12 Things You Totally Don’t Need in Your RV (But Be Glad You Have!)


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12 Things You Totally Don’t Need in Your RV (But You’ll Be So Glad You Have!)

Think you know all the RV Must-Haves? We came up with some of our favorite RV items, all that we use often, but ones you might not think of when shopping for camper supplies.

things for RV

2 years ago when we bought our camper at a local RV Expo, we were just minutes away from telling the dealer to draw up the sale papers. Before we could tell him we were ready to buy, our son made it abundantly clear that we were about 2 hours past lunchtime thanks to the wheeling and dealing over this new camper. We decided to take a break, get some lunch, walk around, then come back and sign on the dotted line. As we walked away from that camper, the salesman insisted on reminding us that we needed to purchase that day in order to receive the SHOW SPECIAL.  No, he wasn’t talking about a huge discount on the camper or anything like that.  This dealership was giving away a free counter top ice maker with every camper purchase.

Long story made a little shorter, we got lunch and on our way to the bathroom, literally stumbled upon the camper we ended up buying.  In reality we were trying to avoid letting the kids see that there was a bounce house at the Expo as we had neither the time nor cash to let them jump. We found a row of campers that looked interesting and fell in love with the first one we stepped into. The camper was exactly what we had been looking for and the price was right.  We laughed the entire way home that we had missed out on the free ice maker.

It wasn’t until a year or so later that the ice maker in our freezer died. We came across a deal on a counter top ice maker and bought one for the kitchen. We loved it.  Then we decided it might be nice to take on a camping trip to see if we really used it or not.  We used it so much, we ended up buying a second ice maker so that we have one in the camper all the time! LOL!! 

It turns out, it didn’t just end for us with the ice maker. Oh no.  Over the years, we have accumulated all sorts of “don’t really need it but boy is it nice to have” items that are completely unnecessary but welcome additions to our camper! Here are some of ours – what are yours?

12 Things You Totally Don't Need in Your RV (But You'll be So Glad You Have!) PIN 2

Our very favorite RV items! (These are great gift ideas for your favorite RV camper!)

Counter Top Ice Maker – There is something downright luxurious about having your own steady supply of ice right in your camper! From chilly water and soda drinks to that afternoon iced coffee, we love our ice maker.

Igloo ICE103 Counter Top Ice Maker with Over-Sized Ice Bucket, Stainless Steel

Instant Pot – Have you joined the Instant Pot craze yet?  If not, we highly recommend getting one. The pressure cooker function makes it pretty simple to get a hearty and delicious meal on the table with minimal effort, even after a long day of driving. There are so many amazing RV Instant Pot meals! One of our favorite traveling meals is this Instant Pot recipe for Pot Roast.

Instant Pot RV

Electric Griddle – We have a rule in our camper: never ever ever cook bacon inside of it.  The smell just never goes away! Electric griddles are flat and easy to store, they heat up evenly and quickly, and are perfect for outdoor cooking on a table or outdoor kitchen counter. Griddles are perfect for cooking many types of food and they keep the smells and splatters associated with those foods outside.

Presto 07055 Cool-Touch Electric Ceramic Griddle

Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table – These tables are a great way to extend your prep space when cooking outside. The top platform fits a griddle or tabletop grill perfectly.

Camco Deluxe Folding Grill Table

Camp Cooking

Cordless Drill and 3/4″ socket with adapter – Drop those stabilizers in seconds flat! Instead of using a non-powered hand crank, use a drill to drop anchor quickly and effortlessly.

Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit

RV Awning Mat – There is nothing more annoying that the sheer volume of sand and dirt that gets dragged into the camper! Grab one of these mats and stake it down under your RV steps.  This area will give you a nice big spot to kick off shoes and knock excess sand off of your feet.

rv awning mat

Lightweight Stick Vacuum – Storage space is certainly premium real estate in a camper. These simple vacuums are light and won’t take up much room.  They are incredibly effective at cleaning up dirt and sand that gets dragged into the camper!

Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner, Handheld Vacuum Corded, NES210

Screened Tent – You never know when you will find yourself parked at a campsite that offers zero shade from trees… or when you’ll end up in a mosquito or fly prone area. Keep a screened tent in your camper for those occasions when you still want to relax outside and take in the sights, but can do so in shade and free from most biting bugs.

Walkie Talkies – When camping in the mountains or other remote areas, cell phone signal is not always guaranteed.  Keep a set of walkie talkies in your camper so that you always have a line of communication available between the RV and whoever is exploring the campground.

Arcshell Rechargeable Long Range Two-way Radios with Earpiece 4 Pack

Throw Pillows – Pick up some cute outdoor pillows that fit your particular decorating style.  Not only do these pillows look nice on the couch and chairs, but it’s very convenient to have extra pillows at night! I only have one pillow for my spot on my camper bed, but I usually take a throw pillow or two off the couch each night and use them under my pillow.

Outdoor Throw Pillows

Throw Pillows on Camper Couch

RV Bed

Retractable Laundry Line – These laundry lines make a great addition to your camper (we have ours installed over the bathtub).  It’s nice to have an extra space to hang wet towels after a shower or swimming.

Retractable Clothes Line 1

Upgraded Mattress – We wrote an entire post on how to upgrade your RV mattress. If your factory RV mattress doesn’t give you a great night’s sleep, consider upgrading. It’s easy and not super expensive.

RV Bed

BONUS ITEM: AIR FRYER!! Listen, we started out with our Instant Pot and figured that was good enough.  Then we added the griddle.  I need to tell you – our air fryer is now probably used in our camper EVEN MORE OFTEN than the other two items!!  What can’t this amazing machine do?! Check out some of our popular air fryer camping recipes:

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks Plated

Recap of these RV Must-Haves

What would our readers add?

It probably won’t surprise you when you I tell you that this – but this post is by far, the most popular one on our site to date.  Not only do thousands of people read through our list each and every day, but many readers leave comments below with THEIR favorite must-have RV items. The comment section below has some excellent ideas and suggestions.

Here is a list of reader faves:

Tell us – what are your favorite RV items?


PIN THIS POST with our favorite RV items TO PINTEREST!

12 Things You Totally Don't Need in Your RV

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242 thoughts on “12 Things You Totally Don’t Need in Your RV (But Be Glad You Have!)”

  1. These are good suggestions, however as a solo RVer my needs are on a different scale than yours. Also I am living in the RV is work related. I have my trusty quart and a half crock pot and have not used it once 3 mths of living in my class C. But it’s always good to. Look over the fence and see how the other guy does it. My best.

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    • Great perspective and we appreciate you sharing! You’re definitely right that these items will vary slightly depending on the rig and who is camping. Happy travels to you!! 🙂

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    • Thank you! Couldn’t agree more – especially about upgrading the mattress. We spent the first few trips in our camper with sore backs. Upgrading was the best thing we did – we sleep like rocks now and wake up feeling great!

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      • I still have the original mattress that we bought the trailer with and just added a pillow top to it and I sleep better in my camper then at home and we have a sleep number at home. The other items I agree on is a crock pot, 3M hooks for bathroom or we use them in our garage for fly swatters and dog leashes, I also have a skillet and the flat skillet and we bought an air fryer and we take that also for quick easy snacks. And I found that using Suction cups works very well for outside the trailer to hang wet towels that come from the pool or swimming. And they’re easy to remove when you’re ready to leave. And my final decision was on the bugs was not only do a spray ant spray on the legs of my trailer on the tires but I also have a small Electric bug zapper that has a fan on it to suck in the bugs at the bottom of the bowl and I didn’t think it worked in the beginning but apparently it does when I went to clean it out it was full so that would be another suggestion and I hang it underneath one of the slides.

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          • Hi Michelle, what exactly do you mean when you mentioned you put something at the bottom of bowl? (for bugs) I’m taking notes on everyone’s tips! Buying a camper next week, and it’s been a few years since we had one, so trying to soak up all info n tips I can get! Let me know please

        • That’s great that the pillow top worked well for you! We tried that before buying a new mattress and it still wasn’t comfortable enough for us. Great suggestions and input, thank you!

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          • First thing, before even sleeping in the bed, we got a memory foam topper. I sleep in the trailer as well as at home, and better than at some high-end resorts I’ve stayed at.

          • We have a sleep number at home and we’re very surprised and happy that our RV also has one! Now we just need to figure out the bed in the couch. For that matter, the couch it’s self! I hate the squeaky noises the ‘vinyl’ makes, and no matter how you sit on it, it’s uncomfortable every second you’re on it!!

        • The ice maker was an excellent choice for our camper. One thing I made sure to buy was our electric skillet. I use it everytime we go camping. I am able to use it inside or out. About item we can’t love without is our keurig. We have to have our coffee. We use the reusable pod and we each enjoy our favorite coffee. Our next purchase will be a air fryer/Pressure cooker and the electric griddle. We love camping and these items just make things easier.
          Thanks for your article, I enjoyed it and your suggestions.
          Happy Camping.

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          • The Keurig is so convenient for camping! Ours died a couple years ago and I still need to replace it. Just used our air fryer camping last weekend and it came in handy multiple times!!

          • I am a solo rv’r. I got me a mico/
            Convection/airfryer combo. ….. I LOVE ITTT. . as for a matress get a foam one. They are sized like a regular bed. The few inches is at the foot of bed. .. I also found. The perfect trash can for inside. It is rectangle 12×18 with touchless lid.

          • we love our icemaker, we also use an induction cook plate for outside (we don’t cook inside due to the lingering odors). We added a mattress topper also. One thing that I find that I use most is a simple household cleaning caddy. I put my paper plates, cups, forks, potholders, napkins, salt & pepper shakers. Handy to carry out to the picnic table and nothing blows away. bring it inside and set on counter and it is ready for the next meal. Also the plastic coverups that you can find at the dollar store near the foil are great for keeping the bugs and flies off drink cans, cups, etc. I am all about making it simple.

          • I suggest the Kalorik Air fryer .. the cooking sheets are teflon coated and so easy to clean … I have 2 air fryers and the other one has steel mesh cooking sheets and cleaning it can be difficult ( to say the least )

        • When saying a “pillow topper”, what are you meaning? We got a 1″ memory foam topper and it is not helping at all.

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          • We bought a new mattress as ours was junk. Memory foam 10 inch queen. Wasn’t real expensive and guaranteed for 10 yrs

          • Kohl’s have a 3” gel mattress toppers and other kinds too. They have sales often and if you can get a 30% coupon off, that helps as well.

          • More than 1”- that is like a quilt!
            We have a sleep number at home; and after 4 nights the first time out (years ago) and a horrible sleep- we got the sleep number for our rv.
            Note: if you have a sleep number or any other style “air bed” remember to deflate if you are doing any mountain terrain traveling; the higher you go the more it expands on its own.
            Oh- our favorite must have is a dash egg cooker- tiny amount of water for wonderful poached; scrambled; omelette or hard boiled.

          • Looks like home improvement stores like Home Depot sell a food grade version, pool stores sell the non-food grade version.

          • Side walk chalk for ants. If you have dirt get a cheese grader to use just for the chalk. Ants won’t come back. Just put a row of the graded chalk around your camper, dog dish, outside table etc.
            Also have a whistle for everyone. If you get hurt you may not be heard yelling. My son was only 10′ away , and couldn’t yell loud enough. After that, I always have whistles

        • We stayed at an RV park @ 45 minutes south of Disneyland on fall.
          Came home one day and found trails of ants all over inside trailer.
          Camp host told us to sprinkle Dutch cleanser, Ajax all around the outside of trailer. Sprinkled a line all the way around the 5th wheel.
          It worked. I was amazed. Of course there was a woodpecker in a tree next to 5th wheel that we could not get rid of.

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          • There was no reply link to Jerry’s “BB gun” suggestion regarding the woodpecker. NO AND NO. Research it yourself. We had one on our house bedroom roof for days drumming for a girlfriend. Sounded like an MG42. Researched. ILLEGAL to harm them. Stiff fines. We hung up “scare tape”. It either worked or his lonely hearts drumming paid off.

      • We actually had my best friend convert our bed to the size of 2 twins and but a topper on top of the twin mattresses. We don’t use our bedroom for changing so it worked out perfectly especially since my husband is 6ft 5in! I think we might need the ice maker our next purchase though!

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    • Headlamps!! Portable generator like a Jackery 1000. White vinegar because it cleans literally everything and is environmentally friendly. Stock of AA and AAA batteries. Hand held vacuum because… its just easier for small and tight space messes. Toaster/oven/air fryer. Baby wipes!

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    • Small tower fan , adjustable step for out side for entrance, door bar on screen door to hold on to getting in and out, a handle on step going in and out of camper. Small blower for blowing off pad and mat of leave’s small foldable step for inside camper, retractable ladder for outside, and extra sewer hoses. Some campground, sewer connections are far away from your outlets.

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      • We have a countertop ice maker. Do you let yours sit for 24 hours after moving it, to use it? That’s what instructions said on ours. Very curious.

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        • We don’t usually wait, but we try not to shake it up or turn it upside down. I *think* it has something to do with the refrigerant used and that the fluids might need to settle in the lines before it can work properly. (So if it got really jostled or tossed around during transit, you might want to let it sit… We secure our ice maker so that it doesn’t move during transit.)

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    • Thank you!! Believe it or not, it’s just a random comforter I found at Walmart. I liked the colors and the pattern so I bought the comforter and then just picked up some sheets that would match! Same thing with the pillows – they are actually outdoor pillows that Walmart had for sale in the garden area last summer! 🙂

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    • We have most of these conveniences. Some you need and some you don’t depending where you camp and how long. The ice maker is a huge help in not having to buy ice for extra coolers and things.
      We also have a Keurig coffee maker with us. So easy and no mess.

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        • That’s a great reminder – anything super expensive, things sensitive to freezing temps, etc should be brought in for winter. Thank you!

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          • The handiest “things” we have put in ours are pencil bags, stores on cup hooks under the wall cabinet in the bathroom. We took 6 grandkids (7,7,9,10,10 & 12) on a 2 week western tour. Each of them had toothbrush, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc., packed in their pencil bag. Certainly made nightly routines easier.

      • The ice maker for the cooler is a great idea. I bought a bread loaf-sized Tupperware, which I fill with water and freeze. I use that block of ice to either keep in the cooler, or I put it in the refrigerator because I’m paranoid about traveling with the propane tanks turned on for the fridge.

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        • That’s a great idea. The propane turned on while driving is TERRIFYING to me. I have always emptied my fridge, & used cooler(s) if something needed to be kept cold while driving & MANY TIMES I have just given away food that needed to be kept cold to other people in camp grounds just so it wouldn’t go to waste.

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          • I too don’t like the idea of using propane while on the road. I turn off my fridge and with the food inside, place a bag of ice in the crisper bin or if I have time I place several frozen water bottles inside. Keeps food cold until I reach the campground. I purchase a bag of ice for the trip home and save a lot of moving food around.
            Another idea is to use as much shelf stable food as possible: canned chicken, precooked bacon, etc. or plan meals around shelf stable ingredients: pasta, peanut butter, canned soup, etc. Saves a lot of storage issues.
            An empty cooler can be used to store fresh veggies up to a week with no problem. I put my carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, oranges, lemons, avocados, turnips, onions in the cooler in separate paper bags. They last a long time with no ice.

  2. Really, the screened tent just turned into a bug catcher. More bugs inside than outside. There has got to be something better! Ice maker, Keurig, outdoor mat, Thermacell to keep mosquitos away ( ahhhmazing) extra stabilizers, step stabilizers, x- chocks, dual faucet attachment, accordion sewer hose lifter, soap and shampoo wall dispenser are our top ten not needed but make your camping life easier list!

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    • GREAT suggestions, thanks!! Totally going to look into Thermacell!! We did pretty well with our screened tent and keeping bugs out, though with the kids constantly in and out of it, some definitely flew right on in the door as it flapped in the breeze!

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      • I’ve found that even though bugs can get in the screen house that they tend to hang out on the inside of the screening and stay there. My experience can’t be unique can it?

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        • They definitely do. When we are in a particularly buggy campground, sometimes it’s just a matter of time before the screen tent has bugs in it. Frustrating b/c we really enjoy sitting outside whenever possible.

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          • Get the Thermacell it definitely keeps the bugs away. I use it in my tree stand when hunting. Clears out a 15-20 foot radius.

        • I find spray bug spray on the outside seams of the screen tent doors deter them from entering. The oscillating fan is must by the door as well.

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      • Doing some research, the manufacturer states you should not use this while serving food and it is toxic to cats if like us, you camp with your furbabies, this is a definite no-go for us. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia on Allethrins (an ingredient used in the Thermacell pads):
        “The compounds have low toxicity for humans and birds. It is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. At normal application rates, allethrin is slightly toxic to bees. Insects subject to exposure become paralyzed (nervous system effect) before dying. Allethrins are toxic to cats because they either do not produce or produce less of certain isoforms of glucuronosyltransferase, which serve in hepatic detoxifying metabolism pathways.”
        I think I’ll stick to more natural repellents!

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  3. Those refrigerator dividers keep stuff from falling out and give us a shelf for water bottles. hooks and hanging baskets, snap close lidded waste baskets, Wonderboom to Bluetooth Pandora, extra sturdy handrail for interior entrance, extendable squeegie window washer, etc

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  4. Hi, we have been fulltime RVers for a few years now. When we started we had just moved out of our 2 story house and kept everything. First in storage then slowly started shifting everything into the RV. Wow, what an experience. Kitchen, we had an appliance for everything. Anyway, after buying our new 5th wheel we decided to go with the flow and get things that are multi purpose. Mostly due to storage and weight. Our new and improved kitchen has 8 portable appliances; ice maker, coffeemaker, waffle maker, smokeless grill/griddle, oiless fryer / elite oven, crock pot deluxe (the same functions as yours with a different name) , rice cooker (on 24/7), and an electric wok for outdoors. With these appliances we were able to get rid of 10 other single function appliances. Are vacuum cleaner is built in same like our washer and dryer units. I use to use my electric impact gun for our stabilizer Jack’s, now they are hydraulic and electric operated. However I have a complete set of Milwaukee cordless tools because they are so handy with so many different repairs or modifications. They are as Los alot lighter than my pneumatic tools. There are a couple things that have worked great for us for years now, our 2 portable electric heaters. One is about a 6″ cube, a honey comb ceramic heater and heats up about the front 20′ of our RV with no issues ( have to open the ceiling vent sometimes due to the heat it puts out). The other one is a cheapy that we picked up in Walmart to keep the bedroom warm. The savings on propane is great. The other thing is to replace those cheap hand crank vents for some electric vent / fans, what a difference, they don’t only circulate air but they also help remove dust from your inside air. Great article, currently I am hooked on infomercials and am always looking for that great deal. That is where we got 2 of our kitchen appliances. Before winter starts to hit us here in Southern California….. I have a few slide-out awnings to install, our bedroom air conditioner, electric roof vents/fans, a few sunscreens then refinish the entire roof before I start mounting our solar kit. Happy travels

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  5. This is more of a necessity but I’ve yet to see it on any list. Make sure everyone has a whistle to wear around their neck when hiking or going off on their own. If you get separated, you can find each other. It can scare away a bear should you encounter one. Don’t leave home without it. It could save your life. Skiers need them too.

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    • If you have an outside fan it works really well for the bug issue. Bugs can’t hang around were there is a constant breeze. It also keeps you cooler on those hot days.

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        • My top items are a 400 watt thermostat controlled doghouse heater, aquaroll, wonder clothes washer, jetboil, blackstone griddle, instant pot, cuisinart mini oven, and naked closet boom (so nice to have).

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      • Thank you for the bacon tip! I am new to living in an RV and was just thinking today about wanting to make teriyaki chicken but don’t want my home to smell like that for days… same with the Crock-Pot… However I live in Texas so I think the Crock-Pot outside during the summer day will make my food extra well done… Thanks so much for all the ideas!!!

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          • We RV year round. I cook outside to keep it cool inside. I like toasted bagels. We purchased a 4 slice toaster love it. I also like iced drinks so we have a blender. Love your suggestions keep them coming

        • Lived in our 5th wheel about 8mos out of the year. Obviously cooked bacon in that time frame and never had odor issues as vents take odor out. All of the ideas are great if you have the storage room which we did. Decide which items you will really use before purchasing. If you use those items at home a lot, are what you will want in camper.

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      • And if you add a piece screen to the fan it will catch the bugs. Just use a scraper to remove them (it squashes them if they aren’t dead) and store with fan for your next stop. On a box fan use a magnet or velcro dot in each upper corner of the fan housing and on the screen piece to keep it in place but the auction will do the rest.

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    • Absolutely. I have a whistle, compass, thermometer, flashlight on a lanyard that is just wonderful. Not real expensive. I bought mine years ago and can’t remember where but they have them on Amazon. I never hike without it.

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  6. LOL We have owned RVs for many, many years and when I opened your page I started to laugh.. We have every one of those in our current RV and use them regularly. Because we live in Canada our RV is only used in the warm months but we still use every single one of the items we don’t need but sure like …

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    • Isn’t it funny how they aren’t necessary, but they sure do make RV life easier/more convenient? 🙂 Happy camping!

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  7. You know you own those throw pillows now so it’s ok to rip or cut off the ugly white tags. 😉 Great advice though!

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    • LOL!! That really made me laugh. I have a terrible habit of not cutting tags off of pillows. Totally going to take some scissors with me the next time I go out to the camper! 🙂

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    • Oh, Thank you, Colleen! That’s a pet peeve of mine, and I was trying to think of a nice way of saying…. “The tag police aren’t going to arrest you. Those things get NASTY! They’re your’s, now!” LOL. 😁👋. When I watched my g’baby sucking on one, YUCK! That was 19 yrs. ago! I think I convinced her family that day! Enjoy your comments!! 🤗

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      • Lol… I have 101 ways to use close pins. Or hammock netting. I now use to hold all my kitchen stuff in the cabinets whendriving. Till we can afford to remodel it again. Bought the biggest money pit. Since November it has cost 10 grand in repairs. But i lived in a tent for 2 1/2 yrs prior. Plus i now can drive and live. I really, honestly, hated this RV. I was so upset with my sister whom fibbed. It sat for 5 yrs with not one thing done to it. So, let’s just stop at that complaint. You can get the jist. It’s a Chevy Chase classic. Right out of the movie. But, Thank God and my other half. Who i certified him as a master mechanic now. 454 bug boy init. Thanks for your tips. I eat a bag of ice a day. And all of your tips hit home. Perfect. I’m learning. But it is fun. And I’m young. Disabled and recently not long before i purchased this. I was hit in my bike by a guy doing 80. Ran a red light. God was with me that day for sure and the 2 1/2 years in the woods. He blessed me and still does. I left everything behind at the camp. I walked in the woods empty handed so i certainly didn’t want the filth. I’m having the hardest time though with my clothes. I did bring them. I found hangers that fold down at the dollar tree. Love them. My man took pallets and redid the collapsed ceiling. We took bathroom sink out for more room. Never used it but to wash hands. Too small back in corner. I’m going to get me a ice maker and bed liner tomorrow. And the air fryer if i have any change. I think I’m going to make a web page of our adventure in this 1984 Winnebago. Hot mess. One thing after another. I can laugh because i had no money for yrs. And i do not need anything but me and my faith. Do not use a bathroom sink in the kitchen. If porcelain. Big boo boo of mine. Thank you again.

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  8. Friends gifted me with an ice cream freezer many years ago and while I appreciated the thought was “where am I going to put it & will I really use it.” I’m on my fourth one. The kids have loved to make a frozen treat on rainy or really hot days and is a really good icebreaker with the new neighbors. Will never be without one & have never had to actually freeze it. Always a kid wants to help!

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  9. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, here! we don’t have an RV, but, we do have a motor yacht. A lot of these actually can work in our boat and I see a few that I really like. Thanks again for sharing!

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  10. we had a toaster oven in the camper and used it to make cinnamon rolls. we also have a toaster in the camper. we upgraded to an air fryer toaster oven. didn’t think we needed it but camped for a week and it got used alot. my kids toasted bagels, we made cinnamon rolls, warmed up hamburgers and fries at the same time on air fry.

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  11. I have 6 grandkids. Bought a rival snow cone maker at Walmart for our camper cost 20.00 best thing ever. I make simple syrup add a pack of Kool aid. Snow cone city! Will be getting the countertop ice maker for sure! Thanks for that tip.

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    • I have more electric appliances now than when I lived in my house! Two slow cookers… An 8qt for cooking pork loin and whole chicken, and a 6qt for making chili, sausage gumbo, beans, and rice. I just bought a small toaster oven, but also have a toaster. An electric skillet for baking artisan bread, a 5 cup coffee pot, blender, onion chopper, and 2 irons. I was given a brand new sewing machine, and an entire box of quilting & embroidery thread. I was also given a 38″ flat screen. My most favorite, however, are the wok, tea kettle, and brand new Presto pressure cooker that I received last week (all for the stove). Now I just need to find a farmer’s marke! LOL I’m stationery, and have a covered deck. I bought a desk last summer, which I put outside, where I do my sewing and beading. Swarms of bees are a huge problem here, and they’re starting to emerge, so I need to look into screening the deck so I can sit outside and work!

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    • Hi there what’s your tip on making your syrup? My grandkids would love this! We’re getting a camper next week, need a lot of tips for this Nana

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  12. We got an adjustable step stabilizer and it makes such a difference. My in laws camped with us last and they are avid campers. My father in law took one step kn ours and said what the heck did you do to these steps?? We showed him and he was on Amazon buying one before he forgot.

    We also have a small counter top dehumidifier that is very noticeable on those sticky days and to cut the chance of mold.

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  13. Lots of good suggestions. I don’t leave home without my toaster over and my crockpot. When the kids were younger we had an electric skillet that had a warm feature. We used it to “keep” their breakfast until they woke up. It was perfect. They knew to come outside and check the skillet for breakfast. We like an oscillating fan on a stand aimed at the door too. It keeps bugs from getting in the camper and also gives you a cool breeze. It can be hard sometimes to get a camper freezer to actually freeze your items. I usually freeze them before I leave the house and it helps get the freezer up to the right temp quicker.

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  14. I use our throw pillows to cushion the dishes and other items in cabinets so they don’t shift around when we’re on the road.

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  15. Absolutely love my Insta Pot and Air Fryer, You can now buy them combined. We also have alot of fun with our Pie Irons (for the camp fire) sure makes some tasty treats.
    Happy Glamping All

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        • You can Google them on Amazon. I tried to cut and paste a picture here for you, but it wouldn’t allow it. We used to call them hobo pie makers. They are great, and were originally used by putting pie filling in the middle of two slices of buttered bread (with the buttered sides facing outwards so it wouldn’t stick) … but now there are all kinds of recipes to make all kinds of meals and treats. They’re a little expensive because they’re made out of cast-iron, but definitely worth it!!!

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      • the kiddos love the pie irons. Also, a safer way to start the campfire: fill a toilet paper cardboard roll with lint & used dryer sheets and toss in the campfire. It will start to burn and will get the campfire going. “ALWAYS” (NO MATTER WHAT) keep a bucket of water near, cause ya’ never know. My nephew received a bad burn when fire flashed back. Seems as tho using the toilet paper filled roll helps.
        Am loving “all” these awesome ideas.

        Reply
  16. For longer glamping trips its nice to have a breadmaker. Trying to take enough bread to last without going moldy is impossible on those hot summer days. Also, one of the first things we did was change the accordion door on our tub/shower to a hinged rod that swings out to allow more elbow room.

    Reply
  17. Our number one item is a Thermacell–Amazon and Walmart have some great ones that look like lanterns and they work AMAZING!

    Another item we have that I use all the time is a stick blender that has a whip and mini-chopper attachment–makes quick work of chopping things for the pressure cooker and can use as a mixer for those times when I feel the need to bake–LOL.

    For the pick n’ table, i purchase two tablecloths that match and the second one I fold lengthwise and cut in half. then i fold each of those in half with the print side out and that is what I use on the seats of the table. I also use Sewing Elastic to keep everything in place. Most seats are about the same size, so the first time out I put the seat covers on take a piece of elastic and wrap around the seat snugly and cut the elastic with a little extra. Then i just glued the “extra” to the other end to make a loop and let dry. I make four of these “rubber bands” to hold the seat covers in place. Tried using the clips, but not comfortable to sit on.

    Reply
  18. We camp with our 2 French Bulldogs. Both sleep in kennels at night. Our first camping trip we realized that the 2 kennels took up way to much floor space in the living room (plus I got tired of carrying them in and out of the camper, to get them out of the way during the day) we took the storage compartment under our bed and made 2 separate kennels in it. We divided the compartment and added a vent on each side for air flow and each have their own area with a nice metal door that fit perfect. Both dogs love it, they know which kennel belongs to who. Wished I could post a picture on this comment of it.

    Reply
    • That is SUCH a cool idea! Sounds like you found a perfect solution! We have one dog and he most definitely takes up too much floor space when we bring him along. Sometimes he joins a kid on the lower bunk bed, but the nights when he sleeps on the floor? I have to take extra care not to trip over him on the way to the bathroom!!

      Reply
    • I would love pic of the way you made this work. I am racking my brain how this would work for my two dogs. I really didn’t know hw I was going to make rm for crates.

      Reply
  19. We take an electric kettle camping. We use it to heat up water for french press coffee. We also use it to heat up water to put in hot water bottles to keep warm at night.

    Reply
  20. I take a single electric blanket for my handicapped sister and a nice long extension cord.. that way she is always toasty at night.
    A wasp trap for placing away from the table.. keeps them happy else we’re. And a biz zapper the kids love zapping . Yes
    A wash station for outdoors .. easy to do a quick hand wash on the little grans.. and a small swimming pool for a quick bath as only a shower in my unit.
    And my small dog fence that makes my chiwahwas own safety spot.
    Quick dry towels… life saving

    Reply
    • Use a empty milk jug put a hole about two or three inches from bottom put a stick in hole add water hang outside from a tree branch or shepherds pole drill a hole in the bar of soap put a rope threw tie and hang near water jug loosen top and take stick out wash your hands or use liquid soap 🙏

      Reply
  21. We have an EMRIL LAGASSE POWER AIRFRYER 360. Our daughter chose it as a gift because it has so many diferent functions in one unit. We set it up on an outside table near an outlet. It has 12 diferent functions and can reheat and warm. We have yet to try all the features but what we have used our great. There’s many other brands out there. Certainly gives you a multitude of cooking options. We now have one in our home also. Well worth the looking into.

    Reply
  22. I love using my crock pot. I actually plug it in outside when we leave to do something. I have not had any problems with people taking it. We have a propane campfire. It’s nice that we don’t have to purchase wood and we don’t need to wait for a wood fire to die out. We can still have a wood fire if we want but it is nice to have this option.

    Reply
    • We definitely could have used a propane campfire last week! We were camping for 5 days about went through about 6 bundles of firewood because we had so many campfires! 🙂

      Reply
  23. A pop up hamper….can be used to hold dirty clothes, transport them to the laundry, carry folded stuff back to camper after washing. We also use ours to accumulate things that need to be taken out to the camper such as new registration tags, dog immunization records etc. Also our George Foreman grill which keeps spatters from bacon, burgers etc at bay…

    Reply
  24. Add a lightweight blower to your rig. Every time we camp with friends or family they end up buying one!! Beats sweeping that mat! Love your blog post.

    Reply
  25. Wonderful suggestions! We have all except the air fryer. I would probably add a portable fan that can be used inside to dry things if it’s raining outside. I would also add a very large Rubbermaid tote and lid for storing dirty laundry under the camper while you are camping. And lastly, I always take extra clothes pins and zip ties. From chip bag closures to extra security on our dog crate these things come in handy!

    Reply
    • Oh I LOVE the suggestion for using a big tote for the dirty laundry!! We use a mesh laundry bag and it’s always in the way, no matter where we put it.

      Reply
    • Sure do. And ties for little garbage bags. Love my clothes pins. The Churches used to make homeless buckets and that was my fav out of the whole entire bucket. Lol it’s the little things.

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  26. I’m simply going to post what we (I) carry in our 36’er that we need…
    Collapsible patio heater (propane), griddle, pop up hampers, clothes line, electric fireplace (yes, with the fake flames), cordless drill, counter top ice maker (and I have a functioning one in the freezer) crock pot, electric blanket, fire ring, throw pillows, riveter, ez up with full screen coverage AND privacy screen, 4 person dome tent (spare room), 3 extra propane tanks, 2 burner camp chef stove with single bbq and double griddle attachments, air fryer, tower fan X2, tower (ceramic) heater, personal fan/heater, upgraded mattress, air mattresses for the spare room, sleeping bags (why?), and an old Coleman three burner stove converted to propane. I also carry a 4’ Coleman table with a wire rack/stand, and a folding 6’ table. I’m in the process of getting a basin sink to wash greasy and bigger items. Sadly, we don’t use the rig as much as I would like to, but all of those are MUST HAVES for us.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much for sharing! I laughed about your “(why?)” behind the sleeping bags. Our kids actually use sleeping bags on their beds as their bedding! We put a fitted sheet over the mattresses and then just plunk a sleeping bag on top. LOL

      Reply
    • Wow! I thought we had extra weight. My goodness. Someone took our folding chairs, our 6/ 7ft aluminium ladder and milk crate. From our campsite while we were gone. But i lost three drills now. So, when i had to fly back in a emergency i made sure i could carry one back. Because the store i have a great discount and get them for $15. Well do you know they took it out of my bag. Never other
      Opened. Didn’t throwit away. Oh! No! Not like the body spray that was too tall. I had hooks, pins, and 3 more other tools i had purchased. They let them go. Lol the Orlando airport. Southwest said i could definitely carry it on. So. I made another run and got 2 drills now. Lol crazy

      Reply
  27. Quilting stuff. A warm rug under the table. Even if you have to share the room with the dogs. Husband re routed the furnace duct to blow out in the baseboard, aiming it under the kitchen table. Single wide old. 1988 Bounder. Also a small fireplace heater to set on the doghouse.
    Just remember if it is really cold younger to use the furnace, because with a basement model it warms the water so it won’t freeze. Know that from experience. Also one more thong. Think you can legally remove the pillow tags.

    Reply
  28. Hi there! I love your ideas! We have already implemented a lot of these ideas. I have found that our camper is in dire need of a replacement sleeper couch and I love yours that you have. Do you know the make/model of the couch in your camper? I have been searching high and low for one that will fit and do the job for our camper.
    Thank you in advance for your reply!

    Reply
  29. Good ideas. We’re interested in purchasing an RV in the next year and I’m always concerned with noise outside or nearby at night when your trying to sleep. I haven’t looked into it but can you upgrade your insulation, especially in the sleeping areas? I know earplugs will work too, but I’m curious.

    Reply
    • I’m not sure about insulation, but we actually take white noise machines (2) with us. We use one in the master bedroom and one over near the kids’ bunks. The white noise, plus usually the fan or AC are running, really help to keep outside noise out!

      Reply
  30. I’ve got another question for you all. I hate the idea of just sitting for hours in an RV, and have had an idea for a number of years (which is totally illegal, I’m sure) but I’d love to have the ability to mount and un mount or detach a stationary bike in the RV while driving. This could only be a lighter weight bike and would likely need some kind of a rigged up “safety belt” of some kind. It would be fun to look out that big front window as your riding along and your spouse has their turn at the wheel. All that sitting just makes my thighs spread thinking about it-uuuugg. It could actually make for healthier camping experience.
    Any thoughts on how to create a locking device that would hold the bike steady and be able to release easily when you want to store it away.
    Thanks

    Reply
  31. I agree with many of the items on your list. I use an electric fry pan instead of a griddle. The surface area of an electric fry pan is a little smaller than the griddle, but with the sides I can cook taco meat, make a dish that is soupy, not just fry food. Our trailer has a convection microwave so I don’t use the air fryer. My husband thinks they are great, but I find a air fryer a pain to clean. Again, the amount of food I can cook at once maybe a little bit less than in a large air fryer, but I don’t need a seperate appliance either. I love our ice maker.

    Reply
    • We use a Blackstone grill, out side uses gas hookup. Cooks almost all of our meals on it. Not having to have lots of appliances

      Reply
  32. As a boater I find that the inside of my 36 ft boat is just like an RV so I love seeing all of your suggestions. I find that my George Foreman grill is awesome. It came with several attachments for grilling, stir frying and even has a cupcake pan insert. I also have a portable fan that can stand up or clip on. It takes AC or batteries.

    Reply
  33. Instead of a retractable clothes line I got two tension rods and hung them over the shower. When we’re camping we use them for swim suits and towels, but when we aren’t we use them to store our corn hole game. They could probable store other stuff too like folding chairs: 🙂

    Reply
  34. Instead of a cordless drill to rise & lower stabilizing jacks, Get a cordless impact wrench. This also helps if you get a flat tire. It makes changing it easy.

    Reply
    • Using an “impact wrench” to raise and lower the stabilizing will ruin the threads on the jacks. It is a good idea, but will cost more in repairs. Use an electric drill with an adaptor for a socket that will fit the jack. An electric drill is much safer and slower to activate. I am a retired mechanic and have replaced plenty of the threaded rods not only on jacks but other devices.

      Reply
  35. My must have: digital photo frame to have a continuous stream of family photos. I am a travel nurse and miss my family so much when I’m gone 3 mo plus at a time. I purchased a small usb charging fan for my bedside on those nights when I’m too warm . I carry a Tmobile hot spot for those times when wifi isn’t great at a park. We also found that a clip on solar powered motion sensor light for the hand rail by the door works perfectly to light our path to the door and to see the lock as we use the key in the dark

    Reply
  36. Hi, I just love this post! My husband of 36 yrs & I have camped with our four kids and still do even though three are adults. All of the items in this post are awesome add ons for RVing! Our adult kids bought us a Nostalgia a couple of years ago & we just love it! It doesn’t take up much counter space, it has a small coffee pot, griddle, & toaster oven. It’s great for brunches & cooking bacon on our George Forman grill is much better than anything else. No grease as it drains into a drip pan & the strips come out straight & crispy. Perfect for sammies.

    Reply
  37. I don’t have a dog right now, but what about a collapsible laundry basket for a bed. Lay
    it on its side put a pillow inside and make a window in the top (side) so he can look out.

    Reply
  38. Don’t forget crockpot liners when camping. Just take the bag out and you pot is clean…so to speak. Cuts down on a lot of dishes.

    Reply
  39. We live and play in our RV, we bought a Ninja Foodie to replace the Crockpot, pressure cooker, air fryer, and roaster. It also sears/sautés, broils and steams! It has saved us so much space! And we hardly ever have to use propane for the oven. Of course, we still have a toaster, Keurig, BBQ. and hot water pot! Also, tin pans instead of casserole dishes! Its like home away from home!

    Reply
    • Thank you for this great post and all the information that makes RV life super simple and sweeter making less work and more time for adventure and rest.

      We have fabric hanging closet shelves in our bedroom lockers. We added a collapsible clothing line to the bedroom wall for hanging clothes if we need it. Plus it doubles as another place to dry air clothing and towels. Another product we added was over the door coat hooks. We hung these over the compartment storage under the bed facing the outside of the bed not the inside. It holds shoes and slippers and keeps them out of the way. We use to use command hooks but found these hooks that can be moved from place to place without harming walls and the swivel in all directions. In addition to holding up to 20 pounds. I use them everywhere.

      Reply
  40. As a former Boy Scout and former military person, we know that “HELP” signals are a series of 3 sharp blows on a whistle and anyone that hears that will come to the aide of the person calling for help. Also a series of 3 rounds of ammo fired into the ground will also call for help. Never fire rifle ammo into the air.

    Reply
  41. Love your ideas. Not sure if anyone mentioned this but we love our Blackstone. We have a 17” and a hose to connect to a larger propane bottle. We never camp without it. Makes breakfast much easier if we can’t make breakfast over a fire due to rain.

    Reply
  42. Primo bottom load water cooler that has the Kuerig pod option. Hot, cold water and the option of coffee, tea one hot chocolate without taking up cupboard and shelf space.

    Reply
    • That can be tough! We have a queen sheet set that is a little big, and a full set that we stretched to fit. LOL For the queen set, we tried those elastic strips that clip to the corners of the sheet and hold them in place on the mattress. They work most of the time.

      Reply
    • You can buy Queen short sheet sets. Ordered one, fit great and ordered a second set right away. They are also called RV sheets. Check Walmart.com as a reference point.

      Reply
      • I sewed my top sheet to the bottom fitted sheet to keep them in place. Think the old waterbed sheet sets. I attached the top sheet at the middle of the elastic of the bottom sheet. I about 12 inches because my husband and I like to sleep with one foot outside of the sheets … weird I know LOL. With sewing them at the elastic, the top sheet is naturally pulled under the mattress and does not slip out and look unsightly after the bed is made.

        Reply
  43. I really liked reading these tips. We are on a second travel trailer and always something to add. One of my favorite items is tension bars added in shower which make for extra towels or bathing suit drying space. They go up easy and can be taken down with a few twists. Used one to hold a mesh organizer for shampoo etc also.

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  44. Thanks so much for these wonderful tips! We will pick up our first RV later this month! We are not much for “camping” but this adventure may prove that we can enjoy living more simply. I have always loved things that can be used for double duty, so hopefully with all of these suggestions, we will be able to keep the weight down. 🙂

    Reply
  45. The new tiny hard boiled egg maker is small and great. Takes almost no water and shuts itself off when eggs are done. I car camp. Fits in tote bag can plug in rest stops etc

    Reply
  46. Pool noodles!!!! I use them a ton of ways inside and outside our fifth wheel. Of course padding for slide out corners, but also to pad the bar under our feet on our zero gravity chairs. I find endless ways to use them inside, my favorite is for bracing/stabilizing items while hauling. I put them inside cabinets, on countertops, cushion between our dining chairs and the walls and any items that need something between or around them to prevent sliding/scratching floors and walls. They’re awesome, cheap and can be cut to any length and bent into almost any shape you can imagine. I even use them to brace items/ fill empty space inside my refrigerator and freeezer!

    Reply
    • Teresa, hi there! Just read your article of tips using the pool noodles! Can you explain about using them in the corners on the slide out? We’re getting a camper next week, it’s been a few years since we had one, but this is our first with a full slide out! So I’m looking for all the awesome tips I can get, thank you in advance

      Reply
  47. I always have a pair of scissors with me. I do my craft projects in the evening. Another good thing to have is zip ties. I zip tie our larger trash container and blue waste container to the side of the of the side of the steps. I also have a supply of large ziplock bags to store leftovers in. They take up less space than plastic bowls with lids.

    Reply
  48. we keep a folding drying rack to keep wet swim suits & towels on to dry.
    also got magnetic spice holders that stick to outside of refrigerator door-no more digging in the cabinet.
    get yourself an old restaurant food tray. they r sturdy & make it easy to carry everything out to the grill/table w/ minimal trips in/out.
    we have an ice cream maker ball. kick it around to make the ice cream. use it while your walking the dog & when you get back- its snack time. the dog likes it too.
    if you have a bike, make sure you get a basket. so much easier than hanging bags on handlebars. last, look for a backpack cooler you’ll be glad u did. for those days you’ll be outside away from the camper at the beach, park or hiking. it frees up your hands to ride a bike/ scooter, pushing a stroller or walking your dog.

    Reply
  49. I carry plastic shower caps to put on bowls and plats when I have them outside on the table. They can be put in the fridge and I don’t like to waste space storing lids.

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  50. I recently bought an Air hawk portable air pump, and I love it .. My RV tends to sit for long periods and when you get to your RV, and check air pressure … it’s nice to know you can inflate on the spot .. Also . when I’m moving the RV .. I like to check the tires before I head out in the morning, right at my RV site. Pulling in to gas stations to add air can be complicated and time consuming .. I totally recommend that all RV owners have one of these on hand. It comes in handy for air mattresses too

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  51. I have an “A” style pop up trailer and it is perfect for me. It has no upper cabinets as the sidewalls fold down but I put a plastic “footlocker” from Walmart to hold extras that won’t fit in the little cabinets. My Aussie is my travel companion and loves to sleep in front of the door out of the way. I bring quilting and needlework along as well as a small DVD player so I can watch movies (no TV). I have a quilt, potholders, cloth napkins for color and because they are eco-friendly. We use a bug-vac light , it works well and in the winter I add a small “fireplace” heater for warmth and ambience. We usually park camp where there are showers as my rig has shower outside but I do have cartridge facilities.

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  52. We always bring our Cuisinar grill (like George Forman grill). That gets used more than our toaster. First aid kit-necessity.
    Twin fitted sheet to cover most picnic tables and won’t blow away.
    Disposable gloves for the yucky jobs!
    Extra batteries-flashlights, walk-in talkies, and for your camping neighbours who forgot theirs.
    Big plastic tub by the front door. All shoes come off and go in the tub so less dirt is tracked inside.

    Reply
  53. We’ve just purchased our RV and I’ve been looking at the retractable clothes line and wanting to put up a paper towel holder etc. but I’m reluctant about drilling into the walls for fear of damaging them or hitting something i shouldn’t. Any tips/suggestions???

    Reply
  54. We have a living quarters horse trailer (a horse trailer with an RV in the front). Many of the items take up too much space, but many of these ideas will work great for us as well.
    We live in west Texas and it’s extremely windy here and we typically rodeo around west Texas as well. The life saver for us, strangely enough, is a crawfish table. It’s a round plastic table that folds in half. There is a hole in the middle to hold a trash bag and a cover for the hole to keep out flies. There are built in cup holders for many different sizes of cups as well. Total game changer!

    Reply
  55. Great list. I am just getting into car camping and considering buying a small camper next year.

    We just bought a Ooni pizza oven that uses propane. It cooks personal pizzas in less than a minute. As for accessories: we got the cover to carry it, a few peels, a cutter and a reversible cast iron pan that cooks pretty much everything. NOTE: They have a lot of recipes on their website ooni.com

    Other items I use are:
    – Duct tape & electrical tape
    – reusable ziplock bags
    – Scrubba (especially since I mainly wear quick dry clothes)
    – USB rechargeable handwarmers (REI Co-op)
    – USB rechargeable lighters (Dicks Sporting Goods & Amazon)
    – axe/shovel combo tool
    – roller ball/stick to roll out stiff muscles (running or sporting goods store)
    – GOOLOO 800A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter with USB Quick Charge 3.0 (Up to 7.0L Gas or 5.5L Diesel Engine), 12V Portable Power Pack Auto Battery Booster Phone Charger Built-in LED Light (Amazon)

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  56. I won’t go camping without my motion activated lights for the bathroom and hallway. And when I’m not camping I use them in my home’s master bathroom every night. I got them on Amazon.

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  57. I love using the dollar store glow-in-the-dark bracelets in the cooler outside at night. You won’t need to turn on the lights or find your flashlight … just open the lid and you can see. I usually throw 2 or 3 in there at a time, and you can find them in packs of 8 for $1. Also having a 12″ plastic tote or basket sitting on the picnic table or seat keeps all those miscellaneous items corralled nicely, and is easy to grab if it starts to rain!

    Reply
  58. We have everything except the grill table and the expandable clothesline.
    We added an undersink water filtration system. We use that for filling the ice maker, coffee, dogs water and drinking.

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  59. We grill all the time so our Traeger pellet grill is wonderful. We have one at home so saved to have one in the 5th wheel. I use it to bake as well. Everything from rolls, pies, Mac & cheese and lasagna. I have never used the oven inside yet. Now just need to get our new solar panels on the roof and all set for next camping adventure.

    Reply
  60. Potentially the most ridiculous item ever because it only does 1 thing. An electric water kettle. You can boil almost 2 liters of water in minutes. I use it at home at least 2x a day. In the RV it can make coffee, hot cocoa, tea, ramen, oatmeal, or get water got fast to make pasta. Anywhere you need got water, you can use it.

    Reply
  61. Love the suggestions . Have most of these things due to learning on the go.
    Kleenex is a necessary item for our family and seems to take up valuable space in the bathroom and counters. I found a clear cube Kleenex tissue holder that attaches to a cabinet or wall and it is still convenient but off the counters.

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  62. I love your list of items and thank you for posting it. I haven’t gone through all of the comments but I’ve seen small lights stuck on the steps to go in/out of the trailer. I have fur babies, two dogs and want to put a portable fence around our trailer so they can be outside with us. Saw a great one on Amazon. Also liked the idea of taking a plastic shoe hanger, cutting it into a single row and stapling it around the bottom of your bed. You can hang all your shoes and they will be hidden out of view. Thank you and please keep posting.

    Reply
  63. I love your list. Thinking of griddle since we have solar on both. #1 Item I carry from rv to our sailboat is my Vitamix! Hands down,the best deal I ever bought. Smoothies, creamy sauces,make my own powder sugar,make almond milk,almond flour or oat flour. No matter what my vitamix travels with me,by land or sea!

    Reply
  64. Yes to all of these ideas! I would add spring—tension curtain rods! You can use them in shelves & cabinets to hold things in place, plus you can use an extension shower rod to hang up wet towels etc. Handy!

    Reply
  65. I put together a Word document of all of our camper items we purchased over time; like to have and must have items. Would it be possible to send you that document? Perhaps you could review it and see if it is content that could be posted. Don’t want to just copy and paste without the content being reviewed first.

    Reply
  66. I carry a propane bug sprayer. Very small but so needed for summer bugs and flies. It blows a smoke that kills them or keeps them away. It usually last for several hours.
    The bugs. Almost every trip we use it, We have folks come and ask us to come spray their areas as well. I also keep hand clamps in several sizes.

    Reply
  67. we usually camp with lots of family, that means there are a lot of shoes. so we bring a shoe rack that has three shelves and it is easy to take apart and fold flat when not being used. Makes everything so much neater and you are not tripping over shoes

    Reply
  68. One of the most useful things we have purchased is a small leaf blower. Someone else commented about using one instead of sweeping, which is really nice, but we also use it to blow off the tops of the slides before closing them in. Especially if parked in an area where leaves, pine cones, sticks, etc., could fall on top of the slides and potentially damage the gasket when you close them in.

    Reply
  69. European box springs, under existing mattress with 3 – 4 in foam topper. Had an issue with moisture accumulating under mattress, put European box springs in, addressed the moisture issue and with the foam topper was more comfortable. Also installed a residential refrigerator, replacing a troublesome RV type. Electric only, never encountered any problems.

    Reply
  70. Loving all these wonderful ideas and comforts of home way from home. We surely love the griddle & outdoor table. plus the insta pot and water pot is fabulous. we did upgrade our mattress and sleep just cozy. Thanks again for this great reminder and added items – of great importance

    Reply
  71. For those of us where the camper is our home— a wall side space heater! And a table top one for the kid’s room for the winters. Keeps our propane bill lower, cause the propane heat only needs to be set at 50 to keep the under hoses from freezing, and then the space heater keeps us toasty inside. The only time it “failed” was when it hit -11 and all the spigots froze on our side of the park, even caused our heated hose to burn out.

    Also to keep heat IN! We got those little insulation cushions to stick up in the air vents in the ceiling that you just twist the knob and it opens with only a fragile screen.

    Reply
  72. RECHARGABLE MOTION ACTIVATED LIGHTS WITH MAGNETIC BACK. WE ALWAYS TAKE THEM IN THE RV. AND WE USE THEM IN THE HOUSE WHEN NOT CAMPING.

    Reply
  73. I agree with most of your items, this our 4th year of living on the southern coast 4 months out of the year. We purchased the outdoor rug used it two years have not used it the last two. I would recommend a generic tool set ratchet sockets rubber mallet wrenches tape measure common sense tools. We also have a small electric skillet and deep fryer. I fish so we cook fish and fries. Smaller than what have at home. Living 4 months you need the necessities of home, be mindful of your limited space. we also camp a few weeks during the summer. We did purchase pots, pans and dishes towels to leave in the camper. Love the glamping life!

    Reply
  74. We were at a campground in Pismo, CA. last year. We woke up to ants everywhere. My husband and our friend asked the camp manager if they had anything to use. He told them to get baby powder and sprinkle it around the tires, the bottom of the steps, and anyplace else that touches the ground. It worked perfectly. We now have baby powder on our list to keep in our 5th wheel.

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  75. We were tired of dealing with plastic water bottles and not really knowing where our water source was coming from, so we added a bottom access water cooler to our camper. We place it in a corner of our camper and use a 5 gallon re-fillable spring water bottle. We then fill our Yeti cups and save on bottles. The unit we have also has a function that heats water for hot tea and other hot beverages. When we get ready to leave the campground, we just use the tie ups to contain the cooler. Best investment ever.

    Reply
  76. We love our air fryer, single cup coffee pot and we have a hot plate to take outside (keeps heat outside). The first thing we replace on our unit when we buy a camper (we are on our second one) is the mattress. We used a memory foam one first and have changed to an air filled mattress – similar to sleep number (but they are no longer making the RV short). We also swapped the toilet to a higher, porcelain toilet.

    Reply
  77. Solo primitive camper here. I do not “waste” my time cooking and cleaning up. Fast food apps on my phone makes perfect sense. As for a TV, it is the last time I have in my travel van.

    Reply
  78. Been Camping about 10 years now and took my air fryer for first time. I will always always take this with us. Comes in so Handy !!!

    Reply
  79. I am disabled and was basically homeless until I got a RV! It’s still considered a air fryer, but I got one of those 12 in 1. It fry’s, bakes, cooks rotisserie, toster oven, you name it! Kind of like a bunch of different appliances in one for just BARELY over $100 on Amazon!!! I don’t even need propane period!!!! I do have a crock pot too though. Microwave a small one burner for RARE occasions, and a kettle for fast boiling water for tea, coffee ect.
    Trying to figure out a good, cheap, easy way on my back to make a better storage system under the bed 2 get more organized and remove a tiny clutter just want to tuck away easier. But with so many blown disks I have 2 be careful what I do!!!

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