Our Top 10 Must Haves for RVing from a Decade of Experience

Having traveled in our Jayco multiple times a month for the past decade, we have learned a bit over the years. Some items are far more important to remember to bring than others are. This list is our top 10 Must Haves for RVing.

2. Surge Protector

This one took us over six years to figure out. When we were staying at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park in New Mexico, there was a power outage in the campground.

Before that trip, we had heard stories of RVers dealing with RV parks and campgrounds with old electrical infrastructure that caused their RVs to get shorted out. So, even though we later found out the power outage was not the park's fault, it still put some fear into us. We knew it was a good idea to get a surge protector.

It's a great, inexpensive tool to have so you can protect your RV from a catastrophic electrical issue. This one is a better safe than sorry item you should purchase on day one.

4. Air Compressor

Similar to having a tire repair kit, an air compressor is a must have when RVing. If you have a flat out in the middle of nowhere, you do not want to be waiting around for someone to come and pump up your tire for you. You can fix that problem easily with a small, portable one.

We used to bring a large air compressor with us that was for our tools at home. A few years back, we purchased and experimented with a smaller compressor and found it could easily pump up all four tires on our truck and two on our Jayco with plenty of power to spare. It is also a great tool to have if you enjoy driving on sand dunes and need to pump up after bleeding out the air.

5. Area Rug

We do not usually bring many grills, tables, and other outdoor gear when RVing and tend to use what is found at the campsite. Our setup is minimal. Besides chairs, there is one other must have that we never travel without: an area rug.

At first, I questioned Alison why we would need a rug since we are just sitting outside anyway. After our first trip to a desert campground, I understood.

Area rugs really help keep the dirt from accumulating on our RV’s floor. I witnessed this firsthand over the years from campsites out in dusty West Texas all the way up to a campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Rugs work…and they make the campsite look a little nicer.

6. RV Toilet Treatment Packets

One weekend trip we forgot to restock our camper with RV toilet packets. That was a big mistake. The first day was okay. By the next morning, we regretted the meals we ate every single time we flushed the toilet.

Remember to bring treatment packets. They are must haves.

7. Headlamps

I think we have well over a dozen headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns in our travel trailer and truck. Why? We spend a huge chunk of our time RVing outside at night. From stargazing and astrophotography to nighttime sports and card games, we love spending our time under dark skies.

Out of the three types of lights (headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns), headlamps are on our must have list. They are versatile where you can hang them up on a tree for extra campsite light, hold them like a traditional flashlight in your hand, or wear them on your head as intended. Headlamps are especially useful if you need both hands to work with around the campsite like when cooking on a grill at night or shooting astrophotography.

Since we frequently arrive at our campsite late at night on weekend trips, headlamps allow us to use both hands when unhooking our Jayco. They are great for setting up your campsite in the dark. Just make sure to use the red setting on your headlamp once it gets too late.

8. Fuses

Luckily, we have never needed to replace a fuse in our Jayco, but we know it might eventually have to be done. Other old-school RVers we know have sworn it is important to keep extra fuses on hand, so we gladly accept their advice. They say it's important to keep some inexpensive spare fuses in a cabinet and pop them in when you blow them instead of being stuck somewhere without.

So much of the electrical system in your RV is dependent on fuses, so we consider these a must have. It is better to have peace of mind.

10. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Not everyone will need this item since many Jayco RVs come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Plus, you can use their Jaycommand system to easily monitor it. Since we have one of the least expensive models, which is not an option for us.

If you are like us and plan to get a more budget model, invest in a TPMS. As you have seen in this article, tires are the biggest concern for us while RVing, and a system to monitor them while driving is important. You want to arrive safely at your campsite and have loads of fun, but being concerned while getting to the destination should not be part of your trip. A TPMS will reduce any anxiety you have while RVing.

We hope you found this list valuable. These items you will always find in our Jayco, and you might want to consider bringing them on your trips too!