So you bought an RV…yay! Congratulations on taking the plunge into the world of adventure. Wondering what you need for your new RV? Before you head out on your first adventure, there are some basic tools and equipment you will need to get started.
I’ve put together a list of everything you should have in your RV starter kit. Before you head out on the road make sure you review this checklist for first time RV campers. This will make sure you have a smooth first camping experience!
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Safety Essentials
As we gear up for the road less traveled and the excitement of RV camping, it is important not to get ahead of ourselves and overlook basic safety needs. A safety checklist for first time RV campers is incredibly important. Making safety a top priority will help to give you peace of mind when traveling. And it will insure you have an enjoyable experience. From preparing for emergencies to securing your home on wheels, having these items in your RV starter kit will have you ready for almost anything!
- Brake Controller: If your tow vehicle does not have a built in brake controller you will need to purchase an after market product. This will insure that when you tow vehicle breaks, your RV will too!
- This brake controller from CURT doesn’t require any installation, and uses bluetooth to pair with your phone for easy breaking!
- Emergency Road Kit: Grab a premade emergency road kit so you’ll be prepared. Be sure it includes some reflective cones in case you need to pull over at night.
- Wheel Chocks: These will help to stabilize your RV while you are parked, and prevent your wheels from slipping.
- This set is quick to set up and even comes with the wrench needed to tighten the chocks.
- First Aid Kit: Instead of trying to remember to pack first aid essentials on each trip, buy a first aid kit to keep in your RV.
- Tow Mirrors: It can be very difficult to see the back of your RV using standard car mirrors. Adding an extended tow mirror makes changing lanes much safer when towing your RV.
- This mirror is adjustable, easy to install before a trip and take off at your destination. I recommend getting one for each side of your vehicle!
- Tow Hitch: If your RV is a tow behind model consult your dealer for the proper size hitch. This will connect your RV to your tow vehicle.
- Fire Extinguisher: If your RV does not come with a fire extinguisher you definitely want to buy one. We keep ours in easy reach by the front door and kitchen.
- Locks: If your RV is a towed type there are many moving parts of the hitch system that are not very secure
- I use this Master Lock Trailer Lock after detaching from our tow vehicle. This blocks and secures the hitch so your trailer cannot be hooked up and stolen!
- Master Lock also makes a Locking Hitch Pin so your hitch can’t be taken off your tow vehicle.
SET UP Essentials
Setting up your RV at your destination can definitely be daunting. It is a test of coordination and communication skills to say the least. Having these tools in your RV starter kit can help to make the process smoother. It is important to have a set up Checklist for first time RV campers That way, you’ll get to start enjoying your vacation sooner.
- Leveling Blocks: Your campsite will never be perfectly level. It is important to have some leveling blocks handy for when setting up your RV. I use these which easily stack and are easy to clean.
- Wood Planks: In addition to leveling blocks, it is important to carry a few lengths of wood. This can help with the leveling process and provide a non slip hold for stabilizers and jacks.
- Electric Drill: Having a battery operated drill makes for quick stabilizer set up without needing a power source.
- I recommend the Ryobi drill, and making sure you find a socket extender that fits your RV’s jacks.
- Surge Protector: Plugging your RV directly into the campground’s power station can be risky. Using a surge protector can give you peace of mind that the connection is safe. It will also protect your RV in the event of a power surge.
- Water Hose: When setting up you’ll need a drinking water safe hose to hook up to the campground’s water supply.
- We also recommend using a water filter to avoid any unpleasant odor, taste, or bacteria in your water lines
- Water Pressure Regulator: RV lines and connections can be fragile. If your water pressure is too high the connections can easily begin to leak, wreaking havoc on the insides of your RV.
- I use this regulator with gauge to find the balance between a good shower and not springing a leak!
Sanitation Essentials
Let’s face it, nothing says “living the dream” like figuring out how to dump your sewage without causing a campground scandal. While not overly glamorous, sanitation is a large part of camp life and important to think about. Reviewing this sanitation checklist for first time RV campers will help to avoid any icky probledms. Let’s dive in to some RV starter kit tools that can help you keep clean while cleaning your black tanks.
- Sewer Hose: Purchasing a sewer hose or two is the first step in setting up your RV sanitation system. Make sure it is long enough to connect your RV to the campground’s tank in a variety of campsites.
- I highly recommend this Rhino Sewer Hose with clear elbow so you can see when your tank water becomes clear.
- Hose Support: Also known as the Hershey Highway! P**p does not flow uphill, so it is important to have a hose support system that will create the right pitch as the sewer hose goes from your RV to the campground tank.
- Tank Treatment: The key to keeping your black tank clean is using a treatment that helps to break down waste. Just a scoop of Happy Camper treatment between dumps can make a huge difference in avoiding build up in your black tank.
- This also helps avoid oder, and even works in extreme heat.
- Septic Safe Toilet Paper: It is important to only use septic safe toilet paper in your RV. It will break down easier, and help avoid build up and blockages in your black tank.
- Storage Bin: To keep things sanitary, have a dedicated storage bin for your sewer hose. When you leave a campground you can store the hose in the bin until you can properly clean and bleach it.
- Gloves: Keep a box of disposal gloves handy so you can set up and adjust your sewer hose while keeping your hands clean.
- It also doesn’t hurt to have hand sanitizer in your kit!
Do you have pets? Check out our RV Starter Kit: Pet Essentials version for everything you’ll need for your fur baby.
And there you have it, my fellow road-trippers and RV beginners! Although this in not an exhaustive list of what you may need in every situation it is a great place to start. Having these items in your RV starter kit will give you the baseline of what you need for a successful trip. As a first time RV camper it is critical to review your checklist before a trip so you aren’t caught without something crucial.
So, grab your starter kit, rev up that engine, and let’s hit the road with confidence. As you travel on more and more adventures this kit may grow, and you will find your personal preferences. Here’s to endless horizons and a whole lot of memories made!
