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Accessories For RV Campers and Caravans
When you buy an RV camper or caravan, you need to consider more than just the van. Dinnerware, bedding, appliances—the list goes on! Setting up an RV or caravan (whether brand new or second-hand) can be costly and, as a result, a little overwhelming, particularly if you’re starting from scratch. So what are the best accessories for RV campers and caravans?
Here’s a list of must-have caravan accessories and things for your motorhome that you just can’t be without, along with some ideas on where to get them from.
Where to Buy Accessories For RV Campers and Caravans
You really don’t need to go to a dedicated caravan or motorhome shop to buy your camper accessories. There are lots of cheap alternatives and ways to furnish your caravan without breaking the bank.
Discount stores can be an excellent place to start your search for those must-have items for your new home on wheels. Here are some of our favourite money-saving camper accessories you can’t afford to be without.
Stores
- Discount Stores (B&M, The Range)
- Charity Shops (Oxfam, Salvation Army)
- Aldi’s Middle Aisle (Aldi often has brilliant camping and homeware bargains)
- Go Outdoors
- Online Stores (Amazon)
Shop Your Own Home
It might sound obvious but your own home may be bursting with the perfect camper accessories for your motorhome or caravan. And best of all, ‘shopping your own home’ is the perfect way to save money.
We all have extra towels, sheets, and bedding, stashed away in cupboards and drawers.
So, when you gather things from your own home for your motorhome or caravan, you are furnishing your camping vehicle and decluttering in the process. It’s a win-win situation!
What Are The Must-Have Caravan and RV Accessories?
OK—so you’re buying a second-hand caravan and have remembered to get a CRiS check but you also need to know what RV accessories to buy.
More often than not, new van owners will overload their motorhome or caravan with unnecessary items. Although stocking a new camper is similar to furnishing a new home, there are some essential things to remember.
Soft Furnishings: Towels, Bedding Etc
It’s really fun to choose a theme or colour scheme when you’re furnishing your camper. This theme can carry over from your living space to your bedroom.
If you’re looking for camping-themed RV accessories, Etsy has a great selection.
- Kitchen Towels
- Dish Cloths
- Washcloths
- Bath Towels
- Hand Towels
- Bath Mat
- Throws
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Scatter Cushions
- Curtains
- Artwork
- Rugs
Many of these items are available at the discount options mentioned above. If you’re not on a tight budget, department stores will have everything you need.
Appliances
- Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Air Fryer
- Electric Hob
- Toaster
- Coffee Maker
- Kettle
- Fan
- Hair Dryer
Whilst an air fryer can do many cooking tasks for you, cooking outdoors can be much more fun. Plus it will allow more room inside the van.
Because kitchen storage is limited, many campers set up an entire kitchen under their caravan awning to save space indoors.
What Tools Do You Need For RV Campers and Caravans
Tools are a necessity for your campervan or caravan.
Again, shopping at discount tool stores will save you time and money. Expensive power tools are optional. Don’t forget, if a cheapo screwdriver can drive a screw, it’s the tool for the job!
Recommended Hand Tools
- Drill
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Pliers: Regular and Needlenose
- Hammer
- Socket Set
- Level
Additional Items for Your Caravan
Under the ‘don’t leave home without it’ category, you may find yourself wishing you had these simple items:
- Office Supplies: Pen, Sellotape
- Tape Measure
- String
- Scissors
- Sandwich Bags
- Bin Bags
- Washing Up Gloves
Miscellaneous Camper Accessories
- Duct Tape
- Tarp
- Rope
- Fuses in various sizes
Outdoor RV Accessories
- Rugs
- Lighting
- Decor
- Tablecloths
- Pet Accessories
- Fire Pit
- Event Shelter/Gazebo
- Bunting
If you like a cosy environment, rugs or mats will add colour to your space. Solar lights are generally lightweight and won’t need extension cords which can be a hassle and safety hazard.
Caravan decor is definitely up to interpretation. If you walk around any campground, you will get so many ideas when you check out the ‘set up’ of your neighbours.
Another way to add colour to your campsite is with tablecloths for your picnic table – or pretty bunting.
Pet accessories range from beds, bowls, fencing, and more.
An event shelter or gazebo will offer shade when no trees are nearby. In some cases, you can even buy fly screens for the sides, which will enable you to watch beautiful sunsets without fighting off mosquitoes! And if your event shelter is large enough to place over your picnic table, you will enjoy comfortable meals.
Outdoor Cooking Accessories
Generally, as so much time is spent camping in the great outdoors, it makes sense to take items for use outside. BBQing and cooking outside are favourite pastimes for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Look for compact and lighter options than you would use for your home.
- Portable BBQ
- Convection Hob
- Grill Pan
- Tongs, Spatula, Grill Brush
- Matches, Lighter
- Fire Starters
- Chairs
- Side Tables
Basic Essentials For Your Motorhome or Caravan
If you purchase a brand-new RV, motorhome, or caravan, the dealership will likely include only a few basic—but absolutely essential—items. One of the first things you need on your list is a hose to empty your grey waste tanks.
Generally, the one included with your purchase will be short and not reach your hookup.
A water container (Aquaroll) will probably only be used if you do not have full hookups at your site. Or are at a festival.
Most campsites will have all of the amenities included in your camping fee. If you prefer a more rustic experience, you can try wild camping.
You can get many drinking water hoses, but your best bet is a lightweight hose rated for drinking.
Should you plan to plug in your RV at home, you may need to buy an extra 50 or 30-amp power cord to get the required length. These extension cords come with a regular 110 plug. Ideally, if you plan to run the air conditioner while parked at home, you will need a dedicated breaker for your camper.
Checklist of Essentials
- Grey Waste Hose
- Water Hose
- Cheap Hose Dedicated for Flushing Tanks
- RV Surge Protector
- Water Container (Aquaroll or similar)
- New Mattress
- Duvalay
Most modern caravans and motorhomes come with a ‘premium’ mattress. Although, don’t let the term ‘premium fool you for a minute. There are no box springs, so your comfort depends on the quality of this so-called premium mattress! Equally, if you’re buying a secondhand caravan to modernise, the mattress will have probably seen better days.
I highly recommend investing in a Duvalay for adults and a Dinky Duvalay for children. These must-have mattress toppers, complete with integral bedding, will give you the best night’s sleep in your caravan or RV. They’re one of the most important camper accessories!
Utilise Storage
RVs have limited storage space inside and out. You will need to use this space strategically.
The outdoor storage, sometimes called ‘the garage’ or ‘basement’ may go the entire width of your van. If this is the case, consider under-bed storage containers. These containers are shallow and long, acting like a big drawer you can pull out to access. Items to store in a container like this would be outdoor accessories, like awnings and firepits.
Large plastic storage boxes may hold tools and other items. A similar box could hold your water hoses, power, or extension cords.
Mesh laundry bags with drawstrings will help round up kids’ toys and more. Small plastic shoe boxes work great for solar lights.
Under-bed storage will be better organised by using plastic boxes with or without lids. Using individual storage for sheets, towels, and dirty laundry will ensure everything stays in place as you travel down the road.
After the first season, consider reevaluating your storage options when you see what is and isn’t working.
Caravan Modifications
- Kitchen Sink
- Tap
- Dinette to Daybed
- TV Upgrade
- Air Conditioner
- Adding Shelving
- Painting the Interior
- Painting the exterior
An RV accessory list would only be complete with a discussion of camper modifications. Your home away from home needs to reflect your style and comfort.
Camper manufacturers try to keep costs down to make your adventures more affordable. Whether you modify your camper early on or down the road, consider these ideas.
Replacing the standard kitchen sink and faucet will make the struggle of washing dishes more pleasant.
If your recreational vehicle doesn’t have a sofa, consider lowering the dinette table permanently to have a makeshift daybed for lounging.
Although you may not have room for larger TVs, you may want to upgrade to a smart TV if you have internet access and prefer to stream your favourite channels.
Often, storage can be a challenge in the bedroom. Adding temporary, no-drill shelving in one or both of the wardrobe areas will give you more room for tops, bottoms, pyjamas, etc.
If your van has too many wood tones, grab some paint and a paintbrush to update a few walls or paint the caravan cupboards.
Ultimately, your live-in vehicle should be comfortable and make you want to spend time in it and go camping! Investing in these must-have camper accessories will go a long way in helping that!
Think About The Weight
Finally, when kitting out your van and choosing the right accessories for RV campers, consider the weight of the items you select.
Melamine plates and bowls are lighter in weight than pottery and glass.
Instead of suitcases, opt for lightweight plastic bins or fabric packing cubes for clothes and shoes. Large zipper plastic bags can help you stay organised in smaller travel trailers. Even if you’re camping solo, you may need more space.
Small, compact BBQs are lighter than a full-sized version and will also take up less space.
Just be mindful that the vehicle won’t be able to function if it’s too heavy!
If you have a motorhome, RV, or campervan, check the fully laden weight—this includes passengers.
The same is true for caravans. Is your car able to tow the caravan? And, if so, try to make sure that the caravan’s fully laden weight is not heavier than 85 per cent of your car’s kerb weight.
The UK Police believe that around 75% of motorhomes and campervans weigh more than their maximum weight limit when travelling, so consider the weight of the accessories you’re packing into your van.
Gail Wilson
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behindMy Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself! Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. Gail will guide you step by step with each tutorial as she hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
