Whether you’ve been RVing your whole life or are setting out on your first adventure, it can be intimidating to know what you actually need. There are entire stores dedicated to “RV essentials,” but not everything can be essential, right?
Have no fear! We’ve done the work for you and have compiled a list of some of the best RV accessories around to ensure your next adventure will be the best one yet!
Read on to find out all about them!
Bedroom Accessories
Bedside Shelf Organizer
Bedside tables aren’t an option in most RV bedrooms. These bedside shelf organizers are gadgets that can fill that need.
This set of “shelves” are more like bedside containers, which works perfectly to keep everything in one place while the RV is in motion.
The four pieces come in three different sizes. The large one is perfect for an iPad, book, or magazine. The medium one would comfortably fit a phone and an e-reader. The smaller ones are suited for medications, lotions, or any other miscellaneous items you want near your bed.
These handy RV accessories are easy to install and will hold up to five pounds.
Tap Push Lights
The lack of counter space in an RV bedroom can also bring on lighting challenges. Sometimes you want the glow of a bedside lamp instead of a room full of light.
These tap lights are your solution for a dim, calm bedroom.
Three AAA batteries power these lights. They adhere to the wall with a simple piece of included double-sided tape.
Each set comes with five tap lights. They’re also convenient for spaces like closets and cabinets.
Sound Machine
One valuable aspect of traveling in an RV is the ability to sleep in a new place every night. However, that can also bring some challenges. New places mean new noises. If you’re a light sleeper, that may be your worst nightmare—literally!
The Homedics sound machine is an accessory you’ll want to bring on every trip to ensure a good night’s sleep.
There are six sounds to choose from— white noise, thunder, brook, ocean, rain, or summer night. There’s an easy-to-use off-timer as well as volume control.
Dehumidifier
Because of the temperature difference between outside and inside, RVs are notoriously humid. When warm air from outside meets the cool air inside, moisture happens.
Not only is extra moisture not great for your RV, but it’s also uncomfortable to sleep in a humid room.
A little dehumidifier will make a big difference in a small space.
This 35-ounce dehumidifier is perfect for your home on wheels. It’s compact and quiet with an auto-off feature. It’s like a built-in “empty me” reminder.
The optional light at the bottom means it can double as a nightlight.
Kitchen Accessories
Small Folding Table
A lack of counter space is another problem that needs solving on RV trips.
A simple solution to that problem is a small foldable table. Set it up while preparing a meal and fold it for easy storage afterward.
This folding table from Lifetime is height-adjustable and will take up very little storage space.
It’s only eight pounds, which makes it lightweight enough to easily be carried outside and used for extra space while you grill.
Instant Pot
If you must leave every RV kitchen gadget at home but one on your next trip, the Instant Pot pressure cooker should be the one you take.
We’re not talking about your grandma’s stove-top pressure cooker. You can cook entire meals in an Instant Pot with only some counter space and a single outlet.
The 7-in-1 Instant Pot Duo deserves a spot in your tiny kitchen cabinets as it can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, make yogurt, and more.
Collapsible Kitchenware
Some kitchen gadgets are crucial to a homecooked meal but are infamous for taking up valuable drawer space. Lucky for you, collapsible versions now exist, minimizing their impact on your kitchen storage.
A set of collapsible measuring cups and spoons means you can still bake a cake on your next birthday weekend getaway.
A collapsible colander will make family spaghetti night possible wherever you are.
Collapsible doesn’t equal low quality. These are all designed to be durable and long-lasting. The measuring equipment is precise, and the colander can hold up to six quarts of pasta.
Cast Iron Skillet
For most RV accessories, the lighter they are, the better. However, you can break that rule for a trusty cast iron skillet.
A preseasoned cast iron skillet can be used inside your kitchen and outside over a fire. If you take time to season it well and take good care of it, it can replace any non-stick skillet in your kitchen.
To make caring for it easier, pick up a cleaner set containing scrapers and brushes.
Double Bar for Fridge
The inventors of the refrigerator did not consider what would happen to the contents when traveling over potholes and speed bumps.
A double bar for your fridge is a must-have RV accessory because it will prevent many disasters.
This double bar is spring-loaded and will fit any fridge between 16-28″ wide. Adding one to the front of each of your fridge shelves will keep everything in place, which is especially handy when opening the door for the first time after a trip.
No more broken jars of jam or spilled milk to cry over!
Bathroom Accessories
Over the Door Towel Rack
A place for towels to dry completely is crucial for any home. The need for a spot only grows in a home that moves around on all your family’s adventures.
An over-the-door towel rack in your bathroom will give you that space while not using any floor space. This specific rack is backed with fabric to prevent the door from getting scratched.
RV Toilet Paper
If you’re new to the world of RVs, this may shock you—not all toilet paper is safe for an RV toilet.
Specifically designed to break down quicker than other kinds, RV-friendly toilet paper won’t clog your holding tank or mess with your rig’s plumbing.
Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Holder
When counter space is a precious commodity, toothbrushes must find another home. Not every RV has a medicine cabinet for storage, so what else works?
This wall-mounted toothbrush holder is the perfect RV accessory to keep your toothbrushes off the counter and sanitary.
It can be mounted to any hard surface and fits up to five toothbrushes. The cover raises and lowers for easy access and to keep any gross particles in the air from getting on the bristles.
Holding Tank Deodorizer
While it’s not as exciting as a tech gadget or a functional storage shelf, holding tank deodorizers are a must-have RV accessory to keep your RV smelling fresh.
With three scents to choose from, Porta-Paks are an excellent purchase. A single pack dropped or flushed into your toilet will aid in breaking down waste for as long as it takes a 40-gallon tank to fill.
Retractable Clothesline
If you want a lesson in utilizing small spaces, look no further than cruise ships. And what does every cruise bathroom have in their showers? A retractable clothesline!
Those clotheslines are not reserved only for sea-faring vessels.
A retractable clothesline kit includes everything you need to install one in your RV’s bathroom. The cord is stainless steel and can stretch out over nine feet.
Now there’s an out-of-the-way place to dry your bathing suits after a day of fun in the water!
Living Room Accessories
Foldable Step Stool
A must-have RV accessory for anyone who is “vertically challenged” is a foldable step stool.
The added storage toward the ceiling of an RV is great in theory but can be hard to reach. A step stool makes all of those cabinets much more user-friendly.
It can also double as a place to sit if you have a lot of extra guests.
Museum Putty
If you plan on having anything stay out on your RV’s surfaces while in motion, museum putty will be your secret weapon.
Invest a little time once and save yourself so much time in the future. No more emptying a shelf into a basket for the trip, only to put everything back up when you arrive.
A little putty under your items will keep them safe from taking a tumble caused by the bumps and bustle of driving down the road.
Lap Desk
An excellent lap desk is a crucial RV accessory for anyone working on the go.
Huauo’s laptop desk is both sturdy and lightweight. It’s got a cushion to keep it comfortable and a groove in the top that can hold a tablet or phone.
There’s also a built-in wrist pad and storage pockets on the side.
Remote Holder
It’s always frustrating not knowing where the TV remote is. In an RV without a coffee or side table to put it on, the odds of it getting lost in a couch cushion are high.
This wall-mounted remote holder will solve that problem. It uses adhesive strips to mount to the wall and has an opening on the bottom to keep dust from accumulating.
It will work with any TV remote and is large enough to hold more than one.
Battery-Operated Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are an RV accessory that will turn your rig from a run-of-the-mill house on wheels into a cozy home.
These fairy lights are battery-operated. Hang them along a cabinet, string them underneath a sheer window covering, or put them into a vase.
However you choose to add them to your RV, they’re sure to bring a bit of whimsy and charm.
Technological Accessories
Cell Phone Booster
Adventures in your RV can lead to visiting remote destinations where cell service may be spotty. Sometimes, it doesn’t exist at all.
For many people, a cell phone signal is a must. In that case, consider investing in a cell phone signal booster!
The Drive Reach RV booster from weBoost can double a cell tower’s reach, meaning you could be well outside the boundary and still be able to make and receive phone calls.
If you plan on visiting very remote places regularly, check out weBoost’s Destination RV booster. It’s got the furthest reach of any of the company’s booster products.
Both RV accessories are compatible with all US and Canadian cell service providers.
WiFi Booster
Most campgrounds offer camp-wide WiFi, but that doesn’t mean it reaches your site or works well.
A good WiFi booster will guarantee you can get work done, video call with friends or family, and even stream a favorite show after the sun goes down.
King’s WiFiMax is simple to set up and has no extra fees. It allows you to create a personal hot spot, named and password protected, using any available WiFi network.
This device is also strong enough to provide signals to multiple devices at the same time.
RV-Specific GPS
If you’ve spent time driving an RV, you know that not all roads are RV-friendly.
Generic GPS systems or phone-based navigation apps typically provide routes for regular-sized cars and trucks. Using one of them with an RV could get you in a precarious situation, especially in mountains or more rugged terrain.
To avoid getting stuck somewhere unexpected, pick up an RV-Specific GPS!
Garmin RV 890 uses the size and weight of your rig and will route you specifically to avoid sharp turns or steep inclines. If they’re unavoidable, you’ll receive a warning so you can prepare.
You can control it with your voice and connect it to your phone through Bluetooth to make hands-free calls.
Rear-View Camera
There’s a learning curve to driving an RV, and it takes a steep climb when backing one up is involved.
A single RV accessory can take away all of that stress. A rear-view camera will show you everything behind you, even if it’s over 30 feet behind your seat.
DoHonest’s RV Backup Camera will give you the confidence to put your RV in reverse and comes with a few extra bells and whistles you’re sure to love.
The monitor can connect up to four cameras, meaning you can eliminate blind spots. You can also record the feed so that if you’re in an accident, you’ve got proof of what happened.
It’s also got superior night vision, offering clear sight up to 60 feet behind you in pitch blackness.
AV Adaptor
An AV adaptor is handy if you’re camping without WiFi but still have a phone signal. This gadget will allow you to connect your phone to a computer or TV and stream directly to them.
There are Apple-specific adaptors, as well as generic options.
Coaxial Cable
If you’re using park-provided cable or connecting to a portable satellite dish, don’t forget your coaxial cable!
G-PLUG’s coaxial cables are durable and reliable, promising a solid and long-lasting connection.
RV Connections Accessories
Drinking Water Hose
While it’s not the most glamorous RV accessory on this list, few items are as important as a drinking water hose.
Camco’s TastePURE Drinking Water Hose will bring safe and delicious water to the taps of your RV. Because of its materials, you won’t have that “garden hose” taste you may remember from childhood days of water breaks in the backyard.
It may seem obvious, but I’d be remiss not to clarify that if this hose was used to empty a tank, it’s no longer safe to drink from. Once a dumping hose, always a dumping hose.
Disposable Gloves with Grip
Connecting and disconnecting hoses can be messy work.
Most plastic gloves will slip and slide on wet surfaces, so these disposable textured gloves from Inspire are a life-saver for setting up and tearing down your RV.
Each glove has a raised diamond-shaped texture on the palm. They come in four different sizes, so there’s certain to be one that will fit you.
RV Surge Protector
A surge protector is one of the most important RV accessories you could bring along to ensure you continue having fun in your home on wheels. One faulty electric connection at a camp could completely fry your rig’s electricity.
The price of RV surge protectors covers a wide range. An important thing to remember is that they redirect harmful currents, which leaves them broken down over time. You will replace them regularly, and the most expensive doesn’t always mean the most effective.
POWSAF offers affordable surge protectors that are easy to use. They have convenient handles for plugging in and unplugging and a rainproof cover that flips down.
There is a 30-amp or 50-amp option available, depending on your need.
Power Adapters
Having power adapters in your RV means you’ll be like Goldie Locks when it comes to electricity in your home away from home. Regardless of the kind of hookup you’re using, you’ll never have too much or too little electricity with a power adapter. It will always be just right.
Camco has heavy-duty adaptors of all kinds. When shopping, know that the female side needs to match the power cord of your RV. It’s wise to have several different adaptors on hand so that you’re ready for anything.
Outdoor Accessories
Zero-Gravity Chair
A good zero-gravity chair will make it even easier to relax and unwind on your next RV adventure.
Their unique design means you can go from upright to lying down in seconds without leaving the chair!
Sunjoy offers zero-gravity chairs in several colors, each with an adjustable headrest and weather-resistant fabric. They’re portable and easy to store under your RV.
Telescoping Ladder
You may not need a telescoping ladder every day of your trip, but it’s an RV accessory you’ll be happy to have when you need it!
SocTone sells a 12.5-foot ladder that shrinks down to only 33 inches. It’s made of aluminum and has special triangle stabilizers that reduce twisting that may occur with similar ladders.
RV Leveling Kit
Some RVs come with a leveling system installed. If the RV you travel in doesn’t have one, this RV leveling kit from Andersen Hitches is an RV accessory you need on your next trip.
This system can level your trailer anywhere between 1/2-4 inches. The pieces are much simpler to use than a more traditional leveling block.
Portable Gazebo
Enjoy the benefits of a screened-in porch while on the go with Alvantor’s portable gazebo.
With sizes that can comfortably fit anywhere from 4-15 people, you can now relax outdoors after dark without becoming a mosquito buffet.
And this hardly takes up any space! Even the 15-person tent folds down to a circle with a circumference of the average hula hoop.
Welcome Mat
A welcome mat in front of your RV’s door does more than look cute. It will help keep your trailer clean!
Nature is dirty. Besides literal dirt, there’s sand, grass, mud, and many other things which can be trekked in through your home away from home.
A welcome mat will trap everything from the bottom of your shoes with a few quick scuffs. It’s a small investment with a high value!
What to Look for in the Best RV Accessories
No matter what accessories you find yourself looking for, there are a few qualities to keep at the forefront of your mind while shopping.
Durability
Whether you live in your RV full-time or take it out on an occasional adventure, the things you use in it will take a beating.
Look for items made out of longer-lasting materials. Think canvas over muslin and plastic over porcelain.
If there’s an “outdoor” or “heavy-duty” version of what you’re shopping for, get that one. The last thing you want is to replace cheap items over and over again when you could’ve paid a bit more for something more durable upfront.
Versatility
When living in 250 square feet, any item that can serve more than one purpose is a winner!
There’s no need for a crock pot, a sautee skillet, and a pressure cooker when you could buy a single Instant Pot.
Buy softer “outdoor” pillows to put on the couch inside that can also be brought out and used for a nap in your zero-gravity chair.
Sometimes this may require you to think outside the box, but versatile items will save you a lot of space.
Compact
If an item is larger than you need it to be, don’t get it. Look for items that are just the right size.
There’s no need to take up space with a six-foot folding table and set of chairs when you typically travel with your family of four.
Spring for the thinner hangers instead of the plastic ones to save space in your closet.
Search for items that are “collapsible” and “foldable.” It’s amazing what’s on the market that you may not even realize.
Lightweight
RVs are already heavy by themselves. Keeping the contents as light as possible will avoid unnecessary wear and tear to your trailer or towing vehicle.
For example, you may want to spruce up your RV’s kitchen with a tile backsplash. Instead of getting traditional tiles, try peel-and-stick tiles. Ten square feet of traditional tile weighs over 13 pounds, while ten square feet of peel-and-stick tile weighs just two ounces.
Keep your kitchen full of plastic serving ware. Metal, ceramic, and glass are much heavier and more prone to breaking.
Remember, a cast iron skillet is an exception to this rule!
Wrapping Up the Best RV Accessories
Hopefully, by now, you’ve got a good idea of what RV accessories you actually need to make your next trip one to remember.
Now it’s time to grab your zero-gravity chair and RV GPS and hit the road on an adventure!
If you need some inspiration for your next destination, check out all of our Campground Guides!
