Not sure what RV accessories you’ll need for your adventure? Wish you knew what worked well and those items that are a waste of money?
When Joan and I started our RV travel, we had no idea what RV accessories were needed to start RV life. We knew we needed a number of essential items just to get started, but then “What were the items to make RV travel more enjoyable?” There’s always the conversation with fellow RVer’s to see what works best. There were also items purchased that were simply a waste of money.
We receive so many questions from this site and our YouTube channel about what we use and why it works, that I thought I would continue the conversation providing a list of the RV accessories we use, a brief “why”, along with where they can be purchased. And if we have a blog or video about the accessory we share that too!
We currently use or have used every product listed below. You can take the following as a friendly suggestion from a fellow RVer, but as always, it’s still left up to the purchaser to make the decision as to what RV accessories will work best in their situation.
We have reviewed many of the products shown below and created associated videos and blogs. Search our complete blog listing here.

RV Essentials

RV Electrical

RV Accessories

RV Maintenance

RV Electronics & Appliances

RV Stabilization

RV Tools & Components

Solar & Portable Power
RV Essentials
If you’re new to the RV lifestyle, there are those items you don’t want to be without. The basics to get started. We created this list of RV Essentials for those who may not know where to start. This isn’t an expensive list of RV products, but covers the basics for water, black and gray tank needs, and that ever important emergency weather radio.

RV Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding
Use code ILOVERVLIFE and save 30% >

Inline Water Filter
We always use an inline water filter. This gives that extra safety factor along with much improved water taste. With our heavy use, we typically get 3 to 6 months use our of a filter.
Purchase >
Happy Campers Black Tank Treatment
For RV Black and Grey Tanks. Liquefies tank solids, keeps sensors clean, and prevents clogs. Most of all naturally prevents tank odor without artificial scents.
Purchase >

45 Degree Clear Sewer Adapter

Sewer Hose Seal
There are campgrounds where the sewer connection doesn’t have threads to screw in the bayonet adapter. A sewer hose seal between the dump pipe and bayonet minimizes leaks and those stinky smells.
Purchase >

NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio
Purchase >

15ft RV Sewer Hose
Purchase >

RV Black Tank Cleaner
Remove backed up and unusable RV black tank as the result of a pyramid plug, a compacted tank, or a clogged plumbing line. Works in 12 – 72 hours. We use yearly to deep clean holding tanks for routine maintenance.
Purchase >

The Perfect Camping Chair
Very comfortable, well made with convenient cup holder. The quilted seat and padded arms add to the comfort along with a slight tilt in the back makes this camping chair a favorite.
Purchase >

Rand McNally Road Atlas

90 Degree Water Hose Elbow
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10ft RV Sewer Hose Extention
Purchase >

RV Digest-It Liquid Tank Treatment
For those who prefer liquid tank treatments over powered. Liquefies blank tank solids and perfect for treating gray tanks ridding smelly grease and food particles keeping the tank sensors clean. Purchase >

Scott RV Toilet Paper
Purchase >

Midland FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios
Purchase >

Water Pressure Regulator
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RV Sewer Hose Support
No one enjoys the “stinky slinky dance”. A RV sewer hose support provides the proper slope to your hose allowing liquids to flow from the camper to the campground dump station.
Purchase >

Unique RV Toilet Cleaner
Specifically designed for use in RV toilet bowls. Removes tough stains and toilet bowl rings. Contains no caustic chemicals like bleach that can affect active enzyme tank treatement products. Purchase >

No Kink RV Water Hose
This has become our favorite RV drinking water hose. We have a 25ft and 50ft. These do not kink even in the coldest climate
Purchase >

RV Folding Step Stool
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General RV Accessories
As Joan and I continue our RV travels, we’ve found a number of “nice to have” items that either make travel from campground to campground easier or make the stay more enjoyable. Below are a number of RV Accessories we use on a regular basis.

12 Volt Portable Fridge, 56 QT Dual Zone

RV Leveling Pads, 5000 lbs Capacity

Screen Door Cross Bar Handle
Inexpensive addition to the RV with a simple installation. Allows for easier exit and protection of RV screen doors with sturdy and secure grip. Purchase >

MAXXAIR Vent Cover
This is one of the first accessories we purchased for our RV. Protects your RV’s interior from rain allowing vent to be used in any weather condition. Very simple to install. Purchase >

Carefree RV Awning Shade
We installed the Carefree RV Awning Shade after months with the rising sun heating up our casual space. The installation was very simple, taking about 30 minutes. Now just zip on and off!
Purchase >

Thin Shade Ready for Prepped Lipper Entry Doors
This upgrade for shade prepped Lipper entry doors was an inexpensive RV mod and the installation was very simple taking less than 5 minutes.
Purchase >

Pet Travel Tube
For all pets – Spacious – Comfortable – Safe – Easy to install and store – Folds flat. Water resistant material for easy clean. No distractions while driving. Storage carrying case included.
Purchase >

Water Hose Quick Connector
Hooking and unhooking your water hose can place stress on your RV water connection. Made of soild brass as found on higher-end RVs. Simply screw on. Now snap your hose on and off.
Purchase >

Monument Portable Gas Grill

RV Awning Replacement
It’s not if, it’s when will the RV awning need to be replace. Sun over time deteriorates the awning cloth and stitching. Or the unforeseen tree limb leaves a hole or rip. High quality and a 1 hour task.
Purchase >

Dri-Z-Air Pot
A simple yet effective product to minimize moisture in your RV. Requires no power. We in living area and the bedroom during the winter and apring months when moisture is highest.
Purchase >

Heated Drinking Water Hose
We use when camping late fall or prior to spring and temperatures often drop below freezing. This prevents the water in the hose from freezing. Reported to work below -40. This I’ll never test! Purchase >

Combination Pad Lock
A 4 number tumbler pad lock. Secures items at the camp site. Removes the fear of losing a key or just the inconvenience of not having a key when needed.
Purchase >
5th Wheel Lube Plate
I’ve always used a 5th wheel lube plate. These have a large surface area for extra protection of hitch plate. No messy grease to deal with.
Purchase >

Folding Rocking Chair
Chill out with this portable folding rocking chair. Experience a smooth rocking action on any surface. Constructed of lightweight and sturdy powder-coated steel, and supports up to 250 pounds. Purchase >

Table Cloth Weights
Joan was tired of chasing the table cloth all over the campsite on breezy days. This is the perfect fix. 10 ounce weights clipped in the corners of the table cloth worked great. Easy to install and remove.
Purchase >

1/4 RV Hose and Connector Kit
Purchase >

6 X 9 Camping Mat
This mat is great to use in closer areas near the entry of your camper. Helps minimize tracking dirt and when there’s minimum space, provides an area to place camping chairs.
Purchase >

Dry-Z-Air Refill Crystals
This is a low cost refill to use with the Dri-Z-Air Pot. Removes moisture from the interiors of RVs and campers. Crystals turn from solid to liquid. Fills approximately 5 of Dry-Z-Air pots.
Purchase >

Trash Bag Holder
This trash bag holder is made of polypropylene and is built to handle standard 13- gallon trash bags and larger. No tools are required to set up. Use inside or outdoors. Handy around the campsite. Purchase >

5th Wheel King Pin Lock
We use king pin lock when we want to secure our 5th wheel preventing someone from hooking to our 5th wheel kin pin. This lock would take a very substantial effort to defeat.
Purchase >

Oxygenics Hand Held Sprayer Kit
With low campground water pressure, we took “drizzles” not showers. The 5 minute install of the Oxygenics Hand Held Sprayer now provides a powerful residential style shower experience.
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Stainless Steel Tumblers
No more broken more glasses in our RV travels. These tumblers are made of stainless steel, which can keep beverages hot for 3 hours and keep cold for 9 hours.
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Grilling Pan With Handles
Made of stainless steel, this grilling pan is great for fish, sea food and vegetables preventing them from falling through the grate and adding that extra amount of heat control.
Purchase >

9 X 12 Camping Mat
If we have the space, we prefer this larger mat. This allows us to place 4+ chairs and a couple of small camping tables to enjoy the company of our fellow RV travelers.
Purchase >

Aluminum Fold-Away Side Table
We love this table. Made from sturdy aluminum. It doesn’t rust regardless of the weather. We use at our camp site and the beach. Great for those evenings when you need a place to set a light, food or beverage. Purchase >

Car Mount for Tablets & Phones
This windshield mount is ideal for holding a phone or tablet. It’s universal and offers a custom fit if you prefer to use 7″ to 8″ tablet or cell phone. Perfect for map directions or quick access. Purchase >

Flying Insect Screen RV Furnace Vent Cover
Screen fits most Duo-therm and Suburban furnace vents. Protects the furnace from wasps and mice nesting. For a few dollars prevents costly RV furnace repairs. Purchase >

Folding Grill Table
Purchase >

Magnetic Door Catch
RV Maintenance
The various tools and products we’ve listed below are essential in maintaining our RV. Some are handy to simplify a task while others help prolong the life of the RV.

Flexible Swivel Stik
We use this handy tool once a year to clean, dislodge and flush those stubborn waste deposits and odor-causing particles left in the black tank after it’s emptied. Perfect for holding tanks that are offset from the toilet. Purchase >

Meguiar’s Marine/RV Wash
Meguiar’s Marine/RV Boat Wash safely removes grime and dirt without stripping wax protection. The non-streaking formula conditions and brightens your RV’s surface. Purchase >

Dicor Lap Sealant
Important for yearly maintenance to ensure all seals are water tight. Use along a roofs edges, air vents, vent pipes and screw heads.
Purchase >

Soft Car Wash Brush & Handle
This car wash brush has soft bristles to help prevent scratching and extends keeping you on the ground and off the ladder. Great for cleaning the RV roof too.
Purchase >

Water Heater Tank Rinser
This RV water heater rinser allows you to reach the back of the tank and flush out the harden minerals that can build up over time. This is part of my yearly maintenance tool kit.
Purchase >

Meguiar's Premium Marine Wax

EternaBond Tape RV Roof Repair
Permanent repairs for that accidental roof snag or the fallen limb leaving a hole in your RV roof. EternaBond Tape sticks and is virtually impossible to remove once applied.
Purchase >

Happy Campers RV Tank Treatment
Purchase >

Slide-out Dry Lube
We use this every 6 months to keep our sideouts working properly. This lube leaves a dry and waxy film, inhibiting dust adhesion, and protecting the slide mechanisms from road elements and salt.
Purchase >

Meguiar's Marine-RV Cut Compound
Removes heavy oxidation without scouring the finish like conventional compounds. This rotary buffer compound is safe and effective on fiberglass gel coat and painted surfaces.
Purchase >

RV Antifreeze
Burst protection down to -50F when properly diluted. 100% biodegradable, GRAS, non-toxic, non-hazardous, safe with pets and kids. Cheap insurance to protect your RV.
Purchase >

Slideout Rubber Seal Lube
This lube is used every 6 months to prevent cracking and deterioration of our slide out rubber seals. Conditions, keeps flexible, and prolongs seal life.
Purchase >

Meguiar's One Step RV Cleaner Wax
Purchase >

303 UV Protectant
When it comes to protecting your RV, the sun and UV rays can be a beast. We use 303 UV Protectant on our tires and awnings. It protects against fading, discoloration and cracking.
Purchase >
RV Electrical
We have tested and currently use these items during our RV travel. We’ve had a number of instances where our RV surge protection saved our electrical appliances and air conditioners. We share the different electrical adapters and devices that are a must for RV travel to ensure whatever electrical connection provided will serve your camper.

Active Controls ActiveStart
The Active Control ActiveStart is an all-in one RV soft start and surge protector which solves two of the biggest problems in power management. Perfect device to run RV air conditions on 2000 watt or larger generators. Use Code “Jerry” and save. Purchase >

15 foot 30 Amp Extension Cord
If your RV has a 30 amp RV electrical service, this is a simple fix for those times when the RV exceeds the distance for your regular service cord to reach the power pedestal.
Purchase >

194 LED 12V Light Bulb T10
We use these LED bulbs for our RV marker lights. Draws less than a third of the power used by a standard 12V t10 bulbs. These bulbs are extremely bright white.
Purchase >

12 Volt DC BA15S 1156 1141 LED bulb
We use these LED bulbs in all of our outside RV fixtures that call for this style of bulb. Very low power consumption and extremely bright. Purchase >

3500 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC
Provides 3500W continuous output power, 7000W surge, and converts 12V DC to 120V AC. Inverter features 4 AC outlets, 30A hardwire connection, and one USB port.
Purchase >

15 foot 50 Amp Extension Cord
At least a couple of times a year we arrive in a campground where our 50ft power cable will not reach the power pedestal. This 15ft extension cord saves the day.
Purchase >

Twin 30 to 50 Amp Adapter
A great adapter for RV campgrounds that may not offer a 50 amp connection, but two 30 amp in the same pedestal. This provides double the power over a single 30 amp connection. Purchase >

12 Volt DC 921 Wedge LED Bulb
Reduce power consumption and heat. These offer a 3000k warm white light and fit the T10 socket. These are rated at 12-24 volts and will not burnout while the batteries are charging.
Purchase >

2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter 12V DC to 120V AC
Purchase >

30 Amp to 50 Amp Adapter
Converts a 30 amp connection to a 50 amp. Event though much lower amperage, we are able to visit those beautiful state and federal parks only offering a 30 amp connection.
Purchase >

15 to 30 Amp Adapter
For RVs equipped with a 30 amp electrical connection. Perfect for keeping power to the RV at home for basic needs such as batteries charging or driveway surfing at a friends house.
Purchase >

15 Amp to 50 Amp Adapter
A great addition allow us to keep our batteries charged at home or for those occasions we are driveway surfing at a friend or family members home.
Purchase >

25ft 10-Gauge Extension Cord
For those times you need to driveway surf or parked at home. A large 10-gauge, heavy duty 110-volt extension cord to keep your batteries charged or run basic electronic devices in your RV. Purchase >

Kill A Watt Monitor
The Kill A Watt Monitor is useful tool used to check the quality of your power by monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency, and Wattage.
Purchase >
RV Electronics and Appliances
Even in our RV travels, we want the comforts and amenities of home. The use of certain electronics and appliances add to the convenience for driving, work, play and the kitchen. Below are items we’ve found that work well in an RV.

SetPower PT45 12 Volt Refrigerator

King Jack RV Antenna
Our older “batwing” antenna finally bit the dust. We decided to retire and replace with the King Jack HDTV directional antenna. Easy install, handy signal finder and great reception.
Purchase >

Extended Range Wireless RV Camera & Monitor
Purchase >

12 Volt DC Portable Fan
A RV 12 Volt portable fan is a necessity in the warmer months when overnight parking at a Walmart or truck stop or stopping for lunch in a rest area. Fits in a standard 12-volt outlet.
Purchase >

Freezimer Portable Ice Maker
This large unit makes 33Lbs of ice in 24 Hours. In 7-10 minutes get 9 pcs bullet-shaped ice cubes. Stainless steel outside. Fits most RV counter tops and easy to store. We use weekly in our travels. Purchase >

King Jack Antenna Mounting Plate
Use when replacing an existing RV antenna with a King Jack HDTV antenna. Provides a solid base and covers other holes used by the old antenna and not used with the King Jack. Purchase >

Mirror Dashcam & Wireless Camera
An integrated rearview mirror dash cam and wireless back-up camera for your RV. The RD10 system is best suited for rear camera installations under 80 feet.
Purchase >

Hurricane Wall Mount Fan
Fans in a bedroom, especially a 5th wheel front bedroom and be a challenge. Low ceilings and cramped space limits where and the type of fan to use.
Purchase >

Single Serve Coffeemaker
Fast, no-hassle way to get your perfect cup of coffee! This single-serve coffeemaker brews directly into the included travel mug so you can get started with your day. Jerry’s favorite coffee maker used every day.
Purchase >

Mirror Dashcam & Wireless Camera
An integrated rearview mirror dash cam and wireless back-up camera for your RV. The MC10 system is best suited for rear camera installations under 33 feet.
Purchase >

ODBLink MX+ Bluetooth ODB2
Using free phone app, the OBDLink MX+ provides a clear presentation of the engine and transmission meters we prefer when towing and the added benefit to quickly diagnose engine warnings if needed. Purchase >

Haloview Rear Camera System
Simple to install system. A 7″ inch screen that supports up to 4 cameras. Replace existing rear marker light with wireless back-up camera. Best suited for rear camera installations under 33 feet. Purchase >

Haloview RD7 4-Camera System
For long RVs up to 80 feet in length. The Haloview Range Dominator 7 wireless camera system has a rear, front and 2 side marker cameras. The 720 wireless monitor provides HD quality video. Purchase >
RV Stabilization
These are great products to remove that shake and wiggle experience when you park the RV. These work best for RVs that are not equipped with a 6-point leveling system. Some are 5th wheel specific, others work well with any 2 or 3 axle camper.

EPOARTIST Wheel Chock Stabilizer
EPOARTIST has created a camper wheel chock stabilizer scissor that applies pressure between the tires of two axles. The unit stabilize the movement experience due to tire and axle shift.
Purchase >

Rubber Wheel Chocks
Before you unhook your 5th wheel or pull behind camper, always chock both sides, front and back axle wheels to prevent the RV from rolling. Even if the site looks level, take this important safety step. Purchase >

King Pin Stabilizer
Our king pin stabilizer has served us well. Our unit it good quality construction and has severed us since purchased on 2014 years. It helps to minimize the bounce often felt from movement over the king pin area of a 5th wheel. Purchase >

RV Levelers
Purchase >

X Chock RV Stabilizer
This wheel chock minimizes the amount of forward and backward motion often experienced from movement for any RV or camper that has a minimum of 2 axles.
Purchase >
RV Tools
Things are going to break in our RV travels. Most are small, general maintenance tasks, while others may require a specialty tool for RV upgrades. The tools below range from basic, “never leave home without”, to nice to have items for that special RV project.

Digital Multimeter
I used this every time we plug into a campground to check the electrical connection before I plug in the RV to make sure voltage is correct and the connection is safe. Perfect for RV electrical repairs.
Purchase >

Wire Lug Crimping Tool
Perfect for RV wiring projects. Contains color-coded wire size markings for red (22-18 AWG), blue (16-14 AWG), and yellow (12-10 AWG) terminals. Simple to use for precise, repeatable crimps.
Purchase >

Connector Crimp Lug Kit
These lugs work great with the crimper tool. The kit includes forks, rings, hooks, quick disconnects, and butt connectors perfect when creating that factory style RV wiring project.
Purchase >

Electricity Usage Monitor
This is a low cost, simple to use, measurement tool will help with you power demand calculations. Just plug in the Kill A Watt monitor, plug the AC device into the monitor and you have the power requirements. Purchase >

11-in-1 Multitool
A favorite tool that has a flat and phillips bit, and the square head for most of the screws found in RVs. I keep this multi-tool screwdriver in the RV for those times when you just need to tighten something or for quick repairs. Purchase >

12" V-Jaw Plier
Purchase >

Black & Decker Cordless Drill
Purchase >

Klein Wire Stripper & Crimper Tool
This is a very handy tool for electrical RV projects. Presets to strip wire from 8-22AWG, crimps small wire lugs and cuts wire. A universal tool that makes wiring projects easy with a professional touch. Purchase >

40 Piece Mechanics Socket Set
I don’t need this often, but when I do, I’m so glad it’s part of my tool kit. This small set has most of the sockets needed for basic truck and RV repairs and maintenance.
Purchase >

Smith's Jiffy Pro Sharpener
This sharpener is super simple to use. The tool is quick, easy and safe to be used at the RV, on outdoor treks and for other activities that require you to sharpen your favorite knives.
Purchase >
Solar & Portable Power

BougeRV Fiberglass Curved Solar Panel
BougeRV advanced fiberglass curved solar panel, weighing only 4 pounds. Crafted from flexible fiberglass material, can bend up to 270 degrees for installation on boats, RVs, Jeeps, and roofs. Use code “bougerv” and save. Purchase >

Epoch Lithium Batteries
Purchase >

Victron Energy SmartShunt 500 amp Battery Monitor (Bluetooth)
Purchase >

BougeRV Mono Solar Panel
Purchase >

OUPES Portable Power Stations
Purchase >

Time USC 12V 230A Lithium Battery
Purchase >

BougeRV MPPT Solar Charger With Bluetooth
Purchase >

LiTime LifePO4 Lithium Batteries

Solar Power Cable and Accessories
Purchase >


