Accessories for your rig

Many years ago, a comedian was quoted as saying, "It's not they baby that takes up all the space....it's all the stuff that goes with the baby!"  This statement also applies to RV's.  It's not just the RV, but all the stuff that goes with it.  Don't let that overwhelm you.  Like anything else you choose to do, there are accessories that can make the experience more enjoyable and more convenient.  There are things that are a "Must Haves."  Then there are other items that honestly are more of a luxury.  You will have to decide... 

Example - when beginning a person may cut some spare wood for leveling blocks.  We have all done it.  Throw them in a storage box in the RV and roll! After some time, you may discover that wood is heavy and it holds water.  Breaking down camp one time in the rain, then dragging in those wet blocks now twice as heavy as before into the storage compartment can get old fast.  Most of us will forget about them until our next time out. Then you will discover a strange smell, mildew, and dirt/mud in your storage compartment.  You may just elect to purchase plastic leveling blocks.  This eliminates the wood and reduces the weight.  They can be cleaned easily and stowed away for the next use.  If they are wet, being plastic they will less likely mildew.  

Below is a list of items for RV's.  This is by no means a list of the "best of" or anything of the sort.  Most of them we have had experience with.  In addition to the description, there is an Amazon link to the item.  Our technician has been RVing for several years.  He has provided lists like this to several friends and family when getting started with an RV.  

In an effort of full disclosure, we are an Amazon Affiliate, and thus could receive a commission should you decide to purchase.  A link to Amazon is provided for each item.  Our member has been providing a list such as this to his friends for a number of years.  That original email was actually the beginning of what is now, RV Inspection Guy, LLC.  RV Inspection Guy, LLC accepts no liability for the following items, the use or misuse of them.  This list is for information purposes only.  Use your best judgment when purchasing and using each product.  Contact the manufacturer with any questions or concerns.

Must Haves...

Drinking Safe Water Hose==If you purchased a RV new, then you may have been provided a "starter" kit.  Items such as a small drinking water safe water hose, sewer hose, black tank treatment, and RV safe toilet paper is included.  More on the rest of those later in the list.

Camco 25' Drinking Water Hose -  Many RVers use this type of hose regularly.  If it works, it works.  However, many have now transitioned to a hose more like the ZERO G.  It is more expensive, more flexible, lighter, and kink resistant.  It will coil up easier and stow in the storage compartment better.  One drawback is it is woven fiber, (like a fire hose) and could be damp when it is stored.  Some RVers carry bottled water for drinking and cooking in their rigs, and thus are not concerned about the taste of the city water coming from the spigot.  

Zero G - is available in many lengths and diameters.  Choose the one that most suits your needs.  Some folks carry a 25 ft and a 50 ft. 

Sewer Hose

That welcome kit above could have included a small blue sewer hose.  Some times referred to as the "Stinky Slinky".  This is not the glamorous side of Rving.  Some Rvers choose to NOT use their bathroom as it was intended.  Choices--life is all about them.  However, with proper knowhow, equipment, additives, water usage, cleaning and dumping, they can be used.  Some will want gloves, others are very careful and wash hands and sanitize after draining the black tanks. Tip--leave your black tank closed and use plenty of water.  Only open when you are dumping the tank into the sewer.  At some point we may discuss this in a post for video but for now, we will only discuss the equipment.

Camco 20' (39742) RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit - This kit has hoses, fittings for attaching to the sewer drop in the ground, and a clear elbow.  WHY? When using your black tank washer, you can see when your tank has been cleared of "debris".  Again, this is not the glamorous side of the lifestyle, but a necessary evil.

Valterra 45° Clearview Adapter - Same concept as the above clear 90 degree elbow that attaches to the sewer drop in the ground at the RV site. However, this one attaches to the RV first and adds a 45 degree down turn to your sewer hose toward the sewer drop.  An item of preference.  

Valtera Twist-On Waste Valve - This device to many is a MUST HAVE!  This attaches to the sewer pipe on the RV, then your sewer hose is attached to this.  This adds an additional valve to hold back any remaining fluid and debris left in the sewer pipe after the Black or Gray tank valve is closed.  When you remove the sewer cap in order to attach your hose, there may be a surprise awaiting for you in the pipe.  Without it, you may have an interesting RV story that folks will laugh about for years.  

Camco Sewer Hose Support -   This support allows the sewer hose to be lifted off of the ground.  It allows the hose to drain from the RV into the sewer on the ground. 

Camco Orange Hose -  Used to hook up water to the black tank washer.  This keeps you from using your drinking water hose.  Use if your Rig is equipped with a blank tank washer. 

Portable Waste Tank  - sometimes known as a "Honey Wagon" (not sure why, because the brew inside is farm from sweet!)  If on a non-full hookup site for an extended period of time, a honey wagon may be needed to offload the holding tanks to the dump site without moving your rig.  Camco makes many different sizes - 21 Gallon, 28 Gallon & 36 Gallon.  Some campgrounds/RV Parks may offer a honey wagon pump out service for additional fees and charges.  

Black Tank Treatment Options

There are many treatments available in the market.  Some made with formaldehyde others with all natural ingredients.  Below are a few options:

Unique RV Digest -  Tank Treatments break down solid waste inside tanks. They help eliminate odors, help prevent sensor malfunction.    This option contains no formaldehyde.  It is safe and beneficial for septic systems.  Options Include Liquid, Powder & Drop-In Pods

Happy Camper -  "Happy Camper’s highly concentrated water-activated mineral blend eliminates odor without covering it up with perfume like many of the chemical deodorant treatments."  

Camco's TST MAX Orange - TST helps control (not masking) odors, as well as breaking down waste and tissue in your black water holding tank.   The Drop-INs are made with an ultra-concentrated formula that does not contain the toxic, formaldehyde-releasing ingredient bronopol. 

There are many tank treatments on the market.  Study each and decide which of them are right for you and your rig.

Tip

3 rules of plumbing DISCLAIMER... we are not plumbers.... Plumbing Rule #1 - Keep your mouth closed.  Plumbing Rule #2 sewage runs downhill.  Plumbing Rule#3 - don't be downhill.  When removing your sewer cap from your RV...guess what....you are downhill.

Rig Stabilization

Wheel Chock - Helps keep your rig in place.  Again a MUST HAVE.  You definitely don't want it moving around while it is not under your control.  

Lynx levelers - Mentioned in the opening paragraph.  There are many types of these devices.  There are different colors.  Be advised, they do not interchange.  One should choose a color and stick with them. This way they will interlock with each other leveling side to side, or as a platform to sit your stabilizing jacks on.  There are additional Lynx levelers accessories below.

Lynx chocks - used in conjunction with the Lynx Levelers above.  Can be added to stack of Lynx levelers to chock the RV wheels while on a stack of Lynx levelers.

Lynx Cap - Used in conjunction with the Lynx Levelers.  Used as a cap on the Lynx Levelers to provide a smooth surface to put your stabilizing jacks. 

xChock -  Provides added stabilization and prevents tire shifts by applying opposing force to tandem tire applications.  This may help relieve some of the shaking in the rig when walking.  Not a substitute for wheel chocks! Standard wheel chocks are still needed to keep your rig in place.

Steady Fast Stabilizers - Kit adds additional supports to the on board stabilizer jacks.  There are several different kits available based upon our rig type and the type of stabilizer jacks that are attached.  The link only provides information on one of those kits.  

Camco Wheel Chock - Plastic wheel chock, keeps your rig in place.  These have a rope for easy removal and transport.  Most folks use 4, one on front and rear of the street side and curb side of the rig.  Less movement is always better!  Being awaken in the middle of the night due to the unexpected movement of your rig never makes for a good weekend.

Other accessories

Tire Covers -  Protects tires and wheels from sun damage, rust and dirt when your vehicle is parked.  Exposure to sun can do damage to your rigs tires.

This list changes regularly.  As we discover new items or are introduced to items from other RV'ers.