Hello! I’ve been camping around Florida in 2022 (click here for some stories) and along the way I’ve learned a few things that I want to share with you. When I arrived at the first RV park I’d ever stayed in, I had a rough experience getting the travel trailer settled in at the campsite. The truth is that I wasn’t prepared. So this post will help you avoid the headache I went through that day, along with other setbacks you’ll avoid if you have the equipment listed below. I’d consider everything on the list necessary for any trailer camping experience. These most likely all apply to RVs in the class A, B, and C categories as well, although there might be a few variations. Based on research and experience, here are a few things you’ll be grateful to have when you take your new camper out for a trip.
Trailer hitch ball. Sounds obvious, I know, but make sure you have a trailer hitch ball that matches the correct size for the receiver on your trailer. I had the wrong size at first and the last thing you want is your trailer becoming disconnected on the highway. Available at Walmart for under $30. Click here.
Leveling blocks. Not always necessary, but when you need them, you’ll be SO GLAD you have them. Different types but Walmart has them for around $35. Blocks here and curved leveler here.
Wheel chocks. There are a few different kinds but I use these from Walmart. They’re about $6 apiece. Once I’ve arrived at a campsite and made sure the unit is level, setting the chocks is always the next step. You’ll find some in a Walmart RV section but you can save a few bucks by getting them in the automotive section instead, or ordering them on Walmart’s website here.
Trailer jack foot. These are good to spread the weight of the trailer tongue, especially in soft ground. Surprisingly hard to find in any stores (like Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc) so I ordered through Amazon here.
Trailer jack pads. Just like the jack foot, these are really nice to have when you’re camping in grass, gravel, or dirt. They help to keep your jacks/stabilizers from sinking into the ground. Walmart is hit or miss with these, but here’s a link through Walmart.com.
Plastic container. I pull my trailer with a pickup truck. I keep a plastic container in the back which contains all of these accessories. Of course, this isn’t critical, but it’s nice to have everything organized, especially since it sometimes gets dirty and you can just throw them into the container and hit the road. The one pictured below is around $10 at Sam’s Club.
Water hoses. Many RVers will recommend having separate hoses for drinking water and black/gray tank cleaning. You can imagine why this is a good idea. These are available at Walmart, and they’ll be cheaper than your local camping/RV store.
Water filter. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll be thinking about hooking up to their water source. I haven’t actually used a water filter yet as I’ve been camping, but I see them at A LOT of sites. Drinking clean water makes sense, so I’ll definitely be picking up one of these soon…. probably at Walmart, surprise surprise. 🙂
Water pressure regulator. Under $10 at Walmart, this will keep high water pressure from damaging trailer/camper pipes. I didn’t think about this until watching a few YouTube videos. Pictured below is also an elbow hose connection. Not necessary but could help the hose weight and angle from doing any damage to the trailer connection. Pick them up at Walmart or order online.
Sewer hose. You can’t empty your tanks without a hose, so this addition is an absolute must-have. Also pick up an hose elbow or whatever they’re called so you can connect to the sewer receptacle easier.
Disposable rubber gloves. Be sure to use gloves anytime you’re working with waste, waste water, and your sewer hoses. This will keep you clean from gross stuff that could make you sick and/or spread germs and stuff. Any grocery store will have these.
RV toilet paper. This tp breaks down easier and is great for your black tank. I tend to use the restroom at the campgrounds whenever possible but it’s nice to have a bathroom avialable 24/7 so don’t forget to stock it with appropriate toilet paper. Walmart has this type of toilet tissue in stock, usually.
Tank cleaner solution. I sometimes to forget to use this but it’s a good idea to treat your tank immediately after you empty it. This product helps break down the stuff in the black tank, which is a great idea for cleanliness. Find an assortment on Walmart.com.
I hope this list helps you. I’m not even close to an expert, still learning things all the time about using a travel trailer. But if you have questions, fire away and I’ll do my best to answer or point you in the right direction!
Thanks for dropping in…
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 