Summer is here, and it’s time to travel. Camping is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and the beautiful outdoors. Whether you’re traveling far to a national park or visiting a local campground, you want to ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic camping trip. Here’s our list of the must-have RV essentials for camping:
Camping Chairs
Many campsites only offer you a picnic table as a seating area. These tables are often heavy or secured to the ground, preventing you from moving them. A good RV camping tip is to invest in a cozy camping chair so you can sit wherever you want. If you intend to spend a lot of time relaxing outside and enjoying the scenery, you’ll benefit from a good place to sit. Choose a chair with extra padding to keep you comfy as you rest by the campfire. Make sure the chair has built-in cupholders for extra convenience.
Basic Tool Kit
A basic tool kit is a true RV essential because it’ll come in handy more often than you’d expect. You may need a specific tool to handle repairs or tighten something that has come loose. A basic tool kit, including a wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and tape measure, is a good starting point. Pliers, wire cutters, and Allen or hex keys can be useful too. Packing this kit in your RV will remove the stress of having to make a last-minute drive to a local hardware store. These kits are usually small enough to conveniently tuck away in your RV storage compartment.
Potable Drinking Water Hose
Having access to fresh water is essential for a successful camping trip. Whether you need to fill your freshwater tank or connect to the city’s water supply, a potable drinking water hose will help. Use this water to take a shower or wash dishes in your RV. You can have clean, filtered drinking water when you pair it with a water filtration system.
A good rule of thumb when shopping for a potable drinking water hose is to purchase one that’s 50 feet long. Also, the hose’s material should be BPA- and phthalate-free PVC so it doesn’t affect the taste of the water.
Outdoor Camping Grill
If your RV has a kitchen, it can get quite hot cooking inside during the summer months, and it may be challenging for your RV’s air conditioning unit to keep the area cool as you cook. Consider purchasing an outdoor camping grill to reduce the strain on your RV’s air-conditioning unit.
A camping grill is also a great way for you to enjoy the outdoors. Instead of being stuck inside cooking, you can get fresh air and take in the scenery as you grill. By meal planning and buying quick and easy foods to cook, you can save money and spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Bug Spray
Bug spray is a camping essential that’s often forgotten until the bugs start to bite. Before leaving home for your next camping trip, make sure you’re stocked up on plenty of bug repellent. Mosquitoes might be a real nuisance depending on where your campground is located, and they can carry various viruses such as Zika and West Nile. Keep yourself and your family protected from unwanted bites with bug spray.
Camping Lantern
If you plan on dry camping in a remote national park area, your surroundings will likely get pretty dark when the sun goes down. Dry camping means you’ll stay in a place that doesn’t have electricity hookups, such as a traditional campground. Since lighting is limited or non-existent in these places, a camping lantern is a must-have RV essential.
There are various types of power sources for camping lanterns, such as USB, solar, or propane. Consider the option that best suits your camping style, and invest in multiple lanterns to light up your outdoor camping area for extra safety and comfort. A lantern will also come in handy in case of an emergency.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Roadside emergencies are unpredictable, so the best thing you can do is ensure you’re prepared for any event. An RV roadside emergency kit is a good camping essential, especially when you’re traveling down long stretches of highway with no gas stations or rest stops in sight. A trustworthy kit will include jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, and towing straps or ropes. The kit should also include reflective triangles and a safety vest if you need to fix a flat tire on the side of the road at night.
Fire Extinguisher
Just like roadside emergencies, fire emergencies are also unpredictable. A fire could start in your RV’s kitchen, on your outdoor grill, or even in your vehicle’s engine. Get yourself some peace of mind by ensuring you always have a fire extinguisher nearby. You can easily prevent something from going up in flames by taking this precaution. If you already have one, make sure it has not expired and is stored in a convenient and accessible spot.
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit goes a long way in preventing minor scrapes and cuts from getting worse. You can use antiseptic spray, hydrocortisone cream, or adhesive bandages depending on the injury. It’s also important to pack over-the-counter medication in your first aid kit, such as pain medication, antihistamines, and medicine to help relieve an upset stomach. You could also add aloe vera gel to help soothe sunburn or eye drops to relieve irritated eyes.
Portable Air Compressor
A camping trip can be ruined by a flat tire, whether it’s on your RV, towing vehicle, or bicycle. When you’re camping, you might be too far from an RV servicing station to fill your tires up. Quickly remedy this problem by purchasing a portable air compressor. With this camping essential, you can ensure that all your tires are at an adequate pressure level. A bonus to owning a portable air compressor is being able to blow up inflatable toys with ease.
Order These RV Essentials Before Your Next Camping Trip
Ready to plan your next camping trip? Make sure you stock up on these must-have RV camping essentials before you go. At Wilkins RV in New York, we have everything you need and more to ensure a safe and fulfilling adventure. Browse our product catalog or give us a call to service your RV to ensure it’s in good shape for your travels.
