Must-Have Gear for First-Time RVers (and What You Can Skip)

When you’re just getting started with RV life, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of YouTube hauls and massive gear lists. As a beginnger to the RV lifestyle, it’s natural to over-buy or buy the wrong things, but here’s the truth: you don’t need everything right away.

As a first-time RVer, it’s better to focus on the gear that keeps you safe, comfortable, and on budget, and leave the fancy extras for later (or, for some RVers, never).

Here’s a breakdown of the gear you really need, what you can wait on, and what you can skip altogether, all with a budget-conscious mindset.

Must-Have Essentials (Don’t Skip These!)

There are a few things you don’t want to compromise. Even if it means a little more upfront expense than you had intended, these are essentials for safety, comfort, and keeping your rig in good condition:

Quality Sewer Hose Kit – Don’t cheap out here. A durable hose with clear elbow attachment makes dumping cleaner and less stressful. Get one with a storage cap and gloves too.
Drinking Water Hose and Water Filter – RV-safe hoses are made from lead-free, BPA-free materials. Add a basic inline water filter to keep out sediment and the unwanted campground flavors.
Surge Protector or EMS (Electrical Management System) – This is a non-negotiable safety tool that protects your RV’s electrical system from voltage spikes or bad campground wiring. Ideally, you’ll be staying at quality RV campgrounds that don’t have any electrical issues, but accidents happen and you’ll be glad you protected yourself if they do.
Leveling Blocks or Chocks – You’ll need these to get your RV level and steady at campsites. A simple set is all most beginners need.
Basic Tool Kit – A cordless drill, screwdriver, wrench, duct tape, zip ties, and a tire pressure gauge go a long way. RVs shake, rattle, and need regular TLC, so be prepared with a set of the basic tools (and make sure you know how to use them).
Tank Treatment (Black Tank Deodorizer) – Keeping your black tank happy is essential. Choose a drop-in or liquid deodorizer that helps break down waste and controls odor.

Nice-to-Haves (Wait and See If You Need Them)

The next tier are items you may or may not want to have. You can probably spend the first 6 weeks in your RV without these and decide during that time whether you want to invest. These are what we call “nice-to-haves” instead of must-haves:

Portable Waste Tank (“Blue Boy”) – These are handy if you plan to boondock or stay somewhere without full hookups, but they are certainly not necessary for everyone. In fact, beginners may find that it’s best to start out at an RV park with great amenities and close proximity to town as they get used to the lifestyle.
Outdoor Mat or Rug – This helps keep dirt outside, but many RVers grab a budget version first and wait to see if they want a more expensive one.
Solar Panels – Great for off-grid adventures, but they’re a big investment. Try boondocking first to see if solar makes sense for your travel style. This is a big purchase many RVers end up regretting if they decide to stay in campgrounds with hookups most of the time.
Upgraded Showerhead or Water Pump – Helpful, but not urgent. You can live with your rig’s setup for a bit before investing.

What You Can Skip (At Least for Now)

You’ll find dozens (or hundreds) of items marketed to you now that you’re in an RV, and many of them simply aren’t necessary. They can end up feeling like clutter in your RV, wasting precious square footage. These are some of the things we think you can skip at least for the first few months or years:

- Fancy RV-Specific Kitchen Gadgets – You don’t need RV-sized waffle makers or $200 nesting cookware sets. Start with what you already have from home and keep it simple.
- Decor and Personalization Items – It’s tempting to buy signs and throw pillows, but space is limited. Decorate after you’ve lived in the RV for a while because you may find that your preferences change with your new lifestyle.
- Expensive GPS Units – Google Maps + an RV-safe routing app (like RV Life or CoPilot) usually work just fine. You can hold off unless you’re driving a large rig with clearance concerns.
- RV Cover – Unless you’re storing your RV long-term in harsh weather, this is often an unnecessary expense. We recommend you focus on UV tire covers instead.

Are you looking for a welcoming RV park to book your first stay? Southern Belle RV Park might be perfect for you. Our friendly Dallas area RV Park features:

A friendly and welcoming community
Fenced dog park
Wash house
Fire pits
Picnic areas
On site laundry
Vending machines
On site management