About a month ago we shared a post about our favorite RV appliances and gadgets that we use inside the trailer. We thought it’s about time we share some of our favorite RV accessories that we use outside when we set up camp!
TRC 34750-001-LCD 50 Amp Surge Guard – The TRC 34750-001-LCD 50 Amp Surge Guard automatically shuts off power to your trailer if there is a sudden change in voltage (like a power surge or low voltage that could potentially damage your trailer). Electrical connections in RV parks aren’t always the most stable and this is a line of defense between the electrical connection and your trailer’s electrical system. We know people who have surge guards and people who don’t – depending on who you talk to you’ll likely get different recommendations about whether this is truly a necessity. We were on the fence and asked our local Airstream repair shop (Seattle, who we love) if they thought we needed one and they said they’d suggest it based on damage they’ve seen to trailers without surge protectors. In the end we decided that $400 was worth it – especially if it saves our trailer from a major electrical failure. Seems like a minor investment for trailers that can costs thousands. We found the best price was on Amazon. We use this EVERY TIME we plug in to shorepower and we’ve had it trip only a couple times and overall we’re glad we have it. If you have a 30-amp trailer the 30-amp surge guard is less expensive.
X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer – We recently got a two pack of the X-Chock Wheel Stabilizers and we’ve been really pleased with them. They provide trailer stabilization by providing opposing forces against the wheels. It also has the ability to have a padlock installed that helps with theft prevention. This seems to provide more stability than the wheel chocks alone.
Camco 44414 Wheel Chock – Pack of 2 – We started our travel with four of these (before the X-Chock Wheel Stabilizer) and we still toss these under a tire as soon as we park and before we unhitch. We have a different brand but they are all the same and they are a nominal cost for the added extra protection from rolling or movement. We probably don’t need them any longer because of the X-Chock – but we keep them around because they are super easy to throw behind a tire when we first get into a spot.
Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers, (Pack of 10) – We have TWO packs of these (20 levelers total) and we often have to use two packs if we find ourselves at a slanted or unlevel spot. At times we’ve wished we had three packs but have seemed to figure it out with just the two packages. They stack together like LEGOS and store in a nice zippered cloth bag.
Camco 44595 Stabilizer Jack Pad – 4 pack – For a long time we used the Tri-Lynx 00015 Lynx Levelers under our stabilizers as jack pads. But recently we bought the Camco 44595 Stabilizer Jack Pads for times when we are unlevel and we need the all the levelers under the tires. These work to keep your stabilizers from sinking into loose sand or soil and can prevent damage to asphalt in hot climates.
Camco 39761 RhinoFLEX 15′ RV Sewer Hose Kit with Swivel Fittings – We recently upgraded to a sewer hose like this that has the clear fitting on the end. This is really a helpful feature to make sure the water in your tanks is running clear after you are done dumping. We have two hoses, just in case our sewer hook-up is a bit away from our trailer.
Valterra W01-0022 EZ Coil and Store 25′ Drinking Water Hose – Back in January we upgraded our regular RV hose to this EZ Coil style drinking hose. We like it because it stays coiled (which means less hose on the ground) and it’s especially easy to put away and store. We still have regular RV hosese for when we need a longer connection and for when we flush our tanks.
Camco 40043 TastePURE Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector – A water filter is a VERY good idea because campgrounds sometimes have questionable water. I was told by an Airstream repair person that the amount of sediment in FRESH water tanks can be shocking. Having a water filter between your trailer and your water source is a smart idea!
Level Trek LT 80070 20′ Sewer Hose Support – Purchased before we hit the road this Level Trek LT 80070 20′ Sewer Hose Support comes in handy when sewer connections are down a hill, up a hill or just in awkward locations. It keeps things flowing. . . if you know what we mean. Definitely worth picking up.
CGear Sand-Free Multimat – WE LOVE THIS MAT. I debated buying this because it’s a bit spendy for a mat, but after hearing other RVers rave about the CGear Sand-Free Multimat we decided to purchase it. It has a unique design that allows sand to filter through the mat (top to bottom) – but won’t let it come back up through the mat! We’ve had this mat out in rain, mud, dust, sand – and it still looks great. Not even sun damage. I’m also impressed that we haven’t had any issues with mildew or molding – even in humid Florida. These come in various sizes and we have the largest size. I think we could have done with a medium size as we end up folding ours in half a lot of time.
CRESNEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Clothes Drying Rack – This lightweight, rust-free stainless steel clothes drying rack folds up flat and stores nicely in our truck. We use this often to dry out towels and swimsuits – because we just don’t have a lot of space in our bathroom for hanging things to dry (see the inside of our bathroom here). Plus it keeps the moisture out of our trailer – which is especially nice in humid locations. We use these TURKISH bath towels and they dry so quickly on this drying rack!
Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill – We started our travels with a square propane stove that we quickly discovered wasn’t going to cut it. After seeing many campers with the Weber 50060001 Q1000 Liquid Propane Grill I knew that we wanted to eventually get one. We found this purple gem at a Target in Minnesota – on SUPER clearance last fall. I really dislike the color (really, I don’t like it at all) – but we couldn’t pass up the price of under $100 on clearance. After unpacking it we discovered why it might have been on sale – the ignitor button was loose – which we fixed with some flamingo duct tape – because we’re classy like that. More recently we purchased the Weber Vinyl Cover which keeps grease from getting on things when we store it in the truck.
Coghlans 1219 Camping Trash Can, Spring-Loaded Pop-Up, 19 x 24-In – This spring-loaded camp trash can folds down flat and stores easily in one of our outside Airstream compartments. We don’t use it at every campsite – mostly when we are far away from the park trash/recycling or when we have a group of people over and have more food trash than normal. I love that it zips up so you don’t have problems with it spilling or smelling.
Classic Accessories 80-221-152302-00 White 26.75″ – 29″ Diameter x 8.5″ Width RV Deluxe Wheel Cover, (Pack of 4) – We picked these up in Idaho in early July when temperatures were nearing 100 degrees and the sun was beating down on our RV tires. They help protect your tires against sun damage and are especially great in hot climates or when your tires are directly in the line of sun. Make sure you measure your tire size before ordering – they have different sizes available for purchase.
Bem Range Strum Bluetooth Speaker, Driftwood (Natural) – One of our newest additions we have loved having the Bem Range Strum Bluetooth Speaker outside on the picnic table while we hang outside. I love that it’s small (4 inches x 5.5 inches x 2.25 inches) so it’s easy to store in the trailer, has a rechargeable battery, great volume (especially for it’s size!) and connects easily to our iPhones! Plus I got a killer deal on it when it dropped to $17 on Amazon.
Coleman Broadband(TM) Quad Chair – We have BASIC folding camping chairs for Jeremy and myself. We still use the ones we had from when we lived in the house. One day we might upgrade to a fancier chair – but these are still going strong and they fold down so small that they’re great for tossing them easily into the truck. The kids have small folding camp chairs from REI but there are lots of kid’s camp chair styles on Amazon, too. Just make sure they are sturdy – because it’s likely the kids will be sitting in them by a fire pit at some point.
Patio string lights – If you have an awning, it’s fun to have a set of patio string lights to put out at night. We went through a couple different styles of lights before finding a set of globe lights from Target around Christmas time. I would recommend getting plastic bulbs if you can – makes it easier for storage and taking them up/down. You’ll probably want an extension cord for these (and they are great to have outside the trailer anyway).
So that’s a quick overview of products and items we find useful outside our trailer! I’d love to hear from you if there are products you use with your camper, RV or motorhome.
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You might also like these other posts we’ve done on our favorite products in our RV:
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I really enjoy reading your blogs. I get to experience a lifestyle unlike mine. It warms me to see you making unforgettable memories with your kids with your travels. The extra closeness of living in a small area and spending so much time together has probably knit your family together more than ever before. The distractions of phones, tvs, video games and the “busyness” of regular life tends to drift families apart. I admire what y’all are doing and the fact that you made the jump to this lifestyle. Like me, I’m sure a lot of your readers are living vicariously through your posts. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for following our blog Rhonda! Yes, living together in a 180 square feet brings you closer together – especially with your kids who otherwise might be at school, in their bedrooms or in front of the TV. I’m grateful for the quality time we spend together and I think it’s going to be very hard to transition back to “real life” in the suburbs!