You don't want to be camping and find you don't have something you need. I've put this list together for others to learn from my mistakes over the last 4 years so they don't find themselves missing something. I'll keep adding things to the list as I think of them or find I need them but if you think something is missing, please let me know. Note that I won't be adding chemicals or general maintenance/cleaning stuff as they can be deferent based on the of construction of your unit. Also, you will undoubtably have some of the items already, just don't forget to pack them! Have fun camping!

Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit (120 Piece)

First things first, get a good first aid kit ... seriously.

Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control Hitch, 90-00-1000, 10,000 Lbs Trailer Weight Rating, 1,000 Lbs Tongue Weight Rating, We...

If your camper weighs over 5000 lbs, you are required to have a weight distribution hitch. Don't mess around with your safety, trailer sway is not something to be taken lightly. Consult with your dealer or manufacturer to see what size hitch you need.

marlinj

You should mention that this particular model might not be right for everyone, you have to know the weight of your trailer to get the right model
melvinas

Yup, you're right. I should have mentioned that, this one is rated up to 10,000 pounds I believe and was right for my trailer.

EEZTire by EEZ RV PRODUCTS EEZTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System-4 Sensors (TPMS4) incl. 3-Year Warranty

These will alert you of pressure loss in your trailer tires and help prevent a blowout. You really don't want a blowout.

Champion 3100-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Wireless Remote Start

This is a sweet generator that you can start remotely from the comfort of your camper on those cold and rainy mornings.

marlinj

Great choice. I have this generator, it's outstanding. We can turn it on remotely to make coffee and it has more than enough power to run the AC in our camper.
shopopotamus

I have one too!!

Bluetooth 2,300-Watt Super Quiet Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator

If your power need are lower, this is a nice, light weight generator, It's not quite as quiet as the Honda's but it is close and much cheaper. Also comes with a 3 year warranty.

Camco Heavy Duty Dogbone RV Circuit Analyzer With Power Grip Handles, Integrated Surge Protection and Fault Indication (...

This surge protector will protect your RV/camper from surges and bad electric feeds when plugged in at campsites.

Camco Heavy Duty RV Dogbone Electrical Adapter

This adapter will allow you to connect to a regular (household) 110v outlet.

NU-CORD 50M30F Rv Dogbone Adapter 50-Amp Male 30-Amp Female

This adapter allows you to plug your 30 amp rv to 50 amp service at campgrounds. You won't always need it, but you may find that the campsite you have chosen only has 50 amp. There is also one for 50 amp rv's to connect to 30 amp service. Find out what you need before purchasing.

Camco Heavy Duty Leveling Blocks, Ideal For Leveling Single and Dual Wheels, Hydraulic Jacks, Tongue Jacks and Tandem Ax...

Leveling blocks ... yes you need them. You don't want to find out how uncomfortable it is to sleep on an angle.

Camco RV Stabilizing Jack Pads, Helps Prevent Jacks From Sinking, 6.5 Inch x 9 Inch Pad - 4 pack (44595)

Small pieces of 2x6 lumber also work well if you have them lying around.

Camco 44635 Trailer Tongue Jack Stand

Hopkins 08525 Graduated Level

Level your camper, your fridge will thank you with cold food and you'll sleep much better.

Camco 44472 Wheel Chock With Rope For Easy Removal, Helps Keep Your Trailer or RV In Place (Pack of 1)

Your camper, rolling away on it's own ... not fun.

YM W4194 Solid Rubber Wheel Chock with Handle, 8-3/4" Length, 4" Width, 6" Height - Pack of 2

Another good option for wheel chocks. PROTIP: Put your wheel chocks in place then put your towing vehicle in neutral to let it settle with the trailer, it will make it much easier to unhook.

Get a good cordless drill with a few batteries and a carry case for your stabilizer jacks and general repairs.

Camco RV Leveling Scissor Jack Socket Drill Adapter, Fits 3/8" and 1/2" Power Drills, Works With All 3/4" Hex Drive Jack...

Attaches to your electric drill to raise and lower your stabilizer jacks.

Camco Durable All Purpose RV Disposable Sanitation Gloves, Will Grip in Wet or Dry Conditions, Latex and Powder Free , H...

Because emptying your black tank is nasty.

Camco RhinoFLEX 15ft RV Sewer Hose Kit, Includes Swivel Fitting and Translucent Elbow with 4-In-1 Dump Station Fitting,...

Dump hose (be prepared to get a new hose every year or 2.)

Camco 20ft Sidewinder RV Sewer Hose Support, Made From Sturdy Lightweight Plastic, Won't Creep Closed, Holds Hoses In Pl...

This locks down your sewer hose when dumping so you don't get a face full of nasty. Many people use rocks or bricks to support the line but I prefer something that's made for the job, your choice. PROTIP: Once you have hooked up your hose, run your grey water for a few seconds first to make sure there isn't a blockage at the dump station, then run your black, tank flush and grey last to clean your pipe.

Valterra T1026-1 ClearView Hose Adapter - 45° with 3" Bay Lugs

Nasty I know, but you're going to know when you're done flushing your tank.

Camco Flying Insect Screen -Protects RV Furnaces From Insects and Prevents RV Vent Damage - (2 Pack) (42141)

Keeps critters from seting up home in your camper.

Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal 'Solid Hardened Steel' Trailer Lock (fits all couplers)

This won't stop a dedicated thief but it will dissuade the casual passerby from hooking up to your camper and taking off.

Deiss ART Silicone Collapsible Funnel Set - Rounded & Squared Foldable Funnels - Food Grade, BPA free, Dishwasher Safe -...

Funnel to add water to your camper through the gravity fill.

Valterra W01-5120 White 1/2" x 10' Drinking Water Hose

White hose rated for potable water.

LawnPRO 50' Expanding Garden Hose. Kink-Free. 5,000 Denier Woven Casing. Copper Fittings. Steel Assembly Clamps. 12 Mont...

Hose for non-potable water.

Innav8 Premium Expanding Water Hose Up To 50 Foot - Lightweight & Durable Expandable Garden Hose - Doesn't Twist & Kink...

Hose for black tank flush ... never use this for anything else!

NPT 3/4" Water Pressure Regulator | Brass Lead Free Reducing Valve With Optional NH or NPT Connector Threading | Reduce...

High water pressure at campsites can do serious damage to you camper's pluming system. This little gadget will ensure that the pressure is always

Camco 90 Degree Hose Elbow- Eliminates Stress and Strain On RV Water Intake Hose Fittings, Solid Brass (22505)

A 90 degree water elbow will prevent strain on your city water inlet.

Camco 40013 TastePURE KDF/Carbon Water Filter

Large capacity RV water filter ... because water at some campsites is pretty nasty!

Camco EVO Premium RV/Marine Water Filter, Greatly Reduces Bad Taste, Odor, Sediment, Bacteria, Chlorine And Much More (4...

Here's another good water filtration option.

IWISS Combo Angle Head PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kits for 1/2" & 3/4" Pex Crimp Rings with Go/No-Go Gauge with PEX Pipe Cut...

Things will break on your camper at the least opportune time, be prepared to hadel plumbing issues with a Pex crimping tool.

STANLEY STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set, 210-Piece

Things will break, you will need to fix them. Make sure you have the tools you need on hand before you leave.

99pc Electrical Home Repair Kit With Wire Strippers, Pliers, Wire Nuts, Electrical Tape And More

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, A...

Leatherman - Wave Multitool, Stainless Steel with Leather Sheath (FFP)

Planted Perfect All Purpose Folding Hand Saws, 17" Rugged Tree Trimming, Razor Tooth Pruning Saw, Power Trimmer for Gard...

White Eternabond Mobile Home RV Rubber Roof Repair 4" x 10'

RamPro 120-Pc Car Truck Boat Fuse Assortment Kit - 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 AMP – Regular Standard APR/ATO (Open)/ATS...

Get lots of fuses, you'll need them. Note that some campers may also use inline fuses (the glass tube ones) in some areas so you would want those as well. My camper has one for the slide and is behind where the battery sits so make sure you know what you need before you go.

60PCS 8-38mm Range Adjustable Stainless Steel Worm Gear Hose Clamps Screw Assortment Kit

Duck Brand 394468 All-Purpose Duct Tape, 1.88 Inches by 45 Yards, Silver, Single Roll

Duck Brand 442055 Wrap-Fix Repair Tape, 1-Inch by 10 Feet, Single Roll, Black

Mill-Rose 70885 Blue Monster PTFE Pipe Thread Sealant Tape, 1/2-Inch x 1429-Inches, Blue

Prest-O-Fit 2-0420 Ruggids RV Step Rug Black Granite 23 In. Wide

I wasn't initially going to add these but if you have steel steps without any traction stickers they can get pretty slippery when it rains ... ask me how I know.

Camco Wrap Around Step Rug- Protects Your RV From Unwanted Tracked In Dirt, Works on Electrical and Manual RV Steps (Gr...

Here's another step cover option.

Door Mats Outdoor Indoor|Doormat for Outside or Inside Home,RV or Camper| Non Slip Technology Provides Safety in Your Ho...

Get a doormat ... makes it a hole lot easier to keep the inside of your rv clean.

Sterilite 19889804 70 Quart/66 Liter Ultra Latch Box, Clear with a White Lid and Black Latches, 4-Pack

You're going to want a number of bins in different sizes to keep things organized and ease packing and unpacking. I prefer clear ones so I know what's in them at a glance but that's just personal preference.

Reversible Mats Outdoor Patio/RV Camping Mat - 8' x 11'

Serenia Sleep 8-Inch Memory Foam RV Mattress, Short Queen

A lot of people find stock RV mattresses uncomfortable and replace them right away. Most RV mattresses are not the same length as home mattresses so make sure you know if you have an "RV Queen" size before you buy. Alternatively, many people find that an inexpensive 2" foam mattress topper is all they need and can be cut to size if necessary.

Portable Travel Clothesline, Retractable Camping Outdoor Indoor Clothes Line Drying with 12pcs Clips

This is a really simple and small cloths line that can be hung almost anywhere. Great for letting the suits dry after a day at the beach.

DampRid FG91 Easy-Fill System Any Room Moisture Absorber

As the nights get cooler and you start running your heater, you will start developing condensation inside. This can lead to mold and other bad things so try to keep the moisture out.

DampRid FG92 Moisture Absorber Easy-Fill System Refill, 4-10.5-Ounce Packets

Refills.

Camco 43714 Shower Head Kit with On/Off Switch and 60" Flexible Shower Hose (White)

I always replace my shower head to one with an on/off switch right away to conserve water. This would be less of a concern if you plan to spend most of your time at campgrounds with full hookups.

Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper, 4 Count (Pack of 12), Sewer-Safe, Septic-Safe, 1-Ply Bath Tissue, Made for RVs and...

Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper is specially made for use in RVs, boats, buses and similar applications.

Camco A Pop-A-Toothbrush Wall Mounted Holder With Germ Protecting Cover, Perfect For Traveling, Dorm Bathrooms and More,...

This inexpensive item will keep you toothbrushes from ending up on the floor during travel.

Swiffer WetJet Spray Mop Floor Cleaner Starter Kit (Packaging May Vary) (1)

I use this with either the regular sweeper pads or the wetjet ones. The top half of the handle detaches so it's easy to store.

Camco Adjustable Broom and Dustpan, Gets In Small Spaces and Corners, Telescoping Broom Handle Adjusts From 24 Inches to...

Of course, you will need cleaning supplies as well.

Stansport Collapsible Campsite Carry-All Trash Can, Green

I use this for laundry but it would make a good place to store toys or other things outside after you've unpacked.

B & R Plastics 1016Y E-Z Foldz Yellow Step Stool

Yo will need a step stool, find one that folds up and can be easily stored.

Bellemain Spice Gripper Clip Strips for Plastic Jars - Set of 3, Holds 12 Jars

Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 Qt 7-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogu...

I LOVE this thing! I have the bigger one at home and keep the mini in the camper.

lupes

I love this thing too! I just got it a few weeks ago and have been using it constantly!
elisen

How do you like the small one? I have the regular size and use it a lot.
melvinas

I love the mini, it's the perfect size for the camper and great when i'm just cooing for the 2 of us.

Coleman Camping Coffeemaker

I need coffee in the morning. This works well on the stovetop if I'm off grid and don't want to/It's too early yo turn on my generator.

Lodge L8DOL3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Dual Handles, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart

Joyeee 24-Piece Premium Stainless Steel BBQ Grill Tool Set with Aluminum Storage Case - Perfect Heavy Duty Professional...

Don't forget a good grill set!

Gibson Home 91923.59 Total Kitchen 59-Piece Combo Set

Prepworks by Progressive by Progressive Collapsible Over-The-Sink Dish Drainer

Make sure to get one that fits your sink.

Gibson Home 12 Piece Brist Melamine Dinnerware (Set of 4), Assorted

If you don't like eating off of plastic plates (me), you need to find a break resistant set of dinnerware.

Shatterproof Stemless Wine and Cocktail Glasses by KitchenReady

Combo of Collapsible Colander & Folding Funnel - Each Folds to 1 Inch. Silicone & Stainless Steel Kitchen Gadget. Camper...

Another space saver.

Fasmov Silicone Collapsible Storage Bowls with Lids-Set of 3

You can never have enough kitchen storage. These collapse down and take up very little space when not in use.

Handy Gourmet Set Of 3 Pop Up Food Covers

Not really an "essential" but definitely handy to keep the bugs away while eating outdoors.

USA Sticker Map (13x20") for RV Camper & Motor Home - State Map - Travel Map - Travel Stickers - RV Accessories

Don't forget to let everyone know where you've been!

More collections you might like

NYC packing list.

I'm going to New York to see a show on Broadway in a few weeks, here's what I'm bringing with me.

10 Items

Roadtrip survival checklist

Trying to keep everything organized while on a long road trip with a few kids can me a challenge to say the least. Here's my list of things I keep in the minivan to maintain my sanity.

111

11 Items

10 coolest items to take on a camping trip

Camping is a really fun way to go on a magical outdoor adventure with your family or friends... and to experience some of natures greatest wonders! I am going to share with you some pretty amazing camping gadgets that you absolutely need in your life.

164