RV Rookies:
Essential Gear and Starter Kit for RV & Camping Beginners
Welcome to the exciting world of RVing! As a new enthusiast, the open road awaits, but before you set off on your first adventure, you need to gather the right gear. Forget the fancy gadgets for now—focus on the absolute essentials to keep your rig safe, functional, and comfortable.
Here is your breakdown of must-have products for a smooth, successful, and stress-free start:
RV camper essential products for beginners and those new to camping including sewer and drinking hoses, safety equipment like leveling blocks and wheel locks
Safety & Setup
Getting your RV securely parked and hooked up requires more than just parking brakes. These items are your RV's guardians:
Wall-Mounted Fire Extinguisher
While your RV likely came with one, ensuring it's easily accessible and properly charged is paramount. RVs have unique fire hazards (like propane and electrical issues), so having a functional extinguisher is a critical safety item.
This multi-purpose fire extinguisher is UL-rated for Class A (wood, paper, fabric), Class B (flammable liquids like grease and oil), and Class C (electrical) fires, making it ideal for use in your kitchen, garage, and, yes, even your RV trailer camper. It features a durable, commercial-grade metal valve and trigger, an easy-to-read color-coded pressure gauge, and includes a secure mounting bracket. For long-term protection, the unit can be recharged by a certified professional after use.
Surge Protector
Unpredictable campground power can instantly fry your RV's expensive electronics and appliances. The essential first step for any new RV’er is securing a Surge Protector and Power Analyzer. This device is your RV's best defense: it not only guards against devastating power surges but also monitors voltage and checks for dangerous wiring faults before you connect.
Don't risk thousands in damage—this reliable, waterproof unit is the non-negotiable RV essential you need on your packing list.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Hitting the road in your new home-on-wheels? Don't overlook the most critical safety feature: your tires! The Tymate RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a must-have for every beginner. We break down why this easy-to-install gadget is your first line of defense against dangerous blowouts. Get real-time updates on both tire pressure and temperature for up to 12 tires, ensuring maximum safety, fuel efficiency, and peace of mind on every mile of your RV adventure.
Emergency Roadside Kit
Don't let unexpected mishaps ruin your RV adventure! For every beginner hitting the open road, a comprehensive roadside assistance kit is a non-negotiable essential. This multipurpose kit packs everything you need for safety and peace of mind—from heavy-duty jumper cables and basic tools to a first-aid supply and high-visibility gear—ensuring you're prepared for flat tires, dead batteries, and any other roadside situation that might pop up on your journey.
Electronic Brake Controller
Safety comes first when you're hitting the road with your new rig. The Tekonsha Brake-EVN Proportional Brake Controller is an absolute must-have for any RV beginner who will be towing a trailer or fifth-wheel with electric brakes. This isn't a "nice-to-have"—it's an essential safety device.
Unlike basic models, this unit is proportional, meaning it senses the tow vehicle's deceleration and applies the trailer's brakes with matching force. The result? Smooth, predictable, and controlled stops that eliminate the scary, jerky feeling of delayed braking, giving new RVers the confidence they need to handle their home-on-wheels safely.
Leveling Blocks
Campsites are rarely perfectly flat., which is necessary for proper function of the refrigerator, slide-outs, and a comfortable night's sleep. For beginner RVers, achieving a stable, level setup is essential for everything from a good night's sleep to a properly functioning refrigerator. The Camco FasTen Leveling Blocks are a must-have for hassle-free leveling.
These stackable blocks go under your tires or stabilizing jacks to ensure your RV is level Made from durable, interlocking polymer, these blocks allow you to easily stack them to the exact height needed to correct uneven terrain, offering a safe and stable foundation for your tires, tongue jacks, or stabilizer jacks. Their simple "Lego-like" design makes them incredibly easy to use, and the included T-handle makes carrying and storage a snap, keeping all your blocks neatly secured and organized. Stop guessing and start enjoying perfectly level camping with this essential beginner gear.
You can see an in-depth look at this product in this Camco FasTen RV Leveling Blocks Review.
Wheel Blocks
Tired of your RV rocking every time someone walks down the aisle? For new RVers, a stable campsite is a must. One of the simplest ways to level up your camping experience is with a high-quality wheel stabilizer. We take a close look at the Camco 44652 Wheel Chock and Stabilizer, an absolute essential for any beginner with a tandem-axle trailer. This easy-to-use tool locks between your tires, virtually eliminating front-to-back movement and creating a firm, shake-free home away from home. Stop the sway and start enjoying a truly secure setup!
Utility Hookups
Hooking up to water and sewer lines is unique to RV life and requires specific, sanitary gear.
Drinking Water Hose
For any beginner, a dedicated, safe water source is non-negotiable. The Camco Tastepure Freshwater Hose is lead-free and BPA-free and is a must-have for safe potable water. Not only does this drinking water hose keep your tank water clean, it ensures every sip on the road is refreshing and pure. A true RV essential!
Water Pressure Regulator
Campground water pressure can vary wildly and may be too high for your RV's plumbing, leading to leaks or bursts. This device attaches to the spigot to ensure a safe, steady flow.
An essential item for any beginner RVer, the RVGUARD Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator protects your RV's delicate plumbing system from unexpectedly high water pressure at campgrounds, which can cause burst pipes, leaks, and costly damage.
Water Filter
This Firebelly Outfitters RV/Marine Inline Carbon Water Filter is a beginner's must-have to ensure clean and safe water on the road. It connects directly to your fresh water hose and filters out chlorine, sediment, unpleasant tastes, and odors from campground or dockside water sources before they enter your RV.
Using this simple filter protects your RV's internal plumbing and water fixtures, while giving you cleaner water for drinking, cooking, and showering. Plus, it includes a flexible hose protector to prevent kinking at the connection point!
Sewer Hose Kit
The Camco RhinoEXTREME RV Sewer Hose Kit is the essential, ready-to-go solution for new RV owners facing the tank dumping process.
This complete kit is designed to make the necessary task of emptying your waste tanks safe and hassle-free.
- Ultimate Durability: It features an extremely tough, crush-resistant hose with superior abrasion resistance, giving beginners peace of mind against accidental damage and leaks.
- Hassle-Free Dumping: The kit is pre-assembled and includes a clear elbow so you can easily see when your tank is completely clean. The versatile 4-in-1 adapter fits securely into nearly any dump station.
- Easy Storage: When you're done, the hose assemblies compress compactly and the removable adapter ensures the kit fits neatly into a standard 4-inch square RV bumper.
Heavy Duty Nitrile Gloves
TITANflex Industrial Nitrile Disposable Gloves are heavy-duty, industrial-grade nitrile gloves are a must-have for RV maintenance. They offer superior protection when handling your black and gray water tanks, preventing contamination and keeping your hands clean during the least pleasant RV chore—dumping the tanks.
Made from durable nitrile, they are powder-free and thicker than standard gloves, offering excellent puncture and tear resistance for general repairs, leveling, and handling chemicals as well. They're a simple, non-negotiable item for any new RVer's supply kit.
Utility Bag
Keep your essential RV tools—from multi-bit screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches to duct tape and electrical fuses—perfectly organized and ready for the road! This heavy-duty 16-inch organizer features a wide-mouth opening for quick access and a durable, often reinforced or molded base to protect your gear from the elements and wet ground at the campsite. With multiple interior and exterior pockets, it ensures every necessary item has its own dedicated spot, saving you time and hassle so you can focus on enjoying your first RV adventures. Durable, portable, and designed to fit easily in your RV storage bay.
Convenience & Comfort
Once the essential work is done, take your outdoor camping living to the next level!
Electric Keypad / Door Lock
Many RVers upgrade their standard keyed lock to an electronic keypad. This allows you and your family to enter the RV without fumbling for a key, perfect after a day of hiking or swimming.
The Bauer NE Bluetooth Keyless RV Entry Door Lock is a highly recommended essential.
- Keyless Convenience: Say goodbye to fumbling with keys! You can lock and unlock your RV using a customizable 4-digit PIN on the responsive keypad or through the Bauer Connect App on your iOS or Android smartphone.
- "Touch-Less" Entry: A standout feature is the optional proximity mode, which allows you to unlock your RV with a simple tap of a button (or sometimes automatically) when your paired phone is nearby, making it effortless to get inside when your hands are full.
- Peace of Mind: The lock uses bank-grade encryption for security, and the app allows you to track the lock/unlock history, so you always know when your RV was accessed. It also monitors the battery life, so you won't get locked out.
- Easy Backup: It includes physical keys as a backup in case of dead batteries or forgotten codes.
- Simple Upgrade: This keyless lock is designed to be a direct and easy replacement for most standard RV entry door locks, making installation straightforward with no complex wiring required.
Outdoor Reversible Mat
Keep your campsite clean and comfortable with this durable, waterproof, and reversible outdoor mat. Made from weather-resistant material, it's designed to handle outdoor wear and tear. Simply shake off dirt or hose it down for easy cleanup. The reversible design gives you two patterns in one, and the lightweight, fold-and-go structure makes it easy to set up, take down, and store—a must-have for extending your living space outdoors!
Folding Gravity Chairs
The SMUG Zero Gravity Chair brings the ultimate relaxation experience right outside your RV door. The zero-gravity design elevates your legs and reclines smoothly to an ergonomic position, helping to relieve back and joint pressure after a long drive or day of hiking. It is built with durable, weather-resistant fabric for outdoor use and, most importantly for RV travel, it folds up compactly for easy storage in your bay or basement. The built-in side tray with cup holders keeps your drink, phone, and book conveniently within reach, making it perfect for lounging and enjoying the view.
Stackable Storage Bins
The Rubbermaid Roughneck 6-Pack of 10-Gallon Totes are both rugged and built with impact-resistant material that features a stay-tight lid. Their rectangular design is ideal for fitting into tight compartments, and the lids are recessed to allow for secure, stable stacking, maximizing your limited RV storage space. The 10-gallon size is large enough for tools, hoses, or gear, yet small enough to be easily lifted using the built-in handles. They won't crack or buckle, making them endlessly reusable for all your travel needs.




















