Best RV Accessories: Everything You Need for Great Camping Trips

The right RV accessories can make or break your camping trip.

byLisa Conant|
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BYLisa Conant/ LAST UPDATED ON April 26, 2021

Camping has to be one of America’s favorite pastimes. Today, campers have more options than ever when it comes to customizing their trip. You can opt to camp in a minimalistic streamlined tow-behind trailer or a swanky fully-loaded condo on wheels.


While some of us are definitely more diehard at “roughing it” than others, the one thing we can all agree on is that the ideal accessories can take any RV camping trip to the next level. Whether it’s a tool to make life easier, or a piece of portable furniture that you can’t imagine living without, we’ve put together some of our favorite and most innovative RV accessories that you need to include on your list of must-haves.

Best Overall

YETI 14-oz. Rambler Mug with MagSlider Lid

Summary

A sizable, double-walled vacuum-sealed mug that is rugged and durable and will keep your drinks either hot or cold for hours on end.

Pros
  • Large TripleGrip handle can easily accommodate large or gloved hands for added security
  • Duracoat outer finish resists chipping, scratching, peeling, or fading for years
  • Small enough to fit on any RV
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Colors change seasonally and outdated replacement colors can be hard to come by
Best Value

EXCELPURE Inline RV Water Filter

Summary

This water filter eliminates sediment, odors, chlorine, VOC, THMs, and other contaminants from your drinking water. It is NSF certified with coconut shell activated carbon.

Pros
  • Simple to attach the filter to a standard hose
  • Excellent value because you get two in the package
  • Manufacturer also provides a lifetime warranty
Cons
  • Threads strip quite easily, which can cause the unit and hose to leak.
  • Filter isn't as high-quality as other options
Honorable Mention

Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins

Summary

Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins are a great RV accessory for cleaning your holding tank and eliminate strong, unpleasant odors. They’ll quickly and effortlessly clean your tank with a single flush.

Pros
  • Biodegradable and formaldehyde-free
  • Can clean a 40-gallon holding tank with a single pod
  • Seven days of odor control and freshness
Cons
  • May need to use more than one drop-in in hot weather 
  • Not ideal for tanks under 40 gallons

Benefits of RV Accessories

  • Keep your motorhome tidy. An item such as a pop-up trash bin is super helpful for keeping everything neat and tidy. You’ll find it a useful tool when you’re having big summer BBQs.
  • Drive safely. An important part of a great camping experience is getting to the campground safely. To do that, you need to make sure that your tires are in good condition and pressurized correctly. One way to do that is by investing in a tire pressure monitoring system.
  • Lock the tires. To properly park an RV, you should always use wheel chocks. There are many different ones on the market, so you’re sure to find one to fit your needs.
  • Eliminate waste. We all know that emptying out a sewage container can be a pain. To make it a little easier, consider investing in a new sewer hose kit. It might not make things more pleasant, but at least there won’t be any leaks.
  • Electricity where you need it. When you’re out in the wild, you might still want to have some creature comforts. To do just that, ensure that you have a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord on hand.

Top Brands

Camco

One of the biggest names in RV accessories, Camco has your back, whether you need a sewage hose kit for your holding tank, a water filter, an extension cord, or an RV circuit analyzer. Based in Sayre, Penn., they’ve got a couple of best sellers. Check out the company’s wheel chocks, which are very important when traveling.

Weber

The well-renowned grill manufacturer got its start in 1952 when founder George Stephen invented the revolutionary kettle grill. Today, the company continues to be an industry leader, manufacturing high-end products like the Genesis II E-335 Propane Gas Grill.

Coleman

William Coffin Coleman got his start selling gasoline pressure lamps in Kingfisher, Okla. back in 1900. More than 120 years later, the company has cemented its stature as a camping conglomerate by offering staple products like the Coleman 3 Burner Propane Camping Stove.

RV Accessories Pricing

  • Under $20: A number of quality RV accessories can be found at this price point, but it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want small kitchen accessories, chances are you’ll find some good stuff. However, if you want a circuit analyzer for this price, you’re probably out of luck.
  • $20-$100: There are a wide variety of accessories available at this mid-range price point. Again, it all depends on what you’re looking for, some items include wheel chocks, tire pressure gauges, and storage caddies.
  • Over $100: In this price range, you’ll find a myriad of high-quality accessories, from TV antennas to heavy-duty RV covers. If you’re looking for long-lasting accessories, it’s worth investing a little more.

Key Features

Quality

No matter what type of item you buy, you want the quality to be on par with the price. Plus, you want to make sure that what you’re getting will be durable. Look for the common hallmarks of a good quality item: a reputable brand, good workmanship, and solid material choices and construction.

Functionality

One of the ultimate factors when it comes to deciding if a product is a great RV accessory or if it’s just a useless gimmick has got to be its functionality. Great RV accessories don’t just look fun or cool, they significantly enhance your RV experience. Adding to the fun and ease of camping is what a great RV accessory should be all about.

Price

This is worth repeating: you get what you pay for. However, there are cases where spending more will not get you a better product. For example, RV TV antennas tend to be pricey, but ones that cost a couple of hundred dollars will often be just as good as pricier models.

Other Considerations

  • Compatibility. Will the item work with your RV kitchen? Will the coupling fit onto the sewage pipe? These are the kinds of questions you should consider when making a purchasing decision for new RV accessories.
  • Fit. If it has a size or other specification that makes it unique, make sure that it works with your RV. For instance, RV covers come in quite a large range of styles and sizes, so you’ll want to ensure a perfect fit for an item like this.
  • Style. This will matter more to some people than others, but if you value aesthetics, you’ll want to consider the style and look of the accessories you’re buying and make sure they’re consistent with what you’ve already got.

Best RV Accessories Reviews & Recommendations 2021

When it comes to changing the game of the outdoor recreational environment, few companies have made such recent and notable impacts as YETI, and the YETI 14-oz. Rambler Mug with MagSlider Lid is our pick for the best overall RV accessory. This mug is a new take on what has become an industry staple. This 14-ounce rambler is plenty roomy, so you won’t have to constantly get up and down to refill your cup. It’s got a sizable and comfortable TripleGrip handle to help keep your drink in your hand and not on the ground. It will easily accommodate larger hands, or hands covered in gloves or mitts in colder weather.


Double-walled vacuum insulation will keep your coffee hot for up to eight hours, or your cold beverage icy for up to 12 hours. Few things are as disappointing while camping as having to drink tepid coffee or sauna hot iced tea. The sweat-proof outer layer features a rugged Duracoat paint that withstands chipping, peeling, scratching, or fading, and keeps your cup looking like new for as long as possible. 


Pretty much the only thing we don’t like about this item is its steep price tag, but when you take into account the serious longevity and durability of this cup, it’s still a great deal.

This water filter is designed for RVs, campers, motor homes, and more, so users don't have to deal with sediment, odors, or a bad taste in their drinking water. The filter removes chlorine, VOC, THMs, and other contaminants. The filter is NSF certified and features coconut shell activated carbon.


One of the best things about this filter is that it’s simple to attach it to a standard water or gardening hose. It filters out rust, heavy metals, and other materials you don't want to consume. It's a good value for what you get, and it does a good job of purifying the water. ExcelPure has a six-month return policy and a lifetime warranty on every filter.


However, the threads have a tendency to strip fairly easily, so you have to be careful during installation, or else the filter won't adhere properly to the hose, and it will leak. It may also not be as high quality as some rival products.

Sometimes, there’s nothing more important than your RV toilet, and that’s why Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins are a great accessory. Cleaning your RV’s holding tank is a critical job, but it’s dirty work. This RV accessory makes the tough task easy by providing unbeatable odor prevention and cleaning in a single drop-in pod. 


These deodorizer pods are biodegradable and formaldehyde-free, and they dissolve quickly. Once inside your RV’s holding tank, they’ll deliver fresh fragrance while they eliminate odors, break down waste, break down toilet paper, and clean the holding tank. They offer seven full days of powerful odor control to keep your RV’s toilet smelling fresh, and they’re suitable for holding tanks up to 40 gallons in size. 


There’s no need for messy liquids, chemicals, or other cleaning products — these pods will do it all with one flush.

We all know that when it comes to great RV camping experiences, comfort reigns supreme. That’s why we love the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Camp Chair. It utilizes patented spring-action rocking technology to give you the smoothest and most relaxing rocking action without the use of cumbersome rocker devices. 


This chair is also designed with a GCI’s trademarked Eazy-Fold design for ultra simple and quick set up and takedown. The stylish and sturdy powder-coated steel frame is capable of supporting up to 250 pounds, which isn’t the most substantial on the market, but for most, it will be plenty good enough. The seat’s PVC-backed polyester and nylon mesh are breathable and water-resistant. Once folded down, it’s got a functional carrying handle that makes lugging its 11.8 pounds around an easy task. 


This chair also features an integrated cup holder, but it’s pretty narrow and flimsy compared to some other models. It won’t accommodate larger water bottles or cups with handles. It is a roomy and comfortable chair that’s ideal for sitting around a campfire or taking to potlucks, the beach, or tailgate parties.

The Champion Power Equipment 3550W Weekender Portable Generator is something every RV should have. You can use it to run essential pieces of equipment, whether it’s your much-loved air conditioning unit, or powering up your RV in cases of unplanned power outages or emergencies. This is a substantial generator that delivers 4,450 watts of starting power and 3,550 watts of continuous running power. 


Its strong 224cc engine is capable of delivering power for up to 10 hours at 50 percent load capacity. It also features a cold start design for easy ignition in colder temperatures. It’s equipped with several power supply options, including a 120-volt 30-amp locking outlet, a 120-volt 30-amp RV outlet, and two 120-volt 20-amp household outlets, all with weatherproof covers. Its steel roll cage and never-flat tires are sturdy and durable, providing years of reliable use. 


A few drawbacks: this unit is louder than many others during operation and might not always be appreciated by other campers in close quarters. It’s also quite bulky and heavy, and may not be the best choice for smaller RVs.

Most RV enthusiasts love the outdoors and want to maximize and enhance their outdoor experiences, even at night. The Brightech Ambience Pro Waterproof, Solar Powered Outdoor String Lights create one of the most romantic and welcoming after-dark ambiances of any outdoor lights on the market. String them around your RV awning to create a warm and welcoming vibe that will keep you outside chatting and reminiscing into the wee hours.


These lights can last between 5-6 hours on a full charge, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the evening. They’re also bright enough to grill and eat by without being obnoxious. These lights are designed to withstand some harsh conditions, including snow, rain, temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and wind speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. 


They are a little pricey compared to some other outdoor solar options, but they have a three-year warranty and a long life. Another drawback is that they’re exclusively solar powered, so if you camp in a shaded spot, they may not power up fully each day.

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your big, fancy gas grill and all its glory. The Weber Q 2200 1-Burner Portable Gas Grill is a portable, powerful option that delivers all the stellar performance and durability of your full-size Weber grill. This portable model offers 280 inches of cooking space, which is plenty of room to cook a full meal for four people. 


The integrated thermometer lets you easily control the internal cooking temperature, ensuring you get perfectly cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables. This grill has a powerful 12,000 BTU capacity, which is strong compared with many other portable gas grills on the market. We also love that this grill has two handy fold-out side tables to help with food prep. 


The porcelain enamel cast-iron grates retain heat and will hold up to years of grilling without fail. This unit is a little pricier than some, but it's well-known for its long-lasting durability and replacement parts are easy to come by.

One of the biggest sacrifices we have to make when going RVing is refrigerator space. Yes, some larger, luxury RVs have full sized fridges, but for the rest of us who are trying to cram as much food as possible into a tiny fridge the Coleman 40 qt. Power Chill Hard Sided Cooler is a lifesaver. You can plug it in outside or inside your RV to any 12-volt power supply and have chilled foods and beverages without the need for messy, melting ice. You can also purchase a separate wall outlet adapter for in-home use.


It’s a great option for tailgate parties, dorm rooms, or garage refrigeration as well. This cooler’s 40-quart capacity gives you enough room to hold up to 44 12-ounce cans and is versatile enough to be used as a cooler chest or upright fridge, depending on your space availability. The door can even be converted to open on either side.


This cooler is capable of cooling up to 40 degrees below your ambient temperature, so if it’s scorching hot, the cooler may only be able to get down to 50 degrees, which definitely isn’t as cold as your fridge. It works as a great backup option, however, and you can certainly add ice if necessary. Unfortunately, this cooler does draw more power than a regular ice chest, so consider that prior to purchasing.

Tips

  • For RV covers, make sure that they always dry out before you fold them and put them away. Otherwise, you might end up with a mildew and mold problem.
  • Likewise, RV covers tend to bleach with direct sunlight on them, so make sure that whichever one you buy has a UV coating to minimize the damage the material will take.
  • RV TV antennas can be a little finicky, so to get the best reception make sure you’re in an open area and you don’t have any interference nearby.
  • For other accessories, like couplers, towers, and other cables and fittings, ensure that you’ve got a model that will fit your RV.
  • Wheel chocks and other similar wheel blocking items need to be large enough to block off whatever wheel size you have. Make sure you measure properly and use one size bigger when in doubt rather than one size that’s too small.
  • If you’re purchasing RV gadgets that are usable and disposable (i.e., trash bags, motor oil, paper towels, etc.), see if you can get a better deal by purchasing larger packs. This can be a great way to save on what you need, and it’s always good to have an extra on standby.

FAQs

Q: What RV accessories do I need?

That depends a lot on you and your RV. For example, what kind of camping do you like to do? What destinations do you frequent the most? These factors will affect the kind of RV accessories you need. There are, however, basics that every RV owner should have, including circuit analyzers, tire pressure gauges, wheel chocks, a water pressure regulator, and a good RV cover. A fire pit is optional.

Q: Should I get a TV antenna for my RV?

There seems to be two schools of thought on having a TV antenna for your RV. Many diehard campers go RVing to escape everyday life and maximize their love of the outdoors. They would never consider watching TV in their RV. Others see the practicality of having a TV antenna for days when the weather is bad, or if they spend prolonged periods of time at their campground. An easy alternative to a TV antenna is to add a portable hotspot to your RV setup that allows you to get Wi-Fi for watching movies and television. The added bonus of that is that you can also make cell phone calls and video calls with it too.

Q: What should I look out for when buying an RV cover?

Quality is most important. You’ll want one that is made out of UV-safe materials and that’s been manufactured in a way that makes it durable. It should also be water repellent or even waterproof.

Q: Can I buy a kit with all the must-have RV accessories?

While RV accessory kits do exist, we find they often come with items you don’t need or are missing items that you might find vital. Since every person has a different idea about what is an essential RV accessory, we suggest making a list and buying what suits your particular wants and needs individually.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to our favorite overall RV accessory, we love the YETI 14-oz. Rambler Mug with MagSlider Lid. This 14-ounce rambler is plenty roomy, so you won’t have to constantly get up and down to refill your cup. It will keep your beverage either hot or cold for hours and will withstand some serious wear and tear and still look just like new.

For a great, super functional, and low cost item, check out the EXCELPURE Inline RV Water Filter. It’s a great space-saving option that will maximize the taste and purity of your drinking water.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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