When you’re just starting out with RV life — whether full-time, weekend-only, or somewhere in between — it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the gear out there. We’ve been there too. That’s why we put together this quick list of our top 5 must-have RV essentials. These are items we personally use, love, and wouldn’t hit the road without. From staying level to staying odor-free (yes, that’s important!), this gear has made our travels smoother and a lot less stressful. “This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
So if you’re wondering what’s actually worth buying for your rig, start here.
1. 🚽 Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs
Citrus-scented pods that eliminate black tank odors and help break down waste and toilet paper. Septic-safe and super convenient.
Camco TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs
Eliminate odors and keep your RV black tank fresh with these powerful citrus-scented drop-ins. Easy to use and septic-safe—perfect for long trips or full-time RVers.
Buy on Amazon2. 🧽 Camco RV Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector
Attaches to your water hookup to reduce chlorine, sediment, and odors. Keeps your RV’s water fresh and clean.
Camco RV Water Filter with Hose Protector
This water filter helps reduce bad taste, odors, chlorine, and sediment in drinking water. It includes a flexible hose protector to reduce strain on connections and prevent kinking. A simple, must-have upgrade for clean water on the go.
Buy on Amazon3. 💧 Zero-G Lightweight RV/Marine Hose (50 ft)
Kink-resistant and super lightweight. Easy to coil, store, and carry — a major upgrade from traditional hoses.
Zero-G Lightweight RV/Marine Hose (50 ft)
This ultra-lightweight hose is 50% lighter than traditional vinyl hoses and remains flexible, kink-free, and compact. Drinking water safe and ideal for both RV and marine hookups.
Buy on Amazon4. 🔌 GEARGO RV Surge Protector – 30 Amp, 9500 Joules
A top-selling surge protector on Amazon that offers excellent protection (9,500 J) with LED indicators and a waterproof design. It provides reliable defense against power spikes, grounding faults, and reverse polarity — all without breaking the bank
GEARGO RV Surge Protector – 30 Amp
Protect your RV’s electrical system from dangerous power surges with this 30 Amp surge protector. Features a built-in circuit analyzer and LED indicator lights for quick diagnostics. Rated for up to 8000 Joules of protection—perfect for peace of mind while camping.
Buy on Amazon5. ⚖️ LevelMatePRO Wireless RV Leveling System
Level your RV in seconds using Bluetooth! The LevelMatePRO syncs with your phone to show exactly which wheels to adjust—no guessing needed, perfectly easy for solo parking or nighttime setups.
LogicBlue LevelMatePRO Wireless Leveling System
Make leveling your RV faster and more precise with this Bluetooth-enabled leveling system. Connects to your smartphone for real-time guidance, making setup a breeze—especially helpful when solo or in tough spots.
Buy on AmazonYou don’t need every gadget on the market to enjoy RV life, but a few smart tools can seriously upgrade your setup. These five items have earned their permanent spot in our RV, and we hope they’ll do the same for you. Got a favorite RV product we missed? Drop us a comment — we love swapping ideas with fellow travelers!
And if you’re just starting your journey, remember: it’s not about perfection — it’s about the adventure.
