Travel Products Activity + Adventure Camping + Hiking The Best RV Accessories for Perfecting Life on the Road Our RV experts lay it all out when it comes to staying comfortable, safe, and happy on the road. By Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at Travel + Leisure, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. He has over five years of experience writing travel and lifestyle content for digital publications, including TripSavvy, Oyster.com, Jetsetter, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 28, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Tips For Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Courtesy of Amazon; Walmart An RV is a great way to explore the country’s natural beauty and off-the-beaten path attractions while taking a piece of home with you. Whether you’re taking a road trip or living longer-term in your RV, planning ahead is key for a successful vacation and personalizing your home on wheels. Besides gear and equipment for your favorite activities, it’s important to pack day-to-day essentials and supplies to keep up with RV cleaning and maintenance. If you’re new to RV living or are looking to revamp how you travel, our comprehensive, expert-backed guide of the best RV accessories can jumpstart your planning and preparations. The list touches on everything from practical must-haves to fun add-ons and creature comforts. Our Top Picks Best Camp Chair: Kijaro Dual Lock Chair at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable Firepit: Solo Stove Ranger with Stand Portable Outdoor Fire Pit at Amazon Jump to Review Best Phone Mount: Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sleepwear: We Drifters Sleepwear Unisex at Co.uk Jump to Review Best Reusable Water Bottle: Wondery Water Bottle at Uncommon Goods Jump to Review Best Storage Container: YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable Cooktop: Zavor Induction Pro Cooktop at Amazon Jump to Review Best Surge Protector: Progressive Industries Surge Protector 30 Amp at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tool Kit: Performance Tool 107pc Home & Auto Tool Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water Filter: Beech Lane Dual Water Filter System at Amazon Jump to Review Best Camp Chair Kijaro Dual Lock Chair 4.7 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Academy.com Why We Love It Well-ventilated and sturdy, this camp chair offers handy features and comfort for relaxing outside. What to Consider It’s not the lightest or most portable folding chair out there. The Kijaro Dual Lock reigns supreme as our favorite camp chair we’ve ever tested, and its comfort and convenience are just as handy to have while putting miles on your RV. Expand your living space and enjoy the outdoors with this chair constructed from diamond ripstop polyester for long-lasting durability and a mesh panel in the seat back that enhances breathability on warmer days. As its name suggests, this camp chair has a two-part locking system that secures it open for a no-sag seating experience as well as closed for compact portability. The Dual Lock Chair includes two armrest cup holders, a zippered pocket, and a mesh stuff pocket — adding versatility and convenience for a range of outdoor activities. There are also 11 color schemes to choose from for this budget-friendly chair. Price at time of publish: $45 Best Portable Firepit Solo Stove Ranger with Stand Portable Outdoor Fire Pit 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Solostove.com View On Wayfair Why We Love It This sleek, compact firepit is easy to use and transport. What to Consider Accessories like the stand and lid cost extra. If you ask us, the Solo Stove Ranger is the very best way to take the cozy glow of a campfire on the go. The wood-burning, cylinder-shaped pit measures 12.5 x 15 inches and weighs 15 pounds, making it easy to stash among your RV gear. The Ranger features Solo Stove’s Signature 360-degree airflow design, which pulls in outside air at the base and rim of the pit for a hotter, fast-igniting fire. The enhanced efficiency helps significantly cut down on smoke, sparing your clothes and RV the lingering campfire smell. We also love that cleaning the Ranger is straightforward — simply lift the base plate to remove the ash pan, discard the incinerated contents, and reattach to stow away. Price at time of publish: $249 Best Phone Mount Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount 5 Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It This user-friendly mount has three installation options to choose from. What to Consider It’s not the cheapest option for this style of phone mount. Between navigation and managing podcasts and playlists, having our phones in an arm’s reach has effectively become a road trip essential. After trying the most popular phone mounts out there, the Andobil Mount is the copilot we trust the most. It features nano gel suction cups and steel clips to be firmly attached to an RV’s dashboard, windshield, or vents. The phone fastens to the mount’s non-slip rubber pad via scratch-free claw, which is compatible with mobile devices between 4-7 inches. Once the phone’s secured, the adjustable 7.3-inch mechanical arm and universal ball head can be maneuvered to dial in the easiest position to view and operate your phone while driving. Convenient design features including the one-button release system and space to plug in a charging cord also help make our road trips as stress-free as possible. Price at time of publish: $28 The 8 Best Car Phone Mounts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Sleepwear We Drifters Anti-insect Sleepwear Unisex We Drifters View On Co.uk Why We Love It This lightweight, breathable unisex pajama set wards off mosquitoes and bugs. What to Consider The sizing for the enhanced version runs smaller than the original version. Wake up a happy camper with the We Drifters Anti-insect Sleepwear. These unisex pajamas are made from lightweight bamboo fabric, offering ample stretch and comfort in warm or cool environments. They’re infused with HHL Technology Vital Protection, which is an odorless, invisible treatment that the company claims is 90 percent effective against biting insects such as ticks and mosquitoes. The pajamas are fitted with thumb holes and stirrups to protect wrists and ankles. They’re available in two versions: original and enhanced. The original’s anti-insect treatment is estimated to last 20+ washes, while the enhanced lasts 70+ washes. The Anti-insect Sleepwear is OEKO-TEX approved, meaning that the safety and sustainability of the materials and supply chain have been verified. Price at time of publish: $106 Best Reusable Water Bottle Wondery Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle Wondery View On Uncommon Goods View On Usparkpass.com View On Wonderybrand.com Why We Love It This well-insulated water bottle helps you track your adventures and stay hydrated. What to Consider It’s only available in one size. With the Wondery Parks of the USA Bucket List Water Bottle, RVers can track their journey across some of the country’s stunning natural wonders. The 32-ounce bottle is made from stainless steel and features double wall vacuum insulation, capable of keeping liquids cold and hot for 24 and 12 hours, respectively. The exterior of the bottle has a white matte powder coat finish and precise engravings of all 63 U.S. national parks. After each visit, RVers can apply a unique corresponding sticker depicting the park to the bottle to illustrate their progress. The stickers are weatherproof and dishwasher safe. Every purchase of an all Parks of the USA bottle contributes 5 percent of the sale price to the National Parks Conservation Association to help ensure these remarkable landscapes can be explored for generations to come. Price at time of publish: $58 Best Storage Container YETI LoadOut GoBox 30 Yeti View On Amazon View On REI View On Dick's Why We Love It Durable, dustproof, and waterproof, the LoadOut GoBox provides safe and organized storage. What to Consider This long-lasting gear case has a premium price. The Yeti LoadOut GoBox 30 Gear Case is a practical RV storage solution for a variety of packing needs, allowing you to keep delicates like tech equipment safe and secure. Between three fabric zippered compartments under the lid, a divided main compartment, and two removable caddies, it’s easy to keep everything you pack organized. The LoadOut GoBox features Yeti’s pack-and-stack design, allowing multiple boxes to be stacked securely. Fitted with lockdown latches and hard plastic feet, the case effectively stays shut and in place on winding roads. The LoadOut GoBox’s Wildproof exterior boasts an IP67 rating, meaning that it’s fully submersible and dustproof. The 12-pound case is also plenty portable for daytrips and adventures, thanks to the HeftyHauler handle. Measuring 20.4 x 14.8 x 11.3 inches, the LoadOut GoBox can be housed wherever is most convenient. Price at time of publish: $250 Best Portable Cooktop Zavor Induction Pro Cooktop ZSEPR01 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot Why We Love It This compact cooktop is easy to clean and offers tons of settings and functionality. What to Consider This single-burner model might not be sufficient for families or larger groups. The Zavor Induction Pro Cooktop delivers an efficient way to prepare meals in your RV. Instead of fuel, the induction cooktop uses radiant energy to transfer heat to the pan or pot. And to add to your peace of mind, an induction stove won’t even heat up unless there’s cookware on it that has magnetic properties, such as cast iron and many stainless-steel varieties. The Induction Pro Cooktop stands out for its lightweight design (7 pounds) and compact dimensions (15 x 13 inches) for easy and convenient storage. Its digital display lets camp chefs fine-tune the cooktop temperature and settings, including eight quick launch buttons for different cooking functions, such as simmer, boil, sauté, and stir-fry. The temperature ranges from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 465 degrees Fahrenheit and can be set in 5-degree increments. Price at time of publish: $130 The 10 Best Camping Stoves of 2023 Best Surge Protector Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector 30 Amp Amazon View On Amazon View On Campingworld.com Why We Love It This easy-to-use surge protector comes with a lifetime warranty. What to Consider It’s a pricier unit but offers peace of mind that your electric system is protected. For Adam Parmer, founder/owner at Nothing Ventured Vans, a surge protector is a must. “If you plan on connecting to a campsite’s electricity, make sure you have a surge protector to protect your electrical system and appliances onboard,” he notes. The Progressive Industries EMS-PT30X does just that. This portable, 30-amp electrical management system safeguards your RV and appliances by automatically shutting off power if the alternating current drops below 104 volts or rises above 132 volts. Similarly, it blocks power to the RV if it detects reverse polarity, open neutral, open ground, or 240 volts. The EMS-PT30X is designed for outdoor use with durability in mind. The system features an all-weather shield, secure locking bracket, state-of-the-art microprocessors, and a tough Lexan housing. This surge protector is also available in a 50-amp version. Price at time of publish: $164 Best Tool Kit Performance Tool 107pc Home & Auto Tool Set Amazon View On Amazon View On Ace Hardware Why We Love It It includes the essentials to make quick fixes to your RV at a competitive price. What to Consider There aren’t any power tools included. Packing the right tools is vital for a safe and successful road trip. The Performance Tool Home & Auto Tool set provides a comprehensive foundation of tools to maintain both the vehicle and living space mechanics of an RV. It includes a driver reversible ratchet, pliers, wrenches, bit driver hammer, tape measure, knife, adjustable wrench, precision screwdrivers, hex key wrenches, socket attachments, 50-piece fastener assortment, and more. The folding case offers durable protection, compact storage, and easy organization for your tools. Price at time of publish: $43 Best Water Filter Beech Lane External RV Dual Water Filter System Amazon View On Amazon View On Sears.com Why We Love It It has a two-stage filter system and versatile mounting options. What to Consider The high level of filtration can slow the water flow. According to Parmer, “The quality of water will vary greatly, from perfectly fine to questionable at best” during your RV journey. Packing a filter like the Beech Lane Dual Water Filter can eliminate those concerns and deliver tasty, clean water wherever your adventures take you. The two-stage filtration system uses 5-micron and 0.5-micron filters, with the former trapping sediment and the latter blocking smaller particles for superior water purity. The Dual Water Filter can be permanently mounted to the RV exterior or interior to create an inline water filter system or simply connect the water source to the RV water tank. The filter’s housing, fixtures, and brackets were designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and last for years of road trips. This includes the brass hose connectors, which are far more resistant to leaking than plastic varieties used in other water filter systems. If anything does go awry, Beech Lane offers a 100 percent guarantee, lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $70 Best Carbon Monoxide Detector First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Emerchantoutlet.com What We Love It This portable detector has a temperature display. What to Consider The battery isn’t replaceable and functions best in ambient temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery-powered CO710 model from First Alert affords versatile placement options. The built-in lithium battery is intended to last 10 years, making it an ideal road trip companion since there’s no need to worry about outlet location or recharging for a decade. The long lifespan also means you can rest assured that the carbon monoxide (CO) detector is always operating. Its backlit LED display shows the current CO concentration and ambient room temperature. There’s also a peak CO memory function that shows the detector’s highest recorded level of CO. If CO levels increase, the detector emits an 85-decibel siren, which is plenty loud to wake the deepest of sleepers. The alarm can be silenced, as well as tested, with the single push of a button. Price at time of publish: $26 Best Cordless Vacuum Black+Decker 20V Max* Handheld Vacuum 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Acmetools.com Why We Love It This cordless, handheld vacuum delivers lots of power in a compact design. What to Consider It should only be charged at ambient temperatures between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The Black+Decker 20-volt Handheld Vacuum brings cordless convenience and excellent efficiency to make cleaning your RV a breeze. It’s designed with a wide mouth to pick up large debris and equipped with a pivoting nozzle to better access tight and hard-to-reach places. The Handheld Vacuum also comes with a brush for cleaning upholstery. It uses a three-stage filtration system and cyclonic action for clean air exhausting and preventing clogs by spinning debris away from the filter to maintain strong suction power. The charging base can be configured for wall or countertop charging. Price at time of publish: $69 The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List Best Sanitation Gloves Camco Durable All Purpose RV and Camper Reusable Sanitation Gloves Amazon View On Amazon View On Campingworld.com Why We Love It They provide durable protection for dirty jobs. What to Consider They’re only available in one size. Being prepared for the less glamorous aspects of RVing is also important. The Camco RV Reusable Sanitation Gloves are a necessary RV accessory for emptying your RV’s black and grey water tanks. They’re made from thick, latex-free PVC and provide solid grip, even in wet conditions. This durable construction allows many consecutive wears, reducing waste and costs compared to disposable varieties. Price at time of publish: $10 Best Leveling Ramps Andersen Hitches Leveler System Amazon View On Amazon Why We Love It It’s an effective and easy-to-use system for lifting and leveling your RV on uneven ground. What to Consider The system can raise RVs up to 4 inches, which is suitable for most but not all situations. Camping spots often have bumpy terrain, so packing leveling ramps is a must to keep your belongings in place and appliances like refrigerators working properly. The Andersen Hitches Leveler System stands out for its ability to finetune the height of the wheels. In the words of Shari Galiardi and David Hutchinson of Freedom in a Can, “This easy-to-use method to level the camper has hands-down saved our marriage!” The levelers are designed like a curved ramp that you drive or back up on to lift the RV tire anywhere from 0.5 to 4 inches. Once you’ve settled on the right height, slide the included wheel chock underneath the tire to meet the thin side of the leveler, forming a supportive cradle for the tire to rest on. Price at time of publish: $129 Best Holding Tank Treatment Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It It’s a biodegradable, non-toxic solution to eliminating odor and buildup in holding tanks. What to Consider It’s not sold in California. The Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment helps keep unpleasant smells at bay and break down solids to maintain a working holding tank. The mineral blend works like an enzyme or bioactive treatment and is effective against waste solids and household tissue paper. Unlike some chemical deodorant treatments, Happy Camper doesn’t use perfumes or fragrances to cover up the odors. To use, mix one scoop of the treatment with a gallon of water and flush. Next, add another gallon of water. This process typically only needs to be done once before emptying the holding tank. Price at time of publish: $29 Best Folding Table KingCamp Bamboo Folding Camping Table Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It It’s lightweight, packable, and easy to set up wherever you set up camp. What to Consider The mesh shelf may impede leg space. Bring mealtime, game nights, and more outside with the KingCamp Bamboo Folding Table. The table features a waterproof, UV-proof bamboo desktop that measures 39.3 x 25.6 inches and supports up to 176 pounds, making it ideal for four to six people. The four panels comprising the desktop fold like an accordion for easy transport and storage. Meanwhile, the table height can be adjusted between 17.7 to 25.6 inches depending on campers’ needs and preferences. It doesn’t require any tools for setup and comes with its own carry bag, delivering optimal convenience on the road. Price at time of publish: $140 Best Lantern BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern REI View On Amazon View On REI View On Backcountry.com Why We Love It This lantern has numerous settings and includes a USB-A port to charge other devices. What to Consider It’s necessary to shake the lantern to access some lighting modes. The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern provides versatile functionalities for all aspects of campsite living. The efficient LED light emits up to 500 lumens and offers an array of settings, including dimmable cool and warm white, candle flicker, single color, multicolor, and cycling color. The AlpenGlow 500 is powered by a 6400 mAh rechargeable battery that affords a 200-hour runtime on low or five hours on high. With an IPX4 rating, this lantern can withstand light rain and splashing. Price at time of publish: $80 Best Heated Blanket Eddie Bauer Smart Heated Electric Throw Blanket Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Why We Love It This battery-powered thermal blanket is an ideal on-the-go way to stay warm. What to Consider The hands-free control is dependent on Wi-Fi connection. Whether you’re outside stargazing or curled up with a book inside, you can take the Eddie Bauer Smart Heated Throw Blanket with you to stay cozy. The battery-powered blanket features an ultra-soft micro plush liner and measures a generous 50 x 60 inches for full coverage and comfort. Syncing the blanket with the app or Alexa voice commands lets you control the heat settings without the need for a manual controller. For safety, there’s a four-hour automatic shutoff setting. Price at time of publish: $25 Best Bike Rack Thule Range 4-bike Hanging RV Bike Rack Thule View On Thule.com Why We Love It It’s durable and includes an integrated lock system for bikes and the rack itself. What to Consider A frame adapter may be required to securely attach bikes with step-through frames. Designed for RVs and trailers, the Thule Range can haul up to four bikes of differing varieties and sizes. Each bike can be quickly and easily secured with ratcheting straps that are spaced 7 inches apart to prevent scratching. The Range can accommodate up to 150 pounds, making it suited for many e-bike models, too. It comes with a cable lock to further secure the bike and a hitch lock to affix the rack to the RV. An anti-sway attachment provides peace of mind that bikes remain stable while speeding down the highway. When not in use, the Range’s arms can be folded down. Price at time of publish: $450 Best Tablecloth LitoCloth Picnic Tablecloth LITO View On Litoluxury.com Why We Love It This durable tablecloth can cover and adapt to virtually any picnic table. What to Consider Its quality construction comes at a higher cost. Spanning 104 x 47 inches, the LitoCloth Picnic Tablecloth has been tested and designed to accommodate any picnic table you’ll come across in national and state parks. It’s equipped with two adjustable straps to create a sleek and secure fit that’ll stay in place in windy conditions. The Picnic Tablecloth is also waterproof, so there’s no need to scramble and pack it away if the weather turns. Any stains or spills can be quickly cleaned with soap and water. And when it’s ready to pack away, the Picnic Tablecloth and straps stow neatly in a complimentary bag that also functions as a backpack. It comes in 13 patterns, including plaids, polka dots, stripes, and floral designs that are sure to brighten up your campsite. Price at time of publish: $79 Tips For Buying RV Accessories Look for items that are easy to clean Whether traveling cross-country or staying in one place, your RV and the gear you bring along will require cleaning and upkeep. Consider the required cleaning method when choosing any accessory. While many campsites are equipped with laundry services, packing more than essential cleaning supplies could infringe on other storage needs. Prepare for the climate you'll be traveling in Factor in what climates you’ll be traveling through on your RV adventure. For warmer climates, bug spray, sunscreen, air-conditioning, and portable fans could be useful accessories. In colder climates, a heated blanket and portable fire pit can help you keep cozy on the road. The expected forecast also impacts the type of activities you’ll likely be doing, such as kayaking or biking, that require packing gear and equipment. Be conscious of weight and durability The weight of any accessory could impact your likelihood of using it. Bulky chairs and cumbersome tables are unlikely to get brought along on beach days, for example. It’s also important to make sure your cargo doesn’t put the RV over its gross vehicle weight rating. This can cause damage to the rig and increase the risk of accidents. Whether an accessory can withstand wear and tear on the road and through extended use is worth taking into account. Looking for waterproof and durable accessories can help save money in the long run, too, with less replacements. RVs offer cramped quarters to begin with, so consider how much room you have inside the RV when buying accessories. You’ll also want to make sure all of your exterior racks for bikes and kayaks will hold everything you need. Frequently Asked Questions What are the 2/2/2 and 3/3/3 rules? Both rules help structure when and how long you travel day-to-day on the road. With the 2/2/2 rule, RVers aim to avoid driving over 200 miles at a time, stop for a break every two hours, and arrive at their destination by 2 p.m. The 3/3/3 follows the same principle, but swaps in 300 miles, breaks every 3 hours, and 3 p.m. arrival at the latest. Some RVers will exchange the break rule for a minimum number of nights they’ll stay at any given destination. What should you not bring in an RV? Galiardi and Hutchinson recommend avoiding disposable items like plates and cutlery. “Folks may think it’s smart to bring disposable items, but it just doesn’t make the RV experience feel like home and the trash quickly adds up,” adds the RV lifestyle experts. Parmer advises against overpacking food and sundries. “Bring enough of the basics to get you going and restock along the way,” adds Parmer. How does RV electricity work? Most RV campsites are fitted with a 120-volt electric source to plug into to run appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning that require an alternating current. The RV’s 12-volt direct current system runs the vehicle’s engine and electrical components. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Kevin Brouillard is a contributing writer at T+L, specializing in outdoor gear and apparel. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster, and he served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia for two years. He used his experience with outdoor adventure as well as thorough research and tips from experts in compiling this list of the best RV accessories. In compiling this list of best RV accessories, we also spoke to RV and van experts, including: Adam Parmer, Founder and owner at Nothing Ventured Custom Van Works Shari Galiardi and David Hutchinson of Freedom in a Can The Best Portable Induction Cooktops for Easy Travel Meals Love a great deal? 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