Looking to get into the RV life?
Your going to need some essentials that won't come with your new rig. I don't have the fancy gear and promo partnerships. I'm trying to help people get started in RV with budget friendly products. I have included affiliate links that I could get a small kickback from if you purchase. If you take anything from the list it's that these products are out there to help you.
Here is a list of items to get you started:
Water system items
While my RV dealership provided some complimentary items, you may be buying from a private seller who will choose to keep everything!
First off you need to get that water pressure just right. Some spigots have crazy high pressure that can damage your RV lines. A water pressure regulator that you can adjust is the best to use.
After the pressure regular, we slap on a water filter. I included this two pack but you only need one to start off with.
Next comes the water hose. Here is a 50ft so you can reach spigots that are far away (I know from experience these can come in handy). Tip: run some water through it for a few minutes first before adding to your trailer. Just to get any impurities out of the line.
2. Sewer
Now if you don't see a sewer hose check inside your bumper. They like to live in there. If you don't have one, you need one! Also depending on the size or configuration of your rig...there may be two drains. See this link for 2 10ft lengths that can go together for a 20ft length if needed.
Your toilet needs treatment. You don't need a large tub of toilet treatment if you are starting out and part time. I would say get the best deal but just get what works for your RVing needs. Here is a 10 pk of toilet treatments.
For your grey tank you will want a liquid for grey tanks. Same idea as the toilet treatment applies for the grey tank treatment.
When it comes to toilet paper... this is a much debated topic among RVers. Some say you can use any kind, some say septic safe is fine, and others only use RV rated. Personally if your choice. I just use septic safe that doesn't look too thick. I guess my thought process is that if it's too thick than it will not break down much. I think if your RV doesn't have a tank flush then stick to the RV toilet paper.
Optional accessories but not required.
Storage container for all your hoses is very satisfying for the organized person like me.
These sewer supports are handy to keep your hoses off the ground and able to drain properly by supporting the appropriate angle to drain.
3. Power
Tip: your RV will only accept 120volt! Never use a 240volt outlet or you will fry everything in your rig.
Depending on what your power needs are 15 amp, 30 amp, or 50 amp will dictate what equipment you will need. I have a 30amp unit so I have a 30 amp to 15 amp adapter for when I don't have 30 amp power outlets. That way I can still use some power consumers at a regular house outlet.
I have this one that connects to the locking receptacle on my trailer. From there I have a 50ft extension cord to the home outlet.
If you have a 30 amp and you want to use your cord then this one works for you. Advantage to this one is the price point and you can still add an extension cord to get to a far away outlet.
The only other thing you need is a surge protector. A must have to protect your electrical system from surges of power that can damage your system. Here is the one I purchased for 30 amp and it's on sale! They have a 50 amp version as well. Lots of built in protections and lights to indicate power is good before plugging your rig in.
4. Safety
Most importantly we need to check out the safety items that is needed for an RV.
If you want to go beyond a block of wood then here are some wheel chocks. I always put mine on the driver's side so I can see them from the driver's seat.
While I use a level you can get at a hardware store... some like to mount levels permanently so I've included that here for ease of things. It's imperative that you RV is level. Things like your fridge might not work right if it's not level.
I like to lock up my RV when it's in storage or when I leave for a while.
I like these kinds of locks for the trailer so that it cannot be stolen while we are away.
Every compartment and the door locks so I'm not too worried about them. Depending on where you are and the level of theft your area sees will determine how far you want to go on changing locks and security issues.
I'm going to leave it here for now. A part two is coming soon. For an editable free pack list then go back and read my blog post on packing lists.
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