for opportunistic thieves. This makes it difficult for someone to quickly hitch your trailer and drive away, especially when parked in less secure or unmonitored areas.

Investing in a hitch lock is a simple, yet effective tool in your overall security strategy, offering reassurance and added safety for your trailer or RV.