RV Summer Essentials Guide

So you think you're ready for the RV camping trip of a lifetime? You’ve got the perfect rig, a reliable vehicle to tow it, and a route mapped out that would make Lewis and Clark weep. You’re all ready to hit the road, right? Not quite. 

Any seasoned RVer will tell you that the things they keep inside their travel trailers or fifth wheels are just as important, if not more so, as the RV itself. How much fun do you expect to have in a shiny, new, top-of-the-line model without chocks and leveling blocks to keep it from rolling back down the hill while you eat your soup? 

Some RV summer essentials may be obvious to all but the absolute novice, like the previous example, but some may be things you never would have thought of, but can never live without once you give it a try! Read on to see what we at RVs Northwest think are the essential things to make sure you bring on your summer RV trip this year.

The Bare Necessities: Essentials for your RV

There are certain items that should come with you on every RV excursion. Making sure you have these things makes sure you won’t have to cut your trip short, or worse. While they may not make you feel like you’re staying in a rolling Ritz Carlton, you’ll be glad you brought them along when you need them.

Electric RV Essentials:

Next to a good supply of water, access to electricity and the equipment to use it safely is probably the most important thing for an RVer. Make sure you bring a surge protector as well as an appropriately rated power converter in order to run all the electric devices in your rig without destroying anything. A power inverter is also necessary if you want to use your battery to power any appliances, and one of the easiest things to forget in your garage are extension cords.

RV Water Essentials

Similarly, nothing can ruin the best-laid plans of a camper than a lack of water or a broken plumbing system. Unless you plan on investing in copious amounts of bottled water, it is highly recommended that every RV should have at least one potable water hose (or drinking water hose), if not a couple. If you neglect the need for a water pressure regulator, you will likely be heading home early and facing some pricey repairs. And, of course, a well-stocked sewer kit, including RV sewer hoses for black and grey water, chemicals, RV-safe toilet paper, and the often-overlooked box of gloves, will make the time you spend inside your RV all the more pleasant.

Automotive Essentials:

When it comes to the vehicular essentials, a responsible car or truck owner should already have most of them in their vehicle already, like a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, and a road emergency kit. Additionally, the aforementioned chocks and leveling blocks are absolutely essential to have with you, as are extra motor oil and other automotive fluids. It’s also a good idea to always keep a healthy supply of sealant on hand, because leaks happen, even to the best of us.

Miscellaneous RV Essentials:

The last few essential items that should come on every summer RV trip fall mostly into the “better be prepared” category. Obviously, having a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit handy when you need it is a good thing, but so can a flashlight or a shovel. 

In fact, a well-stocked tool kit, complete with spare batteries, extra hardware like screws, cotter pins, and the ubiquitous roll of duct tape is often the mark of an experienced RV enthusiast. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your driver's license, registration for your vehicle and trailer, proof of insurance, and any reservation documentation you will need. These things get left on the kitchen counter more often than you’d think.

Ask Our Experts About RV Summer Essentials and the Quality RVs for Sale at RVs Northwest in Spokane Valley, W

This guide is designed to cover the basics and to ensure your next RV adventure lasts just as long as you planned it. It is by no means a complete list of everything you should bring to have the ultimate outdoor experience, but at least you’ll be able to get where you’re going and back in relative comfort. Stay tuned for a list of the more luxurious must-have RV interior and exterior accessories every RVer should invest in this summer!

If you’re looking to get out and see the beautiful natural wonders that Washington State and beyond have to offer from the comfort of your very own new or used travel trailer, camper, toy hauler, or fifth wheel, look no further than RVs Northwest. Not only will we provide our expert opinions on all of the state-of-the-art models, the newest available features, and any current specials, but you also get the added benefit of our decades of first-hand RV experience. 

Whether you need something spacious from Forest River RVs or want to know how to properly stock the Outdoors RV model you already have, call or come visit us at our RV dealership in Spokane Valley and pick our brains about what we keep in our trailers all the time. You just might pick up more than a few RV life-hacks while you’re here.