I think of RV must have accessories as the less glamorous items you need for a successful trip away in your camper.
Those pretty string lights are nice and all, but they’re not going to fix that burst pipe, or find that annoying electrical fault.
Contents
Here I’ve put together a list of things that I consider must have accessories for your RV.
I personally carry all these items on a trip away (I have a back-up box as well, but that’s just me).
All the items listed will fit nicely into a medium sized plastic storage box, which can then be neatly stored should you ever need them.
Socket Set
A decent socket set is something I would definitely consider a must have item when going anywhere in an RV. If you don’t own one already, give it some serious consideration.
You wont need a full mechanics outfit, but a set that covers most situations will be very useful.
This Dewalt socket set would cover most bases. (I can vouch for Dewalt tools, I use them a lot.)
Multimeter
If you spend a little time learning how to use one, a multimeter is one of the best tools you can have for chasing annoying electrical gremlins around your RV.
If you’ve never used one before, a multimeter can look a little daunting, but in reality they are pretty simple to use. Learn how here.
Pex Pipe Repair
RV plumbing leaks and water related issues are up there with electrical faults as one of the most common causes of an early trip home. A couple of Pex hand tools and a handful of fittings can easily save your trip.
½ “ and ⅜ “ Pex pipe is the most commonly used plumbing pipe found in a RV.
Carrying a spare length of Pex pipe, a few Pex fittings and some Pex pipe repair tools will get you out of trouble.
Duct Tape
No self respecting RVer would leave home without a few rolls of duct tape. Sometimes confused with the brand named “Duck Tape”, duct tape is the generic name for a roll of this stuff. Duck Tape manufactures duct tape, but I find that Gorilla tape does a better job.
Duct tape is waterproof and ridiculously strong, it’s a great “repair-all”.
NASA astronauts regularly use it to “fix” stuff.
12 Volt Portable Air Compressor
A mini 12 volt air compressor is a great thing to have on standby. If you have a travel trailer, regular tire checks and maintenance are something you should do. But more often than not, it’s usually something that gets forgotten about.
An air compressor is also great for the kids inflatables, bicycle tires, air mattresses and the like.
Electrical Tape
I always have a roll of electrical tape stashed in my box.
I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve had to splice a frayed, broken or cut cord back together again. A good few wraps of electrical tape after the repair makes for a safer fix.
Multi-tool / Leatherman
My Leatherman multi-tool is probably the most frequently used tool I own. I’m not sure what I’d do without it. I received mine as a gift over 25 years ago, and I still use it on almost a daily basis.
If you buy a good quality one (like my Leatherman) you’ll find it invaluable.
First Aid Kit
Unfortunately, accidents will and do happen.
Always have a decent medical kit stowed away ready for those little mishaps.
Fingers crossed you won’t have to use it much.
Heavy Duty Nylon Rubber Wheel Chocks
As well as extra peace of mind when parked up, a decent set of wheel chocks can make a huge difference to the movement in your camper.
This set of chocks are nylon reinforced rubber and super tough. They are ribbed and grip the tires, preventing even the smallest movement.
Trailer Aid Plus
This simple device will make really easy work of changing a tire on a tandem axle trailer.
Changing a trailer tire by the roadside is never fun, but Trailer Aid will make the task a whole lot easier.
Just back one of the good wheels onto the ramp and you will get about 6” of lift. Also good for gaining extra access space for brake and axle maintenance.
Mini Cordless Driver
A mini cordless screwdriver is an invaluable piece of kit in an RV. I have something very similar in my “fixing stuff box”. It’s compact enough to get into those small spaces in an RV that a full size driver would struggle to reach.
This set comes with a good selection of bits and has an LED light.
It’s charged via USB, so no battery charger to worry about.
Reusable Zip Ties
Zip ties are really useful, reusable zip ties even more so. Traditional zip ties are a one shot deal, they will do the job, but usually they are used as a temporary fix. When they have served their purpose they are cut off and discarded.
Reusable zip ties cut down on the waste, and are really handy.
Silicone Spray
I always have a can of silicone spray stashed in my box.
Unlike WD40, silicone spray lubricant will dry and not leave any residue.
It’s excellent for use on squeaky hinges, sticking doors, drawer runners etc.
Headlamp
A headlamp is definitely one of those RV must have accessories. It’s just one of the most useful things to have when camping or RVing. A headlamp is way more convenient than just a hand torch.
A USB rechargeable one is a good choice – no need to worry about batteries. A 4 hour charge on mine will give me around 30 hours of light.
Warning lights
I always carried a set of puck style warning lights, until a friend of mine introduced me to these stick flare style warning beacons.
They have their own feet and are also magnetic, so you can stick them directly to anything metal.
They are very bright and you can also use them as a torch in Flashlight mode.
Well that wraps up my list of RV must have accessories.
One more thing I would certainly consider as a must have item is a surge protector. If you don’t have one already, please see my round-up of some of the best surge protectors available.
Stashing just a few helpful items in a box can make all the difference to trip away.
Hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas.
