Top 10 RV Gear That Actually Earns Its Spot

I’m sharing my Top 10 RV gear essentials that have truly earned their place in my rig. From simple, practical tools that solve everyday campsite challenges to a few comfort-focused upgrades that add a touch of luxury, this list highlights the gear that makes RV life smoother, safer, and more enjoyable on the road.

You’ll hear about equipment that helps you level quickly on uneven campsites, maintain proper tire pressure for safer towing, cook memorable meals at camp, and even elevate your evenings around the fire. These recommendations come from real miles traveled, countless setups and breakdowns, and hands-on experience living the RV lifestyle. If you’re searching for reliable RV accessories, camping gear for travel trailers, or trusted tools for your motorhome, this episode delivers practical insight on the gear you may want to add to your RV.

The right gear can reduce stress on travel days, increase confidence behind the wheel, and help you fully settle into camp once you arrive. It is not about collecting more stuff. It is about choosing equipment that performs consistently and adds real value to your experience.

Listen now to discover my full Top 10 RV gear list and find out which items I consider essential for life on the road. Then head over to rvoutwest.com to explore the complete show notes with direct links and additional details on every product mentioned in this episode.

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Transcript

TEASER

Before you buy another piece of RV gear… listen to this. I’m sharing my Top 10 must-haves — the gear that’s proven itself mile after mile and truly earns its spot in the rig. A few of these might just change the way you camp.

OPENING

Hey friends — welcome to Episode 187. Yeah… one-eight-seven. If you know, you know. 

But here’s the wild part. Back in December 2025, when I dropped Episode 179 — the big “Look Ahead to 2026” episode — I made a promise. A slightly unhinged, very permanent promise.

When we hit Episode 200… I’m getting it tattooed on my body. Ink. Skin. Forever.

And now? As that number gets closer. 188. 189. 190…We’re officially getting a lot closer to the red zone.

The countdown is coming soon. And when we hit 200, it’s not just another episode — it will be a milestone you can literally point to on my arm. As we get closer to Episode 200 I’ll start to share the idea I have for this monumental tattoo with all of you. I’ll be sharing the whole thing on social — so if you’re not following the show yet, consider this your sign. Hit us up on Instagram and Facebook. Follow the adventures. Follow the countdown. And definitely follow along for this slightly unhinged, totally permanent, tattoo journey.

RVing, for me, isn’t just travel — it’s a state of mind. It’s freedom with a hitch. It’s the rhythm of the road, the quiet of a campsite at dawn, the simple joy of knowing home is rolling right behind you. I was just hooked up towing my trailer to get a little work done, nothing glamorous — and yet, the second those tires started turning, my mood lifted. Just that simple tow had me smiling like I was headed out on a cross-country adventure. That’s what RV life does to me. Maybe it’s as simple as that Tow Haul button in my truck, but instantaneously I’m just happier behind the wheel of my pickup when I look in the rearview mirror and see my trailer. 

There’s something about being connected to your rig — the responsibility, the capability, the promise of where it can take you next. Even on an ordinary errand, it reminds me why I love this lifestyle. It’s not always epic views and campfire sunsets. Sometimes it’s just the hum of the road and the feeling that adventure is always within reach.

Speaking of things that make me smile, I want to share my Top 10 pieces of RV gear that bring me joy — yes, Marie Kondo style. From camp cooking essentials to everyday campsite comforts to the gear that has flat-out saved my bacon on more than one travel day, we’re covering it all. So pour yourself a mug of black coffee, settle in, and geek out with me. And if something catches your eye, head over to the Show Notes at RV Out West — I’ve linked every single piece of gear there. 

There’s a moment in camp life when everything just clicks. You sink back into that perfectly broken-in camp chair, feet up, drink in hand, the fire snapping low while the sky fades from gold to indigo. Your camp buddies are circling up, swapping tall tales that get taller with every retelling, giving each other grief about that last game of washers you absolutely should have won. Laughter echoes through the trees.

And just like that… the noise of everyday life fades out. The lawn that needs mowing? Not your problem. The bedroom door that won’t stay shut? Can wait. The emails, the errands, the endless to-do list? Gone. Out here, none of that matters.

What matters is this chair, this crew, this fire, this moment. The simplicity. The stillness. The gear that makes it all effortless. This is camp life dialed in. Hell yeah — that’s what I’m talking about.

I’ve been on a full-blown quest for the perfect camp chair. I’m talking about Goldilocks status — too low, too stiff, too bulky, too flimsy… I’ve tried them all. If you’ve been around a while, you might remember Episode 60 back when I used to drop those shorter “Pit Stop” episodes — I was deep in the search back then. The holy grail of camp comfort. Now, I’m not saying I’ve officially found the one… but my buddy Kyle put me onto the GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, and let me tell you — it’s been nothing short of stellar. I picked it up in 2024 and have been using it ever since. Rocking motion, low-to-the-ground lounge vibe, easy setup — it just hits. The quest may not be over… but for now? This chair is sitting on the throne.

There’s nothing quite like chilling in a hammock at camp — or as I learned during my days living in the Caribbean, it’s called Limin’. It’s that art of doing absolutely nothing… on purpose. And honestly, the best way to relax in a campground is stretched out between two trees, swaying easy in the breeze. My go-to is the ENO DoubleNest Hammock — made from lightweight, breathable parachute nylon that packs down small but feels strong and supportive when you’re in it. It’s quick to set up, dries fast, and holds up to years of road life. What really makes ENO stand out, though, is their commitment to quality and the outdoors — responsibly sourced materials, durable gear built for adventure, and a brand that genuinely supports getting people outside. Whether you call it relaxing, unwinding, or Limin’, there’s no better seat in the campground.

The classic YETI Rambler Tumbler might feel a little “extra” for campground life… but hear me out. In an RV, space is everything, and when you’ve got a tumbler that keeps your ice solid for days and your coffee hot for hours, you can ditch the stack of mismatched cups and just carry two — one for you and one for your spouse. That’s it. Fewer cabinets stuffed with clutter, more room for the stuff that actually matters. Built from tough stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, it’s made to survive road life, campfires, and bumpy forest service roads. And as a brand, YETI has built its reputation on over-engineered, durable gear designed for real outdoor use — founded in Texas and proudly American-designed. Pricey? Maybe. Worth every penny when you’re watching the sunrise at camp with coffee still piping hot? Absolutely.

There’s nothing more utilitarian at camp than a good folding lock-blade knife. It’s the definition of perfection simplified — one tool, endless uses. From slicing cordage and opening stubborn food packaging to trimming kindling or making quick gear repairs, a pocket knife earns its keep every single day. The folding lock blade is my go-to because it’s compact, safe, and strong enough for real work without taking up precious space in the RV or pack. I still carry an old SOG knife from back when their corporate HQ was right here in Lynnwood, Washington — it’s been with me through more campsites than I can count. Lately, I’ve been eyeing the classic Buck 110 Folding Hunter — a true icon that’s stood the test of time. Either way, when you’re at camp, a reliable pocket knife isn’t a luxury… it’s a necessity.

Speaking of essential camp gear, once the chairs are set and the pocket knife is back in your pocket, it’s time to shift from the campsite to the kitchen. Because if there’s one place that can make or break an RV trip, it’s the galley. Over the years, we’ve dialed in a handful of kitchen tools that truly earn their space — gear that’s compact, multi-purpose, and tough enough for life on the road. Just like the right camp tools simplify setup outside, the right kitchen gear makes cooking in an RV smoother, faster, and way more enjoyable after a long day of adventure.

I joke these days that I don’t even consider it camping anymore unless the countertop ice machine is riding shotgun in the RV. Somewhere along the way I traded “roughing it” for “refreshing it.” There was a time when I’d proudly whittle kindling with a pocketknife and call it a win — now I’m over here guarding a steady supply of perfectly formed cubes like they’re precious gems. Nothing says “man of the wilderness” quite like hovering over a humming appliance so your evening Old Fashioned hits just right. It’s a little extra, sure. Maybe even a soft launch into full-blown glamping. But let’s be honest — everyone needs ice for cocktails, and I’ve decided that self-awareness pairs beautifully with a chilled glass at sunset

Having an ice machine in the RV is a total game changer — because once you’ve got fresh ice on demand, you’re officially in the camp cocktail business. And let’s be honest, no proper cocktail is complete without a solid shaker. I’ve been using the Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker, and it’s very similar in build and performance to the YETI Rambler Cocktail Shaker. Either one makes it ridiculously easy to craft a legit margarita, old fashioned, or espresso martini right there by the campfire — no sticky plastic shaker, no watered-down drinks, just clean, crisp pours under the stars.

From a quality standpoint, both of these shakers are built with double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steel, which means your hands don’t freeze while shaking and your ice doesn’t melt nearly as fast — a big upgrade from traditional tin shakers. The Elevated Craft model stands out with its built-in measuring system and threaded lid design that virtually eliminates leaks, making it especially RV-friendly when space and mess control matter. The YETI option carries that same bombproof durability the brand is known for, with a rugged, dishwasher-safe construction and a secure twist-top design that feels right at home alongside the rest of your camp gear. Both are premium pieces, but they’re built for years of use — and when you’re mixing drinks fireside after a long travel day, that kind of quality absolutely shows.

There’s just something about cooking over open flame or charcoal that makes food taste better. Maybe it’s the smoke, maybe it’s the slower pace of camp life, or maybe it’s just the fact that when you’re outside, you’re present. At camp, time stretches out — you’re not rushing between errands or staring at a clock — so why not lean into it and make a quality meal? That’s exactly why I love cooking with my Lodge Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven. I’ve got the 12-inch model, and it’s perfect for a family of four and then some. Whether it’s a hearty chili, a slow-simmered stew, or even fresh-baked cornbread, that cast iron holds heat beautifully and turns simple ingredients into something special. It’s become a staple in our RV kitchen, especially after our big cross-country trip when we made a stop at the factory in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Walking through the Lodge Cast Iron factory in South Pittsburg felt like stepping into a living piece of American manufacturing history. You can feel the heat from the foundry, hear the rhythm of iron being cast and finished, and see generations of craftsmanship at work. There’s something grounding about watching raw molten iron transform into cookware that will outlast you. It’s not flashy — it’s honest, hardworking, and built to endure. Standing there, knowing these pieces end up around campfires and kitchen tables all across the country, made it feel personal. And that’s exactly where I bought my Dutch oven — right there at the source — which somehow makes every camp meal cooked in it taste even better.

Camp life is the reward — the fire, the food, the slow mornings with coffee in hand — but before any of that happens, you’ve got to get there and get set up. And anyone who’s spent time RVing knows that arrival day can either be smooth and satisfying… or a total circus. Over the years, I’ve found that having the right RV-specific gear makes all the difference between frustration and a flawless setup. So before we settle into camp life, here are a few pieces of RV gear that have genuinely made getting to camp — and getting leveled, powered up, and comfortable — a whole lot easier.

Getting your RV perfectly level doesn’t have to be a headache, thanks to Andersen Leveling Blocks. Unlike traditional wooden or plastic blocks, these are built with a durable, interlocking design that creates a stable, stacked platform on even the trickiest campsites. Each block is lightweight yet strong, with a textured surface that keeps your tires from slipping, and the modular system allows you to fine-tune your height exactly where you need it. The blocks are quick and easy to stack or unstack, so you can get leveled in minutes without wrestling with heavy boards or worrying about tipping — giving you more time to enjoy camp life.

The popular Camper Leveler style blocks let you adjust your RV from about ½ inch up to roughly 4 inches, giving precise incremental control over uneven ground. That range is ideal for moderately sloped sites, and for bigger adjustments, you can stack or pair the blocks to add height or extra stability. With this versatility, Andersen Leveling Blocks make leveling an RV simple, safe, and reliable on nearly any campsite.

One piece of RV gear that has proven absolutely indispensable on the road is the Viair Portable Air Compressor. This rugged, high-performance compressor plugs right into my truck’s 12V outlet and has saved me more than once when tire pressures drop — whether I’m topping off my diesel pickup tires before a big haul or adding air to the trailer tires after a long day of driving and temperature changes. What makes the Viair so great is its combination of power and portability: it delivers a surprisingly high airflow rate for its size, runs cool thanks to its efficient motor design, and includes built-in pressure gauges so you can dial in the exact PSI you need. It’s also easy to use in tight spots around camp or at the gas station, and the durable construction means it stands up to repeated use season after season. For anyone who wants peace of mind on the road — and properly inflated tires for safety, fuel economy, and tire life — a portable air compressor like the Viair is an essential piece of gear.

A digital tire pressure gauge is one of the simplest yet most clutch pieces of RV gear you can own. It’s small, inexpensive, and easy to toss in the glove box — but when you’re towing heavy and relying on proper tire pressure for safety and performance, it becomes absolutely essential. The backlit display gives you fast, accurate PSI readings without squinting at a tiny analog dial, and that precision matters for both truck and trailer tires. I actually had mine stolen out of my truck once, and of all the things to lose, that one stung the most. I replaced it immediately — which says everything about how much I value it. When you’re hauling your home down the highway, knowing your tire pressures are dialed in isn’t optional… it’s peace of mind.

As I wrap up this episode on my Top 10 favorite pieces of RV gear, I keep coming back to this thought — none of it is really about the gear. It’s about what the gear allows us to do. It’s the leveling blocks that steady the rig after a long travel day, the air compressor humming in the background as you prep for the next stretch of highway, the Dutch oven glowing over coals while laughter drifts through camp. It’s the pocket knife that’s opened a hundred packages and cut kindling for just as many fires. It’s the cocktail shaker clinking with fresh ice as the sun drops behind the trees.

Each piece has earned its place, not because it’s flashy, but because it shows up. It solves problems. It makes life on the road smoother, safer, more enjoyable. And somewhere along the way, those tools stop being “gear” and start becoming part of the story — part of the rhythm of travel days and slow mornings, of cross-country miles and quiet nights under the awning lights. That’s the magic of RV life. It’s not just about the destinations. It’s about building a life on the road, one well-used, well-loved piece of gear at a time.

If you want to take a closer look at any of the gear I talked about today, head over to rv out west dot com and check out the show notes for this episode. I’ve linked directly to each of these products so you can explore specs, pricing, and details for yourself, and learn a little more about why they’ve earned a permanent spot in our RV setup. Everything’s organized and easy to find, so you can spend less time searching and more time getting your own rig dialed in for the road ahead.

CLOSING

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Next week’s episode, we’re chasing contrast — where fire once shaped the land and ice still crowns the peaks. We’re rolling into towering craters, ancient lava flows, and glacier-capped giants in Fire & Ice: An RV Tour of Volcanoes in the PNW. Pack your sense of wonder… this one is going to erupt with adventure.