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If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the RV must haves for beginners, you’re not alone. I remember how confusing it felt when we were just getting started. Be sure to check out where our journey all began, with building out our own camper van build – it helped us remain patient and know the process is all about learning.
It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what every camper needs for set up—but don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ve put together a list of RV must haves for beginners, including the essentials you’ll actually use (and the ones you’ll wish you had sooner).
Table of Contents
RV Must Haves for Beginners
In the first part of this post, I’ll be sharing the basics for setting up your RV—perfect if you’re brand new to RV life and want to feel confident from day one. These RV must haves for beginners include everything you need to hook up water, power, and sewer, so you’re not left guessing. From a 20ft RV sewer hose kit to an RV water hose and surge protection, this list covers what every RV needs to get set up the right way. I’ve even included links to the exact RV must haves on Amazon that we’ve personally used and love—no fluff, just the real essentials that make setup quick, clean, and stress-free.
Necessities for setup
- Surge protector
- Sewer hose
- Sewer hose support
- Backflow preventer
- Sewer tank treatment
- Water pressure regulator
- Drinking water hose & filter
- Wheel chocks
- Leveling blocks
Surge protector
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a surge protector for my RV?” The answer is 100% yes—especially if you plan to stay at campgrounds where power can be unpredictable. A surge protector safeguards your RV’s electrical system from dangerous voltage spikes that can fry your appliances or damage your wiring. If you have a 50 amp rig, it’s worth investing in the best RV surge protector for 50A connections—look for models that offer both surge protection and real-time monitoring. It’s one of those RV must haves for beginners that you’ll be glad you didn’t skip.
The Nitty Gritty: Sewer Hose Basics for RV Life
Okay, let’s be real—I was legit worried about the sewer situation before we started RVing. I had heard horror stories about poop pyramids and all the gross things that could go wrong. But honestly? It’s not that dirty of a task once you know what to do. Pull the levers, add in your tank treatment, and you’re good to go! The key is staying on top of it—dumping and rinsing everything weekly helps keep things flowing (literally) and prevents any nasty build-up.
Start with a (20ft rv sewer hose kit). This length gives you plenty of reach at most campgrounds and is super easy to store. These kits usually include:
- Two 10-foot hoses that can connect for longer reach
- A clear elbow connector so you can see when your tanks are done draining
- Drip caps to seal it all up when you’re done
How to use rv sewer hose
Connect the hose to your RV’s waste outlet – Lock it into place securely.
Attach the other end to the sewer hookup – Use the elbow for a tight fit and visibility.
Pull the black tank valve first – Let it empty fully, then close it.
Pull the gray tank valve – This flushes out the hose with soapy water from sinks and the shower.
Disconnect and store – Let gravity help drain any leftovers, then cap and stow it.
RV Sewer hose support
An RV sewer hose support keeps your hose elevated and angled for proper drainage. This prevents sagging, clogs, and backflow—especially on longer runs to the dump station.
It also keeps your hose off the ground, which many campgrounds require for sanitary reasons.
It protects your hose from damage and makes setup easier on uneven terrain.
If you’re using a 20ft hose, make sure your support can match that length for full coverage and a smooth dump every time.
How to clean rv sewer hose
Rinse after every dump – Use the non-potable rinse hose at the station.
Flush it from the RV end – A backflush connector helps keep it clear.
Disinfect regularly – Run a rv sewer treatment through.
Let it dry – Air it out if you can, or wipe it down before storing.
Camco rhino blaster sewer tank rinser with gate valve
What is the purpose of a backflow preventer
When you’re rinsing your black or gray tanks—especially using tools like the Camco Rhino Blaster—you’re dealing with sewage water. If there’s a sudden drop in water pressure (like a hose disconnect or pressure drop at the campground), there’s a risk that the contaminated water could be siphoned back into your freshwater line.
That’s where the backflow preventer comes in:
It blocks reverse flow, making sure that only clean water goes into the rinse system and none of the dirty water makes it back into your hose or drinking water.
How to use septic tank treatment
Using a good rv holding tank treatment keeps things from getting gross inside the black tank. These treatments help break down waste and control odors—some are drop-ins, others are liquid.
Just drop a treatment pod (or pour in the recommended liquid dose) directly into the toilet after you’ve dumped the tanks. Then flush with 1–2 gallons of water to activate it inside the tank. Do this after every dump, or once a week if you’re using your tanks regularly.
Pro tip: Keep treatments stocked and use them consistently. A little routine goes a long way toward avoiding clogs, odors, and the dreaded messes no one wants to deal with.
Water pressure regulator
One of the top RV must haves for beginners is a rv water pressure regulator. This small device connects to your freshwater hose and protects your RV’s plumbing from high-pressure campground water.
What is a water pressure regulator?
It controls and lowers incoming water pressure to a safe level for your RV, helping prevent leaks or pipe damage. Without one, you risk costly repairs—so it’s a simple tool that offers major peace of mind.
Rv drinking water hose & filter
