Living full-time in an RV is a dream come true for many, but having the right equipment can mean the difference between a smooth adventure and daily frustration. While some RV dealerships offer basic starter kits, seasoned RVers know that upgrading your gear is key to comfort, safety, and protecting your investment.
Here’s your updated 2025 guide to essential RV gear for Workampers and full-time RV travelers.
RV Power Protection & Tire Monitoring
Electrical issues are one of the top causes of RV damage. Campground power can be unreliable, with voltage spikes and miswired pedestals that wreak havoc on sensitive electronics.
- Surge Protection: A premium surge protector like the Surge Guard offers real-time voltage monitoring and automatic shutoff for issues like low voltage, high voltage, open ground, or reverse polarity. Think of it as insurance for your expensive RV appliances.
- TPMS: Tire blowouts are another hidden hazard. Tire pressure monitors, such as the TST 770 track pressure and temperature in real time, alerting you to leaks or overinflated tires. It helps extend tire life and improves safety on the road.
RV Comfort Upgrades
Living in your RV full-time means small upgrades can make a big difference.
- RV Mattresses: Factory mattresses are rarely designed for long-term use. Brands like Mattress Insider make custom-sized RV mattresses with multiple layers for better sleep and spine support.
- High-Pressure Shower Heads: Oxygenics shower heads conserve water while delivering spa-like pressure making them great for boondocking or small holding tanks.
- Day/Night Shades: MCD Innovations makes insulated shades that offer privacy and climate control. Motorized options allow you to open or close all your shades with one button.
- Moisture Absorbers: Most RVs have some spots where interior moisture buildup can be an issue. Be sure to have a Damp-rid or two in order to combat excess moisture.
Waste Management & Odor Control
RV holding tanks can be a major headache without the right gear.
- Ventilation: The 360 Siphon Roof Vent Cap by Lippert improves airflow and eliminates odors without chemicals or moving parts.
- Holding Tank Treatments: A high quality bacteria and enzyme holding tank treatment, like those from Unique Camping and Marine, to break down waste makes dumping and cleaning your waste water tanks easier.
- Reliable Sewer Hose: The Camco RhinoExtreme sewer hose is rugged, easy to rinse, and leak-resistant so there are no surprises when dumping tanks.
RV Leveling & Stability
A stable RV is a comfortable RV.
- Level: The only patented Bluetooth RV leveling tool, the LevelMatePro, allows fast and accurate single person. Using a free app, it provides realtime feedback on how much and which corner to adjust to reach perfect level saving you so much time during campsite setup.
- Jack Pads: Products like SnapPads or Stromberg Carlson Base Pads prevent jacks from sinking into soft ground or damaging pavement.
- Adjustable Steps: Torklift’s GlowStep Revolution system features illuminated, adjustable height steps great for uneven campsites, and pet-friendly design.
Keep Airflow & Refrigeration in Check
Heat and humidity are common problems in RV life.
- Fridge Fan: The Valterra FridgeCool Fan keeps air circulating in your fridge, preventing spoilage and reducing food waste.
- Vent Covers: The MaxxAir II Roof Vent Cover lets you keep vents open in all weather, allowing airflow while blocking rain and debris.
Internet Connectivity & Entertainment
Reliable internet is essential for many Workampers.
- Cell & Wi-Fi Boosters: Devices like the weBoost Drive Reach II and Winegard ConnecT 2.0 extend your connectivity in remote locations.
- Satellite Internet: Starlink has become a favorite among RVers for unlimited high-speed internet across North America.
- Portable Satellite TV: The Winegard Carryout G3 delivers TV wherever you camp without relying on roof-mounted dishes.
Propane Efficiency & Campfire Alternatives
- Propane Adapters: Stanbroil adapter kits allow you to fuel appliances from your RV’s onboard tanks, reducing the need for small cylinders.
- Portable Firepits: Camco’s Big Red Campfire ideal for parks with open flame restrictions as it delivers a clean, contained flame without smoke or ash.
Battery Maintenance & Charging
Don’t get caught with a dead battery – stay charged and ready.
- Toad Charging: A Roadmaster Charge Line Kit keeps your towed vehicle’s battery charged via your RV’s alternator.
- Battery Combiner: The Xantrex Echo Charger maintains your chassis battery while you’re plugged into shore power.
RV Maintenance Tools
- Ladder Access: A collapsible, compact folding ladder that is still freestanding, like the Telesteps STIK, makes it easy to clean windshields, inspect roofs, or clear slideouts.
- Digital Multimeter: For checking battery voltage, diagnosing power issues, and verifying campground pedestal safety, a multimeter like the AstroAI TRMS 6000.
- Telescoping Wash Brush with Hose Attachment: Make it easier to clean the RV exterior and solar panels without climbing up and down ladders with something like the Camco RV Flow-Through Wash Brush.
- Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge: Use a lead-free RVGUARD RV Water Pressure Regulator Valve to prevent plumbing damage from high-pressure campground water connections.
- Slide-Out Lubricant: Keep your slide mechanisms running smoothly without attracting dirt and debris with a quality lubricant like CRC Power Lube.
- Compact Air Compressor: Keep your tires inflated to spec for safety and fuel mileage optimization with a RV specific air compressor like the VIAIR 400P-RVS.
Driving Enhancements
Big rigs require big stability.
Suspension Upgrades: Roadmaster steering stabilizers, sway bars, and Tru-Trac bars improve control, reduce fatigue, and increase safety, especially during long drives or high winds.
Smart Tech for RVers in 2025
- Lithium Batteries: Brands like Battle Born and Renogy offer longer-lasting, lightweight lithium batteries for full-time boondocking.
- Solar Power Systems: Pair them with panels and inverters from Victron or Go Power! for extended off-grid capability.
- Portable Power Stations: Jackery generators are ideal for small electronics and laptop charging while off-grid.
- Smart RV Control: Lippert’s OneControl app controls your RV’s lighting, tanks, HVAC, and slides, all from your smartphone.
- RV Dashcam & GPS: The Garmin RVcam 795 offers turn-by-turn directions tailored to your rig size, with a built-in dashcam for extra security.
Final Thoughts
The freedom of full-time RV living shouldn’t come with constant headaches. The right gear improves every aspect of the lifestyle: comfort, convenience, safety, and peace of mind.
Which items transformed your RV experience?
Join the conversation in the Workamper Facebook Group and share your top picks!
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