Shopping List: RV Essentials
After you pick out your new (or new to you) RV, you’ll probably be thinking “What do I need to buy for my new RV?” We put together several lists of our favorite items we use regularly on the road. Most of these items are geared toward travel trailers, although many would be applicable in other RVs as well. There are some basics you’ll need, even for the shortest trip. In addition, you may want to consider other items that may make life easier and more comfortable in your camper.
Minimum Required Items for RV Camping
We recognize this can be very overwhelming to think about buying so much at once. Think about the type of travel you’ll be doing, what you may already have, and start with the bare minimum. When you consider what you need to buy for your new RV, there truly are only a few items that are absolutely necessary. Everything else is for convenience. Start here, take a break, then continue your shopping.
Shopping List Previews
We have highlighted some essential items you may want to consider buying for your new RV. This consolidated preview list contains a few of our favorites and a link through to each shopping list. Click through each to get more shopping ideas.
Black Tank Maintenance >>
At a bare minimum, you need the sewer hose and bridge, but we strongly recommend disposable gloves. Here’s the full list of our recommended shopping items for your black tank set up.
Water Set Up >>
When you are hooked up to city water, you’ll want to make sure you have filtered, clean water coming into your rig. You can get by with some basics, but you may consider some extras to get cleaner tasting water. See our full shopping list for water set up.
Leveling and RV Set Up >>
With a little practice, leveling your RV and setting up at the campground will be second nature. Make sure you have the tools to make your set up easier. Don’t forget your regular wheel chocks.
Auto, Towing, and Safety >>
You hope you won’t need emergency equipment, but it’s best to be prepared for anything, especially when it’s to properly maintain and tow your RV. Review the full shopping list on towing, auto, and safety.
Power/Electricity >>
Your needs will be different if you expect to stay at RV resorts vs dry camp, 50 amp or 30 amp. Either way, you should protect your RV by always using a surge protector. See our full shopping list on power and electricity.
Kitchen Essentials >>
Certain items like stackable pots & pans, stackable storage containers, and the vertical plate storage are game-changers when you have limited storage space. See our full shopping list for kitchen essentials.
Kitchen Appliances >>
With limited space, figure out the type of cooking you expect to do, and what you can’t live without. Coffee is a must, but the ice maker quickly became a luxury item we love traveling with. Review what we consider essential kitchen appliances.
Comfortable RV Living >>
Long trips and frequent use will cause you to want more comfort in your RV. Sleeping well and feeling at home in your RV is important. The keyless door lock was a necessary upgrade for our family. Read more on living in comfort in your RV.
Comfortable Outdoor Living >>
Enjoy the fresh air, camp fires, and get a little shade by adding some outdoor camping comforts to your RV set up.
RV Bathroom >>
Maximize your storage, stay organized with shelving and baskets, and pick up some hooks and fast-drying towels for your RV bathroom.
If you need a gift for someone special (or ideas for yourself), review our gift list to see many RV-related gift ideas.
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