5 Must-Have RV Road Trip Essentials

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Updated September 30, 2025

Susan and I absolutely love hitting the road in our RV. There’s nothing quite like discovering new places, meeting fellow campers, and enjoying the freedom that RV travel provides. But over the years, we’ve learned that a smooth and enjoyable trip depends on having the right gear with us.

Today, I want to share the must-have RV road trip essentials we never leave home without—and a few extra items that make packing a lot easier.

1. Portable Water Hose

One of the very first lessons we learned was that not all hoses are created equal. On one of our earliest trips, we made the mistake of using a regular garden hose for our drinking water. Big mistake! The water tasted like rubber, and it definitely wasn’t something we wanted to cook with.

Now we always carry a portable hose designed specifically for drinking water. These hoses are made to keep your water fresh and odor-free. Look for one that allows you to connect the ends together when not in use. That way, dirt and insects won’t sneak inside during storage.

2. Water Filter

Even with a drinking water hose, campground water can vary a lot in quality. Sometimes it tastes fine, and other times, well… not so much. That’s why we always bring a water filter. A good RV water filter removes bacteria, heavy metals, chlorine, and other impurities.

For us, it’s about peace of mind. Whether we’re cooking, making coffee in the morning, or just filling up our bottles before a hike, we know the water is safe and clean.

3. Levelers

If you’ve ever tried sleeping in an RV that wasn’t level, you know how uncomfortable it can be. I’ll never forget the night Susan and I parked on a slightly uneven site in Tennessee. By morning, all the cabinet doors kept swinging open, and our fridge wasn’t keeping things cold. That was the last time we traveled without proper levelers.

Levelers keep your RV stable, protect your appliances, and ensure you sleep comfortably. They’re simple to use and worth every penny. We like bright orange leveling blocks, so we don’t forget any when breaking camp so we recommend Tri-Lynx leveling blocks.

4. Sewer Hose and Supports

Emptying your RV’s black and grey tanks isn’t the most glamorous part of RVing, but it’s a necessary one. A strong, reliable sewer hose is essential. We recommend having at least 15–20 feet of hose, since sewer connections aren’t always right next to your site.

Supports also help keep things flowing smoothly and prevent leaks. Trust me—this is one area where you don’t want to cut corners.

5. RV Toilet Chemicals

One of the quickest ways to make an RV trip miserable is by ignoring your holding tanks. Without toilet chemicals, odors can quickly build up, especially on hot summer days. These chemicals help break down waste and control odors, making your trip much more comfortable.

Susan and I learned this lesson the hard way early on. After one particularly hot weekend, we promised ourselves we’d never hit the road again without a stash of RV toilet chemicals. We highly recommend Matt’s Toilet Treatment! It works great and we use it all the time.

What Else Should You Pack for an RV Road Trip?

Beyond the big five essentials, there are plenty of other items that can make or break your trip. Here’s a quick packing guide we rely on before every adventure:

Food and drinks – Pack fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items, plus plenty of water and beverages.
Electronics – Wi-Fi router, chargers, batteries, and walkie-talkies for when cell service is spotty.
Clothing – Layers for changing weather and a bathing suit in case you find a lake or hot spring.
Personal items – Toiletries, RV-safe toilet paper, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Outdoor gear – Camping chairs, hammock, fire pit, fishing rods, bikes, or sports equipment.
Kitchen supplies – Pots, pans, utensils, mugs, plates, and storage containers. Stick to non-breakables.
Safety gear – Surge protector, fire extinguisher, emergency kit, flashlight, and jumper cables.
RV tools – Toolbox, generator, air compressor, water pressure regulator, and collapsible ladder.

What Not to Bring on an RV Road Trip

Space in your RV is limited, so avoid overpacking. You don’t need excess clothes, bulky kitchen gadgets you’ll never use, or stacks of firewood (you can usually buy it at the campground). Keep it simple—you’ll be glad you did.

Final Thoughts

RV road trips are some of the best adventures you’ll ever take, but the key to enjoying them is being prepared. With a reliable drinking water hose, a good filter, levelers, a sewer hose, and toilet chemicals, you’ll have the basics covered. Add in smart packing and a little planning, and you’re ready for an unforgettable journey.

Susan and I have learned through plenty of trial and error, and we still find ourselves refining our checklist each season. The more you travel, the more you’ll figure out what works best for your RV lifestyle. Until then, use this list as your starting point, and you’ll be well on your way to stress-free camping.

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.