Ian’s RV Talk: Must Have RV Accessories

If you’re familiar with our video content, then you likely know Ian Baker. He’s our product specialist and does all of our RV review and RV model overviews. Ian thought it best to take some time to highlight RV accessories he thinks every new RVer should get before they head out to the campsite for the first time.

Surge Protectors

A surge protector for your RV is an absolute must-have. It protects your RV from unwanted power surges when it is plugged into the power source at the RV park.

While most RV parks offer power outlets for you to plug into, what you’ll often find when out RVing is that those places to connect up your RV haven’t been updated in quite a while. This can lead to issues at the outlet. These issues can include low voltage, high voltage, power spikes, brownouts, blackouts and more.

The surge protector goes between the campground’s power outlet and your RV’s power hookup. It’s the guard for your RV’s power system and prevents you from frying any electrical features inside your RV.

Potable Water Hose and Water Pressure Regulator

Just as important as having a properly operating electrical system is having a properly operating water and sewer system.

Ian advocates for the use of a high-quality hose that’s been rated for potable water. Can you hook up any old hose? It will likely fit on your RV, but don’t do it. It simply isn’t healthy because the hose has not been rated for potable water. There are various lengths of hose to choose from and you should be able to easily find something that is the ideal length for your RV.

Another thing to get to protect your water and sewer system is a water pressure regulator. These little devices are a simple valve that you put between your water source and your water hose. Again, just like with power, you never know how much water is going to be coming out of a water source. Sometimes water pressure is low, sometimes it’s far too high. High water pressure can damage your RV, and a water pressure regulator will prevent that from happening.

Water pressure regulators come in a few different types. There are adjustable ones with gauges on them, stainless steel ones, and brass ones. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg here, but a water pressure regulator is an important safeguard for your rig.

RV Toilet Paper

We’ve talked about it before on this blog, but RV toilet paper is an important item for any RVer. You’ve got to use the bathroom sometime and you need to have the right toilet paper to get the job done.

As Ian says, RV toilet Paper is a necessary item. Your RV’s septic system is somewhat of a delicate thing. It’s not as robust as the sewer systems you’ll find at homes and in businesses. You need toilet paper that will break down easily. RV and Marine toilet paper is designed to do just this. The paper is specifically formulated for RV septic systems and using something else can actually cause a clog, which is the last thing you want to deal with when out camping. Get RV toilet paper. You won’t regret it.

Leveling Blocks

Having your RV level at the campsite is important for several reasons. You want your RV to be level for the obvious comfort reasons, but it’s also important for certain appliances like your RV’s refrigerator. Refrigerators are designed to operate best when level. If you’re camped on a slat, you could experience problems.

This is where leveling blocks come into play. These simple blocks go under the wheels and will help get your RV positioned just right. If you need to know how to use them, we have a blog post on that.

Outdoor Party Lights

Getting away from the absolute must-haves and into the definitely want category, Ian shifts focus and recommend some party lights for your campsite because we know you’re going to party.

Jokes aside, having some good outdoor lighting around your camper is a smart move. It illuminates things at night so you can see more easily and it can help you find your RV in the dark if you go off stargazing or to the campgrounds clubhouse or a neighboring campsite.

Clear Elbow for Dumping Your Holding Tanks

Last but not least, we have to talk about emptying your holding tanks. We’ve discussed how to empty your holding tanks in other blog posts and videos. It’s an important step for any RVer, and you need to have the right equipment. A clear 90-degree elbow, like the one that Ian recommends, is very important. It might sound gross, but it allows you to see if there are any obstructions or issues when emptying your holding tanks.

Even if you don’t experience any issues, a clear 90-degree elbow at the end of your sewer hose just lets you see when the tanks are empty or when you can close up the valves on the tanks and put away the rest of your sewer equipment. Ian says it’s also extremely helpful when you’re flushing your black tank. You can see exactly when the tank starts to run clean.

Those are Ian’s tips on what RV accessories you need to have for your first time RVing. Let us know what you thought in the comments below! 

Also, if you have anything you think needs to be added, please leave us a comment and let us know!