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RV Life and Must Haves
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items My wife and I are avid RV travelers, having been to eleven states, roughly thirty national parks & monuments, and a myriad of state parks. We absolutely love traveling by RV and seeing this wonderful country of ours. Over the last eight years, we've borrowed one RV from a friend and bought two others, a bumper pull and now a 5th wheel. We've learned a lot of lessons along the way, had some close calls, and had some incredible times on our own and with friends. We've made a number of new friends along the way and have seen things I never thought I'd have the opportunity to lay my eyes on.
I've put together this list based on our experiences. This is a live list, always growing with new items based on new experiences. I hope you find some things that help you on your journeys - come inside, take a look and feel free to ask me questions - I'm always happy to help!!
I've put together this list based on our experiences. This is a live list, always growing with new items based on new experiences. I hope you find some things that help you on your journeys - come inside, take a look and feel free to ask me questions - I'm always happy to help!!
Snap Pads are designed to provide a larger footprint for your landing gear pads, providing greater stability. These easy to install pads just snap into place - and stay put. A dab of dish soap will help make installation a lot easier as the pads are made of rubber composites and the lip on the pads are slightly smaller diameter than the steel pads they are being attached to. Once they're on, they're on!
RV SnapPad
These simple to use ‘X’ style wheel chocks are, in my opinion, the best wheel chocks to use when parking your RV. These chocks are installed between the wheels of your RV, and as the unit is tightened, two arms on each side, each with a pad that pushes against the tires, gradually applying pressure to each tire, locking the wheels in place and not allowing them ... These, in conjunction with traditional wheel chocks virtually guarantees your RV will not move.
Maxchock X-Shaped RV Stabilizer Wheel Chock
Unique Camping & Marine products are designed to help with the breakdown of solids in the black tank of your RV and / or boat and deodorize any unpleasant aromas from both the black tank and the gray tanks.
Unique products come in liquid and disolvable pods, both of which have easy to read directions for use on their respective containers. Take advantage of these products to help keep your RV or boat enjoyable for years to come!
Unique products come in liquid and disolvable pods, both of which have easy to read directions for use on their respective containers. Take advantage of these products to help keep your RV or boat enjoyable for years to come!
Unique Camping + Marine
Andersen Hitches and accessories are an industry leader in all things RV related. From their Ultimate RV 5th wheel hitches to their leveling blocks, Andersen products are tested and certified for quality.
I've been using Andersen 5th wheel hitches for several years now and am extremely pleased with the ease and performance of their Ultimate 5th Wheel hitch!
I also use their camp levelers which make leveling your RV side-to-side simple and effective.
I've been using Andersen 5th wheel hitches for several years now and am extremely pleased with the ease and performance of their Ultimate 5th Wheel hitch!
I also use their camp levelers which make leveling your RV side-to-side simple and effective.
Andersen Hitches: Premium Trailer Hitch and Accessories
Camco water supply products are an industry leader in supplying fresh, drinkable water to your RV or boat. From drink safe hoses, to water filtration systems, to pressure control devices, Camco offers just about everything an RV or boat owner will need to make your travel / living experience enjoyable.
Fresh Water
Having the right surge protector is paramount to being able to enjoy using your RV or Boat. A surge protector is designed to protect your RV or boat against power / current surges in the incoming power lines that can easily ruin the electrical system in your RV or boat. Take the time to do some research on the correct product for the amperage you are supplying to you trailer or boat. You'll thank yourself later for it!
RV Surge Protector
Small, yet powerful. This mini compressor is a must have for your RV. With a digital readout, high pressure capacity, carry case - and it's rechargeable, this little powerhouse is perfect for making sure your RV tires - and your tow vehicle tires - are properly inflated. Proper inflation not only help with efficiency, it will prolong the life span of your tires. Underinflation / overinflation can cause unusual wear, reducing the lifespan of your tire - or worse, lead to catastrophic failure of your tires. Be safe - make sure your tires are inflated properly with the Avid Power Tire Inflator.
AVID POWER 20V Cordless Tire Inflator
Having an adjustable water pressure gauge for your water supply to your RV can help reduce possible water line or faucet failures from over pressurization or water pressure surges from the source. This inline, easy to use device can be adjusted to provide the best water pressure for your RV.
Brass Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge (E/F) LLC
Knowing how much propane you have left in your tanks at all times can be the difference between being warm on a cold night and being really cold on a cold night. Mopeka makes the standard for the propane tank sensor - check two tanks at the same time. These devices magnetically attach to the bottom of your propane tank, and using an internal sensor and Bluetooth technology, sends volume information to a readout device you can check at your leisure.
Never run out of propane again!
Never run out of propane again!
Shop Our Products
Winterizing your RV is a must-do in some areas of the country. Making sure your water lines have been properly blown out with low pressure air, then filled with RV antifreeze is important to the longevity of your RV. Using a hand pump on get RV antifreeze into the water lines is the fasted and easiest way to do this.
Camco RV Antifreeze Hand Pump Kit - Winterizing
A surge protector is, in my opinion, the number one protective item you can have for your RV. Power surges, regardless of how small or large, can easily destroy the entire electrical system in your RV. A quality surge protector, rated at the amperage of your RV can help alleviate potential damage before it has a chance to get to your RV. Peace of mind is an investment, not an expense.
RV Surge Protector
Eliminating water from your water lines is the first step in winterizing your RV or boat. Using a specifically designed tool for the task not only makes this process faster and easier, but it helps eliminate the possibility of damaging your water lines.
Winterize Blow Out Adapter for RV & Boat
Rechargeable, motion sensing stair lights on your RV can help make entering and leaving your RV much safer. Motion sensors will automatically turn on these lights, illuminating the stairs making access safer for all. Make sure you recharge these regularly so they work when you need them to.
Rv Step Lights
Sunlight and the elements can cause your RV tires to deteriorate, leading to possible safety issues. Covering your tires with simple tire covers can help eliminate potential damage, prolonging the lifespan of your tires. Tire covers are inexpensive insurance against costly potential damages from tire failure.
Aebitsry RV Tire Covers (4 Pack)
Filtering the water before it enters your RV is just plain smart. Camco water filter systems are easy to install and use, and provide a sense of comfort that your water is safe to consume. Camco 40045 TastePure inline RV water filters greatly reduce bad taste, odors, chlorine and sediments before they reach your RV.
Shop TastePURE at CamcoOutdoors.com/ ...
Whether you're showing a patriotic side or rooting for your favorite team, having a mount on your RV's ladder for your flag pole makes installing and removing your flag so much easier. Just a simple installation on one of the uprights of your RV's ladder with two screws and butterfly nuts and you should be good to go!
Telescoping RV Flagpoles and Flagpole Mounts
If you're like me, you park your RV next to your house when you're not out on the road. And, if you're like me, you don't have a 30 amp outlet, you need an adapter to hook your RV up to shore power. That's where this 110v to 30amp adapter comes into play.
Don't forget the 110v to 50amp adapter, too! I carry one of each with me no matter where I go - better to have and not need!
Don't forget the 110v to 50amp adapter, too! I carry one of each with me no matter where I go - better to have and not need!
30 Amp 110 Volt Plug
Keeping track of your towable RV's tire pressure when you're on the road is an incredibly important thing to do. Monitoring tire temperature and tire pressure - especially on hot days, is paramount to a safe trip and safe arrival to your destination. A TPMS generally will have two parts to it - each valve stem will have a cap with a pressure sensor and thermometer inside it - each of these will communicate with a base - either an OEM onboard system that your newer rig may have, or a solar powered...
Knowing when to take a break and let your tires cool down or when to release / add pressure to your tires really improves the safety of you, your family, and others on the road around you.
Knowing when to take a break and let your tires cool down or when to release / add pressure to your tires really improves the safety of you, your family, and others on the road around you.
Tire Safety and TPMS | Tire Pressure Monitors
Whether you're boondocking or the power is down at the park you're at, it's always good to have a generator on board. It's even better when it's a super quiet generator / inverter.
I've had my Pulsar for about three years now, and thankfully, have had to use it sparingly, and never in an emergency for the RV. Having it has actually helped me help others more than it has helped myself! There have been a couple of occasions where I used my Pulsar to power up my compressor to inflate another travelers tire. It's a great feeling helping others. It's an even better feeling knowing you're prepared for the next time you may need to help yourself.
I've had my Pulsar for about three years now, and thankfully, have had to use it sparingly, and never in an emergency for the RV. Having it has actually helped me help others more than it has helped myself! There have been a couple of occasions where I used my Pulsar to power up my compressor to inflate another travelers tire. It's a great feeling helping others. It's an even better feeling knowing you're prepared for the next time you may need to help yourself.
4000W Super Quiet Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator with Recoil Start
Having a compressor handy on your RV can help keep your RV tires in better shape for longer by being able to keep them at the proper air pressure.
It's also a great feeling when you can help a fellow RV'er or traveler who has tire issues. I once helped a guy who was stuck at a rest area out in the middle of nowhere Oregon; he got a flat tire and was able to nurse his car to the rest area and put the spare on. Problem was, the spare was flat, too. Fortunately, I had both a compressor and a generator to help get this man on his way. A tow truck would have had to travel over 50 miles each way to assist him.
Be prepared to help yourself and your fellow traveler.
It's also a great feeling when you can help a fellow RV'er or traveler who has tire issues. I once helped a guy who was stuck at a rest area out in the middle of nowhere Oregon; he got a flat tire and was able to nurse his car to the rest area and put the spare on. Problem was, the spare was flat, too. Fortunately, I had both a compressor and a generator to help get this man on his way. A tow truck would have had to travel over 50 miles each way to assist him.
Be prepared to help yourself and your fellow traveler.
CAMPBELL HAUSFELD FP260000DI 1 Gal Pancake Compressor
RV Leveling systems are an excellent way get your RV close to level prior to initiating either your auto leveling system or manually leveling your RV using the stabilizer jacks and leveling pads.
These leveling systems are tapered hard plastic, fiberglass, or other composite materials that, when rolled up upon in your RV - whether it's a towable or drivable RV, will raise one side - or both sides - to help level your RV. Once in place, a shim is slipped under the narrow part of the leveling system to basically lock it in place. They're easy to use, are durable, and store relatively easily when not in use.
These are a great supplement to your leveling system as they can take a lot of pressure off of your system by raising one side of your RV to a point where it is almost level.
The other benefit of these is that it keeps your wheels in constant contact with the ground, providing positive contact and eliminates roll - they basically act just like a wheel chock.
These leveling systems are tapered hard plastic, fiberglass, or other composite materials that, when rolled up upon in your RV - whether it's a towable or drivable RV, will raise one side - or both sides - to help level your RV. Once in place, a shim is slipped under the narrow part of the leveling system to basically lock it in place. They're easy to use, are durable, and store relatively easily when not in use.
These are a great supplement to your leveling system as they can take a lot of pressure off of your system by raising one side of your RV to a point where it is almost level.
The other benefit of these is that it keeps your wheels in constant contact with the ground, providing positive contact and eliminates roll - they basically act just like a wheel chock.
Camper Leveler
Don't buy just any sewer hose for your RV, spend some extra money and get a quality hose, downspout, and flush kit. This is one of those items where if you try to save money, you're very possibly setting yourself up for trouble - lots of really stinky trouble. And this doesn't just go for the black tank, but for the gray tanks, too. Often times, the gray tanks will be just as stinky - maybe even more so, than the gray tanks.
In my opinion, extendable sewer pipes for your RV are better. Once extended, they don't have a pull-back pressure like so many of the springy ones that can accidentally pull the downspout out of the sewer access point. Make sure the downspout has a good gasket to create a good seal with the sewer pipe - clear ones are better so you can see when the discharge begins to turn clear - this is when I turn on the black tank sprayer to make sure I get everything out of th...
Don't forget to put at least several gallons of fresh water in your black tank so solids don't dry out and create the stinky pyramid of p** in your tank.
In my opinion, extendable sewer pipes for your RV are better. Once extended, they don't have a pull-back pressure like so many of the springy ones that can accidentally pull the downspout out of the sewer access point. Make sure the downspout has a good gasket to create a good seal with the sewer pipe - clear ones are better so you can see when the discharge begins to turn clear - this is when I turn on the black tank sprayer to make sure I get everything out of th...
Don't forget to put at least several gallons of fresh water in your black tank so solids don't dry out and create the stinky pyramid of p** in your tank.
Shop Camco's Sanitation Products at ...