Top 5 RV Camping Accessories for Hard Core RVers

Sometimes you just don’t know what you don’t know. That can be a frustrating spot to find yourself in, especially when it comes to RV camping accessories.

There’s nothing much you can do about being in that state…except keep working to know more. That’s how the RVing adventure has gone for us so far.

Critical Preparation for an RV Journey

We kicked off our full-time RV journey by learning as much as possible. It was important to find the essential RV camping items before we even planned our first travel route.

Get ready to stock up on supplies and equipment for your critical RV systems: water, sewer, and electric.

I had legitimate fears about making sure our RV did not self-destruct due to any lack of preparation on my part. I had read one too many stories about RV electrical systems being fried in the blink of an eye.

Take One Logical Step at a Time

But, if you take one step at a time and prepare in advance, you will have the accessories and gear needed to enjoy many epic outdoor adventures.

Read this overview for a great list of RV camping accessories that fall into the “convenience and maintain your sanity” category.

While not absolutely necessary for you to hit the road, I recommend these items as useful in making your RV experience positive from the beginning. They should help reduce the stress and strain of a long road trip.

We Own and Use These RV Camping Items

I purchased four of these items before we even set out on our full-time RVing adventure. Before we pulled into our first RV park.

We ordered the fifth item (the pop-up gazebo) after we had been traveling a while. In hindsight, we should have added that to our first order of outdoor gear, no doubt about it.

So, just to be clear: I do own all of the recommended RV camping accessories in this report. I recommend this gear to any RVer without hesitation. Each one is worth every dime.

Alrighty then…on to the list!

Andersen RV Leveling Kit

If I could recommend only one product for your next RV journey, it would be an Andersen Leveling Kit. It’s the absolute best RV camping accessory, in my opinion.

The truth is, even though I was a complete RV newbie, I never endured the back-breaking, can-we-please-just-set-up-camp-already experience of leveling our trailer the “old fashioned” way. Because I bought our Andersen Levelers before we checked into the first RV park.

Don’t hate me. I think I was just born into the RV world at the perfect time.

All joking aside, unless you have a rig with a push-button leveler (they do exist!), order a set of Andersen Levelers.

If you consider the slightly less expensive set, be aware that it does not include the rubber mats. You can save a bit of money, but the mats are worth the extra cost when you pull into a wet campsite.

I have used those rubber mats to get the grip we needed on multiple occasions. Choose wisely.

How Do Andersen Levelers Work to Level an RV?

These are easy to use.

Note: View the short demonstration video on the Amazon product listing. It’s very informative to help you understand how simple it is to use the Andersen RV Leveling wedges.

When Do Andersen Levelers Not Work?

After more than a year of travel and setting up at countless RV parks and campgrounds, there was only ONE time when we had to get creative and beyond simply rolling onto these levelers.

Lynx Levelers are Better on Steeper Slopes

In that instance, we used the Andersen Levelers, then also placed Lynx Leveler blocks where the site was heavily sloped to one side.

It was still far simpler than the stone age process of guessing how many blocks you need on each tire and trying multiple times to level the RV.

Additional Uses for Andersen Levelers

On top of their primary function, we use the Andersen levelers as jack stabilizer blocks.

This was useful on several occasions when we had one end of the travel trailer exceptionally high without enough Lynx Levelers (more on these below) to reach the jacks.

Simply turn one of the leveler wedges on its side and you have approximately six additional inches of height to help keep the RV stable. Genius.

A Fantastic Warranty

We are all used to seeing a standard 12-month warranty on many types of products. It’s kind of the standard these days in many industries, including the RV accessory industry.

But Andersen provides a Lifetime Warranty. That will put your mind at ease. These levelers are as solid as they come and Andersen backs them up 100%.

My Recommendation to Save Money

Buy the Andersen Levelers, but skip the upgrade that includes a storage bag. We used the original shipping box to store our Andersen Levelers.

Yes, I had to tape that box a couple times to give it some extra life. But only at a total cost of about 3 cents.

Trust me, just use the sturdy cardboard box unless you prefer to drop extra cash to keep things looking pretty. No judgment.

Lynx Levelers

If you are new to the RV camping accessories world, you might be a bit confused right now. More levelers? Isn’t it enough to spend $100 on that category?

Stick with me here. You know I don’t like to waste money. And in my opinion, it’s still best to have both the Lynx and Andersen Levelers.

Many RV owners use Lynx Levelers to level the RV, the original intended use. However, these blocks Lynx Levelers are great for RV travel for other purposes.

How We Use Lynx Levelers

For our camp and trailer setup, we use the Lynx Levelers in two primary ways:

Lynx Levelers are lightweight, very durable, and highly versatile. We own 20 blocks and we use them at nearly every campsite.

Many RVers choose wood blocks instead of a solid and lightweight plastic option like these. Wood blocks didn’t make sense for us.

As I mentioned before, weight was a serious consideration from the beginning of our travels. Plus, I always try to avoid splinters. Call me crazy…

So I bought the 20-pack Lynx Levelers to give our rig the stability it needs at any RV site.

I never once questioned our purchase of Lynx Levelers. It is a well-made, top-quality product.

Plenty of other Amazon buyers agree since this product has a high star rating on nearly 1,200 reviews. You won’t find great ratings like that very often in my experience.

Telescopic Extension Ladder

The ability to access your RV roof is crucial. Whether it’s for repairs, clearing a slide, or cleaning the top of your RV, buy a quality ladder before you hit the road.

Most Class A RVs are equipped with a built-on ladder. I’ve also seen plenty of RVs driving down the highway with a standard 8-foot aluminum ladder strapped to the back.

I guess you can make that work if you want to keep things as inexpensive as possible and don’t mind re-attaching the ladder before each move.

If you go that route, you also need to be uber-confident in your ability to securely attach a ladder. The consequences of having it break free while cruising down the highway is something I want to avoid at all cost.

Advantages of Telescopic Extension Ladder

We purchased a 12.5 foot telescopic aluminum extension ladder before we left on our journey. It is lightweight, easily portable, and has a load capacity up to 250 pounds.

It came with a carrying bag to protect it when not in use and easily fits into my pass-through storage at the front of the travel trailer.

I have had absolutely no issues with the ladder so far, and no concerns about safety. It is designed to hold up to 250 pounds. Take into account that my weight is not close to that maximum, so I speak only from my own experience it how it performs.

Convenience, Functionality, Quality

But as far as convenience, functionality, and quality, I consider a telescopic ladder a must-have RV accessory.

You can take my experience and the potential safety concerns of transporting a standard aluminum ladder into account, then make the choice that’s best for you.

Tri-Fold Truck Bed Cover

Yes, I am aware a truck bed cover isn’t technically in the RV accessories category. But, I do consider it necessary for RV life, based on our experience.

One thing was certain from the moment we moved out of our 2,300 square foot house into our 26-foot travel trailer: our long bed truck was key to making everything fit!

The 8-ft x 4-ft space was a lifesaver for five people. But, I knew our stuff couldn’t just sit out there in the back of the truck exposed to the weather and possibly blowing away while on the highway. Pretty obvious.

I had two options to protect and secure our belongings while on the road:

My Reasons for Not Choosing a Fiberglass Cover

To be honest (and I always am), I thought it would be really nice to have a fiberglass topper on the back. It would allow for additional storage space and also create a space for sleeping outside if we wanted to go out in the boonies and camp along the way.

That said, there are several drawbacks to purchasing a fiberglass topper:

• Additional weight of the fiberglass topper
• Even more additional weight of all the stuff the topper would inevitably allow us to pile in
• Reduced visibility with a topper and as a result, increased safety concerns
• Significant additional cost

Consider Weight

I knew I was already pretty close to my max payload with the truck and travel trailer, so the weight consideration was real.

Also, as a complete newbie to RV living and RV towing, I did not like the idea of limited visibility. I wanted clear, unobstructed views of my surroundings while I got used to this new experience and sharpened my towing skills.

Consider Cost

And of course the cost. Saving up to 80% by comparison was simple. Duh.

So, I paid far less for a Tyger Auto Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover. It only took about 15 minutes for me and my two boys to install it properly install it on our truck. (I’m certain the install process can be done by one person.)

Durability of Tonneau Truck Bed Cover

Although I was concerned about the durability of the cover since it was not a hard Tonneau option, in hindsight I had nothing to worry about.

The cover is long-lasting and maintained its condition despite exposure to sun, wind, snow, rain, and ice.

In my opinion, it’s a high-quality product that will stand the test of time and travel.

Final Word on Truck Bed

One final, important note: The Tonneau cover will not keep out every bit of rain you will encounter. Especially at the tailgate section, expect to have some water intrusion during heavy storms or if you take it through the carwash.

We have been cautious about what we store in the truck bed. Use heavy-duty, covered bins, if needed.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you double check the Tonneau Cover you order is compatible with your vehicle. You can use the Amazon Confirmed Fit tool when reviewing your product order.

Pop Up Portable Gazebo

Again, this product fits in the category of RV Life Accessory rather than a critical must-have travel tool. But, I strongly urge anyone who wants convenience, enjoyment, and sanity to consider a portable outdoor gazebo. It’s amazing.

My only regret is that I waited so long to purchase the pop-up gazebo tent. It’s cheap additional, comfortable outdoor living space (a couple bucks per square foot).

Enjoy Outdoor Living Space

Right now, we have it set up just outside our travel trailer and are able to use it extensively to get some fresh air and sunlight while avoiding the flying pests that have kept us indoors far too often over the past year.

It easily fits our two full-size reclining outdoor chairs and could fit 1-2 additional smaller chairs as well. In our family of five, it’s extremely rare that four or five of us would want to use the space at the same time.

So, the “4 person” option was the right choice for us, but Gazelle does have other options available, including pop up gazebos that fit 5, 6, or 8 people.

As I researched the different portable screen room options on Amazon, there were plenty of cheaper options available. Believe me, I was tempted to “go cheapskate” and try one of those other options.

An Outdoor Gazebo is Worth the Cost

But, here’s what finally convinced me to give this more expensive Gazelle option a chance:

• Quickest and simplest setup available on the market. (Seriously, it takes me 1-2 minutes to get it out of the carrying bag and fully set up without any assistance. The “umbrella” design is really sweet…and easy on the back.)

• No sliding joints that can get very sticky and hard to deal with, and also no pinched fingers in those joints!

• 4.5+ star reviews on Amazon

• Lightweight! Under 24 lbs for this much living space is really remarkable.

I just don’t have anything negative to say about it or any cautions to give you. It is the highest quality construction I could have hoped for in a portable structure and also fits easily into my travel trailer’s passthrough storage for easy access.

I am 100% confident this pop-up gazebo will stand the test of time even with the wear and tear we might inflict upon it with our frequent moves on the road.

It’s also a great product to have when you take a break from RV living. (Hint: mosquito barrier and space while watching 4th of July fireworks!)

Final Thoughts on RV Camping Accessories

I know this is a lot of RV camping accessories information, but the truth is that I wish I had seen a post like this as we were preparing for our new road trip adventures. I might have a little more hair left.

Maybe one of these items is exactly what you didn’t know you needed, and maybe all of them are. Whatever your situation, whether a full-time RV family or an avid weekend RVer, I sincerely hope this post has been helpful for you.

I know from experience that it is tough as you consider how best to spend your money to create the RVing lifestyle you desire.

Be sure to check back in as we continue to shed some light on helpful RV camping accessories that have stood the test of our full-time RV life.