We asked our RV Lifestyle community what is the ONE thing they couldn't live without. Here are the RV Must-Haves according to REAL RVers…
Recently, we posed a thought in our RV Lifestyle Facebook group: The ONE thing in my RV I can’t live without is…_________!
And boy, did we get a lot of responses! Over 700, in fact! We were honestly surprised by how much the answers overlapped, especially for #1 on the list below. It turns out RVers are quite like-minded when it comes to their RV must-haves!
Of course, we couldn't include everything listed but we do highlight the most popular must-haves people shared. Some items are practical, while others bring comfort or entertainment.
Let's see if you agree with this list…
If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
15 RV Must-Haves According to Real RVers
Since the following are widely agreed-upon must-haves for RVers, it's no surprise we have a lot of related articles and resources. So, we've included helpful links for you to learn more or find the best must-haves from this list.
1. Comfy Bed & Bedding
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People often choose to become RVers rather than campers for one key reason: a comfy bed! A good night's rest can make all the difference in enjoying the day ahead, especially when you're traveling.
Jennifer and I have really done our homework on sleeping comfortably in an RV. So, here are some helpful articles:
- The 3 Best RV Bedding Solutions [REVIEW and VIDEO]
- 10 Great Tips to Sleep Better in Your RV
- How to Replace the Mattress in Your RV or Camper
- 6 Best Short Queen RV Mattress Options
- 7 Practical Bedding Storage Ideas for Your RV
2. A Travel Companion
Many respondents said their spouse is their most important “must-have” on a trip. A good partner, friend, or family can make or break a good trip.
While having “stuff” is essential, the people that make up your community can be even more critical. Here are some related articles you might enjoy:
- How to Keep the Romance Alive While RVing (7 Helpful Tips)
- The Biggest Pitfall of Splitting RV Duties Down the Middle
- 10 Romantic Road Trips for RVing Couples
- 17 Most Romantic Things to Do in Arizona
You can share stories, go on adventures, and laugh together. What is better than making memories with those you love?
BUT not all travel companions have to be human…
5. Pets
Many Rv Lifestyle folks said they do not want to travel without their pets. Most people included photos of their beloved dogs. But other people bring their cats or other pets.
There are a lot of great perks of traveling with a dog or other pet. Here are some helpful resources to enjoy those perks to the fullest:
- Traveling with Your Dog? Find the Right Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
- Top 7 Pet-Sitting Apps for RVers (& Bonus Monitor)
- 10 Best Pet Accessories for Camping with Your Dog
- 10 Purrfect Cat Travel Accessories for your RV Lifestyle
3. Air conditioning
Air conditioning is a “must-have” that some folks cannot live without while traveling. And this one makes perfect sense to me!
Let’s face it; some places are HOT! Especially if you are traveling through the southern states during summertime.
Many RVers note that they can't sleep in the heat. The downside to an A/C at night, however, is the noise! RV air conditioners often thunk and rumble every time they turn on. Here's how you can address that issue…
- RV Upgrade That’s Worth It: A/C Soft Start Up
- How Do I Make My RV Air Conditioner Quieter (7 Helpful Tips)
4. Heater
Just like air conditioning, a heater can come in handy when it comes to feeling comfortable when traveling.
Many places in America can get very chilly. Even if spots are warm during the bulk of the day, they may dip into shallow temperatures overnight.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you warm:
6. Kettle
Are you a tea drinker? Or do you like oatmeal or soups like Top Ramen? If so, a kettle is a great item to bring along!
Whether it is an electric kettle or one that you heat overheat, they can be instrumental. They quickly make hot water for your favorite drinks or food items.
It can be one the RV kitchen gadgets for beverages you always bring along.
7. Electric Griddle
Another great tool to take on your trip is an electric griddle or frying pan. You can quickly cook food without the hassle of propane.
Some RVers mentioned griddles you can put on the grill or over the campfire, too. So, here are a couple of related articles:
8. Toilet
This “must have” is quite humorous. But it is also why many of us have turned into RVers from tent campers.
One excellent thing about a rig is that there is an actual toilet that no other strangers use. Nothing is worse than needing to use the restroom during the night or first thing in the morning and having to do the long, cold walk to the public bathroom.
And guess what? We have lots of articles about RV toilets, too! Here are a few
- 5 Most Common Types of RV Toilets You NEED to Know
- What is the Best Toilet Paper for RV Use? (5 Answers)
- How to Unclog an RV Toilet (7 Easy Methods & Tips)
9. Fridge
RV Lifestyle member Pam said she could not live without her fridge when camping. And I completely understand!
Having a fridge is certainly a perk of RVing, especially compared to tent camping. Even the best camping coolers can get messy. The ice melts, and sometimes food can leak into the melted water.
10. Washer & Dryer
Many people emphatically said a washer & dryer are their RV must-have, which certainly makes sense. An RV washer and dryer allows for greater independence and flexibility, as you don't need to plan your laundry around your travels. This is especially important for long trips or off-the beaten path adventures.
But, if you don't have a washer & dryer in your RV, many campgrounds have laundry facilities. Just remember these Campground Laundry Etiquette Tips & Tricks.
11. Generator
Another “must have” mentioned is a generator. This is, of course, a popular RV must-have for boondockers.
A generator is great to use at locations that do not have hookups. It is also a necessity if you are camping off the grid.
Just be aware of generator rules and hours at the locations you stay. You do not want to annoy your camping neighbors by failing to follow the rules.
- Diesel vs Gas vs Propane RV Generators: Pros and Cons
- RV Upgrade That’s Actually Worth It: Battle Born Batteries
12. Microwave
A microwave is also handy if you have enough counter space in your RV. Quickly heat drinks, snacks, or other food items. It is a great way to keep your trailer cool by not using the stove during the hot summer!
One RVer, Sandra, also mentioned a Microwave/Convection Oven combo. It is like a mini oven on the countertop. It uses less electricity and can cook small oven-baked meals.
We actually have lots of RV microwave recipes on our blog you can check out!
13. Fuel
Of course, another “must have” is fuel. Especially these days with the cost of gas soaring sky-high!
But in the world of RVing, fuel is something you need to be able to travel. Check out our story on tips to save on RV fuel costs!
14. Countertop Ice Maker
Many folks love to have ice when traveling. They love having ice so much that I have written about the top 7 ice makers!
A countertop ice maker can make different types of ice for you quickly at that. So if you love having ice in your drinks, don’t hesitate to take one with you on the road!
15. Coffee Pot
I have said this many times before, and I will repeat it. What is better than that first cup of piping hot coffee while camping?
So, it is no surprise that coffee pots also made the list of fellow RVers.
Many folks bring traditional coffee pots, while others take along Kuerigs so they can brew their drinks one cup at a time. They make small brewers that will not take up too much precious space on your countertop.
We've compiled a list of the 13 Best Coffee Makers for RV Travel. Plus, to make the best coffee possible wherever you go, check out this Big Berkey Water Filter.
Our Number 1 Must-Have?
What to use for the Internet?
That said, we get asked a lot about what we do for the Internet while RVing. And I can tell you this – it has changed a lot over the years.
We used to just use a hotspot on our mobile devices, and then we used cellular boosters, and then we tested out systems for a variety of providers, and now – without Nomad – we use a mix of things.
If you only need to check your email and get caught up on your social media, you only need a good cellular service from any of the major providers. Use your cell phone or tablet as a hotspot.
If you need to power up your laptop and do some work, check email, maybe watch a few youtube videos, then you need something more, like a Jetpack or Mi-Fi card from your Internet Service Provider.
If you are online content creators like us, and need to edit long videos and upload them to Youtube, or are very heavy online users, you’ll need a more robust service like Internetonthego or Starlink (if you are out west and are not covered by trees).
If you want to read through a few posts we’ve done on this topic, here are a few to get you started… RV Lifestyle Internet
We are always searching for and testing out Internet solutions for RVers so watch for more articles and videos here as we come across things that catch our attention. But I will be very careful in ever again recommending another service after our experience with Nomad.
If you want truly expert technical reviews of the latest technology, check out the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center from our friends Cherie and Chris.
They keep track of Internet offerings aimed for travelers better than anyone we know and they are totally objective. They accept no third party advertising and are not sponsored by any Internet service or company.
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New York's Adirondack Park is immense. In fact, it’s greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
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There are about 3,000 beautiful clean lakes in the region, surrounded by lush forests and dozens of small charming towns to visit.
This ebook is a seven day guided exploration of New York's Adirondack Park and Finger Lakes.
We provide a suggested route and itinerary, links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, and the best spots to see along the way.
Don’t plan your trip to Upstate New York without it!
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If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.
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