The Ultimate RV Gear Checklist
You have your dream RV rental locked in and a comprehensive road trip itinerary planned out, but you still feel like something is missing. What about driving, camping and entertainment accessories that can take your RV experience to the next level? You don’t want to be left with F.O.M.O. at the RV park.
From ultra-practical to ultra-excessive, we compiled a list of the new high-tech gadgets and classic outdoor gear you need for your next RV adventure. Before you hit the road, bookmark and cross-reference this checklist. Trust us, you’ll never look at RV camping the same way again.
This is the ultimate RV camping gear checklist.
1. Visual Apex Projector Screen
We’re guessing you already have a flat screen TV installed in your RV, but do you wish it was bigger, better and easy to bring outdoors? The Visual Apex projector screen is portable, able to be packed down and stored easily and is surprisingly sturdy. The 16:9 orientation is designed for modern projectors (see slide 4), and with everything included and minimal setup time required, it’s the ideal entertainment accessory for your RV excursion. Just added chairs, snacks and friends to be the life of the campground party as the sun sets.
How to Buy: Amazon.com, $189.99
2. Digital Wireless Backup Camera System Kit
If you’ve tried to reverse a large RV into a tight campsite, you know how tough it really is. Make your next outing a little easier with this digital wireless backup camera system—it takes less than two minutes to install and is compatible with most vehicles. At 960 by 576 pixels and with a lens angle of 140 degrees, you won’t miss a thing the next time you’re in reverse.
How to Buy: Amazon.com, $199.99
3. GoSun Sport Portable Solar Cooker
Ah, the great outdoors! So, why let all of that sought-after sunlight go to waste? The GoSun Portable Solar Cooker converts almost 80 percent of sunlight hitting its reflectors into heat, and you’d be surprised how quickly it cooks a complete meal. Simply load the tube with your ingredients of choice and let Mother Nature do the heavy lifting. There’s no fire hazard, and this little cooker even works on cloudy days!
How to Buy: Amazon.com, $259
4. DR.J Mini Video Projector
Now that you’ve picked up a projector screen, you need a projector to complete your RV campground entertainment center. This mini video projector by DR.J has some seriously impressive technology packed into a compact build that’s easy to store in even the most overpacked RV. Perks include a 170” display and 40,000-hour LED, and it projects at 1080P. At just under $100, it’s a good value gift that will keep on giving.
How to Buy: Amazon.com, $99.89
5. Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa
You’re all set with a cool projector screen and a mini video projector, so now you need a high-end media player to stream your favorite shows and movies. The Fire TV Stick is virtually limitless in its streaming capabilities—Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Now and Hulu just to name a few. The Fire TV Stick works anywhere you go, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com, $29.99
6. Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit
Who says you need a ton of wood and a traditional fire pit at your campsite? The Heininger Portable Propane Outdoor Fire Pit is packable, easy to assemble and runs off a regular propane tank. Better yet, it’s smokeless, generates 58,000 BTUs of heat and includes a 10-foot hose to keep your propane tank out of the way of your fellow campers. Enjoy hours around the fire pit without the mess and hassle of a traditional campfire.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com, $110.80
7. URB-E Sport Scooter
RVs and bicycles are about as synonymous as it gets in the great outdoors, but you already knew that. And now it’s time to mix things up. If you want to impress your campground neighbors, a battery-powered scooter is the ultimate way to pick up ice and snacks at the general store. The URB-E was designed for RVers–it’s ultra-compact, rechargeable and weighs only 30 pounds. For being so small, it has an impressive top speed of 14 mph and boasts a 16-mile range on a single charge.
How to Buy: Urb-e.com, $899
8. boomBOTTLE H20 Bluetooth Speaker
When you’re camping outdoors, weather can change in an instant. But you shouldn’t have to forgo the tunes just because it’s raining, right? The boomBOTTLE H2O is a waterproof and wireless Bluetooth speaker that can take just about any weather conditions. It’s compact, lightweight and is a perfect entertainment companion while braving the elements. Two boomBOTTLE speakers can be paired together for a true surround sound experience.
Where to Buy: Scosche.com, $79.99
9. Classic Brands Memory Foam Mattress
Let’s face it, most stock RV beds aren’t exactly comfortable–they can be flimsy, springy and not very supportive. Classic Brands has flipped the script by creating a short queen version of their popular gel memory foam mattress that works perfectly for RV applications. It features two inches of gel memory foam positioned over six inches of high-density base foam for support. You’ll feel like you’re at the Ritz even though you’re in the wild.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com, $221.99
10. RuffWear Highlands Sleeping Bag
No, we didn’t forget about Fido! While you’re tucked into your nice queen-sized bed, you’ll sleep comfortably knowing your furry friend is snuggled up in his own personal sleeping bag. The synthetic insulation is super warm, and the polyester shell fabric is water resistant and tough. Plus, it’s completely packable. I guess that’s what you call ruffing it.
Where to Buy: Ruffwear.com, $99.95
11. Instant Pot DUO60
If you haven’t jumped on the pressure cooker bandwagon yet, the time is now. Most popular at this price point, Instant Pot cooks two to six times faster than alternative cooking methods and it uses up to 70 percent less energy. Instant Pot is not just a smart pressure cooker, it’s also a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer and yogurt maker. This efficient appliance will save precious room in your RV.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com, $99.95
12. Yeti Tundra 65
There’s a reason why Yeti has become a household name–their coolers are durable, versatile and will keep your drinks colder longer. Whether you’re having guests over at the campsite or storing your freshly caught fish on ice, the Tundra 65 is a perfect companion for your RV. Yeti’s Tundra line comes in a variety of sizes, but the 65 strikes the perfect balance between storability and volume. Oh and did we mention it can hold 42 cans of beer?
Where to Buy: Yeti.com, $349.99
Also Read: How to Find the Best Van and RV Rentals in America