Before You Go: 10 Must-Have RV Camping Accessories

It's finally the weekend, and the whole family is excited about your RV camping trip! You've rented the RV, stocked up on food and snacks, and planned out your route.

But before you can hit the open road, there are a few RV camping accessories you need to pick up. Here are 10 RV camping accessories and camping essentials that will make your trip more enjoyable:

1. RV awning

If you're new to RV camping, you might not know that an RV awning is a must-have accessory. An RV awning provides shade and protection from the elements and can make your campsite feel more like home.

For example, if you're RV camping in the summer, an RV awning can provide much-needed shade from the sun. And in the winter, an RV awning can keep snow and ice off your RV.

And even if you're camping in an RV park with full hookups, an RV awning can give you some extra space to enjoy the outdoors. Most RV awnings are easy to set up and take down, so you can enjoy your time camping, not fiddling with RV accessories.

2. RV leveling blocks

If you've ever camped in an RV, you know that one of the most challenging RV accessories to use is leveling blocks. RV leveling blocks are essential for keeping your RV level, whether you're parked on uneven ground or want to ensure your RV is level for better sleeping.

If you're RV camping with kids, RV leveling blocks are also a great way to keep your RV level so that your kids can play safely inside. And if you're RV camping in an area with lots of bugs, RV leveling blocks can help keep your RV off the ground and away from pests.

How do you use RV leveling blocks?

First, find a level spot for your RV. Then, place the RV leveling blocks under the RV's tires on the low side. Finally, use the RV jack to raise the RV until it is level.

3. Portable grill

What's a camping trip without some good food cooked over a campfire? If you're RV camping, you can still enjoy the taste of food cooked over a campfire with a portable grill.

A portable grill is easy to set up and take down, and it's small enough to fit in your RV. Most portable grills run on propane, so you'll need to pick up a propane tank.

And if you're RV camping with kids, a portable grill is a great way to teach them how to cook over a campfire. Just be sure to supervise them closely, as grilled food can be hot.

Related: RV camping essentials for beginners

4. Extension cords/power strips

One mistake that many RV campers make is not bringing enough extension cords or power strips. They think that since they're RV camping, they won't need to use as much electricity.

However, RV campers often need more extension cords and power strips than they think. RV air conditioners and RV refrigerators alone can use a lot of power. And if you're RV camping with kids, they'll probably want to use electronics like phones and laptops.

So before you go RV camping, be sure to pack enough extension cords and power strips to keep your RV powered up. Typically, you should pack one extension cord or power strip for every two RV campers.

5. RV sewer hose and fittings

You never want to RV camp without an RV sewer hose and fittings. Why? Because your RV's black water tank (where your sewage goes) will fill up quickly if you're not careful.

An RV sewer hose and fittings allow you to empty your black water tank at an RV dump station. This is important because you don't want your black water tank to overflow while you're RV camping.

How do you use an RV sewer hose?

To use an RV sewer hose, first, attach the RV sewer hose to your RV's black water tank. Then, attach the other end of the RV sewer hose to the RV dump station. Finally, open the valve on your RV's black water tank and let it empty into the RV dump station.

Be sure to close the valve on your RV's black water tank when it is empty. And be sure to disconnect the RV sewer hose from the RV dump station before you leave.

6. Water pressure regulator

If you don't want your RV's water lines to burst, you need a water pressure regulator. A water pressure regulator helps regulate the amount of water pressure going into your RV. This is important because RV water lines are not designed to handle high water pressure.

Water pressure can vary from campsite to campsite. And if the water pressure is too high, it can damage your RV's plumbing. So before you hook up your RV to a water source, be sure to attach a water pressure regulator.

You can pick up a water pressure regulator at most RV stores or online. Be sure to get one that is rated for the amount of water pressure in your RV's water lines.

7. RV storage cover or canopy

Why get an RV storage cover or canopy? Because it will protect your RV from the sun, rain, snow, and ice. This is important because RVs are not designed to be left outside all the time. In fact, they're built more like houses, and they need to be protected from the elements.

An RV storage cover or canopy will also help keep your RV clean. And if you're RV camping with kids, it will keep them from tracking dirt and mud into your RV.

8. Screen tent for insect protection (or an RV screen room)

Because RV campers are often outside, they're more likely to be bothered by insects. It's a good idea to RV camp with a screen tent or RV screen room.

A screen tent is a small, portable tent that has screens on all sides. It's easy to set up and take down, and it's great for keeping insects out.

Meanwhile, the RV screen room is a larger version of a screen tent. It's designed to be attached to an RV. RV screen rooms are great for keeping insects out of your RV, but they can be hard to set up and take down because of their size.

9. Fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and first-aid kit

Forget all other RV camping accessories – these three are the most important. You should never RV camp without a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, and first-aid kit.

A fire extinguisher will help you put out small fires before they get out of control. Meanwhile, a carbon monoxide detector will warn you if there's carbon monoxide in the air, a dangerous gas that can be fatal.

And finally, a first-aid kit will help you RV camp safely by allowing you to treat minor injuries and illnesses. Be sure to RV camp with a well-stocked first-aid kit.

What should be in your first aid kit:

• Bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety pins

10. RV GPS navigation system

If you or whoever is driving your RV is unfamiliar with the area you're camping in, an RV GPS navigation system can be a lifesaver (literally). An RV GPS navigation system is designed specifically for RVs, and it will help you find your way around.

RV GPS navigation systems are available at most RV stores or online. Be sure to get one that is compatible with your RV.

Conclusion

These are some of the RV camping accessories you might need for your next trip. Of course, the RV camping accessories you'll need will depend on the type of RV camping you're doing and your personal preferences. But this list should give you a good starting point. Happy RV camping!