In my Checklist for RVers E-book I list 20 essential items you should never leave without on an RV trip. Today I am going to condense that list to my top 5 RV essential items. Here we go!
1) RV Electrical Adapters & Extension Cord
RV Electrical Adapters
You never know what type of electrical service you might encounter during your RV travels. Depending on your RV you will need electrical adapters that allow you to plug-in to the electrical service provided. There are electrical adapters that go from 50-amp to 30-amp, 30-amp to 20-amp etc. I recommend keeping a variety of these adapters on hand in your RV. Keep in mind that if you do plug-in to a 20 amp service you will be limited in what 120 volt devices you can use in the RV.
In addition to various electrical adapters you should always take an extension cord along on RV trips. Ideally you want an extension cord designed specifically for your RV’s electrical system, with the same gauge wire and ends that match the RV and the campground service your RV is rated for. Typical household extension cords are not rated for 30 plus amps. If you do use a household type extension cord it should be at least 10-gauge wire.
2) RV Sewer Hose Connectors & Adapters
RV Sewer Hose Adapters
It never fails, one day you are going to camp at a destination and discover you don’t have the right adapter for the campground sewer or dump station drain outlet. The reason for this is, not only do sewer drain outlets come in different sizes, but some are smooth pipe while others are threaded pipe.
Companies like Valterra Products offer solutions for all these different types of campground sewer and dump station connectors with kits designed to work in nearly all situations you encounter along the way. In addition to a selection of sewer hose connectors and adapters it’s a good idea to take an extra length of sewer hose too, like a 10-foot and a 20-foot hose. You never know how far away you will be parked from the campground sewer drain. I also recommend using a heavy-duty type sewer hose. They do not cost much more and will last longer than a standard RV sewer hose.
Another option is to use a product like the RV Sewer Solution. It is similar to a macerator but doesn’t require electricity. Watch Video
3) RV Drinking Water Hose & Regular Garden Hose
RV hoses
You always want a potable RV drinking water hose long enough to get you out of any jam. I keep a 4-foot, 10-foot and 25-foot drinking hose in the RV at all times. Watch Video
Another essential component of the potable RV drinking hose is a water regulator. You never know what the water pressure will be at a campground. A RV water regulator will protect your RV plumbing system from high water pressure that is common at many campgrounds. Always connect the regulator at the source of the water to regulate the pressure before it enters the RV. I also recommend turning the water source coming into the RV off if you plan to be away from the RV for a period of time. Watch Video
Last but not least I always take a ordinary garden hose for cleaning, flushing tanks and other purposes. This hose should be green, black or gray in color. Most RV drinking hoses are white so the color will help you distinguish between the two.
4) Digital Line Monitor and/or Surge Guard
Digital Line Monitor
I keep a digital plug-in voltmeter on hand at all times. You can use it to check the polarity and voltage at the campground prior to plugging the RV in. And you can monitor the voltage throughout your camping trip to protect your appliances and electronic equipment from being damaged by high or low campground voltage.
RV Electrical Tip: Voltage below 105 volts or above 130 volts can potentially damage electronic devices and appliances.
I also use a product called Surge Guard that is designed to protect your RV’s electrical system and sophisticated electronic equipment from damage. Watch Video
5) RV Water Filtration System
RV Water Filter
I highly recommend some type of water filtration system . There are several types available designed specifically for use with RVs. You can install an under the counter filter directly to a faucet just for drinking water, or you can use an external filter system designed to filter all of the water going into the RV.
Some RVs come equipped with a water filter housing already installed. If not, and you would like to install a filtration system in your RV , here is one of my RV how to videos that might be helpful. Watch Video
These 5 items are from my RV essential items checklist in my Checklists for RVers E-book
Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk
Mark Polk
RV 101® / RV Education 101® 
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