Embarking on an adventure with a travel trailer? Equipping it with the right accessories is pivotal. From comfort-enhancing items to safety gadgets, travel trailer accessories are the unsung heroes that make every journey more memorable. Below you will read our extensive list of travel trailer accessories that every RV owner should have.
Why are accessories essential for travel trailers?
For many, a travel trailer represents freedom – the ability to hit the road whenever the wanderlust strikes. These mobile homes provide a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. But their true potential is unlocked with the right accessories. These add-ons are not merely decorative; they enhance safety, efficiency, and overall living experience.
Which accessories ensure a comfortable sleep in your trailer?
Imagine arriving at a scenic campground after a long day of travel. The next essential thing? A good night’s sleep. Here are some must-have accessories to make your trailer bedroom as cozy as possible:
Bedding Essentials
Investing in the right bedding is a game-changer. Given the unique designs of RVs, it’s essential to opt for products that cater specifically to travel trailers. Here are some of the must-have items:
RV Bed Sheets: Unlike regular sheets, these are designed to cater to the distinct size of RV beds, ensuring a snug fit and enhancing your comfort.
Comforter: As camping trips can often lead to chilly nights, a lightweight yet warm comforter becomes a travel trailer essential. It offers the warmth required without being overly bulky.
RV Mattress Topper or New Mattress: Over time, the original mattress in your RV might not provide the comfort you crave. An RV-friendly mattress topper can be the perfect solution, adding an extra layer of softness. If the mattress has seen better days, perhaps a completely new one is in order.
Pillows: Ever woken up with a sore neck during your RV trip? That can be a result of using the wrong pillow. Opting for ergonomic pillows that provide optimum neck and head support is essential. Remember, a good pillow can make all the difference in sleep quality.
Bedroom Organizers and Comfort Items
Organization and comfort go hand-in-hand. With limited space in travel trailers, the right bedroom organizers can make the camper experience more pleasant.
Bedside Shelf Organizer: No one likes to fumble around in the dark for their glasses or book. With a bedside shelf organizer, all your essentials are within arm’s reach. Plus, it’s a great addition to manage space effectively.
Tap Push Lights: Imagine trying to read late into the night without disturbing your partner. These tap push lights offer the ideal solution, providing just enough light for your reading escapades.
Sound Machine: External noises can sometimes disrupt your sleep. A sound machine can work wonders by drowning out those unwanted sounds, ensuring you get that peaceful rest.
Clothes Hamper: Having a designated spot for dirty laundry not only keeps the RV tidy but also makes it easier when it’s time for laundry. An RV-friendly hamper is a must-have.
RV-Friendly Clothing Hangars: Space is a luxury in travel trailers, and these hangars are designed to utilize limited closet space without cramming.
What kitchen and dining accessories are must-haves?
Your trailer kitchen is where all the culinary magic happens. Having the right accessories can turn cooking on the road into a delightful experience.
Cooking and Preparation Accessories
Culinary enthusiasts understand the value of good tools. When on a camping trip, these accessories make cooking a joy:
Instant Pot: Often hailed as the best RV gadget, it’s a multipurpose device that can whip up meals in a jiffy. From stews to rice, it can do it all.
Collapsible Kitchenware: Space constraints are a given in travel trailers. Collapsible bowls, cups, and other kitchenware items ensure you don’t compromise on equipment due to limited storage space.
Cast Iron Skillet: A versatile piece of equipment, it’s perfect for everything from breakfast pancakes to evening steaks. Plus, its durable construction ensures it lasts for many camping adventures.
Double Bar for Fridge: The last thing you need is your food items tumbling around during transit. This bar keeps things secure, reducing any mess.
Magnetic Knife Bar: Safety first! This bar ensures your knives stay out of the way, especially during travel, protecting both the blades and you.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Morning routines during RV trips aren’t complete without a cup of coffee. For those who enjoy their brew cold, this device is a game-changer.
Storage and Organization for Kitchen
Organization can turn the often cramped RV kitchen into a chef’s paradise:
Refrigerator Organizer Bins: These bins are a boon, allowing you to maximize the fridge space and keep everything in its designated spot.
Over The Door Organizer: Every inch counts in an RV. This organizer offers extra storage without hogging precious space.
Lightweight Storage Bags: Whether it’s spices, pulses, or other dry goods, these bags ensure your pantry remains organized.
Collapsible Dish Drying Rack: After a meal, this rack ensures your dishes dry without cluttering the kitchen counter.
How do you ensure a hygienic and organized bathroom in travel trailers?
Even on the road, hygiene is paramount. And with confined spaces, organization is key.
Bathroom Organization and Cleaning
One of the main concerns for RV owners is the bathroom, given its limited space and the potential for sanitation issues. While on a camping trip, you might encounter diverse conditions like mud, sand, or dirt, which can easily be carried into your rig. With the right accessories, however, you can make the most of your travel trailer’s bathroom:
Over the Door Towel Rack: This space-saving solution keeps wet towels off the floor, ensuring they dry quickly and reducing the risk of mold or mildew. It’s an excellent investment for both convenience and hygiene.
RV Toilet Paper: Regular toilet paper might not disintegrate quickly enough for RV septic systems, leading to clogs. Biodegradable RV toilet paper is designed specifically for use in travel trailers, making it a must-have rv accessory for any camping adventure.
Wall-Mounted Toothbrush Holder: Keeping your toothbrush hygienic is essential. A wall-mounted holder ensures your toothbrush doesn’t come into contact with potential contaminants.
Holding Tank Deodorizer: Over time, the holding tank can emit unpleasant odors. Using a deodorizer will keep your bathroom smelling fresh, enhancing your RV experience.
Retractable Clothesline: After a dip in a lake or washing some clothes by hand, you need somewhere to hang them. A retractable clothesline is a handy tool for this purpose, utilizing the compact space effectively.
Sewer Hose and its variants: Proper waste disposal is paramount in maintaining hygiene. Ensure you have a quality sewer hose to prevent any leaks or spills during the dump station process.
How to enhance the living space in a travel trailer?
A travel trailer’s living space is where you relax, entertain, or even work. Here are some items to enhance this area:
Living Room Essentials
The living room of a travel trailer, despite its size, can be both functional and cozy. Here are some items and gadgets that can upgrade your space:
Foldable Step Stool: Those top kitchen cabinets or overhead storage spaces can be hard to reach. A foldable step stool, stowed away when not in use, is a solution that combines safety and convenience.
Museum Putty: On the road, the travel trailer is subjected to various bumps and shakes. To keep your decorative items or essential gear from falling, use museum putty. It’s a camper’s best friend for securing things in place during transit.
Lap Desk: Whether you’re penning down your travel experiences, working on a laptop, or enjoying a meal, a lap desk is a versatile addition. It ensures comfort, especially when seating options might be limited.
Remote Holder: In the confined space of an RV, losing a TV or air conditioning remote is surprisingly easy. A dedicated holder ensures you always know where it is.
Battery-Operated Fairy Lights (or String Lights): At the end of an adventurous day, you might want to relax and unwind. These lights create a cozy ambiance in the evenings, making your travel trailer feel like home.
Which technological accessories are necessary for modern travel trailers?
Travel trailers have undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from rudimentary shelter devices to sophisticated homes on wheels. Modern times have brought an influx of technological advancements, changing the very face of the RV experience. As we dissect the realm of travel trailers, you’ll uncover the blend of convenience and technology that amplifies the journey.
Connectivity and Entertainment
To keep pace with the digital era, even on the road, staying connected becomes a priority. For those who have embraced the wonders of travel trailer voyages, technological accessories are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. In today’s world, the lines between work, leisure, and travel have blurred. Being online is no longer just about leisure or work; it’s about staying in touch, ensuring safety, and sharing experiences in real-time.
ROKU: This compact device provides a hub for all your streaming services. From Netflix to Hulu, ROKU brings the comforts of home entertainment straight to your travel trailer, making those rainy days at the campsite all the more cozy.
Cell Phone Booster: Ever experienced a drop in cell service while camping in remote locations? A cell phone booster ensures that you remain connected, amplifying weak signals and providing better call quality. No more wandering around, holding your phone high, trying to catch a signal. Stay in touch with loved ones, check your emails, or even attend virtual meetings from the middle of nowhere.
WiFi Booster: Just like the cell phone booster, this device maximizes the strength of available WiFi networks, ensuring seamless internet browsing and online communication. This is a must-have RV accessory for digital nomads and those who wish to stream their favorite shows or post updates from their camping adventures.
RV-Specific GPS: Navigation becomes crucial on the road. An RV-specific GPS takes into account the size and weight of your rig, guiding you through RV-friendly routes. Gone are the days of low bridges or narrow roads; this device offers routes tailored for the unique needs of RV owners, making it one of the best RV accessories on the market.
Rear-View Camera: Enhancing safety, this device offers a clear view of what’s behind your trailer, simplifying backing up and parking maneuvers. Whether you’re trying to fit into a tight spot at a busy campsite or backing out of a tricky location, this camera has your back—literally.
AV Adaptor: For those moments when you want to project your laptop or phone screen onto a TV, this adaptor bridges the gap. Ideal for movie nights or presentations, it’s an excellent addition to any RV gadget list.
Fire TV Stick: Another streaming device, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, offers a vast range of shows, movies, and even games. It’s a testament to how far RV entertainment has come, providing travelers with numerous options to relax and unwind.
AT&T Turbo Hotspot: Staying connected on the road becomes a breeze with this device, offering high-speed internet connectivity wherever you go. Perfect for those who require stable internet for work or leisure, this hotspot is an invaluable tool for modern-day RVing.
What are the outdoor accessories that enhance the camping experience?
The appeal of travel trailers isn’t just about the journey or the destination—it’s also about soaking in the outdoor ambiance. Beyond the confines of your trailer lies the expansive natural world, waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Equipping yourself with the right outdoor accessories can redefine your camping adventures, making them more comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable.
Outdoor Comfort and Leisure
Setting up a campsite is akin to establishing a temporary home in the wild. The right accessories can transform a bland spot into a cozy, welcoming haven.
Camping Chairs: These foldable chairs provide a comfortable seating solution, ideal for sitting around a campfire or just soaking in the views.
Zero-Gravity Chair: Experience relaxation at its finest. This chair design alleviates pressure on the spine, offering a weightless sitting sensation.
Telescoping Ladder: Useful for accessing the roof of the trailer or high storage spaces. Compact and easy to store.
Portable Gazebo: A sheltered space to relax, shielded from sun and rain, enhancing the outdoor living area.
Welcome Mat: Keep the dirt outside. A mat at the entrance helps reduce the amount of debris entering the trailer.
Campsite Hammock: A symbol of leisure. String it between two trees and drift into relaxation.
RV Outdoor Reversible Camping Rug/Mat: Durable and aesthetically pleasing, this rug creates a clean space outside your trailer.
Outdoor Tables and Side Tables: Essential for meals or holding items. Portable and foldable, they’re easy to set up and store.
How to ensure safety and security when using a travel trailer?
Safety and security are paramount, no matter where the roads take you. In the vast realm of RVing, where each day brings new destinations and experiences, it’s vital to be prepared for any eventuality.
Safety Measures and Emergency Preparations
While adventures beckon, safety should never take a back seat. Being prepared for emergencies and ensuring the security of your rig is fundamental.
First Aid Kit: Minor injuries can be a common occurrence during any trip, making it essential to be well-prepared. First aid kits are an indispensable RV accessory, as they provide immediate relief from minor wounds, burns, or insect bites. With options ranging from compact to comprehensive kits, there’s one suitable for every type of traveler. These kits ensure you have everything at hand, from bandages to antiseptics, potentially making a significant difference in case of emergencies.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: Just as homeowners prioritize installing these in their houses, a carbon monoxide detector is a must-have RV accessory. Carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas, can accumulate without one realizing it. This device alerts the camper to its presence, ensuring the safety of everyone aboard.
Bottle Jack, Lug Wrench & Torque Wrench: Among the best RV accessories, these tools address tire-related issues, which are more frequent than one might anticipate. A bottle jack assists in lifting the vehicle for repairs or tire replacements. Lug wrenches and torque wrenches are vital for dealing with lug nuts, ensuring your RV wheels are secured and aligned. Tire pressure is another crucial factor; hence, having a tire pressure monitoring system can provide added safety.
Safety Chain Hangar: Towing a travel trailer demands heightened attention, and a safety chain hangar provides an added layer of security. It ensures that the trailer remains securely attached to the tow vehicle, preventing any unfortunate detachments.
Hitch Lock: A quintessential tool in the realm of RV accessories, a hitch lock deters potential thieves. By making it difficult for someone to unhitch the trailer, you safeguard your valuable investment. Given the rise in travel trailer popularity, ensuring its security becomes more pertinent than ever.
Which are the must-have tools and utilities for a smooth trailer experience?
Owning a travel trailer isn’t just about the destinations—it’s also about maintaining the integrity and functionality of your mobile home. For that, having a toolkit tailored to the needs of a trailer is imperative.
Setting up and Maintenance Tools
Just like a stationary home, your travel trailer requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. The following tools can prove indispensable during your journeys.
Cordless Drill: A versatile tool, a cordless drill aids not just in fixing small issues but is also indispensable during the setup process of the RV. With its battery-powered operation, it provides mobility and power, ensuring you can address problems even in remote locations.
Leveling Scissor Jack Socket Drill Adapter: Ensuring stability is vital when setting up camp. This tool aids in quickly and efficiently leveling your RV. It works in conjunction with the cordless drill, making the process smooth and effortless. Besides this, consider investing in a Bluetooth leveling system, such as the Level Mate Pro. Such modern tools offer readings directly to your cell phone, making leveling even more precise.
Wheel Chocks: Preventing unwanted movement of your travel trailer is crucial. Wheel chocks are essential RV accessories designed to secure the trailer firmly in place. There are various types, including the popular x chocks, and even simpler designs like wheel chock without a rope.
RV Bubble Level & Bluetooth Level (Level Mate Pro): Leveling is not just about stability but also about comfort. Sleeping or cooking on an inclined plane can be inconvenient. An RV bubble level is a simple yet invaluable tool to ensure your trailer is at a perfect angle. The Level Mate Pro, a Bluetooth leveling system, further adds to the convenience by providing data directly to your smartphone.
Bluetooth Level (Level Mate Pro): A modern tool to ensure perfect leveling, offering readings directly to your smartphone.
Wheel Chock Without Rope: Sometimes simplicity is best. This basic design ensures your trailer
How do you ensure a reliable power and water connection in a travel trailer?
Electrical Essentials
Traveling in a travel trailer requires careful attention to your rig’s electrical system. Ensuring a reliable connection not only provides the comforts of home but is also essential for safety.
Surge Protector: A surge protector is a must-have RV accessory. Electrical surges at campgrounds can damage your trailer’s electrical system. Surge protectors help prevent such damage by controlling the voltage supplied to your RV. They are typically plugged in between the power pedestal at the campsite and your RV’s power cord.
HPower Cord or Extension Cord: Your travel trailer comes equipped with a power cord that connects your RV to an electrical source. It’s crucial to check its condition regularly. An extension cord can come handy when the electrical outlet is further away from your RV’s parking spot. Ensure that both cords are designed for RV use to handle the required electrical load.
Coaxial Cable: For those relaxing RV nights, a coaxial cable allows you to connect your RV to the campsite’s cable TV outlet. This gives you access to local channels and enhances your RVing experience.
Power Adapters: Different campgrounds have varying power outlet types. Power adapters are essential camper accessories, enabling your travel trailer to connect to different power sources. These small devices can save you from a lot of hassle by ensuring you always have a compatible connection.
Water and Sewer Essentials
Equally important to the electrical system is ensuring a clean and steady water supply. It’s also vital to have a reliable sewer system in place for a smooth camping experience.
Water Pressure Regulator: Water pressure at different campgrounds can vary significantly. A water pressure regulator ensures your travel trailer receives water at a consistent pressure, preventing potential damage to your RV’s plumbing system.
RV Water Hoses: When it comes to RV water hoses, you need two types: one for potable drinking water and another for cleaning tasks. Ensure your drinking water hose is explicitly labeled as safe for drinking water to prevent health issues.
Hose Splitter: A hose splitter is a handy RV gadget, allowing you to connect two hoses to a single tap. This means you can have one hose for filling up your water tank and another for other tasks without the need to frequently swap them out.
Sewer Hose Support: A sewer hose support elevates your sewer hose, ensuring waste flows smoothly from your RV to the dump station. This RV accessory is not only about convenience but also sanitation. A proper gradient helps prevent any unwanted backups.
Are there any additional useful RV accessories not commonly thought of?
Absolutely! Beyond the obvious, several items can make your travel trailer journey smoother.
Gas Powered Generator: As mentioned, these are particularly handy for boondocking – a term often used in the RV community to refer to camping without the luxury of traditional hookups. When you find yourself in the heart of nature with no shore power in sight, a gas-powered generator becomes a game-changer, ensuring essential devices are charged and that your RV remains lit during the darker hours.
Flashlights/Headlamps/Lanterns: Picture yourself navigating a dark campsite or needing to make a late-night repair. This is where having reliable lighting, such as LED lanterns, becomes indispensable. Their energy efficiency makes them a favorite among RV enthusiasts. Furthermore, headlamps keep your hands free, making tasks in dim conditions simpler.
Gas Can For RV Tow Vehicle And Generator: Consider a situation where you’re miles away from the nearest gas station, and your tow vehicle or generator is running low on fuel. Having an extra gas can filled and stored safely is more than just a convenience; it’s a lifeline.
Tow Mirrors: Driving with a travel trailer attached can be daunting, especially when changing lanes or reversing. Tow mirrors, in this regard, offer an extended perspective. They give you confidence by providing a clear sight of both sides of your travel trailer, the road behind, and even those pesky blind spots.
X Chocks: These are wheel stabilizers that prevent your trailer from shifting while parked. They offer additional stability, especially on uneven terrains, ensuring a steady rig.
Walkie Talkies: While cell service might be spotty in remote camping locations, walkie talkies ensure communication remains uninterrupted, especially useful when setting up camp or coordinating with friends and family in nearby rigs.
String Lights: Not just for their aesthetic appeal, but string lights can set a calming ambiance for those evening gatherings outside the camper, enhancing the RV camping experience.
How to choose the best travel trailer accessories for your specific needs?
The market is flooded with an array of RV and travel trailer accessories. But how does one sift through the options to find what truly aligns with their needs? Here’s a comprehensive guide to aid in your selection process.
Durability: It’s essential to invest in items that can weather the elements and endure the rugged life of RVing. The longevity of the accessories ensures value for money.
Versatility: Think about multifunctional items. For instance, a compact camping stove that also serves as a heater can save both storage space and money. The ability of an accessory to serve more than one purpose is a significant advantage.
Compactness: In an RV, every inch counts. Prioritizing items that are both functional and compact can significantly improve the organization and usability of the living area.
Weight: As travel trailers have a weight limit, it’s imperative to consider the weight of each accessory. Lighter items help in maintaining balance and ensuring safety during transit.
Functionality and Necessity: Differentiate between the items you want and the ones you truly need. A solar-powered charger might seem like a luxury, but if you’re frequently off-grid, it becomes a necessity.
Cost and Reviews: While it’s tempting to go for the most affordable option, balancing cost with quality is vital. Dive into reviews by fellow RVers. Such insights can provide a clearer picture of an accessory’s real-world performance.
Conclusion
Travel trailer traveling is an adventure, a way to see the country and experience nature firsthand. But to ensure your journey is smooth and memorable, the right accessories are vital.
From power and water essentials to those nifty little gadgets that make life on the road easier, investing in quality, reliable RV accessories is the key to a great RV experience.
Whether you’re into car camping, frequenting luxurious RV parks, or embracing the wild, the right accessories can make all the difference. Research thoroughly, prioritize your needs, and never compromise on safety or quality. Happy RVing!