cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

First slug of RV supplies for a first timer. What do I need?

rvshrinker
Explorer III
Explorer III
Supplying my new TT.

This is what I have on my list:

Water inlet hose
Water pressure regulator
Upgraded sewer/black line
RV level
Leveling block set
Wheel chocks
Jack cap/block
RV toilet paper
RV toilet cleaner
Black tank/toilet chemicals
Grey tank deodrizer/chemical
Scissor jack socket drill adapter

Anything else I need that is RV specific (obviously not talking about things like towels, plates, hand soap, etc).
46 REPLIES 46

gbopp
Explorer
Explorer
Duct Tape....

DutchmenSport
Explorer
Explorer
You don't need a pressure regulator for your water system if you fill your fresh water tank and then use your on-board water pump. But if you plan to connect to 'city water' (with a hose), then you should have one. I never connect a hose to the trailer. I always fill the tank and pump from it.

You don't necessarily need to buy a bunch of Lynx Lego type blocks. If you have scrap lumber around the house, that works just fine under the tires and stabilizer jacks to help level the trailer. I have a variety of treated lumber boards I carry with me.

You need a water hose to fill your fresh water tank, or to connect to your camper. However, if you are accustom to drinking directly from the garden hose laying in your yard, then why spend a fortune, just because it's colored white? (I know, this is going to start a fire storm argument again... but to still the "waters" literally .... "To each his own!" My privilege if I want to drink from my garden hose that's had bugs crawling through it. I ain't died in 62 years yet.)

There are all kinds of sewer hoses. Eventually, they all go bad, even if they dry-rot. To begin your experience with a camper, I advise investing into the best one you can afford. Then add extensions to your collection that can add length over time. You never know how far you will need a hose to reach. Every campground, and every campsite is different.

I'm assuming you mean and RV level that will be attached to the side or front of your camper. Bad idea initially. You will struggle with your camper to figure out "what" is actually level and getting it level. Just use a carpenter's level from your tool box and level the camper with it FOR AWHILE. You will find the floor may be level, but the doors are swinging closed. or the counter top is level, but the refrigerator is out of whack. It will take time for you to figure out WHAT really needs to be level. After you figure that out, THEN add your level on the side of the camper so the most critical spot in your camper will have have a gauge to go by. Once you get your camper, you'll understand this. Don't spend the money right now.

Wheel chocks are probably THE most important thing you can have for your camper. Always, always, always chock the tires before unhitching ... even on flat ground. You don't need to buy "chocks" either. A concrete brick, a block of wood, a tree log, even a big rock can be used to chock the tires. But, definitely have something ready the day you take delivery of your new camper. But, you really don't have to spend money for one either when a big rock will do the same thing.

I'm sorry, I don't know what a "Jack Cap Block" is. So, I probably don't have one. But, it does help a lot to have a block or a set of blocks under the tongue jack. If the hitch on your tow vehicle is higher than the tongue jack will raise, putting blocks under the jack first will let you raise the trailer tongue higher. (vital when parking on slops and hills). Get a big hefty block at least 6-8 inches thick for under the tongue jack.

RV toilet paper is the biggest scam in the RV marketplace. You will pay way, way, way too much for something that is truly snake oil. Get whatever you use in hour house and ... that's that!

RV toilet cleaner is not necessary either. Actually, I've never heard of "RV toilet cleaner". If you want to clean the toilet, simply pour your dish washing soap down the toilet and brush the sides with that. If you are talking about cleaning the black tank, just flushing the tank with water, a lot and often will keep it cleaner than anything else you can do. A bit of laundry soap, or dishwashing liquid, and/or water softener for laundry down the toilet, go for a drive and let it slosh inside the black thank, and that's all you need to do. Why spend extra money, simply because it says "RV" on the label.

Same for your grey tanks. Drain them, add a few gallons of water, add Dawn dishwashing liquid, and go for a drive. Done! More is not needed.

Now, I've never used an electric drill to raise and lower my stabilizer jacks. But I'll give this one to you. But you'll probably still end up doing the final tightening by hand anyway.

Other folks have chimed in above with some pretty good suggestions. But here's the thing ... you do not need anything really "special" for your RV. Whatever you use around your house is what you use in your camper. This applies to dishes to your bath towels. Don't spend a fortune on "things" just to acquire a bunch of "things." Folks who have been RVing will all testify that after about 3 years of RV ownership, they start tossing needless junk OUT of their RV. I know, we've flipped just about every single item inside the camper about 5 times in 30 years... everything! And we have minimized what we actually carry in the camper now. Less is better. But having the "right" things and being smart about them is what it's all about.

Put together a small repair tool box with a set of pliers, screw drivers, including the square ended screw driver, some auto fuses for your converter panel, electrical and duct tape, rope, string, other odds and ends in the event you need to tighten a screw on the cabinet door hinge or have a hammer to break up a frozen bag of ice. By the way, a hatchet makes a great hammer. No need for a hammer if you have a hatchet, and the hatches is also used for splitting fire wood.

Good luck. Think smart, and remember, if its labeled "RV" you are paying too much! Some items, like sewer hoses ... you have no choice. Everything else ... you can find it much cheaper somewhere else.

Rolling_Condo
Explorer II
Explorer II
A question deservers to be asked and answered. To the original poster.
What type of camping will you be doing? Will it be regular campgrounds with full hookups? Or will you do boon dock style camping or a mix ?
'90 GMC R2500 7.4L w/ Gear Vendor OD
'90 Avion 34V
Cummins Onan P4300ie
Pro Pride 3P
Prodigy

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
rvshrinker wrote:
RV level

RV toilet cleaner
I don't know what those things are.
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

DrewE
Explorer II
Explorer II
newman fulltimer wrote:
number 2 square drive bit , voltmeter , extra bright spot light for the neighbors reading lamp.


I absolutely concur with the first two of these, at least. You can't fix or adjust anything in most RV's without the #2 Robertson screw driver. Get a decent one; you'll use it quite a bit.

bukhrn
Explorer III
Explorer III
time2roll wrote:
BEER
And a list of places near the Campground to get MORE. :B
2007 Forester 2941DS
2014 Ford Focus
Zamboni, Long Haired Mini Dachshund

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
dupe
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
A notepad to write down all the stuff you find you need & a Walmart & Lowes near the CG so you don't have to drive far to get the stuff.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995

ksg5000
Explorer
Explorer
Credit card and take your first trip or two at one of the Oregon State Parks near any city. If you need something you can take a short trip.

Most RVers load up on "essential stuff" when they buy their rigs ... and almost everyone ends up tossing much of that "essential stuff" as they gain experience.
Kevin

Artum_Snowbird
Explorer
Explorer
Several of my most used and appreciated things are ropes, bungee cords, and a big tarp and a smaller one. I think my bigger tarp is perhaps 16' by 32' and many times a rope goes across between trees with the tarp over the rope, then it's pulled up and happy campers stay dry and around the propane fireplace.
Mike
2012 Winnebago Impulse Silver 26QP
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
previously Snowbird Campers,
Triple E Motorhome and Fifth Wheel

jplante4
Explorer II
Explorer II
Forget the RV level and just use an old golf ball.

You need enough tools to change a tire. I would add a tire pressure gauge and a small air compressor to the list.
Jerry & Jeanne
1996 Safari Sahara 3530 - 'White Tiger'
CAT 3126/Allison 6 speed/Magnum Chassis
2014 Equinox AWD / Blue Ox

Nutinelse2do
Explorer
Explorer
See Rving FAQ above. There are several lists under #2.

Not sure if it’s included there, but always bring a good sense of humor, and booze.
Living Our Dream
MTHRSHP - 2006 KSDP 3912
Cummins 350ISL...Spartan Chassis
ESC POD - 2019 Ford Ranger XLT FX4
Zippy Scoot- 2018 Honda PCX 150 on an Overbilt Lift
Shredder at the Rainbow Bridge - You Will Always Be With Us

old_guy
Explorer
Explorer
make sure fresh water hose is white for rv hose. pen and paper to write down anything you think of when you make your first camping trip. there are lists out there on the web and also at the top of this page where is says FAQ's you will see topics and lists for just about anything. take a few basic tools with you, big hammer, duc tape, area rug for wiping your feet before going into the TT. I just look for the lists and they are so many they are longer than the street you live on

newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Explorer II
number 2 square drive bit , voltmeter , extra bright spot light for the neighbors reading lamp.