Essential RV Camping Gear According to Full-Time RVers

Contributor

Samantha Baderschneider

Favorite Trip

Baja, Mexico!

Home Base

We are full-time RVers and do not have a home base

Favorite RV

Our fifth wheel toy hauler. Although I am trying to convince Blake to give class A a try!

About Contributor

We are a full-time travel family living our dream, one adventure at a time. Samantha, a rehabilitated adrenaline junky with a passion for hiking, photography and creating. Blake is a Marine Corps Veteran who loves to write, climb, run and cook. We spend our time chasing adventure with our two children, Atlas and Zora.

All RV campers require at least some equipment, from minimalists with teardrop trailers to those who load up the best toy haulers. The right RV camping gear for you depends on factors like where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and what you like to do while you’re there. But it could help to hear from experienced RVers too. 

Full-time RV living requires a strategic approach. You can’t just load up extras for those “if we get extra time” occasions. Even those with the best RVs for full-time living have limited space, creating the need for strategic RV organization. From emergency essentials to tools you’ll need for minor RV repairs, let’s dive into essential camping gear for RV life, according to full-time campers.

Must-Have RV Tools

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Critical RV and camping gear starts with ensuring your equipment works or can be fixed—including basic components on your RV. A toolbox with essential RV supplies like electrical tape, wrenches, screwdrivers, super glue, self-tapping screws, tinsnips/wire cutters, white lithium or lubricant, and a carpenter’s knife will cover most jobs that may arise.

Ensure that your RV tools fit the bolts or screws in your RV, and you will be ready to tackle most jobs. Come to expect minor repairs. For example, lights fall, jackets rip, and leaf springs rattle loose. Basic RV maintenance is one of your best defenses against a more significant problem.

Electrical Cords & Adapters

Electrical adapters hanging at Camping World retail store
Photo by Camping World

The right RV electrical adapter allows you to hook up power to your RV. Even when moochdocking at a friend’s house with a standard AC outlet, having the right adapter is the difference between a comfortable stay and the risk of draining your RV batteries. 

Electrical adapters for your RV can also expand your campsite selection, allowing you to plug into a different power supply than your RV is technically rated for, provided you’re aware of the risks and limitations of doing so. 

Adapters are essential to full-time RVing, especially if you do not have a generator or are adventuring to unknown areas. They are made to fit your RV’s main power cable and allow you the flexibility necessary to camp almost anywhere. Electrical RV adapters ensure you can take full advantage of any available power pedestal.

Learn more about RV electrical:

RV Fresh Water Supplies

The health of your RV water system is essential to every camping experience. Having an RV water filter, water hose (not a garden hose), and water pressure regulator ensures a safe and satisfying adventure. In addition, having access to water keeps everyone hydrated and healthy.

Purifying your water and moving it through water-friendly receptacles is critical for your adventure. Make sure that the equipment you use is safe to drink from—for you and your pets.

Learn How To Get Clean Drinking Water in Your RV for the best water quality on the road.

Also, having an RV pressure regulator will ensure that your RV is safe from unregulated water pressure that could damage pipes or RV faucets. You should also carry extra water and water purification tablets when traveling into unfamiliar or unknown areas.

Some small towns have limited water supplies, and stores close early. Even near an urban hub, don’t expect to always have access to fresh water or the availability of new equipment. Before starting any adventure, always ensure your fresh water tank is functioning and clean so that when you need to fill it up, it works.

Sewer Hoses

The last of the “Big 3” RV camping gear essentials is a sewer hose. Dump stations vary. Some make it easy to empty RV holding tanks with a 10-foot hose. Others will require connecting multiple hoses to reach the inlet. This is one area you don’t want to skimp. Nasty smells, cracks that cause heavy leakage, or damaged ends that lead to spills—all can be avoided by properly caring for RV sewer hoses

Choosing the right sewer hose is vital. Remember to keep an RV sewer hose replacement on hand in case of an emergency. Keeping several sewer hoses safely stored in your RV pass through will make it easy to reach the nearest dump site without a headache.

Portable RV Waste Tank

Man emptying RV holding tanks into portable tote tank
Photo by Camping World

Unless you only stay in luxury RV resorts with full hookups, a portable tote tank is a piece of must-have RV camping gear. It allows you to transport RV waste to a central park dump station without moving your entire RV. Most portable RV waste tanks can be slowly pulled to a dump site by your tow vehicle, making it easier to enjoy extended stays in sites with partial hookups. Most campers transport their RV tote tank in a truck bed, mounted to an RV ladder, or on a bumper-mounted rack. 

Supplemental RV Heating and Cooling Systems

Couple sitting beside electric fireplace in RV
Photo by Camping World

After assuring power, water, and sewer connections for your RV, heat and air conditioning are a top priority for full-time RV living. While most RVs are built with a wall or roof-mounted air conditioner and a propane furnace, some might only include an electric fireplace. As a full-timer, you’ll likely need to supplement your RV’s heating and cooling systems to deal with extreme temperatures. 

This means carrying an RV-safe space heater for the colder months. You might also look into portable fans or an RV dehumidifier for warmer temperatures. When conditions get extreme, the ability to increase your comfort or safety without further taxing your RV systems is a must.

For troubleshooting, it also pays to become familiar with the resets necessary to deal with any potential heating and cooling system malfunctions. Use these resources to grow your knowledge of RV HVAC systems: 

Quality Camping Cooler

In addition to keeping drinks cold, the right camping cooler provides access to watertight storage and provides an alternative should your refrigerator or freezer malfunction. If you don’t have an RV with an outdoor kitchen, it also adds convenient cold storage to your RV patio, minimizing the number of trips inside to grab snacks or drink refills.

The longer your RV trips, the more you’ll need expanded cold food storage. Many full-time campers also use their coolers for day trips, loading groceries between destinations, and hosting campground gatherings. A durable camping cooler is a smart addition to your RV camping gear list.

Propane Containers

Learning to use your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World Tutorials YouTube channel to learn about your RV and never miss a video.

While all-electric RVs are starting to break into the industry, most RVers still rely on propane for heat and cooking. Some people also carry portable propane fire pits or grills, and those that do will also often carry a spare propane container in their RV or tow vehicle. When camping full-time, a backup propane supply is a smart investment.

Sometimes, your search for “RV camping gear near me” does not turn up propane refills near your campground. Or, your propane may not last as long when dealing with extreme weather conditions. It’s important to have a backup to comfortably continue your stay without sacrificing the resources dependent on LP gas.

Learn more about RV propane:

Portable RV Generator

Honda small portable RV generator
Photo by Camping World

Along with propane, a portable generator (or alternate power source) is an invaluable addition to your list of the best RV camping gear. From unreliable campground power to power outages to boondocking without hookups, having an alternative source of power enables you to continue your adventure unimpeded.

An alternate power source also allows you to go off the grid or to remote locations while still maintaining the full functionality of an RV built for off-road adventures. In addition, having a generator combats most issues from unreliable power.

Find out more about RV generators:

Surge Protector

RV Surge Protector is Essential
Image: Samantha Baderschneider

An RV surge protector protects against unreliable power and poor campground electrical wiring. Some surge protectors go beyond covering surges and cover drops in power by boosting the amperage. Both are important to protect against, as drops and surges can cause significant damage to your RV electrical systems.

Bad electrical wiring can also create a fire (always have fire extinguishers on board, always, and remember to check your smoke alarms regularly). At a minimum, choosing the best surge protector for your RV ensures you’ve taken extra precautions to guarantee the safety and reliability of your camper’s electrical systems.

Essential Camping Gear for Full-Time RVing

Images by Samantha Baderschneider

There are many camping RV gear essentials that full-time RVers find necessary, but this list will help you enjoy a quality camping adventure almost every time. RVs have obstacles, but covering your food, water, and waste should not be one of them!

What are some of your camping essentials? Tell us in the comments below.

Author

  • We are a full-time travel family living our dream, one adventure at a time. Samantha, a rehabilitated adrenaline junky with a passion for hiking, photography and creating. Blake is a Marine Corps Veteran who loves to write, climb, run and cook. We spend our time chasing adventure with our two children, Atlas and Zora.

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