RV must haves for beginners – Between setting up water, power, and sewer hookups to making your small space feel like home, it can be a lot to take in at first. That’s why I’ve put together this simple guide to the RV essentials every beginner needs — from must-have safety gear and setup tools to comfort upgrades you’ll wish you had sooner.
It can also feel stressful trying to plan meals while Rving- make sure to check out my post RV camping food ideas that make our trips tasty and hassle-free!
You definitely don’t want to miss where our journey began—with our own DIY camper van build. It taught us patience, flexibility, and that every step is part of the learning process. And if you’re visiting our mountain town, don’t leave without checking out the best things to do in Asheville, NC this weekend—I’m a local, and there’s always something worth exploring!
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 Amazon that we’ve personally used and love—no fluff, just the real essentials that make setup quick, clean, and stress-free.
Top Amazon Finds
Full Time RV Living Hacks + Truths
After grabbing your must-haves, check out my full post on Full Time RV Living Hacks — where I share honest truths we’ve learned firsthand.
Good Sams Membership
RV Insurance
Safety Gear & Fire Protection
When asking “Are RVs safe?” one of the biggest concerns are tire blowouts. A simple way to make your camper safe is by investing in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The data is sent through transmitters to a small monitoring system inside your RV. This gives you instant alerts if a tire loses air pressure or overheats, preventing costly damage to your vehicle or trailer.
Fire Safety Tips
When it comes to RV fire safety, prevention and preparation are key. Fires can start in kitchens, around the electrical system, or near a propane tank, so following trusted safety tips is essential.
Keep at least one portable fire extinguisher in the cooking area and another close to your bedroom or main exit for quick access. Install smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and regularly test them to test that they’re working properly.
The National Fire Protection Association, states early detection and the right fire protection tools can make all the difference in an emergency. Always inspect your wiring, appliances, and propane connections as part of your regular maintenance routine to help prevent electrical fires before they start.
Tool Kit
Having the right RV tool kit can save you time, money, and stress. Even new RVers quickly learn that small repairs are part of RV life, and a well-stocked tool box is your best friend.
At minimum, pack essential tools like screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a set of Allen wrenches/hex keys, a utility knife, and plenty of duct tape and electrical tape for quick fixes. Add practical extras such as zip ties, a wire cutter, and a digital multimeter for troubleshooting your electrical system.
For camping and roadside repairs, you’ll also want a tire gauge or tire pressure monitor handy to check your tires before hitting the road.
Head Lamp
Reliable lighting is a must-have for every RVer. If you’re setting up camp after dark, inspecting under the hood, or handling a late-night power outage, a quality RV head lamp makes the job much easier by keeping both hands free for tricky fixes.
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
Essential Electrical Gear
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.
Bathroom Essentials for Beginners
Sewer Hose Basics and Waste Management Tips
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.
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.
Bathroom Odor Control & Freshening Tips
Water Setup & Filtration
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.
Drinking Water Hose & Filter
When setting up your RV water system, two important pieces of gear are a rv water pressure regulator and the right rv drinking water hose.
A RV water pressure regulator helps protect your plumbing by keeping incoming water pressure at a safe level—typically around 40–50 PSI. Campground water hookups can vary a lot, and high pressure can damage your RV’s pipes or fittings, so this little tool is a must.
As for what size drinking water hose for RV, the standard is usually 25 feet, but some campers prefer to keep a 50-foot hose on hand in case hookups are far from the site. Make sure to use a designated rv drinking water hose, which is made from safe, lead-free materials designed for potable water.
Leveling, Chocking & Stabilizing
When we first started RV life, it honestly felt like we were floating in a boat—everything swayed, and the cabinet doors swung open on their own. That’s when we realized how important it is to understand RV wheel chocks and levelers for both safety and stability.
What are Wheel Chocks?
They’re the wedge-shaped tools placed against your tires you’ll typically see, and they prevent your RV from rolling when parked. They’re especially important when camping on uneven ground.
Knowing How to Use Wheel Chocks is Simple
Place them snugly against the tires on the downhill side, or both sides if you’re on a steep incline.
How Many Wheel Chocks Do You Need?
The general rule is at least one per wheel, but two per axle is ideal for extra stability. If you’re asking how many wheel locks per wheel, the answer is usually two per wheel pair to keep your RV secure.
How to Level Your RV
That’s where RV wheel chocks and levelers work together. You’ll use leveling blocks or ramps under your wheels to raise the RV until it’s even, then chock the tires to hold it in place.
We recently started using X-chocks between our RV tires, and the difference has been huge. Our setup feels so much more stable now—no more constant rocking every time someone moves around inside.
It’s one of those upgrades we didn’t realize we needed until we saw (or felt!) the improvement.
Where to Buy Wheel Chocks
If you’re looking for quality RV wheel chocks, you can check online marketplaces or camping retailers. Not sure where to buy wheel chocks? Stores like Amazon, Camping World, or your local RV dealer are great places to start.
Cooking & Meal Prep Hacks
After exploring new areas during the day, you’ll definitely want to wind down with a good meal! That’s when you’ll need the best RV camping food ideas — where I share recipes that are quick, tasty, and easy for any time frame. From foil packet meals and grilled chicken to cheesy campfire recipes and make-ahead mason jar breakfasts, these ideas for RV camping meals are all about keeping things simple.
Kitchen Essentials Every Camper Needs
Cooking in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or function—especially when you’ve got the right RV kitchen essentials on hand.
RV Kitchen Essentials
Dish Rack
Nothing too exciting, but one thing we quickly learned while full time RVing with kids — having a dish rack became a necessity. With limited counter space, doing dishes in an RV was way more challenging than we expected (and wow, do kids go through dishes!).
Kitchen Cabinet Storage Ideas
When it comes to RV kitchen cabinet storage ideas, airtight containers are a must Not only do they keep your food fresh, but their stackable design makes the most of every inch of space—perfect for the smaller cabinets in RVs.
Kitchen Appliances Worth the Space
Kitchen Cabinet Storage
Pair them with sturdy storage racks, and you can take advantage of upward space that often goes unused. This combo is a must for keeping your kitchen supplies for RV organized and is one of the top RV must haves for beginners.
Storage & Organization Hacks
Comfort Upgrades for Small Spaces
Vent Insulating Pillows – Keep heat out in summer and warmth in during winter.
Laundry Solutions for Full-Time Living
Outdoor RV Living Must-Haves
Seasonal Gear – Summer and Winter Must-Haves
Cleaning Supplies & Tips for Easy Upkeep
Bedroom Comforts for Better Sleep
Décor & Aesthetic Upgrades
Entertainment & Leisure Gear
Smart Tech Upgrades (Wi-Fi, GPS & Locks)
Family-Friendly RV Must-Haves
Pet Essentials for Happy Traveling Pets
Boondocking & Off-Grid Camping Essentials
Is RV Life Worth It?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the RV must haves for beginners? You’re not alone — I remember how confusing it felt when we first started RV camping, trying to figure out what items we actually need for that first trip and wondering if RV life was even worth it.
For us, the answer is a big yes. It’s not always easy — there are learning curves, cold mornings, and the occasional setup mishap — but the freedom to travel, spend more family time, and wake up to views that make the whole world feel closer make it all worthwhile.
Once we figured out the true RV essentials — the gear that keeps your space organized, your water system working, and your setup comfortable — everything changed. That’s why I’ve created this simple list of RV must haves for beginners — the things you’ll actually use, love, and wish you’d had from day one!
Leave a comment below and share your own must-haves — I’d love to hear what’s made RV life easier and more enjoyable for you on the road!