Boat owners often describe theirs as “a hole in the water, into which you throw money.”
First-time travel trailer buyers quickly realize that RVs, motorhomes, campers, and travel trailers aren’t much different.
Purchasing your travel trailer is only the first step. Modern campers require a lot of extra “stuff” to ensure they’re comfortable, safe, and well-maintained.
We’ll assume you’ve already shopped the basics. Many — like safe drinking hoses, sewer hoses, and wheel chocks — are obvious. But, if you’re a new owner or just bought your first travel trailer, these are the must-have travel trailer accessories that may not have occurred to you.
This isn’t a fluff list of RV kitchen gadgets that we’re calling “essential,” but rather the must-have travel trailer accessories that we never leave home without. No matter where we’re going or for how long, we always pack these.
Electrical Travel Trailer Accessories
Surge Protector
- 30 amp Power Watchdog Smart Surge Protector offers 3,000 Joules of advanced surge protection for your coach. It features advanced circuit analysis to automatically shut off power in an emergency* and includes our patented Bluetooth connectivity so you can monitor live park power conditions on your smartphone using our free mobile app..Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Replaceable Surge / Spike Module – should you get hit by a large spike, simply order a new surge module rather than replacing the entire unit
- Wirelessly Monitor voltage, amperage, and wattage on your smartphone in real time using our free mobile app!
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The electrical systems in most travel trailers are complex and delicate. The electric systems at many state parks and campgrounds are (often) old, shoddy, and unpredictable. It’s a terrible mix.
Plugging your new or new-to-you travel trailer into shore power is always a gamble. All it takes is one incorrectly wired 30-amp socket to fry your trailer’s electronics, and you’re looking at a costly repair.
The solution: A surge protector designed specifically for travel trailers and RVs. This is hands-down one of the most important travel trailer accessories, as it acts as a “go-between” from campground power to your travel trailer. If something goes hinky with the campground’s electrical system, the surge protector will shut off before a potentially dangerous spike hits your rig.
For us, we love the Hughes Autoformers PWD30-EPO Power Watchdog Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector Plus EPO. At around $200, it’s the most expensive accessory we purchased for our travel trailer. But, we can’t recommend it more highly.
One really nice feature is that we can monitor the surge protector on our phones via Bluetooth. On the occasions where we’ve overloaded the circuit, the PWD30-EPO can be easily reset through the dedicated app. We don’t even have to leave our travel trailer.
If yours is a 50-amp rig, check out the Hughes Autoformers PWD50-EPO-H Power Watchdog Smart Bluetooth Surge Protector Plus EPO with Auto Shutoff.
Extension Cords
- Extended Length: Extension cord extends 25-feet long, providing the necessary length to power your RV
- High Conductivity: Features a standard 30-amp male (NEMA TT-30P) and 30-amp female (NEMA TT-30R) connectors. Rated for 125 volts/3750 watts. Constructed with entirely copper, 10-gauge wires for superior conductivity
- Flexible, Safe and Durable Construction: Extension cord is extremely flexible. Coated with a heavy-duty flame retardant, heat-resilient, PVC sheath that serves as protection from wear and tear, as well as outdoor elements
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Depending on where you camp, extension cords are something you won’t need often. But, like RV insurance, when you need it, you’ll be very, very glad you have it.
For a 30 amp travel trailer, I highly recommend having at least a 10-foot 30-amp extension cord. A 25-foot cord is better. We keep a 10-foot 15-amp extension cord on hand as well.
LED Light Bulbs
- 【BA15S Bayonet Single Contact Base】Pls kindly check the bulb size & base in picture-It's BA15S #single contact#. 35000 Hours Lifespan, Lower maintenance costs by reducing re-lamp frequency. 2 Year Warranty.
- 【AC10-18V& DC10-30V】Wide Voltage range both AC10-18V & DC10-30V compatible, 360 degree 3W 300Lm high-brightness very stable to work with any low voltage fixture with BA15S base.Plug and play in 1156 7506 1003 1141 etc.
- 【Easy Installation】BA15S base led bulb 3W 300lm,360 Degree angle: Can be easily fitted to replace low voltage 15-30watts halogen light,saving energy over 90%.Creating a cozy and warm white full glow ambient atmosphere, perfect lighting source for outdoor landscape yard applications such as step lights, deck lights, driveway lights, path lights, gazebo lights and paver lights; Interior Car RV Trailer Camper Boat light.
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Some would argue this isn’t completely necessary. They’re not wrong. You can certainly live with your factory-installed incandescent bulbs.
The problem is that they suck a lot of power — like a lot relative to their size and the function they serve. When you’re running a small, 30-amp travel trailer, every amp counts. I want every last bit of power available to me.
The solution is to replace the factory bulbs in your travel trailer with LEDs. For a small travel trailer, like our 17-foot Casita with around a dozen bulbs, that costs about $30. The bulbs are rated to tens of thousands of hours, so basically they’ll outlast you.
If you’re worried because you’re not handy, just know that replacing the bulbs in your RV is not much different than replacing the light bulbs in your home. Pop the old ones out, pop the new ones in.
It’s one of the most inexpensive upgrades you can make to your travel trailer, and it’s more than worth it.
Battery Tester
- Easily plugs into vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power receptacle to monitor battery and charging system voltage
- Designed for 12-volt negative ground systems
- LCD displays measured voltage with a bar graph to indicate battery charge level
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Travel trailer owners quickly learn that so much of their sanity and comfort while camping revolves around a healthy battery. Many RV and travel trailer issues center around the electrical system. So, when problems arise, the first and easiest thing to do is to check the battery.
Thankfully, testing your battery is as easy as, well, using a battery tester. Just plug this little device into a 12v outlet somewhere in your travel trailer and check the reading to ensure your battery is charged and working properly.
Water & Plumbing Travel Trailer Accessories
Water Pressure Regulator
- Helps protect RV plumbing and hoses from high pressure city water.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Attaches easily with 3/4" garden hose threads
- Pressure is factory pre set at 40 50 PSI
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The same reasons you should buy a surge protector — fragile travel trailer electrical systems and shoddy campground electrical systems don’t mix — are why you need a water pressure regulator.
Unregulated campground water pressure can vary between a trickle and over 100 psi. The latter is enough to literally break the plumbing in most travel trailers and cause a catastrophic flood in the process.
A water pressure regulator is an inexpensive metal piece that physically restricts the flow of water at the spigot. There are hundreds of options but we went with this brass model from Camco.
It’s less than $20 and dead-simple to use: Screw it directly to the spigot, then hook up your travel trailer’s water hose as usual. It’s factory set to no more than 50 psi, so you can rest assured it won’t break your plumbing.
You don’t absolutely need a regulator with a gauge. But, I like being able to see how strong the flow is. Plus, it means that I can get a visual reading on whether water is actually flowing without even leaving our Casita.
Water Filter
- Provide your family with visibly clean, great-tasting water for drinking, cooking and more
- Features: Reduces bad taste and odor, chlorine taste and odor, sediment. Flexible 12 in. connector hose included
- Compatibility: Easily attaches to exterior of RVs, campers, trailers, motor homes, and boats.
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Campground water quality is often as questionable as the water pressure. If you’re planning to drink the tap water (or shower with, or do dishes with, or cook with, or brush your teeth with …), you’re going to want a water filter.
There are dozens of great RV water filter brands on the market. We went with Culligan, and have been very happy with it. The filters run about $25 and are designed to last an entire season. So, at the end of the year, just toss it and buy a new one next year.
Happy Camper Powder
- ODOR FREE: Eliminates odors in the RV holding tank. Absolutely no chemical or sewer smell.
- Septic tank friendly
- EFFECTIVE: In extreme hot & cold temperatures ( over 100 Deg)
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Most travel trailer toilets are designed not to stink — as long as you take care of them. Febreze and Poo-Pouri will only take you so far before your camper-mates begin to hate you.
The dirt-cheap solution is Happy Campers holding tank treatment powder. Follow the directions on the package to the letter, and you’re toilet (and bathroom) will never smell. Plus, it’s biodegradable, eco-safe, and septic-friendly.
Everything Else …
Headlamp
- Max output 750 lumens. 150 Hrs LO, 7 Hrs HI, 2 Hrs Constant Mode, 7 Hrs Reserve
- Front Modes: Red Vision, White Spot, White Flood, White Combo, Strobe, and Burst Mode. All modes are dimmable.
- Rear Modes: Red Visibility Light with Solid & Strobe modes. All modes are dimmable.
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Most people think to pack a flashlight. And you should. I love this multipurpose, solar-rechargeable light from Goal Zero.
But, I would strongly suggest packing a headlamp too. Despite our best intentions, we occasionally wind up pulling into camp after dark. A headlamp (instead of a flashlight) guarantees that I have both hands free while unhitching and hooking up our water, sewer, and electric.
Rubber Gloves
- [High-quality Nitrile Gloves] -PEIPU Nitrile gloves are more thicker, stronger and more wear-resistant than typical vinyl gloves.PEIPU Nitrile gloves are 4 mils thick,These gloves shape the hand, provide comfort and responsive grip, are ideal for palms and fingertips, and have optimal sensitivity.
- [Comfortable Fit] – Fits like your own skin with excellent protection against liquids, gases, oils, grease, glass, and sharp objects.
- [Hygiene] -You can wear them to reduce skin contact with the outside world and maintain personal hygiene and health.
- 100% FREE OF LATEX, RUBBER, POWDER, PROTEIN: Protect your hands from any nasty bacteria with the most skin-friendly vinyl single use gloves. Completely Powder, Natural Latex, Rubber & Protein Free, these multipurpose gloves are perfect for an array of uses without causing the slightest discomfort. A safe choice even for people with skin sensitivities or those allergic to rubber and latex.
- EXCELLENT QUALITY DURABLE NITRIPRIDE VINYL – NITRILE BLEND GLOVES: Made of the highest quality vinyl and Nitrile materials, the Medpride latex-free gloves are extra durable yet comfortable to your skin. Stronger and thicker than regular nitrile gloves, they offer improved tactile sensitivity and work great for both commercial or industrial use!
- AMBIDEXTROUS GLOVES – BULK VALUE OF 100: Form fitting with an ambidextrous design, these medium single-use gloves are extremely easy to put on and remove without taking a toll on your dexterity. Coming in a great value-pack of 100 gloves, in a handy dispenser box for easy use and storage, you will always have access to a fresh pair of protective gloves!
- INDIVIDUALLY PACKED PAIRS, Disposable Gloves for Single Use
- HAND PROTECTION Against Dirt and Cleaning Chemicals
- Disposable Gloves, Soft Powder Free, Non-Restrictive Lining Keeps Hands Comfortable and Prevent Build-Up Between Uses
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
On a checklist of travel trailer accessories, rubber gloves might seem like just a “nice-to-have” item. But, trust me, they’re essential, even if you’re not a germaphobe. And especially now in the time of COVID-19.
When you’re hooking up at a dozen different campgrounds on your next trip, you’re going to be sticking your hands in some questionable places. There’s just no way around it.
Reusable gloves work just as well and are much better for the environment. But, this is one thing that I prefer to go the disposable route. I use one pair to hook up when we arrive at camp, and another when we’re breaking down. Finish with plenty of hand sanitizer, of course.
Bonus: Ceramic Space Heater
- Compact personal space heater design that is small enough for tables or desktops
- Featuring efficient ceramic coils that heat up in seconds
- Available in 4 colors to custom-match your decor
Last updated: 2023-01-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Travel trailer owners who camp in winter or anywhere that cold weather is an issue know that reliable heat is critical. Propane is dirt cheap and fairly reliable in most RV furnaces.
But, we’ve found that a ceramic heater is even better. They’re small, ultra-portable, and inexpensive. (Tip: Get one with tip-over protection, especially if you have pets.)
Plus, if you’re hooked up to shore power, you can use the campground’s “free” electricity rather than paying to burn your own propane. It’s also a great backup in the event that your furnace fails or you run out of propane in the middle of a brutal, 20-degree night in February in the Outer Banks when nothing is open for miles in every direction (ask me how I know …).
What are your most essential travel trailer accessories — those bits of camper kit you never leave home without? Let us know in the comments below!