We compiled a list of the items we consider “must haves” for full-time RVing. In the beginning, we wasted a lot of money on things we didn’t need. Here we only share those items that we are still using 6 years later.
Note: This article contains affiliate links meaning if you purchase something using a link, we will get a small commission (and no additional cost to you). However, we only recommend products that we use.
Water Systems
Water Filter System – If you want to protect your water lines from sediment that can create blockages, as well as filter your water for bacteria and other impurities, check out this simple DIY Water Filtration System.
Electricity
Lithium Batteries & Solar Panels – We finally upgraded our power system to lithium batteries and solar last year. Before we upgraded from lead acid to lithium batteries we were constantly worried about keeping our residential refrigerator powered overnight without damaging the batteries or
We choose Battle Born Batteries after we met the founders and some of their team at a rally last year. They are terrific folks and really care about their product and their customers.
Dehumidifier
It is not just those RVing in humid climates that need this inexpensive preventive maintenance tool. If you shower, wash clothes, cook, or even breathe in your RV, you increase the relative humidity in the air and can create excessive condensation and moisture. We use four dehumidifiers in our 44-foot fifth wheel.
We also use a Damp Rid Disposable Dehumidifiers in the bathroom. Although it says it is disposable, you can actually reuse it by just buying replacement pellets.
Mattress
Our RV mattress was so uncomfortable something had to be done about it right away. We tried the less expensive method first, and purchased a foam mattress topper and cut it to size (RV mattresses aren’t the same size as residential). While this wasn’t a perfect fix, it was an improvement. After about six months full-time, we purchased a new custom mattress and couldn’t be happier.
Kitchen
Click here to see our kitchen set up.
Other Outdoor Items
Wheel covers – To protect our RV tires from the damaging rays of the sun, we purchased these triple axel tire covers. They also come in double and single.
Wheel chocks – We use this inexpensive set every time we park!
Satellite TV Wineguard – We use this Winegard Playmaker portable satellite antenna on a tripod to get our satellite signal.
Sign – We love our outdoor sign we purchased from Craft Village two years ago. It has been outside in the elements since and we’ve noticed no sign of wear.
RV SnapPads are a leveling and stability solution for RVs. The pads increase our rig’s surface area/footprint and therefore stability. In addition, the SnapPads help dampen vibrations and the “rock” of the rig when you are inside, makes for a better RVing experience and lessens the chances of slippage or tilt. Perhaps the most often ignored reason to have a good set of SnapPads for your rig is jack foot protection. The metal leveling jacks on your automatic system are absolutely integral to how your levelers function.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
You know the saying, you have a lot riding on your tires. A tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, consists of a series of sensors that screw onto each tire’s valve stem to monitor tire air pressure and temperature. We have the sensors installed on the Fifth Wheel and truck tires. The TPMS alerts the driver if a tire gets too hot or has pressure outside the desired range (too high or too low). This gives you time to pull over safely before a blowout occurs. We personally recommend the TST 507 purchased from TechnoRV.
Internet – We work remotely so we need reliable access to the internet. We use cellular data plans and hotspots from two different carriers, but the real game-changer is our Pepwave router. We tried campground WiFi and another cellular signal booster before the Pepwave and we think the Pepwave is worth every cent.
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