I admit, this is a broad topic, open to interpretation! Getting on the road with a 5th Wheel is new to us. Purchased a new Avenue 32RLS. Putting thought into outfitting the camper, what else is needed. I can find Top10 lists, I’ve made my own list, and so on. This post, I thought I’d tap into the voices of experience out there. What items are a MUST? I’d like to minimize a bunch of trips to the store first times out! Thinking along the lines of surge protector, water pressure regulator, water filter, X Chocks, leveling blocks…and so on. RV Specific GPS? What items make a difference, are really a requirement vs nice? Hoping for “whatever you do, don't overlook xyz, don’t skimp on this…”. Thanks for considering…
‘Must Have’ List for Best Experience
- Thread starter JAM1263
- Start date
COMFORTABLE outdoor chairs!! The intent of camping, IMHO, is to be outside with friends and family. If we wanted to just sit inside, we'd stay home and we spend probably 80% of our day outside-so comfy chairs is a must have. A light folding table, as some campgrounds have picnic tables, some don't.
A spare sewer hose(s), sewer donuts (some states REQUIRE them), a regular garden hose for outdoor cleaning tasks, a 90-degree water fitting where it connects to the freshwater inlet keeps the tension off your hose, water filter unit (if your RV doesn't have one built in). A small basic home tool kit with spare fuses and multiple driver bits is invaluable! I've found lots of little square-head fasteners, Torx, etc., in various campers (and mobile homes) and a regular screwdriver won't fit. Flashlights, and even a small LED headlight. They look silly, but they sure help if you get there after dark!!
If the unit doesn't have an outdoor kitchen, think about how/where you'll do any outdoor cooking. I bought a larger folding aluminum prep table I put next to the Blackstone that really helps with prep. I find the Insta-Pot to be well worth the space it takes inside. If you're not familiar with all you can do with one, do some Googling! An air fryer is also a good space saver and (to me) works much better/easier than the supplied oven. Some folks have really got using that RV oven down to a science...I'm not one of them. Decent kitchen utensils, measuring cups, spoons, metal silverware and reuseable place settings (paper plates and plastic cutlery is easy, but LOTS of waste and it gets expensive). We always hit a Mega Lo Mart on the way for grocery items and drinking water. Find one that's easy to get into/out of with the rig
I'm sure we'll all think of more!
A spare sewer hose(s), sewer donuts (some states REQUIRE them), a regular garden hose for outdoor cleaning tasks, a 90-degree water fitting where it connects to the freshwater inlet keeps the tension off your hose, water filter unit (if your RV doesn't have one built in). A small basic home tool kit with spare fuses and multiple driver bits is invaluable! I've found lots of little square-head fasteners, Torx, etc., in various campers (and mobile homes) and a regular screwdriver won't fit. Flashlights, and even a small LED headlight. They look silly, but they sure help if you get there after dark!!
If the unit doesn't have an outdoor kitchen, think about how/where you'll do any outdoor cooking. I bought a larger folding aluminum prep table I put next to the Blackstone that really helps with prep. I find the Insta-Pot to be well worth the space it takes inside. If you're not familiar with all you can do with one, do some Googling! An air fryer is also a good space saver and (to me) works much better/easier than the supplied oven. Some folks have really got using that RV oven down to a science...I'm not one of them. Decent kitchen utensils, measuring cups, spoons, metal silverware and reuseable place settings (paper plates and plastic cutlery is easy, but LOTS of waste and it gets expensive). We always hit a Mega Lo Mart on the way for grocery items and drinking water. Find one that's easy to get into/out of with the rig
I'm sure we'll all think of more!
Jwtsg
Active member
Agree w above,,,,also would add a foldable wagon for short trips to water w chairs/ blanket, picnic basket: towels, firewood,,,store/ side/ pool side/ laundromat trips from campsite to neighbors campsites etc.
I made a list a while back for our Blog/YouTube channel...you can find that here.
www.rvwiththetanners.com
Or read over the list below:
Must have
Should have
From there...you will fill in the gaps as you camp and figure things out
Must Have Items | rvwiththetanners
www.rvwiththetanners.com
Or read over the list below:
Must have
- Water Pressure Regulator
- New mattress...factory mattress is garbage
- Water filter
- 4 chocks - $8 each at Harbor Frieght...solid rubber...they are amazing!!
- Quality Sewer hoses and attachments
- 2x hoses...one for fresh...one for rinsing black tank
- Nice set of tools...not too fancy...harbor freight...only use them a few times
Should have
- surge protector
- leveling blocks - RV can level to a point, but if off >2" having some wood under the tires is best...IMHO
- RV Specific GPS
- Water splitter
From there...you will fill in the gaps as you camp and figure things out
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George
Well-known member
One of my pet peeves is that these are called "chocks". They are not safe for using as actual chocks. They are stabilizers.
Referencing your #6, when backing/parking I use the GOAL method I learned a long time ago...Get Out And Look...multiple times! Takes a little longer, but I've never come close to hitting anything!
Flyer32RLS
Active member
While I agree with the intent of your comment, I will double dog dare you to install te X Chocks properly, hook up to your tow vehicle and try pulling your RV. Depending how strong a vehicle you have, it will either 1. NOT move OR 2. slide the tires!
They indeed are chocks but intended purpose IS for stabalization.
Happy Glamping!!
Flyer32RLS
Active member
Agree with most of the above. Some things mentioned I don't either like or don't think useful, but most are good.
With reference to water regulator, get one that is brass and is adjustable. The ones non adjustable also tend to restrict water flow no matter what the pressure. My opinion but you can't beat the adjustable ones.
Now, you didn't mention your tow vehicle. I assume it is fairly new. With that said, you will hear many different opinions.
All I can say is with the RV Trip Wizard as a planner and route selector you can't beat it. I have it installed on my home computer, iPhone, lap top.
Once your trip is planned, if your vehicle has CarPlay, connect the phone to your vehicle and you can use Trip Wizard right on your vehicle's screen. We check back and forth between Google and Trip Wizard to verify route and bridge obstacles. Many have 3, 4 and more screens on their dash to look at. Confusion city!! Not needed. Have done many trips and have not had a problem at all with routing or obstacles. Many have and I sometimes question if they inadvertently input something that should not have been.
Propane fireplace is nice, carrying fire wood is almost always a no no. There are usually signs up about bringing firewood from other locations and it will transmit critters from not so healthy woods and contaminate healthy woods.
With all the above mentioned equipment, it is probably best you get the basic things that you KNOW you will need. Hoses (2), chairs, foldable and light weight, camping rug for entrance area, sewer hose at least 20'or sure with a holder. (Some places require the hose to be off the ground).
If your RV came with a short electrical cable, you will eventually need an extention. We have a 35' and carry a 25' extra. Had to use it twice so far.
You might look at your RV before you get it. The entry steps are HEAVY. YOU can manage them but they are bulky and cumbersome to handle. I replaced mine with MORYDE strut assisted steps. Very simple instillation process. Love them! You can raise and lower with one hand and not struggle.
Surge protector is a must!! There are many on the market but one that will allow Bluetooth connection is great. You can visually check on your phone your current status. Comes in handy as many campgrounds power is a little unstable.
Enjoy your 32RLS, so far we love ours!!
Happy Glamping!!
Maybe I did not have them secure enough but I have pulled away with X chocks in place more than once.
I no longer use them simply because I don't find them benificial, but once upon a time a used them.
X chocks are no way near as foolproof as ground chocks. X chocks even come with a label from the manufacture stating they are stabilizers not chocks.
Roto chocks which are no longer made are a viable wheel lock solution.
Lots of things mentioned are for convenience and comfort but not really necessary.
Consider critical things like Trailer Aide , lug wrench or a bottle jack to change a flat. Air compressor or inflator to air up a low pressure tires.
Safety triangle, electric flairs. Of course flashlight and lanterns. folding orange cones
Practice changing a flat at least once. When you have everything you need, are those things accessible and readily available
Already mentioned extension cords and extra sewer hose, 30 amp and 50 amp adapters. Wood blocks or RV leveling blocks.
fire extinguisher that's accessible from the exterior.Phase 1 is focus on things to arrive and set up camp.
Nothing worse than realizing the power pedestal is too far away to reach without extension cord and not have a cord!
You have to be careful and not to carry everything but the kitchen sink like me.
But there is a level of preparedness you need to be aware of.
Once set up you can consider things like surge suppressor, autoformer, water filters, wye adapters, cable connectors if you still use campground,
cable. ladder to access roof or top of slide if you don't have built on rear ladder.
Patio mat, chairs table, grill utensils and extra batteries round out the list as convenience items.
Consider critical things like Trailer Aide , lug wrench or a bottle jack to change a flat. Air compressor or inflator to air up a low pressure tires.
Safety triangle, electric flairs. Of course flashlight and lanterns. folding orange cones
Practice changing a flat at least once. When you have everything you need, are those things accessible and readily available
Already mentioned extension cords and extra sewer hose, 30 amp and 50 amp adapters. Wood blocks or RV leveling blocks.
fire extinguisher that's accessible from the exterior.Phase 1 is focus on things to arrive and set up camp.
Nothing worse than realizing the power pedestal is too far away to reach without extension cord and not have a cord!
You have to be careful and not to carry everything but the kitchen sink like me.
But there is a level of preparedness you need to be aware of.Once set up you can consider things like surge suppressor, autoformer, water filters, wye adapters, cable connectors if you still use campground,
cable. ladder to access roof or top of slide if you don't have built on rear ladder.
Patio mat, chairs table, grill utensils and extra batteries round out the list as convenience items.
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The thoughts and comment on this subject are all great! Keep them coming! From comfort/convenience through to the technical needs that are a must. Our experienced camper friends came by tonight for a PBR or two and we went through some of this. They agreed “yup, this is important”. All the comments are very helpful. I need to compile and organize this info. In the meantime, interested to hear more. Many thanks!
Tow vehicle is ‘24 Ram 3500 Laramie Cummins HO. Trip Wizard is in CarPlay now 👍.
Midnight Rider
Prominent Member
-Larger fire extinguishers
-Start planing on how to organize your bays and pass through. Lots of thoughts on that.
-good sized collapsable bucket and long handled wash brush.
-Start planing on how to organize your bays and pass through. Lots of thoughts on that.
-good sized collapsable bucket and long handled wash brush.
UFF
Well-known member
Well on my first camping trip I had a flat 15 miles from the house. So,
TPMS
Air Compressor
Hydraulic Jack (truck came with one)
Cordless Impact
Torque Wrench
Extra bearing set
Grease
Tools to replace bearings and races.
As far as the rest goes I think everyone is different. A lot of the things I thought I needed I don’t use or carry any more (like a king pin tripod). First focus water, sewer and electric. Water I like a good filter system (made a dual filter system with parts from Lowe’s), adjustable regulator, good hose that roles up and stores easy, and quick disconnects (using blu hoses, fittings, and quick disconnect now). I don’t buy water I drink it out of the facet (grew up drinking form a garden hose). Sewer I have only used Rhino hoses, did build an extra hose and fitting holder out of a vinyl fence post and gutter. Electric I now use a watch dog surge protector, had a low voltage issue once and surge protector I was using did not prevent/stop it. Have fun with your set up, mine is ever changing.
TPMS
Air Compressor
Hydraulic Jack (truck came with one)
Cordless Impact
Torque Wrench
Extra bearing set
Grease
Tools to replace bearings and races.
As far as the rest goes I think everyone is different. A lot of the things I thought I needed I don’t use or carry any more (like a king pin tripod). First focus water, sewer and electric. Water I like a good filter system (made a dual filter system with parts from Lowe’s), adjustable regulator, good hose that roles up and stores easy, and quick disconnects (using blu hoses, fittings, and quick disconnect now). I don’t buy water I drink it out of the facet (grew up drinking form a garden hose). Sewer I have only used Rhino hoses, did build an extra hose and fitting holder out of a vinyl fence post and gutter. Electric I now use a watch dog surge protector, had a low voltage issue once and surge protector I was using did not prevent/stop it. Have fun with your set up, mine is ever changing.
Tools (Voltmeter and the basic wrenches and screwdrivers), Water Flow meter, Electrical fuses and small wire connectors, Pex tools along with 1/2" caps or valves (To stop any leak immediately before going to store) and silicone. I carry a lot more, but I have a tool box on my truck. May your trip not need a single thing I listed...except the water flow meter. Have Fun!!
That pretty much my approach as well. But I won't claim all the stuff I carry is must have. A lot of it is overkill or "just in case".
Nevertheless I have the room and payload capacity to carry a bunch of stuff. Including lots of tools, meters and duct tape.
But do I really need 22" Blackstone, Q1200 grill, electric griddle, deep fryer,crock pot and air fryer. Of course not.
Overkill maybe and understatement. Maybe someone needs to start a thread on what not to bring,
Brining everything as I do might not be the best approach either
Flyer32RLS
Active member
That was my point. They are stabilizers BUT they do help as chocks! If you pulled away with the xchocks in place, you for sure did not have them in place tight to reduce rocking.
We all have different experiences so we have different needs!
Happy Glamping!!
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