The Best RV Accessories

Buying Guide

If you travel by RV, travel trailer, camper or any other mode of transportation that you can set up at a campground, there are many ways to get more out of your experience. Chances are, your camper came with some helpful gadgets to make your life on the road easier, but there are also some handy items you can add to your RV to upgrade it as you learn what works for you.

At one time, you’d have to go to a specialized camping retailer or RV showroom to get accessories for your camper, but that’s no longer the case. RV accessories are readily available online from a variety of popular retailers. You may also be able to find some at local department stores, especially if you’re looking for an item that can be classified as general camping supplies.

Safety is a top priority when stocking a new camper. You’ll need items that will stabilize your RV once it’s parked, as well as keep occupants safe during weather events. If lightning strikes or a strong storm blows through, is your camper equipped to handle it?

Once safety issues have been addressed, it’s all about convenience. RVs pack many features in as little room as possible, so the accessories you’d buy for your home or office likely won’t do. It’s important to consider limited space and buy items in compact versions.

Another consideration is movement. Any unsecured belongings will inevitably be jostled in transit, so it’s important to make sure everything can either be packed away or won’t move around when you hit bumps in the road. Organizers, nets and bars are your friends with any travel vehicle, and many RVs now come equipped with those features in place. Even then, though, you’ll likely need to add a few stay-put items of your own.

• An extra lock can help secure the door of your RV. Sure, any camper comes with locks of its own, but you can buy a separate lock that boosts security and even provides keyless entry.
• If you opt for a lock for your camper, make sure it is backlit; a lit keypad will make finding those numerical buttons at night much easier.
• Any outdoor item for your RV needs to be weather-resistant. Your camper will be subjected to rain, storms and possibly ice or snow, whether it’s parked in your driveway or at a campground.
• One of the biggest challenges of any RV is space. Campers are compact to make transportation easy, but this also gives you limited room for accessories. Some items are built specifically to help save space, featuring slimmer, shorter profiles than what you’d buy for your home.
• Recreational vehicles can vary in size and components. Pay close attention to compatibility with any accessory you buy.
• Installation can be tricky with some accessories. Before you buy, make sure it’s something you can do yourself, and that you have the tools you’ll need to install items properly. Check that the product comes with directions if you can’t find them online.
• One problem with RVs is that you don’t have excess storage for tools or accessories, unlike at home. Look for accessories that are designed for easy storage.
• RVs tend to be exposed to the elements, even when they’re kept sheltered between uses. Covers for areas like your tongue jack can help you protect your RV from the elements and potentially extend its lifespan.
• Some accessories are an essential part of parking at a campsite. If you plan to camp in areas without access to sewer hookups, for instance, you’ll have to use a tote to transport waste to the disposal area. A wheeled trolley can help with this. You may also want to consider wheel stabilizers, which are vital to keeping you and your loved ones comfortable once you’ve parked.