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Your brand new RV is ready to hit the road but there are a few more items you will need to make your trips a success. Here is a list of all of them.
So you've bought your first RV, Congratulations! Now it's time to get all the items you will need to actually live in your motorhome. If you've bought a second-hand RV from an RV owner chances are some of these items are installed in your motorhome (you can also ask the previous owner to throw some of these in and add the cost to the total price you pay for the RV). But if your motorhome is brand-new you will need to hit the nearest hardware store ASAP to get everything you need. Here is a list of the 7 must-have items for first-time RV owners.
Surge Protector
Access to electricity is one of the hallmarks of RV living. However, you have to protect all the electric appliances in your RV from getting damaged due to power surges. Power surges are pretty common when you're plugged in at campgrounds so it is always a good idea to have a surge protector on hand. To buy the right surge protector you first need to figure out what kind of electrical system your RV has. If you have a 50 amp electrical system, buy a surge protector for 50 amp RVs. For RVers with a 30 amp electrical system, a 30 amp surge protector is sufficient. You can also use a 50 amp surge protector for a 30 amp system, as long as you use the appropriate dogbone adapter.
No matter what kind of pedestal you use, make sure you have a surge protector installed when you are hooked up to electricity at campgrounds.
Power Plugs and Extension Cords
Most campgrounds have 30 amp power sites or limited 50 amp parking spaces. This means that if your RV has a 50 amp electrical system you are going to need a 50 amp to 30 amp power plug to connect to the power at the campground. You should also invest in a 30 amp extension cord in case you find a parking spot that is far away from the electric outlet at the campground. It will also come in handy when you're parked at a friend's house or boondocking since most houses have 30 amp power outlets.
Leveling Blocks and Wheel Chocks
Whether you have a Class A motorhome, a travel trailer, or a Class C RV, you need leveling blocks to make sure your RV is level while parked. RVs need to be relatively level to work appropriately and to reduce stress on door frames, cupboards, windows, and the chassis. Make sure you buy leveling blocks that are wide enough to fully support the width of the tire. If you're planning to boondock in the wilderness or will be parked on uneven terrain, you need to use RV wheel chocks to keep the RV stable and safe. Choose RV wheel chocks that are the right size for your RV and can handle damage from the elements.
Drinking-Water Safe Water Hose
You are going to need a water hose to fill the freshwater tank in your RV. Choosing a basic garden hose can be dangerous since the materials used to manufacture it can leech plastics, heavy metals, or other contaminants into the water. So get a drinking-water safe water hose for filling your RVs freshwater tank safely. We recommend buying at least 50 feet of drinking water hose. You should also invest in a garden hose for cleaning the black and greywater tank of your RV (keep both hoses separate from each other), a sewer hose, and a hose connector.
Water Filter
Unless you're planning to rely solely on bottled water while you travel, it is a good idea to invest in a good water filter for your RV. Campground water hookups are a great way to fill your freshwater tank, however, the quality of water varies from place to place. If you don't want to get a tummy ache from drinking contaminated water, install one or preferably two different kinds of water filters on your RV so all you get is clean, purified water.
Water Pressure Regulator
The water pressure at campground hookups is really high, so if you don't want your water outlets to get damaged, make sure to get a water pressure regulator. This tiny little item is all you need to make sure all your water outlets are protected. Just attach it to your freshwater hose once and then leave it there.
Outdoor RV Rug
Outdoor rugs are a great way to set up a camping area outside your RV. If you have an RV with an awning you can create a cozy and comfortable outdoor picnic area by setting up an outdoor rug, camping furniture, and maybe an outdoor grill under the extended awning. The Latch.it Outdoor RV Rugs are available in two amazing designs, they are made of a thick material that will last you ages, and come with anchoring hooks so they can be kept in place at all times.
Hit the Road!
Make your first RV trip a success by packing just the right items for the road. If you're wondering what to pack, we have put together a bunch of RV packing checklists, you can download them easily and use them to make sure you are all packed and ready for the adventures ahead.
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