First time RV owner checklist
The logistics that come with RV ownership can be daunting, especially if you’re a newbie. Most RVs come with plenty of standard amenities, but there are still some essential items that you will need to make your vacation on wheels feel as comfortable as possible. Amenities like items for your bathroom, bedroom, waste tanks, air conditioning units, and emergency items are things all RV owners should have with them on the road. Make sure you have everything you need before taking off on your next RV excursion. Here is a checklist for first-time RV owners.
PROS
CONS
Biodegradable
Septic tank safe
8 pack of 500 sheet rolls
$23.37 at Amazon
If you are going to spend a long time in your RV, then you better have some toilet paper. This 8-pack of toilet paper dissolves rapidly and is safe for septic tanks in boats and RVs. Reviews offer high praise for this brand being safe for septic tanks, but opinions are split on how well it dissolves.
Key specs
8 pack
2 ply
500 sheets per roll
Biodegradable
PROS
CONS
Patented carry handle
Supports and protects the water hose
A sewer support hose makes it easier to drain fluids from an angle and keeps the hose from touching the ground to reduce wear and tear over time. Users are impressed by how compact and lightweight the waste pipe holder is but have questions about the sturdiness of the product.
Key specs
Length: 10 feet
Width: 3”
Material: Rust-resistant plastic
PROS
CONS
Stackable design
Easy to use
Leveling blocks are used to stop your RV from moving when parked. Whether you want to keep the vehicle safe or do some work on it, it won’t budge. These wheel chocks from Tri-Lync use a modular design that fits together with any leveling function. Customers are highly impressed by how well and how easy these leveling blocks are to use.
Key specs
Material: Nylon
Quantity: 10
Weight Limit: 40,000 pounds
Dimensions: 1.5” x 8.5”
PROS
CONS
Safe to drink from
No “hose” taste
This Kohree RV Water House is 50 feet long and can be used for drinking water or to fill up your RV water tank. The hose is made from a 3-layer premium hybrid polymer material with solid aluminum fittings and can withstand temperatures between -4° F up to 176° F. Reviews offer high praise on how the hose doesn’t tangle or kink, but some have reported issues with leaking.
Key specs
Material: Hybrid polymer hose with aluminum couplings
Length: 50 feet
Maximum Pressure: 450 PSI
Lead-free
PROS
CONS
LED lighting
Weather-resistant cover
Some 30 amp cords may be too large to close the cover
$59.98 at Amazon
This GearGo RV Surge Protector can also be used as a circuit analyzer to check the quality of your motorhome’s power before being plugged in. Users are highly impressed by the simple instructions and how easy this surge protector is to use.
Key specs
Max current: 30 amp
8,000 joules
Waterproof rating: IP68
Safety protection: V-1 flame retardant
Warranty: 3-years
PROS
CONS
Wide variety of tools
Sturdy carrying case
More expensive than other emergency kits
$76.82 at Amazon
The Lifeline AAA Destination Road Kit includes many essential items that not only RV owners should, but all vehicle owners in general. This kit includes a tire inflator, 8 gauge jumper cables, warning triangles, a first aid kit and an AAA membership brochure and accident forms. Reviews give this kit 4.7 out of 5 stars and customers appreciate the large quantity of items to choose from.
Key specs
Quantity: 68-piece kit
Tire inflator
10 LED headlamps
First aid kit
Hardshell foam carrying case
PROS
CONS
#1 best-selling car jumpstarter on Amazon
Spark-resistant
Clamps can be tricky to use
May not work with vehicles with larger engines
This lithium battery starter can jumpstart a dead battery in just a few seconds. Noco claims that their jumpstarter has the power and battery capacity for up to 20 starts off of one charge. This is one of the most highly rated automotive products on Amazon, with 4.7 out 5 stars with over 102,000 ratings.
Key specs
Voltage: 12 volts
Peak Output Current: 1,000 amps
Battery Capacity: 2,150 milliamp hours
Gas engine compatibility: Up to 6.0 liters
Diesel engine compatibility: Up to 3.0 liters
Warranty: 1-year limited
PROS
CONS
Multiple sizes available
Large and durable wheels
Drain plug can be difficult to deal with
Heavy
This Camco Rhino waste tank can hold up to 36 gallons, but smaller capacities of 15, 21 or 28 gallons are also available. This tank also includes 2 large wheels, a tank rinser, a ladder hook, a built-in gate valve and a large handle. Users rave about how easy this tank is to maneuver around, but there are a few mixed opinions on the draining process.
Key specs
Capacity: 36 gallons
Hose Length: 3 feet
Dimensions: 15.5” x 25” x 46”
Never flat wheels
PROS
CONS
Multiple sizes available
Frost-free technology
Adjustable doors
No freezer in smaller models
$559.95 at Amazon
This RV refrigerator from RecPro will make your RV kitchen feel like home. It can keep your food cool and uses frost-free technology. Users are impressed with the size options available and how well it fits inside of an RV, but there are some mixed views on the cooling of this refrigerator.
Key specs
Capacity: 3.3 cubic feet
Dimensions: 26″ x 23.5″ x 59″
Weight: 52 pounds
Voltage: 12 volts
Material: Stainless steel
PROS
CONS
Plenty of power
4-mode Intelligauge
Heavy
Can be difficult to maneuver
$549.00 at Amazon
This inverter generator from Champion Power is powered by a four-stroke gas engine and reaches up to 22 hours of runtime on a full tank. The generator has a 120V 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets and two USB ports. Customers have many positive things to say about the power this generator provides and how quiet it is, but there are a few complaints about mobility due to the weight.
Key specs
Starting Watts: 4,250w
Running Watts: 3,500w
Runtime: Up to 22 hours
Weight: 75 pounds
Warranty: 3-year limited
PROS
CONS
Fans operate continuously
Remote control included
$979.95 at Amazon
This RecPro Air Conditioner offers a maximum output of 13,500 BTU (British thermal units) but has a low amp draw that conserves energy on its lowest setting. This air conditioner can be bought as ducted or non-ducted. Reviews are impressed by how easy it is to install and how quietly it operates
Key specs
Cooling Power: 13,500 BTU
Capacity: 375 CFM
Dimensions: 39.5” x 25.5” x 13.5”
No soft start capacitor required
Remote control thermostat
RV Frequently Asked Questions
Do I actually need to buy all of these products?
No, you don’t need to buy all of them, but you should consider many products on this list if your RV didn’t already come with them. Upgrading items you already have or adding new amenities to your RV can make life in the motorhome much easier and more enjoyable.
How to choose the right generator for your RV
When it comes to choosing the best portable power source for your motorhome, think about how many devices you need to operate. Also consider how long the trip is and how much time you will be spending in your RV. If you just take out your RV every now and then, a small generator will suffice, but more serious motorhome owners should consider a larger generator.
How to choose the right RV air conditioner
Before buying an air conditioning unit for your motorhome, you should consider the climate of the destination you are traveling to. This can help you calculate how AC power you will need to stay comfortable. Before you turn it on, you’ll need to ensure you have enough power to run your new AC unit in your RV, and power for all the other appliances you plan to run in your RV. You should also consider bringing solar panels for your RV to add to your power reserves. Here is a YouTube tutorial from All About RVs on how to install an RV air conditioner properly.
How to use and empty an RV portable waste tank
A waster or tote tank is one of the most important parts of an RV, and it’s even more important to know how to properly empty it when at a dump station. Here is a YouTube tutorial from Camping World on how to use a portable RV waste tank properly.
How to connect an RV water hose
First, take one end and attach it to the water source. Then connect the other end of the hose to the water tank filler inside the RV. Or you can connect the hose to the city water that goes straight into the RV and bypasses the water tank. Here is a tutorial from Carefree RV Resorts on how to connect water at an RV site.
