What I’d Buy Again Without Hesitation

These are items that paid off immediately and continued to matter over time.

1. A Quality Surge Protector

If there’s one thing I’d never skip, it’s this.

Campground power can be:

• miswired

• inconsistent

• overloaded

A good surge protector:

• protects your RV’s electronics

• alerts you to wiring issues

• prevents expensive damage

You don’t see it working — and that’s the point.

This is peace of mind, not convenience.

2. Proper Water Pressure Regulator

High campground water pressure can quietly damage plumbing.

A regulator:

• protects your system

• costs very little

• works every single time

It’s a small purchase that prevents large repairs.

3. Drinking-Water-Safe Hose (and a Backup)

Having:

• a dedicated potable water hose

• clearly marked and stored separately

prevents confusion and contamination.

A backup hose helps when:

• hookups are farther than expected

• sites are awkward

• something fails

Simple. Reliable. Worth it.

4. Wheel Chocks and Leveling Blocks

These affect:

• safety

• comfort

• confidence

Being properly stabilized makes:

• walking inside feel normal

• doors work correctly

• sleep better

This is one of those things you don’t appreciate until you’ve tried to live without it.

5. A Basic Tool Kit

You don’t need a workshop.

You do need:

• screwdrivers

• pliers

• adjustable wrench

• socket set

RVs vibrate.
Things loosen.

Fixing small issues immediately prevents bigger ones later.

6. Tire Pressure Gauge

Tires are one of the most critical safety components on an RV.

Pressure affects:

• handling

• braking

• tire life

A simple gauge:

• encourages regular checks

• prevents blowouts

• builds awareness

It’s a small habit with big benefits.

7. Comfortable Bedding (Earlier Than You Think)

Sleep affects everything.

Upgrading:

• mattress toppers

• pillows

• blankets

made a noticeable difference in:

• energy

• mood

• enjoyment

This isn’t indulgent — it’s practical.

8. Outdoor Mat and Chairs

These sound minor, but they matter.

They:

• keep dirt out

• define your space

• encourage you to relax

RVing isn’t just about the interior.

Creating a simple, comfortable outdoor setup pays off quickly.

What I’d Still Buy — But Not Immediately

These items are useful, but not urgent.

9. Extra Hoses, Cords, and Adapters

These become helpful once you’ve:

• encountered odd campsite layouts

• learned your setup style

They’re good to have — just not essential on day one.

10. Small Fans or Portable Heaters

Climate comfort improves with time.

You’ll learn:

• where airflow is weak

• how temperatures behave

Buy these once you understand your RV’s quirks.

11. Storage and Organization Solutions

Early on, it’s tempting to buy organizers immediately.

Wait.

Your storage needs change once you:

• travel a few times

• remove unused items

• adjust habits

Experience beats planning here.

What I’d Skip or Delay If Starting Over

These are items that sounded useful — but weren’t essential early on.

1. Too Many Gadgets

Early RV ownership attracts gadgets.

Leveling systems, monitors, sensors, trackers — some are helpful, many aren’t necessary.

Learning the basics first:

• builds confidence

• reduces dependency

• saves money

Gadgets make more sense once you know what problem you’re solving.

2. Expensive Upgrades Right Away

Solar, suspension upgrades, fancy electronics — none are bad.

They’re just premature.

Upgrades should solve experienced problems, not imagined ones.

3. Specialty Cooking Gear

RV kitchens are smaller.

Buying:

• oversized cookware

• single-purpose appliances

often leads to clutter and regret.

Start with basics.
Add later if you miss something.

4. Decorative Items

Decor matters — eventually.

Early on, focus on:

• function

• safety

• space

Decor becomes more meaningful once the RV feels familiar.

5. Buying Everything Before the First Trip

This is the biggest mistake.

Your first trip teaches you more than:

• any checklist

• any forum thread

• any video

Let that experience guide your purchases.

Why Skipping Can Be as Smart as Buying

Every item you bring:

• takes space

• adds weight

• requires storage

Minimalism early on:

• reduces stress

• simplifies learning

• keeps your RV manageable

You can always add later.

Removing items is harder.

How I’d Approach Buying Again as a Beginner

If I were starting today, I’d follow this rule:

Buy what protects safety and systems first.
Buy what improves comfort second.
Delay everything else.

That order prevents most regret.

A Simple “Buy vs Skip” Test

Before purchasing, ask:

• Does this solve a real problem I’ve experienced?

• Will this be useful on every trip?

• Does this add stress or reduce it?

• Could I wait one trip before buying?

If waiting feels fine — wait.

What New RV Owners Often Get Wrong About Gear

Many assume:

• more gear = more prepared

In reality:

• better understanding = more prepared

Gear supports skill.
It doesn’t replace it.

The Hidden Cost of Overbuying

Overbuying leads to:

• cluttered storage

• heavier rigs

• decision fatigue

• frustration

Buying thoughtfully keeps RV ownership enjoyable.

Experience Changes Priorities

What matters on your first trip:

• safety

• comfort

• clarity

What matters later:

• efficiency

• convenience

• customization

Your buying habits should evolve with your experience.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Beats Gear

Looking back, the best purchases weren’t the most exciting ones.

They were the ones that:

• worked quietly

• reduced worry

• made RV life feel manageable

Skipping unnecessary items early made room for:

• learning

• adapting

• enjoying the process

RV ownership isn’t about having the most gear.

It’s about having what actually supports how you travel.

If you buy with that mindset, you’ll spend less — and enjoy more.