Your First RV Adventure: 10 Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed
Embarking on your first RV adventure? While packing the basics like clothes, food, and a killer playlist might seem enough, it’s the small, often-overlooked items that can truly make or break your trip. I learned this the hard way on my first RV outing. It was just a few hours’ drive to a nearby campground, but I quickly realized how unprepared I was. From wishing I had duct tape to fix a loose cabinet to struggling without extra fuses when the lights flickered, those “little things” I forgot would have made a big difference.
That’s why I created this list of must-have RV essentials—so you can avoid the same mistakes and enjoy smooth, stress-free travels. Whether you’re headed to a local park or embarking on a cross-country road trip, these items will save you time, hassle, and possibly your sanity!
1. Duct Tape
Why You Need It: RVs are houses on wheels, and things will come loose. From a wobbly cabinet to a torn awning, duct tape is your best friend for quick fixes. JUST HAVE SPARE, just do it, you can thank me later! I have fixed everything from a broken screen to a bad shoe!
💡 Amazon Pick: 3M Heavy-Duty Duct Tape
Review: “Held my RV’s loose window frame until I could fix it properly. Don’t leave without it!”
2. Extra Fuses and Light Bulbs
Why You Need It: Campground electrical hookups can be temperamental, and RV light bulbs tend to burn out at the worst times. Spare fuses and bulbs ensure you’re not left in the dark—literally. I cannot even begin to tell you the importance of this.
💡 Amazon Pick: RV Light Bulb Kit
Review: “This kit saved me when our bathroom light went out. Compact and affordable.”
3. Command Hooks and Strips
Why You Need It: Organize your RV without drilling holes. These are perfect for hanging everything from towels to keys to fairy lights. OMG we use this to hang our coats, hats, mittens, a shoe after a stinky hike, bathroom accessories, my iPad LOL everything.
💡 Amazon Pick: Command Hooks Variety Pack
Review: “Great for RV life! They hold well and don’t leave marks when removed.”
4. Collapsible Laundry Hamper
Why You Need It: Dirty clothes pile up quickly in a small space. A collapsible laundry hamper keeps things tidy and folds away when not in use. This is a must even if you have a laundry in the camper, you still need a spot to throw the dirty!
💡 Amazon Pick: Collapsible Mesh Laundry Hamper
Review: “Super lightweight and easy to store. Perfect for RV trips.”
5. Disposable Gloves
Why You Need It: Dumping your tanks is a necessary evil of RVing. Gloves keep things hygienic and make the job a little less daunting. Yes, poop tanks are no fun, leaks happen all the time!
💡 Amazon Pick: Nitrile Disposable Gloves
Review: “A must-have for RVers. These make tank duty bearable.”
6. Spare Keys
Why You Need It: Getting locked out of your RV is a nightmare you don’t want to experience. Keep a spare set of keys somewhere safe, like a magnetic hide-a-key box. It’s mandatory you find a place for your spare keys hence this is another RV Essential.
💡 Amazon Pick: Magnetic Key Holder
Review: “Saved us when we accidentally locked the main keys inside. Absolute lifesaver!”
7. Fire Starters or Lighters
Why You Need It: Whether you’re lighting the stove or a campfire, you’ll need something reliable. Matches get wet—fire starters don’t. This is huge because dampness is RV’s worst enemy.
💡 Amazon Pick: Waterproof Fire Starter Kit
Review: “Compact and reliable. Never fails, even in damp weather.”
8. Extra Trash Bags
Why You Need It: Trash accumulates fast in an RV. Extra bags are essential for keeping your space clean and doubling as emergency storage. Please get these, it’s so important to help the environment and most parks dont have a way to sort the trash anyways. Do your part!
💡 Amazon Pick: Biodegradable Trash Bags
Review: “Strong, eco-friendly, and perfect for small RV trash cans.”
9. Portable Fan or Heater
Why You Need It: RVs can get stuffy in the summer or chilly in the off-season. A small fan or space heater is a must have RV Essential to ensures comfort no matter the weather.
💡 Amazon Picks:
- Fan: Compact Rechargeable Fan. (I have this and I hang it from my awning)
- Heater: Mini Ceramic Space Heater
Review: “Perfect size for an RV. Keeps us cool/warm without taking up space.”
10. First Aid Kit
Why You Need It: Accidents happen, and when you’re miles from the nearest pharmacy, a stocked first aid kit is crucial. Please get this, it helps with everything. My dog recently hurt her paw at the beach, we literally thanked our gods we had this kit, I used the gauze the antiseptic and a plastic glove to secure her paw until we get to a vet. Breaking News: not everywhere there is an emergency vet and not everywhere there is a pharmacy. (PS we were in Jekyll Island and on a Sunday)
💡 Amazon Pick: Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Review: “Has everything we’ve needed for minor cuts and scrapes. Compact and well-organized.”
Your first RV trip is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a learning curve. With these often-overlooked essentials, you can avoid common road trip headaches and focus on making memories. Pack wisely, stay prepared, and let the open road lead you to unforgettable experiences!
If you would want to read another fun one, READ RV Newbies: Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Absolutely Do)
What’s one item you can’t RV without? Share your tips in the comments—I’d love to add to the list!
Author
