These 10 Accessories are RV Must-Haves for Newbies

Maybe you just bought your first RV and are looking forward to the epic time on the road, the places you’ll see and   blast, but it’s important to be safe, be prepared and stay organized so you have the mental space to think about your next adventure. If you’re a new RV owner, it can be intimidating to know all of the must-have items to make life on the road a breeze.

We chatted with some expert RVers and put together a list of RV must haves for newbies. We hope to pique your curiosity about life in an RV and keep you equipped for all of your roadtripping adventures.

These 10 Accessories are RV Must-Haves for Newbies

These items are essentials for both weekend trips and full-time RV living.

1. The Dyrt PRO

So, you just bought your first RV and now it’s time to dream up all of the magical new places you want to go. There are so many beautiful parts of the U.S. worth exploring, but losing service can happen while you’re out on the road. Lost service is a hassle, especially if you’re looking for campsites or RV resorts on the fly. The Dyrt PRO solves that problem, making your trip as safe and easy as possible. For a $35.99/year subscription, you can download maps, search offline for campgrounds, read campgrounds reviews while offline, and download your favorite campground lists. You’ll even get waived processing fees when you book campgrounds and lodges on The Dyrt.

Buy Now: $35.99

2. Instant Pot

For many RVers, Instant Pots have become an RV must have for newbies who don’t want to sacrifice home-cooked meals for fast food. They make large batches of delicious stews, roasts, soups, rice and a ton more, instantly. The Instant Pot uniquely combines an electric pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and even a yogurt maker. Cooking becomes less of a chore with this multi-functional unit. Check out these 7 one-pot camping meals for some recipe inspiration.

3. Solar Panels

Part of having an RV is to get off grid and enjoy peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of cities or to just enjoy the views of an open road. Though life off the grid can be thrilling, it also requires a great deal of preparedness in cases of emergency. If your generator breaks or you’re stuck somewhere without a source of power, solar panels are a fantastic way to charge phones, GPS and other gadgets when you need them most. The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase is an RV must have for newbies.

4. Dehumidifier

If you’re traveling around the south in the summer, humidity is just part of the deal. There are tons of reasons why a dehumidifier can bring benefits to your daily life in an RV. Not only will they make your RV more comfortable, they can also help rid of musty smells in your vehicle, shorten the time it takes for your hang-dry laundry to dry, and can prevent your food from going stale or getting moldy. Dehumidifiers are a top-list time for RVers that are traveling during the summer or when the temperature is more than 60 degrees in places with high humidity.

5. Leveling Blocks

Some spots you’ll park your RV are just not level enough, and of course, that’s where leveling blocks come into play. Some RVs have leveling jacks, but these Lynx Levelers help get your RV exactly in place how you want it. Whether it’s on a sloping parking lot or you’re keeping it level for storage, these are an RV must-have for newbies.

6. Espresso or Coffee Maker

For a lot of Americans, coffee is a part of a daily ritual. For those who love it, this item seems like a no-brainer, but when you’re getting organized for your first RV trip, this is not something you’ll want to forget. For those that drink a lot of coffee, this OXO BREW coffee maker makes 9 cups each batch so you can enjoy a few cups while watching the sun rise over an open valley or grassy meadow. For an espresso maker, check out the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker. These options are on the pricier side, but guarantee to last a long time.

7. Surge Protector

Having electrical power sets RV camping apart from tent camping so you can enjoy the comforts of home while on a big adventure. It’s important to make sure these electrical systems are protected. Surge protectors act as a buffer between your RV and the power coming out of an electrical outlet. This device monitors the amount of power coming out of the outlet and ensures there are no harmful effects on your RV due to power spikes and other electrical issues.

8. RV GPS

While most smartphones have a GPS built into them, Google maps doesn’t always account for the fact that you’ll be in an RV. That’s why an RV GPS is fantastic for those with a large vehicle. These devices plan your route based on the length, height, and towing of your rig. For example the designated route will avoid tight areas and low-bridges based on the dimensions of your RV. This is a favorite among RV veterans and is one of the more useful RV must haves for newbies.

9. Camping Chair

Lounging outside after a long day of driving, and watching the sunset with a glass of wine is what it’s all about. GCI Outdoors makes high-quality, affordable camping chairs with tons of different styles, depending on your needs. Their Sunshade Backpack Event Chair is perfect for sunny days to sit in comfort and stay protected from the sun. It even folds into a backpack for easy carrying and stores quickly and easily in your RV.

10. Two-Way Radio

There are lots of reasons to have a two-way radio while on the road in your RV. Maybe you’re going to need to keep track of your kids while they play near the campground or your partner drives a separate vehicle while you drive the RV. In areas that have limited service, radios keep your family in good communication to maintain safety. Midland’s two way radios have a 15-hour  battery life, extensive range, and are protected by Midland’s 3-year warranty, making it one of our favorite RV must haves for newbies.