Outfitting Your RV

Essential Items

You've bought your RV (or are thinking about it). Now you need to think about outfitting your rig. The following is a list of items we consider essential to equip your RV before you head out to your many RV excursions. Depending on your RV, you may not need all of these items or could possibly use others. Feel free to modify this list as needed.

• Water Pressure Regulator - A must have and buy a good one. Some campgrounds have too much water pressure and you could end up blowing out the water lines in your RV. Also keep in mind that these regulators could lose their regulating abilities over time, so it's a good idea to buy a new one every couple of years or so, depending on how often you use it.
• Fresh Water Hose - The "white" hose. Don't use a regular garden hose for your fresh water connection; they are not safe. A 25-fooer will do in most situations, but it might be a good idea to carry an extra 25-footer for those times when you're further away from the water connection.
• Sewer Hose - We recommend two sections; a 10-foot section and a 20-foot section, each with a fitting on one end for the RV connection. Or, you can purchase something like Camco's Quick Connect system; two 10-foot sections that connect together quickly when you need that extra reach.
• Sewer Hose Fittings - You might want a couple of different types for the sewer-end of the hose, and a rubber Sewer Ring. The sewer ring is a must have as some campgrounds require this fitting.
• Electrical Extension Cord - A 25-foot extension cord to match your RV's electrical rating (20-amp, 30-amp or 50-amp extension cord) for the times when you can't get close enough to the electrical outlet. It's not often, but when that time occurs you'll be glad you have the extension.
• Electrical Adapters - A range of adapters to be able to plug your RV into whatever electrical service is available. If your RV is set up for 50-amp service, you'll need adapters to plug into either 30-amp service or 20-amp service. If your rig is 50-amp, there are also adapters that allow plugging in to both the 30-amp service and the 20-amp service to provide the 50-amps you need (depending on how the campground electrical service is wired).
• Garden Hose - For rinsing out your black water tank or for whenever you might need a length of regular garden hose. Include a nozzle in your RV and remember, don't use your fresh water hose for rinsing out your black water tank. Use your fresh water hose for fresh water only.
• Wheel Chocks - Or some form of locking the wheels of your RV. There are many options available on the market, but good old ordinary wheel chocks work best.
• Leveling Blocks - The orange Lynx levelers work great, but any pieces of wood cut into squares will do just fine. Don't depend on your stabilizer jacks to level your RV. They are meant for stabilizing, not leveling.
• Level or Stick-On Levelers - How else can you make sure your RV is level?
• Extra Fuses - Check your RV manual for the types and sizes of fuses in your RV and carry extras of each.
• Extra Bulbs - Again, check your manual for the types and sizes and carry extras. Remember extras for the interior as well as the exterior, for the stoplights, running lights, and such.
• Fire Extinguisher - If you buy your RV new, it will already come equipped with a fire extinguisher. But, if you buy used, it may or may not have one. This is certainly essential, and make sure to check the charge regularly.
• First Aid Kit - A good one is essential. Make sure it includes (or you take along with it) things such as aspirin, antacid, cough syrup, and the like, along with tweezers and a thermometer, bandages, first aid cream.
• Black Water Chemicals - Don't even think about using your toilet without adding waste chemical first; trust me!
• RV Toilet Paper - The degradable type used for RVs and portable toilets. Using regular toilet paper will clog your black holding tank eventually.
• Rags - You always need rags for something.
• Disposable Rubber Gloves - Needed when you're dumping and flushing the black water tank.
• Non-Slip Cabinet Linings - You'll be sorry if you don't line those cabinets with this stuff.
• Flashlight - Although not absolutely essential, we include this in our must have list. Include extra batteries also.
• Matches - Or one of those butane match sticks, for lighting the range, oven, grill or starting your campfire in the evening.
• Tools - Make sure you carry the basics, such as:
• Pliers, both large and small
• Needle-Nose Pliers
• Channel Locks
• Assortment of flat-heat screwdrivers
• Assortment of Phillips-Head screwdrivers
• Hammer
• Fuse Puller
• Basic Wrenches, both box and open end
• Socket Set, if you're so inclined
• Tire Gauge