Spare Parts

While it might sound trite to tell you to expect the unexpected, keeping backups of the following items can make big problems easy to solve.

• Extra Fuses – spare fuses in a variety of amperage ratings should always be available to replace any that may blow during travel.
• Backup Batteries/Jumper Box – RVs often have several batteries that power different areas like the engine and coach. It’s wise to either have a spares on-hand, or to at least have a jumper box. Voltage readers and supplies for cleaning electrical corrosion can also come in very handy. Having a supply of AA, AAA, C, D and 9V batteries can also be helpful to ensure you are able to power your accessories.
• Extension Power Cord and Adapters – you never know when you might run into a situation where the 30A or 50A cord that came with your RV does not reach the plug. It is always a great idea to bring an extra 10-20ft extension. You should also carry a couple 110/120V power cord extensions to plug in your accessories at the camp site. In a pinch you can also use this 110/120V cord with an adapter to plug in your RV to a power source.
• Plug-In Power Adapter – as mentioned above, when you travel to different destinations you need to be sure you can connect to whatever power is available. This is where power adapters are very valuable. Just be sure you are using ones that are compatible and safe to use with your vehicle.
• Spare Bulbs– this includes extra brake lights, running lights and turn lights, as well as spare bulbs for interior lighting.
• Extra Electrical Wire – with so much wiring used for various RV functions, the ability to make quick repairs using spare electrical wire can mean getting you out of a situation that could otherwise leave you stranded or without necessary resources.
• Extra Sewer Hose – over time, and especially in the heat, sewer hoses have a tendency to spring leaks or separate all together. Having an extra hose (even a smaller one) can get you out of a pinch when you need to dump your black and grey water tanks.

Leveling and Parking Items

Many campsites offer RV spaces that are fairly level, but sometimes you need tools to help make the most of an area. Making sure your RV is level and parked securely is not just important for comfort, but can ensure that certain appliances work as intended.

• Stabilizing Jacks – a proper stabilizing jack is necessary to guarantee your RV or travel trailer is securely stabilized/balanced when parked or camping.
• Power Drill – we suggested the drill earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again because it makes it SO much easier to raise and lower jacks! You will need to have the proper socket/bit that fits your stabilizer jack.
• Wood Planks or Leveling Blocks – using wood planks is an easy and inexpensive way to level your RV or camper. However, it’s essential that the wood is not decayed and that you distribute weight correctly. Leveling blocks made of ultra-durable plastic can also be a worthwhile investment.
• Wheel Chocks – these small but important tools will keep your RV from rolling when they are placed properly against the tires.
• Bubble or Ball Levels – if your RV doesn’t have built-in levels, you will want to always carry a high-quality bubble or ball level with you to ensure your RV is properly balanced when parked.
• Shovel – sometimes you need to do a little work to help get the ground level, and a shovel is a great tool to have available for that – but you might find it is surprisingly helpful in other situations too!

Basic RV Cleaning Tools

Cleaning and upkeep are incredibly important when it comes to RVing. An RV’s limited space can make any clutter feel messy. And unfortunately, water is a precious resource that isn’t always readily available to help you clean. Here are some of the basic cleaning tools we recommend to keep you covered on any trip.

• Multi-Purpose Cleaner – this is ideal for any necessary cleanup, but since water is a limited resource, we recommend cleaners that can be wiped down “dry” rather than needing a rinse.
• Sponges – you’ll want to bring a few sponges for different purposes, including one for cleaning small messes like food spillage, one that can clean the exterior of your RV or camper, and one for heavier or less sanitary cleanup.
• Long-Handled Squeegee – it’s not just fun to say, it’s necessary! Safety should always be a priority and you need to keep your visibility as high as possible when driving. A squeegee will help keep your windows crystal clear regardless of weather, environment, birds and bugs.
• Telescoping Scrub Brush – this will help you get to the hard-to-reach places that may need a little extra cleaning.
• Broom – having a broom on hand is great for quickly cleaning up in your RV’s interior, but you might be surprised at how helpful one is outside too. Brooms are great for cleaning leaves and branches from the roof of your RV, removing spider webs from the exterior and keeping campsites tidy.
• Small Cordless Vacuum – a compact cordless vacuum is invaluable when it comes to cleaning up messes quickly.
• Trash Bags – while this might sound like a given, you’d be surprised how many people forget to bring them!
• Hose and Spray Nozzle – a lot of campsites have water spigots, but no hookups. Carrying supplies that will help you utilize these spigots will save you a lot of worry, especially since a little water often has to go a long way during RV trips.

It’s also important to keep in mind what kind of environments you will be driving through and camping in. For example, if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the desert, you may need extra items to help keep the dust at bay, or if you’re traveling in heavily wooded areas, you may want additional tools to help you remove leaves and debris.

Other Resources

Aside from the physical tools we’ve discussed so far, it can be incredibly beneficial to know what intangible tools you have at your disposal. If you have roadside assistance, be sure you know what it covers and how to use it if needed. If you belong to any RV or auto clubs, ask about perks of membership that could be helpful along the way.

Happy Camping!

This blog is a great place to start planning for trips, but it mostly covers the basics and is not exhaustive. Keep in mind that additional tools will be needed for things like cooking, tent camping, bathroom/plumbing maintenance, long-term travel and so forth. We have great recommendations for these as well, so feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want some professional insights. You can also view our convenient RV Vacation Checklist by clicking here.