After 10+ years of RVing—from a beat-up fifth wheel to our current 2022 Dutchman Astoria 2913FK—we’ve learned exactly what makes or breaks a trip. We mostly stay at RV parks, but dry camp once or twice a year when the spot is too good to pass up.
This isn’t a theoretical list. Every single product here lives in our RV or tow truck right now. Some we’ve replaced multiple times because we use them that hard. Others we wish we’d bought on day one.
🔌 Power & Electrical
If there’s one category where you absolutely cannot cheap out, it’s power. A bad surge can fry every appliance in your rig in a split second.
50A RV Surge Protector
This is non-negotiable. Campground power can be wildly inconsistent—we’ve seen voltage swings that would destroy an air conditioner compressor. Plug this in before anything else, every single time.
50-Foot 50A RV Extension Cord
Not every site has the power pedestal where you want it. A quality heavy-gauge extension cord has saved us from awkward parking situations more times than we can count.
RV Soft Starter for Air Conditioners
This was a game-changer for us. A soft starter drops your AC compressor’s startup draw from 40+ amps to about 15. That means you can run AC on a smaller generator, or run two ACs on 30-amp service in a pinch. Pays for itself fast.
Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
For dry camping or power outages. The dual fuel option (gas or propane) is brilliant—we already carry propane for the RV, so it’s one less thing to worry about. Quiet enough that your neighbors won’t hate you.
Portable Power Station
For smaller power needs when you don’t want to fire up the generator. Charge it on shore power or solar, then use it for laptops, phones, CPAP machines, or anything else that needs clean power.
☀️ Solar
Renogy Solar Panel Kit
If you dry camp at all, solar is worth every penny. Even at RV parks, supplemental solar means less generator run time and lower electric bills. Renogy makes solid, affordable kits with everything you need to get started.
📡 Connectivity
Working remotely from an RV is only possible if you have reliable internet. These two products solved that problem for us completely.
Starlink Satellite Internet
Starlink changed RVing for us more than any other single product. Reliable internet literally anywhere—no more hunting for cell signal or paying $10/day for terrible campground WiFi. We use the standard residential dish with a pipe mount adapter.
👉 Starlink Pipe Mount Adapter on Amazon
👉 Starlink Flat High Performance Dish on Amazon
Solar Wireless Backup Camera
A dedicated RV backup camera is essential for safety. The solar-powered wireless models are great because there’s no wiring to run—mount it on the back and the monitor goes on your dash.
💧 Water & Plumbing
RV plumbing is surprisingly delicate. Protect it.
Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge
Campground water pressure can spike to 80+ PSI. Your RV plumbing is rated for about 40-50. A pressure regulator with a gauge lets you see exactly what you’re working with. We’ve seen ours save us from 90 PSI hookups that would have blown fittings.
RV Water Pressure Regulator
If you want a simpler, more compact option without the gauge, this inline regulator does the job quietly and reliably.
Camco TastePure Water Filter (2-Pack)
The water at some campgrounds tastes like a swimming pool. These inline filters handle chlorine, sediment, and bad taste. We go through about two per season.
Camco Drinking Water Hose (50 ft)
Never use a garden hose for your RV’s fresh water. This one is NSF-certified, BPA-free, and long enough for any hookup situation. The 50-foot length has saved us multiple times when the spigot was on the wrong side of the site.
RV Bidet Attachment
Hear us out. A bidet in an RV sounds bougie, but it’s actually incredibly practical. You use dramatically less toilet paper (which means fewer tank dumps and less clogging), and it’s way more hygienic. This one is designed specifically for RV toilets and water pressure.
🚿 Comfort & Interior
Oxygenics RV Shower Head
The stock RV shower head is always terrible. The Oxygenics is specifically designed for RV water pressure (which is lower than home) and makes it feel like a real shower. It also has a trickle valve so you can pause water without changing the temperature.
Outdoor Patio Mat
A good outdoor mat defines your campsite space, keeps dirt out of the RV, and gives you a clean area for chairs and grilling. Get one that’s reversible and easy to shake clean.
🔧 Sewer & Waste
Nobody’s favorite topic, but get this wrong and you’ll have a really bad day.
Camco Rhino Extreme Sewer Hose Kit (20 ft)
The hose that came with your RV is garbage. The Rhino Extreme is crush-proof, has solid fittings that don’t leak, and 20 feet gives you enough reach for any dump station. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way.
Camco Sidewinder Sewer Hose Support
Keeps your sewer hose elevated and properly sloped so everything flows downhill (literally). Without it, you get pooling and backup. Folds up accordion-style for storage.
🏕️ Setup & Leveling
LevelMatePRO Wireless Leveling System
This Bluetooth sensor tells you exactly how far off level you are, right on your phone. No more running back and forth to check the bubble level on the fridge. Drive in, check the app, stack your blocks. Done.
Mopeka Pro Check Propane Tank Monitor
Ultrasonic Bluetooth sensor that sticks to the bottom of your propane tank and tells you the exact fill level on your phone. No more running out of propane mid-steak.
Rubber Wheel Chocks (2-Pack)
Heavy-duty rubber chocks with reflective strips. Drop them behind the tires every time you park. Simple, cheap, and prevents your RV from rolling—which is the kind of problem you only want to have zero times.
BAL X-Chock Tire Locking Chocks
These scissor-style chocks fit between your tandem tires and expand to lock them in place. Eliminates the rocking and swaying when you walk around inside. A must-have for tandem axle rigs.
GORVTek Wheel Chocks and Tire Cradles
If you want the premium option, these double as chocks and levelers. Drive up onto them to get level, and they hold you in place at the same time.
Scissor Jack Stabilizer Set
Standard scissor jacks are better than nothing for keeping the RV from bouncing. A 4-pack lets you stabilize all four corners for a solid, planted feel.
Telescoping Ladder
For roof access, awning cleaning, Starlink dish mounting, or AC maintenance. A telescoping model stores compact and extends when you need it.
🛡️ Maintenance & Protection
Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant
RV roof leaks are the #1 killer of travel trailers. This sealant is what the factories use, and you should reapply it every season along seams, vents, and around fixtures. A $10 tube of sealant can prevent a $10,000 repair.
RV Vent Bug Screens
Mud daubers, wasps, and spiders love building nests in your RV’s exterior vents. These mesh screens cover the furnace and plumbing vents to keep insects out without blocking airflow. Install them once and forget about it.
RVLock Keyless Entry Door Lock
The factory RV door lock is a joke—there are literally only a handful of key patterns, meaning most RV keys open most RVs. This keyless lock with remote fob replaces it completely and actually provides real security.
🎒 Organization & Storage
Color-Coded RV Hose Storage Bags (4-Pack)
Blue for fresh water, black for sewer, yellow for electric, orange for accessories. Keeps everything organized and prevents cross-contamination between your drinking water hose and your sewer hose. You definitely don’t want to mix those up.
Campsite Flag Pole
Technically optional, but flying a flag at your campsite just feels right. The telescoping pole with a weighted base sets up in seconds and makes your site easy to spot when you’re walking back from the bath house.
🏔️ Our Setup in Action
Final Thoughts
After a decade of RVing, the pattern is clear: buy quality once, or buy cheap twice. Every product on this list has earned its spot in our rig through actual use—many through trial and error with cheaper alternatives first.
If you’re just starting out, prioritize the surge protector, a good sewer hose kit, water pressure regulator, and wheel chocks. Those four things will prevent the most common (and most expensive) RV disasters. Everything else, add as you go and figure out what your style of camping demands.
Happy trails! 🏕️
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