RV Supply List

On many of the RV forums, I’ve often seen new RV owners ask “what do we need to put on our RV?”. So below is a list of RV supplies that we pre-loaded onto our travel trailer. Some of these items we added over time, and some were somewhat necessary immediately. You can use this as a checklist to assist you, and certainly add things to it. Some of these things you may not even need, or desire to have, but hopefully it helps to get you started with what to expect. We initially started by using as many extra supplies as we could that we had at home, such as towels, sheets, and many other items. Then we eventually upgraded some items to keep exclusively on our camper. Now, all we really need to bring each trip, are clothes and food/drinks.

I’m a bargain shopper for sure, so what I tried to do with this list is give examples of either what we have, or some other items of what you might prefer, that might be a better bargain. As I stated above, start by seeing what you have extra at home. Then make a trip to a dollar store and see what they might have. But be careful at dollar stores, as some items may actually be less expensive elsewhere. Often times, Amazon and Walmart are less expensive than the dollar store. Of course you may find some things cheaper than my recommendations, but I did my best to find items with good reviews for a reasonable price, but please make sure you do your own research.

Aside from all of the items listed below, I created an Amazon Storefront for Coach B’s Outdoor Life and filled it with several additional useful items in the order that you may use/need them on a typical camping trip. I tried to list both budget-friendly items, as well as higher end in the store. Hopefully that helps to make things a little easier.

Let’s start with the RV necessities, which basically includes the things that you may need to prepare your RV for travel and set it up. If you don’t see a link for an item, it may be something you can bring from home, or purchase at a dollar or grocery store, or some other store such as Walmart or Target.

Keep in mind that you need to pay attention to how much items weigh, and the extra weight you’re adding to your RV!

RV necessities

• Tire pressure gauge– Always check tire pressure before every trip. I use this gauge, as it’s always been accurate for me, isn’t very expensive, and it can read tire pressure to 150psi (my truck tires are 60-80psi, and my RV is also within that range, but some big Class A’s can be 100+psi, so make sure you know your required fill psi.

• Air pump– Should always make sure your RV & truck tires are properly inflated. This air pump fills to 100psi. I received a similar one as a gift and love it.

• Torque wrench– Always make sure RV lugs are properly torqued (to manufacturer’s recommendation) with a strong enough torque wrench before each trip. This size should work for most lugs. And make sure you have the correct size deep well socket that fits your lugs.

• Walkie talkies– Sometimes it’s difficult to get a cell signal in some areas and campgrounds, so these help with parking the RV, as well as communicating with each other (and the kids!) around the park. (FYI, precise and clear communication is crucial when parking an RV!) If there are just 2 of you, just a pair of walkies should do, but if you have kids, I would recommend a set of 3 or 4 to keep track of everyone.

• Level– Some people like the levels that attach to the RV, such as this level,

• or this one.

• And some are fine using a magnetic torpedo level.

• RV leveling blocks– We have 2 sets (though 1 set of blocks is usually sufficient) of these to use under all stabilizers, as well as leveling the RV as needed.

• RV Tire chocks– It’s a good idea to get 4 tire chocks.

• RV power cord– Make sure you have one long enough, as some electric posts can be poorly placed on some sites. Some campsite electric post installations are ridiculously far from a typical RV hookup. Most RV’s will have either a 50amp

• or a 30amp power cord.

• Power Cord Adapters– Just in case you don’t have the preferred amperage hookup available at your site. You may have a 30amp RV and there is only a 50amp hookup and require a 30A->50A adapter,

• or you may have a 50amp RV and need a 50A->30A adapter to hook up to a 30amp hookup.

• RV surge protector– This is a very important piece of equipment to protect your RV from power surges that could damage your electrical system. There are several brands of these. Just make sure you get one with the right amperage for your RV and the hookup. Once again, 30A or 50A.

• Fresh water hose– You always want to make sure your freshwater hose is drinking water safe. We have 2 25’ hoses, just in case we need that extra length, as we’ve been 5’ away, and also about 40’ away from the water source, but I listed a 50′, as there’s a good chance you may need 50′ at some point.

• Water filter– We always use a water filter, as sometimes the campground water can be a bit rusty or cloudy, and these filters work great.

• Brass water pressure regulator– Most campsites already have a pressure regulator on their water hookups, but we have come across some sites that didn’t. You certainly wouldn’t want too much pressure on your RV’s plumbing and blow a seal or a hose, so we always attach a regulator. It’s also good to see if the pressure is low.

• 90 degree brass elbow– This brass elbow helps keep the water filter from resting against the camper (though some filters come with a small flexible hose for this).

• RV sewer hose– Make sure you have no less than 20ft of sewer hose. We’ve actually had to run out and get another 20ft because of a poorly placed sewer hookup at the site, and we used the entire 40ft stretched to the limit. Good to have a hose that has at least 1 clear attachment to aid when flushing the black tank.

• Sewer hose support– Sewer hose supports definitely help to prevent any kinks in the hose, and a proper downflow to the hookup.

• Black tank flush hose– Definitely use a separate black tank hose dedicated to the black tank only if you have an outlet to flush out your black tank, or if you’re using a spray wand in the black tank to clean it out. Either way, keep them separate from the fresh water hoses. Any garden hose can be used, but make sure it’s black tank only. Again, we have 50’ (2×25’) just in case we need it.

• Disposable gloves– I highly recommend some disposable gloves when working with your sewer hose and black tank to protect from any contamination.

• Coupler & hitch locks– I’ve heard of way too many RV thefts, so it’s best to have as many deterrents as possible in place. So we have a coupler lock, receiver lock, and a coupler latch lock. You can buy these individually, or as a set with all 3.
• Grease & grease gun– You’ll need a grease gun and grease to keep various RV parts greased. Make sure you use the grease recommended by your RV manufacturer.
• Heavy duty cable lock– Some people lock their RV hubs with this heavy duty braided cable, and some use it to lock up other items like the surge protector, chairs, bikes, coolers, grills, etc..
• Bins– We use a few of them of various sizes! Figure out the sizes you’ll need, and where to store them. Easiest way to store things safely and organized is in bins. We have the sewer hose (and black tank hoses) in its own bin.

Cooking/Kitchen

• Dishes & bowls– We definitely prefer Corelle dishes, and plates. We started with a cheap set of plastic dishes, but they just didn’t last very long, and weren’t microwave safe. These Corelle dishes are much better than plastic, much lighter than ceramic or stoneware, very durable, and microwave safe.
• Serving platter– This is almost a necessity, especially for outdoor cooking (i.e. burgers, chicken, corn on the cob, steaks, etc.). This is something you should be able to easily find at a dollar store.
• Silverware– We recommend buying a cheap set of silverware, and we buy enough just in case we have some company over. We don’t use any plasticware, as it’s not good for the environment.
• Knife set– You can get a nice knife block for less than $50, it all depends on your preference and budget. I just listed 3 different ones for the budgeters: good, better, even better (but surely not the best at these prices). Of course I’d love some Henckels or Wusthof knives, but… $$$$.
• Cutting board– You can actually get lightweight, heavy plastic cutting board mats that store easily and work just fine.
• Cooking utensils– Spatulas, spoon, ladle, slotted spoon, fork, tongs, whisk. We have a set very similar to this utensil set that has some of the essential cooking utensils.
• Can/bottle opener– Unless you get a utensil set like the one previously mentioned above that already has these, because it’s likely you will need these at some point.
• Cookware– Stainless cookware (pots & sauté pans), & maybe 2-3 sizes of non-stick frying pans. We actually have this same stainless cookware at home and our RV, and also bought a set for my dad. I cook a lot, and they work great, and are very reasonably priced. On the RV, we have a cheaper set of non-stick pans, but I like this set because they have the induction bottoms.
• Coffeemaker– We have a Hamilton Beach FlexBrew that does either a single k-cup, or a 12 cup pot. We also have reusable k-cups for loose coffee.
• Toaster Oven– A 4 slice toaster oven seems plenty big enough for an RV and can be used for all sorts of cooking without having to use the RV oven.
• 3-in-1 Breakfast Station– This cool gadget functions as a 4-cup coffee maker, 4 slice toaster, and a non-stick griddle. Here are 4 different options for you: Black, Light Blue, Red, Light Blue (smaller w/ 2 slice toaster).
• Electric Pressure Cooker (i.e. Instant Pot)- We have a smaller 6qt on our RV, but it’s plenty big enough. Cooks all sorts of things quickly (pulled pork/chicken, roasts, chili, soups, rice, etc.). Here are a couple of good deals on a Master Chef 6qt 13-in-1 or an Instant Pot 8qt 7-in-1.
• Convection Oven– Like a NutriChef or NuWave. Usually under $100, except the NuWave is now close to $300, but the NutriChef is just around $60. These are great for cooking meals from frozen. Cooks perfect brauts in 20min from frozen, and can also do a whole frozen chicken and roasts, even a turkey, ham, or pies. Saves on using the oven and using up propane. They’re also very easy to clean, and can be easily stored away. We have a NuWave at home and the RV, and our son and my dad have the NutriChef. My dad uses his a lot!
• Cooking pans– Depending on how much you like to cook, at some point you may some bakeware for the oven. Things like a baking dish, cookie sheet, pie pan, and/or baking pan. This 7pc bakeware set has a combo of all of them, and even a loaf pan and a muffin pan.
• Storage containers– These are great to have for leftovers. Sets that stack inside each other are much easier to store. Here is an inexpensive Ziploc set.
• Dish drying rack– If you have a double sink, you can get one that fits in one of the sides, or one to set on the counter next to the sink. This dish drying rack is made for RV’s and should fit most RV sinks. It fits perfectly in ours, but always measure to make sure.
• Plastic colander– Probably a good idea to have something like this, as pasta seems to be a common meal to make in an RV. You could probably find this at a dollar store.
• Paper towels, napkins, paper plates.
• Trash can & trash bags
• Coffee filters
• Oven mitts or potholders
• Basic spices (salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, Italian herbs, oregano (Herbes de Provence is my go-to herb), seasoned salt, and any other blends of spices you like to use regularly. Keep them tightly closed or stored in airtight containers or bags. The humidity when not using your RV can clump some of the spices.
• Cooking sprays, oils (maybe canola & olive oil).
• Some canned goods– (i.e. baked beans, soups, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, etc.)
• Non-skid shelf liners– We use these on all of the shelves in the RV, and also use this on the dining table to keep dishes and cups from sliding around too easily.
• Coozies– It’s nice to keep your drinks cool on hot summer days.
• Cooler and/or cooler bag. When transporting food back & forth to the camper, and a small cooler bag is nice to have to bring drinks to the pool, beach, park, etc..

Sleeping

• Pillows (have enough for your bed, and any possible guests that may crash on the couch or bunkhouse.)
• Sheets (at least 2 sets, and enough bedding for all potential beds and guests)
• Blankets (some thick and some thinner (depending on the weather, but good to have both just in case it gets colder than expected).
• Alarm clock– A lot of people use their cell phones for time and an alarm, but sometimes it’s nice (especially at night) to just look up at a clock, rather than search for your phone to see the time.
• Night lights– You may not even need these, as most campers have some type of lower intensity lighting for nighttime, but sometimes it helps to have one in the bathroom.

Bathroom supplies

• Toilet paper– Depending on your manufacturer’s recommendation, most black tanks can handle any “Septic Safe” toilet paper. Make sure you have enough extra rolls.
• RV Toilet Treatment– There are SO many different brands to use. We’ve been using Camco’s TST Max liquid (orange scent) and have had no issues. They also have lemon scented tank treatment or the orange scented drop-ins. But there are other popular brands like Happy Campers or Walex.
• Deodorizer/Air Freshener
• Soap– We have a hand soap dispenser at every sink, and also have bar soap for the shower.
• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Wash cloths
• Hand towels
• Bath towels
• Beach towels
• Bath rug– So as not to soak the floor when getting out of the shower.
• Small wastebasket & wastebasket liners.
• Some RV bathrooms use a shower curtain– We actually changed the regular straight shower curtain rod out for a “Stromberg Carlson EXT-3542 Extend-A-Shower Rod”. I’m a big guy, so this made a big difference of having more room to move in a tight RV shower. It also created more space in the bathroom when it’s retracted into the shower when not using the shower.
• Razors
• Toothpaste & Toothbrushes– Best to keep separate ones in the RV, just in case you were to forget them at home.
• Personal Hygiene items– We mostly keep travel size hygiene items that stay on the camper, such as deodorant, hairspray, toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, etc..

Cleaning

• Wet mop (i.e. Swiffer wet jet, or similar)- The generic version of a Swiffer works great, as you can use the cleaner of your choice, no need for batteries, and many have a washable pad (rather than the disposable ones that the Swiffer has).
• Cordless vacuum– Just a small electric one vacuum, or a handheld vacuum, or even one that is both).
• Wood polish
• Broom & dustpan
• Dish soap– Dawn is best, as a grease cutter, and also helps in the black & gray tanks.
• Multipurpose cleaner (i.e. LA’s Totally Awesome (3 pack) is recommended by so many I’ve seen with RV’s to clean just about anything.). Also good to use on RV black marks and awning stains, just be careful that it doesn’t remove your finish (test in a small area first).
• Leather/Vinyl cleaner– The “leatherlike” material used for most tends to be very cheap, and can start to peel in just a few years, no matter how well you take care of your RV. But use a good cleaner/protectant to help prolong that material. Don’t put off during this regularly, unless you’re okay with reupholstering everything in less than 5yrs.
• TV screen safe cleaner (or some TV’s you can just use a damp paper towel).
• Fabric stain remover.
• Bucket
• Sponges– For dishes and also if the camper needs a cleaning.
• Dish towels
• Laundry detergent & dryer sheets– For longer trips.
• Disinfecting wipes

Medical supplies

• First Aid Kit– Best to get one that is well-supplied first aid kit with various items, and keep it stocked and updated. A good kit will have many of the items listed below in this section.
• Bandages– Good to have extras if your First Aid Kit doesn’t have much. Get all sizes and shapes.
• Bite ointment or spray
• Anti-itch cream/ointment– Just in case you run into poison ivy/oak/sumac, etc.
• Pain relievers– Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
• Cold medicine/decongestant
• Stomach relief– Antacid, anti-diarrheal, laxative, etc..
• Cotton swabs, cotton balls
• Eye drops– With all of the pollen and potential irritants, it’s nice to have some handy.
• Bug protectant spray– Such as a Picaridin Insect Repellent, Bug Soother Spray, or Skin So Soft oil (Skin So Soft has worked well for us against mosquitoes and noseeums, it’s just a bit pricey.)

Utility supplies

• Tools– Always best to keep a tool kit on the RV that has a variety of tools in it.
• Drill– Preferably a cordless drill with drill bits & screw bits. I’ve used this much more than I ever thought I would.
• 18-24” level– If you don’t have automatic leveling, or an indicator on the RV, you may need this when setting up your TT.
• Extension cords (both indoor and outdoor)
• Power strips/surge protectors– a lot of the things we have plugged in are on these.
• Slide lubricant– Highly recommend a slide lubricant to keep that slide in good shape.
• Rubber protectant– Keep the rubber seals soft and protected as long as possible.
• Multipurpose Lighters– Have more than 1 of these, as you may need one for lighting a burner, or a campfire.
• Duck tape
• Bungie cords
• Office type supplies– Things like tape, clips, push pins, rubber bands, glue, pens, notepads, sticky notes.- I find that I’m always using clips for various things.
• Command hooks– Be VERY careful with these! Sometimes no matter how carefully you try to remove one, it never fails to remove the finish under it. So use these at your own risk. But we have several up that we intend to stay up.

Outdoor supplies

• Outdoor mat– We actually have 2 outdoor mats, to go the full length of our awning. There are many different styles and sizes (9’x12’ green/beige, 9’x12’ blue/grey, 9’x12’ black/grey, 9’x18’ blue/grey, just to list a few. It’s also a good idea to have some kind of pegs or patio rug stakes to hold them down when it’s windy.
• Welcome mat– something to wipe shoes off before entering the RV.
• Chairs– We always have extras for company. Here are some chair options, similar to what we have on our RV: Beige gravity chairs (pair), blue gravity chairs (pair), camping chair w/ cup holder, rocking chair (my wife loves this one!), footrest chair. All are foldable and easily stored.
• Small foldable tables
• Tablecloth– There’s usually a picnic table on the sites and they’re not the cleanest.
• Food tents– We have a few of these in the outdoor kitchen, as it never fails that flies and other bugs are bound to join you for your meals outside. You’ll appreciate having these! 4pk, 6pk
• Citronella candles
• Deep woods bug spray– I usually spray this around the perimeter of the patio area as needed.
• Insect Repeller– We have a Thermocell and swear by it to keep mosquitoes and noseeums away. (Thermocell rechargeable, Thermocell portable w/ zone check, Thermocell portable)
• Portable firepit– We really like this portable firepit that is foldable and has a storage bag and at a reasonable price. Most campgrounds will require that they have a screen.
• EnviroLogs– They burn easy, and for a long time. They also have Java logs that smell like coffee, made from recycled coffee grounds and smells amazing. Even KFC has logs that smell like their chicken (as if we don’t already eat enough on camping trips). If we think we’re going to be using the firepit a lot on a trip, we’ll bring a little firewood with us.
• Induction Burner– We love having an induction burner to cook our sides next to the grill, rather than grilling outside with the side dishes cooking inside. It’s also a propane saver by not using the stove. Just make sure your cookware is induction-ready.
• Blackstone Griddle (17” or 22”)- We have a 22” (listed in our Amazon Store) on the camper (and also 1 at home), and use it much more than our grill. Cooks just about everything a grill can, and then some. 17” Blackstone Griddle seems to be efficient for cooking most things.
• Cheap electric griddle– Sometimes if it’s raining to hard to use the Blackstone, we use the electric griddle on a tabletop, or in the camper. Also good in a pinch if you happen to run out of propane.
• Table top grill
• Hot dog/ marshmallow forks– These hot dog forks are great even if you don’t have kids.
• Campfire popcorn maker– We have both a campfire popcorn popper, and a popcorn popper extension handle that can hold a Jiffy Pop popcorn firmly in place over a campfire.

Entertainment

• DVD player & DVD’s
• Games– Board games, Yatzee, etc..
• Playing cards
• Puzzle books– Crossword, sudoku, etc.
• Outside games– We have a foldable cornhole game, but there are so many different ones to choose from. Kids combo outdoor game set.

Miscellaneous

• Small floor mats or rug runners. Saves on wear & tear of floor.
• Extra phone chargers– It never fails that someone forgets their phone charger at home, so we started keeping extra ones in the RV.
• Foldable hamper– But a kitchen trash bag can work in a pinch too.
• Markers– The finish on the flooring, walls, and woodwork is usually very cheap, and nicks easy, so we have a cheap set of markers with several shades of browns to cover up some marks.
• Ceramic space heater– Our camper heater works quite well, but this little ceramic space heater reduces the need for the camper heater to kick on, thus saving propane, and wear and tear on the RV heating unit.

PLEASE, by all means, feel free to print out this list to aid you when stocking your RV!

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE COACH B’S OUTLIFE AMAZON STORE WITH EVEN MORE RV SUPPLIES!!!!