RV Accessories for Full-Time Living
🔌 Electrical Accessories
Keeping the lights on and your devices running smoothly is essential for RV living. While solar power is a popular option, most RVers rely on campground hookups (shore power) for consistent electricity. Here are the key electrical accessories you'll need and why they matter:
1. Surge Protector
A surge protector is crucial when connecting to shore power. Not all campgrounds maintain their electrical systems to high standards, and a power surge can damage your RV’s electrical components. A surge protector guards against:
Power spikes caused by lightning or faulty wiring
Voltage drops that can cause appliances to malfunction
Overloaded circuits that can fry sensitive electronics
Surge protectors are available in both 30-amp and 50-amp versions, depending on your RV’s power requirements. Look for one with an auto-shutoff feature and built-in diagnostic lights to monitor power status.
2. Extension Cords
Once you have a surge protector, you'll need the right extension cord to connect your RV. Keep both 30-amp and 50-amp cords on hand. Having extra length (25–50 feet) allows flexibility when the power post is far from your site. Look for heavy-duty, weatherproof cords with reinforced ends to handle outdoor conditions.
3. Dog Bones (Electrical Converters)
Dog bones allow you to adapt your RV’s power needs to available sources. For example:
50-amp to 30-amp – If your RV is 30-amp and the site only has 50-amp service.
30-amp to 15-amp – Useful when staying at a state park or a friend's house with only basic power.
Invest in dog bones with durable weatherproof casings to avoid wear and tear.
🚿 Water Accessories
Clean water is essential for comfort and health on the road. Here’s what you need to keep your water supply clean and safe:
1. Drinking Water Hose
Invest in a high-quality, BPA-free drinking water hose designed for potable water. Standard garden hoses can contain harmful chemicals and plasticizers that leach into the water.
Length: Start with at least a 35-foot hose to ensure you can reach the spigot.
Material: Look for reinforced hoses with UV protection to prevent cracking and breakdown.
Color Coding: Use a white or blue hose to distinguish it from your sewer hose.
2. Water Pressure Regulator
Water pressure at campgrounds can vary from dangerously low to extremely high (20 psi to over 100 psi). Your RV’s plumbing is not built to withstand high pressure like a house, so a regulator protects against burst pipes and leaks.
Preset or Adjustable: Some regulators are preset to 40–50 psi, while others allow you to adjust the pressure.
Brass or Plastic: Brass models are more durable and corrosion-resistant.
3. Water Filters
Water quality varies from site to site. A water filter improves taste and reduces contaminants. Options include:
Inline Carbon Filters: Easy to install and affordable — great for removing chlorine and sediment.
Canister Systems: More effective at removing heavy metals, bacteria, and odors.
Multi-Stage Systems: Combine sediment, carbon, and bacterial filtration for clean drinking water.
4. Hose Quick Connectors
Quick connectors let you snap hoses together effortlessly, cutting down on setup time.
Brass or Plastic: Brass connectors last longer and are more resistant to weather.
Push-and-Lock: Allows for quick, leak-free connections.
5. Brass Connectors
If your RV’s water hookup is on the side, use a brass elbow connector to relieve stress on the plastic piping.
Reduces the weight strain from the hose.
Prevents costly leaks and damage to the connection point.
6. Water Flow Meter
A water flow meter measures how much water is running through your hose — great for tracking water usage and black tank flushing.
Helps prevent overflows.
Easy to install between the hose and spigot.
🚽 Sewer Accessories
Handling waste isn’t glamorous, but it’s part of RV life. Here’s how to make it as easy and sanitary as possible:
1. Black Water Hose
Your black water hose should be dedicated exclusively to waste management.
Use a color-coded black hose to avoid confusion.
Keep it at least 20 feet long to handle tricky campground setups.
2. Sewer Hoses (Stinky Slinkys)
Campground sewer connections vary in distance, so keep at least two hoses (a short one and a long one) on hand.
Look for heavy-duty hoses with reinforced ends.
A hose with a clear connector helps monitor the flow.
3. Clear Sewer Connectors
Clear connectors let you see when the tank is finished draining.
Helps prevent overflows.
Useful when flushing out your tank.
4. Sewer Hose Supports
Most campgrounds require you to elevate your sewer hose.
Creates a natural slope for better drainage.
Prevents clogs and backups.
5. Sewer Hose Rinse Cap
The rinse cap attaches to your sewer hose and sprays out residue after dumping.
Keeps your hoses clean and odor-free.
Reduces buildup over time.
6. Reverse Flusher
A reverse flusher pushes water back into the tank from the opposite direction.
Helps clear clogs and debris.
Prevents the dreaded "poop pyramid."
🛠️ Safety and Convenience Accessories
These items don’t fit into a neat category, but they’re essential for safety and comfort:
1. RV Steps
If your RV doesn’t have built-in steps, portable steps are a must for safe and easy entry.
Choose a non-slip surface for safety.
Adjustable height models are useful for uneven ground.
2. Leveling Blocks
Not all campsites are level.
Stackable plastic blocks are lightweight and easy to store.
Wood works too but is heavier and prone to rotting.
3. Portable Air Compressor
Tires naturally lose air over time.
A portable air compressor allows you to refill tires and handle flats.
Also useful for blowing out water lines during winterization.
Look for a model with a built-in pressure gauge and auto-shutoff.
✅ Final Thoughts
Having the right RV accessories can make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth adventure. Start with the essentials — electrical, water, sewer, and safety — and add convenience items as you go. Investing in quality gear upfront will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Happy travels, and remember — the road is calling! 🚐💨
