So, You Just Bought an RV, Now What?

February 17, 2019

rv essentials checklist

Now that you have bought your RV, after going through a taxing process – haggling with the salesman, working out your finances, getting a mechanic to inspect and check the RV thoroughly, you must be all excited to hit the road. However, now that you have a fancy new RV, whether it is a motorhome, truck camper, travel trailer of any type of RV, you need to get some RV accessories and supplies to make your RV more functional, safe and comfortable when you are in an RV park. 

Reviews of Some “Must Have” RV Essentials

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Portable Propane Radiant Heater

If you’re looking for a propane heater for your RV, then the most popular in the whole of North America is Mr. Heater and is an RV must have. This radiant liquid propane heater is 4,000 to 9,000 BTU and is connected to a 1 pound cylinder directly and is an excellent solution for enclosed RV spaces.

The size of the heater to the BTU ratio along with the fold-down handle offers maximum output while having a minimum footprint. The heater has a swivel regulator which offers the adaptability of usage form a remote gas supply to a disposable cylinder.

Lighting up Mr. Heater is very simple. All you have to do is turn the knob and push, and the piezo sparking system does the rest. The heater is equipped with the ODS (oxygen depletion sensor) and the heater is equipped with a shut-off mechanism which keeps you safe from any accidental tip overs. Mr. Heater is an excellent radiant heater to keep you warm and cozy in your RV as it provides reliable and safe heat anytime and anywhere.

Features of the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy

  • 4,000 to 9,000 BTU (for spaces of up to 225 sq. ft.)
  • Approved for indoor and outdoor usage
  • 2 heat settings (high and low)
  • Fold-down handle
  • 4 position control along with an inbuilt Piezo igniter
  • High temperature wire guard
  • Swivel regulator
  • Durable heating surface which is porcelain coated
  • ODS (low-oxygen safety shut-off)
  • Tip over safety shut-off
  • Ceramic burner tile with shock absorbing insulation mounting
  • 100% efficient

Classic Accessories OverDrive Deluxe RV Wheel Cover

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The Classic RV wheel cover is sturdy and an excellent tire protector and protects and safeguards your wheels and tires from the UV damage caused by the sun, dirt and rust when the RV is parked. The Classic RV wheel cover is easy to slip on quickly and you get 4 wheel covers in each package.

Made with wipe-clean material the Classic RV wheel cover is sturdy and rugged and has a soft and non-scratch backing that safeguards your tires. The tire covers come in varied sizes and you can select the one that is just right for your RV tires.

The cover has an elasticized back panel that offers a secure fit. With the Classic Accessories RV tire or wheel cover you not only get protection for your RV, but you are buying peace of mind.

Features of the Classic RV Wheel Cover

  • Easy and fast slip-on fit covers
  • Fits wheels of 24-inch to 27-inch diameter
  • Vinyl wipe-clean material
  • Soft, non-scratch backing
  • Each pack contains 4 wheel covers
  • Comes in multiple sizes
  • Elasticized back panel for a snug fit
  • 2 eyelets to secure bottom flap
  • Comes with a handy storage bag
  • Comes with a 3-year limited warranty

Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

When you’re out in your RV on a long trip and you want to keep your beer or water cool or if you want to keep your food fresh while traveling, the Alpicool C15 Refrigerator is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a portable refrigerator or freezer.

The Alpicool C15 Refrigerator can be powered by a 12V or 24V battery and can be powered by your 110-240V mains at home also. It is equipped with a 3-level car battery protection system which keeps the batteries of your vehicles charged without getting run down.

The Apicool C15 is an invaluable RV accessory when it comes to keeping your drinks cold and food fresh when you’re off on your great adventure, camping for months or just off to the park for a fun picnic. The Apicool C15 fridge is just right for you to ensure you have a great highway trip.

Features of the Alpicool C15 Portable Refrigerator

  • Fridge and freezer
  • Freezes to -4°F or -20°C without any ice
  • Storage Space: 22.4 x 12.6 x 10.2 inches
  • Capacity: 15 liters
  • 12-24 Volts DC and 110-240 Volts AC power inputs
  • Digital control panel with electronic temperature control
  • 3-stage battery protection system
  • High-efficiency compressor with HH and Eco modes
  • Portable handles
  • Vibration resistant design
  • Made of strong plastic material
  • High-density thick foam insulation
  • Solar power compatible
  • Includes 2 power cables

Camco Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable Gas Grill

 

Designed for outdoor and RV use, the Camco Olympian 5500 portable gas grill is a high-quality and lightweight stainless steel barbecue. The top-quality grill is designed for use while it is attached to the RV or it can also be used as a tabletop outdoor grill.

The gas grill has quite a large-sized cooking area of around 180 sq. inches. The smoker plate of the gas grill is made of cast iron and offers the best flavor and at the same time minimizes grease fires. Made of stainless-steel, the burner heats up more quickly, is rust resistant and is very easy to clean.

The Camco Olympian 5500 can be assembled very easily and quickly and features a quick-connect hose and valve in order to use a supply of low-pressure propane on a trailer or RV. The unit comes along with a mounting bracket that can be used on the mounting rail of the RV.

Features of the Camco Olympian Gas Grill

  • 180 sq. inches cooking surface
  • Piezoelectric spark starter lasts up to 20,000 starts
  • Integral safety shut-off valve
  • 12,000 BTU per hour
  • Attaches to the mounting rail of the trailer or RV directly
  • Folding feet allows use away from the vehicle
  • Uses disposable propane cylinders or the low-pressure gas supply of the RV or trailer
  • Made of stainless steel
  • No assembly needed
  • Includes quick connect valve and hose
  • Comes with mounting bracket and folding legs
  • Comes with 1-year limited warranty
  • Can be used with 1, 5 or 20 lbs cylinder (purchased separately)

LED ST64 Classic Retro Wire Filament Light Bulb Industrial Loft

 

The LED ST64 Classic Retro Filament Light Bulb is a powerful and compact LED lamp, which is an ideal accessory for your RV. This is suitable for any low voltage 12V-36V power systems. The light bulb features the powerful COB filaments which are enclosed in a traditional glass light bulb. The ST64 Classic Filament Light Bulb can tolerate unstable voltage levels and provides consistent brightness without any flickering.

The ST64 Classic Retro Wire Filament Light Bulb is excellent for off-grid solar DC transformers or batteries and DC power grids. The light bulb features an Edison medium-sized screw base that can fit any type of household fitting. And, as long as the voltage is 12, 24 or 36 DC Volts, the bulb will burn cool and bright.

While high amp, low voltage halogen bulbs are high-maintenance and need to be replaced frequently, the ST64 Classic Retro Wire Filament Light Bulb is an ideal substitute. Now you can switch to LED with lesser burnouts, lower power consumption with the ST64 Classic Retro Wire Filament Light Bulb, which offers you a choice of light colors, while at the same time retaining the original classic looks of the Edison filament bulb.

Features of the ST64 Classic Retro Wire Filament Light Bulb

  • 50 lumens
  • Classic Edison bulb shape
  • 360o angle light beam
  • Ideal for 12V-36V low voltage DC power sources
  • Power Consumption: 6 watts
  • Suitable for NiFe (Nickel-Iron) and NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) battery systems
  • Application with Tesla Powerwall and Light-a-Life Lantern

Destination Guide

The RVing experience is just something else and is arguably the most fantastic way to travel around, experience nature, camp in the wild and sleep under the stars. And, having an RV can make your adventure all the more comfortable. All you need to do is park at a campsite and enjoy all that RV camping offers. With an RV, you can combine the exterior pleasures with the inside comforts, as you will have all the amenities that you require for your adventure.

However, while going around in your RV, you should choose your camping grounds wisely. While some RV parks may be wild and rustic, offering you very few amenities, others are quite advanced and offer water, electricity and even free WiFi. According to GoRVing, there are over 16,000 campgrounds across the United States. Some of the top campgrounds are:

Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Parks, you can camp near the ocean at the northern end of the Hunting Island State Park and you can have access to some of the most beautiful beaches of South Carolina. The park has abundant wildlife which adds to the natural beauty of the park. You can park your RV under the trees and have a fantastic view of the ocean at the same time. Every site has electrical hook-ups and water and some of the sites can accommodate RVs which are up to 40 feet.

Zion River Resort, Utah

The Zion River Resort is located near the southern entrance of the national park and is indeed a dream camping destination for any RV camper. It is a popular destination for people who want to enjoy the stunning beauty of the green valleys, redstone cliffs, red rocks and a bit of snow. The campground offers concrete parking areas, electricity hook-ups, grills and even free WiFi.

Pecan Park Campground, Texas

The Pecan Park Campground is located along the gorgeous San Marcos River amid a very large grove of pecan trees. The campground is a natural paradise and you will find yourself amidst lush green silence and calm. The mild winters of the areas make the Pecan Park Campground a major destination for snowbirds and other birds. The Wonder World Park located here is the site of a cave which was formed by an earthquake that occurred over 30 million years ago.

Horse Thief Lake Campground, South Dakota

The Horse Thief Lake Campground is a beautiful campground located near Mount Rushmore, where you can enjoy the mountain scenery. You can either set up camp around the lake or stay at the RV resort, which has amenities such as a bathhouse, pool, playground, a store and picnic areas. The George Mickelson Trail nearby is a hiking heaven for hikers and bikers. The Jewel Cave, which is the 2nd largest cave in the world is a great attraction that you can visit. The RV campground offers amenities like vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and campfire rings.

Tips for Getting on the Road

 

 

Whether you are a retired couple planning to travel for long periods of time or you are planning a weekend camping trip with your family, here are some tips to consider before you set off on your RV trip.

  • Plan the route you intend to drive on and take a practice trip on a similar terrain and familiarize yourself with ascending hills, switching lanes, parking your RV, etc.
  • Study your itinerary and pack accordingly. Pack less with items you think you will really need and eliminate the items that have overlapping uses. Pack according to the weather based on the places you will be visiting.
  • Familiarize yourself with YouTube, Yelp and TripAdvisor. YouTube has many videos that can help you to troubleshoot if you run into problems with your RV, etc. TripAdvisor has a plethora of information that can help you plan your activities and you can find restaurants, gas stations, etc. on Yelp.
  • While on a road trip, stick to quick, easy and simple meals that you can put together in a jiffy and avoid complex recipes with tons of ingredients.
  • While several campgrounds advertise free WiFi, the connections are very slow. Ensure that you have a backup plan and look for places close by such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, etc. which have decent WiFi before you move to your next location.
  • Ensure that you check the fine print before you make your campground bookings and make sure that there are no hidden charges. Some places charge for showers and which can vary between $1-$2 per shower depending on how quickly you can shower and also depending on the location.
  • Plan the things you need and go grocery shopping, maybe once in 3-5 days and do not overstuff your cupboards or refrigerator.
  • You will need a good well-stocked toolkit for any type of RV maintenance along the way. Some of the necessary tools and items are a drill, screwdriver set, folding shovel, caulking gun, light bulbs, spare fuses, nuts, bolts, nails, connectors, cables, etc. Also, carry parts that may be unique to your RV.
  • While you may be tempted to be spontaneous and wing it while on your RV trip, it is a good idea to have a plan in place and plan the various aspects of the trip such as:
    • Your budget and allocate money separately for food, entertainment, overnight stays, etc.
    • Your food supply of what to buy and when to eat out.
    • The route you plan to take and also plan alternate routes.
    • Places you want to visit and see on your way.
    • Campgrounds and RV parks where you want to stop and take a break on the way.
  • Create a campground checklist including the following:
    • Check the campground site for any obstacles or low overhanging branches.
    • Locate water, electrical and sewage hookups.
    • Pull your RV as close as possible to the hookups and level it with stabilizing jacks and blocks, if required.
    • Secure the RV by chocking its wheels.
    • Connect to the electricity and ensure that all your appliances are running on electricity instead of propane or battery power.

RVing is a great fun way to travel around the country and explore nature and the outdoors. However, it is important to plan your trip and having all the essentials in place and the things necessary for an RV trip, can let you have a great and stress-free trip.


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