Before starting your 2024 adventures, check out some of these must-have RV accessories.
Sure, you could rough it the old-school way. But a few simple items could make your trip a lot more enjoyable.
Today, we’re highlighting some of the best RV accessories on the market to simplify your life on the road.
Let’s take off!
Make RV Life Easier in 2024 With Helpful Accessories
Recently, the YouTube channel Matt’s RV Reviews went to the Hershey RV Show and scoured some of the niftiest items on display. He highlighted innovative, big-ticket products, like advanced water filters and e-bikes.
Of course, not everything at the show is expensive. For example, The RV Atlas podcasters were there with their new book, Where Should We Camp Next? You can grab a copy on Amazon for less than ten bucks and use it to find campgrounds around the country.
However, other products, like collapsible golf carts and Liquid Spring Smart Suspension systems, will cost a pretty penny.
All of these items have one thing in common. These tools and toys all aim to make life easier for RVers. So, we were inspired by Matt’s video to highlight some underrated items that can have the same effects without breaking the bank.
Warning: Don’t Make These RV Accessory Mistakes!
Where Can I Buy The Perfect RV Accessory?
You don’t have to visit a trade show to get your hands on the most helpful items for life on the road. In fact, depending on what you’re shopping for, your nearest big box store might have it in stock.
Parts for your rig can be notoriously hard to track down. It all comes down to your make, model, and manufacturing year. Typically, folks with older units face more of a challenge than those with newer rigs. We suggest reaching out to your manufacturer for guidance on finding specific parts.
But outdoor stores can be a one-stop shop. And their online stores gives you access to countless items. The same can be said for Amazon, which rarely fails to have what you need.
Now, if you’re ready to make your life easier than ever, here are the top ten RV accessories we suggest putting in your cart for the 2024 travel season.
Check out these 5 RV Accessories to Avoid.
#1 Walkie-Talkies
Two-way radios are invaluable for RVers. When traversing unfamiliar terrain or backing out of tight parking, seamless communication with your travel partner is crucial. After all, you need real-time information about objects in your blind spot. You shouldn’t be fiddling with a cell phone or trying to hear instructions over a roaring engine.
Walkie-talkies solve all of these issues. And better yet, you can get them for a steal.
We found a set of three rechargeable units from Topsung that tap into NOAA’s Weather Emergency Alert System, so you’ll always have critical information at your fingertips. With just a few hours of charging time, you’ll have 48 hours of standby time.
Price Check: NOAA 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies 3 Pack with Headsets
#2 Headlamp
A good headlamp is another essential RV accessory you’ll want before hitting the road in 2024. Everyone in your crew should have one. Whether you’re changing a flat tire in the dark, setting up camp after hours, or returning late from a hike, this is a tool you won’t want to go without.
You’ll find plenty of options online, but the Foxelli LED model is an excellent choice that fits almost any budget. It has a tiltable body and a 165-foot beam, so you’ll have a large field of vision. It’s also waterproof, lightweight, and runs on three AAA batteries.
There’s even an SOS mode and strobe feature if you’re lost or injured and need to get the attention of your fellow hikers.
Price Check: LED Headlamp
#3 Outdoor RV Mat
Embracing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle is one of the joys of traveling. After all, what’s so fun about camping if you’re stuck inside the whole time? But you need to make your al fresco living space comfortable and inviting. That’s where outdoor patio mats come in handy.
They’re not just stylish RV accessories. They also keep sand and dirt where they belong. When you’re ready to pack up and move to your next destination, you can give it a quick rinse with a hose, and it’s good to go.
Search Amazon for an outdoor mat, and you’ll find thousands of options. The Gemino brand mat is lightweight, waterproof, and easy on the eyes. Plus, it’s reversible, so you can invert your color scheme.
Price Check: 5×8 Outdoor Rug
#4 Portable Power Station
If you plan to boondock in 2024, a portable power station should be on your RV accessory checklist. This vital piece of equipment can make or break your camping trip. Sure, it can charge your laptop, but it can also get you home if your rig’s house battery bites the dust while you’re in the backcountry.
You’ll want to consider your budget and what devices you plan to run with it before purchasing. And remember, this isn’t a generator. You shouldn’t rely on a portable power station as your only energy source, and you’ll want to reserve some juice for emergencies.
Outputs for small units start around 300 Watt-hours and go up from there. While you can find cheap varieties with low output, we suggest spending the extra money on a dependable device.
Expect a sticker price of around $400 for a mid-range version. However, if you want to go all out, you can purchase high-end models with solar hookups. Just do your research to know what you need.
Price Check: Portable Power Station
#5 Digital Wireless Backup Camera
Most new RVs have built-in backup cameras to help you navigate out of a tight spot. However, older models lack this feature that many of us can’t live without. And it isn’t just a matter of dings and scrapes. It’s a safety issue for you and anyone nearby.
Fortunately, you can buy an after-market unit that works seamlessly with your current setup. These systems include a camera for the back of your rig, a power supply, and a monitor for your dashboard. It’s essential to get one with a wide angle and night-vision capabilities.
The AMTIFO is a highly-rated device that plenty of RVers rave about. Installation is quick and easy, and the camera’s quality is top-notch. Plus, it allows you to record while you’re on the road in case of an accident. You can snag one on sale for about $100.
Price Check: Find the right AMTIFO Wireless Backup Camera for you.
#6 Instant Pot
Cooking can be a hassle while you’re traveling. Many folks grill out to avoid filling their camper with lingering scents. But that’s not always convenient or practical.
An Instant Pot is an all-in-one device that’s small but mighty. They come in different sizes, from three to eight quarts. Even better, a dozen settings make it easy to pressure cook, saute, or slow roast your meals. This tool adds versatility to your meal prep routine and is super easy to operate.
This might be the ultimate RV accessory for 2024. In fact, we’re often surprised to hear that avid campers haven’t already invested in one.
The six-quart Instant Pot runs around $60 and makes plenty of food for a family. If it’s just you and your travel buddy on the road, you’ll have room for leftovers or the ability to cook for a crowd at the campground.
Price Check: Instant Pot (3, 6, or 8-quart)
#7 Stovetop Cover
It’s no secret that counter space is a coveted luxury in any RV. And while many newer models feature stovetop covers as a standard item, older units lack them.
These simple slabs, made of hardwood, metal, or glass, cover your burners when not in use. They give you more room for prep work and protect you from burns. They can even help buffer rattling electric coils that can be noisy and annoying.
That being said, adding a few extra feet of counter space is a good enough reason for us to consider this an essential RV accessory.
We suggest steering clear of the glass varieties that are prone to breaking. Opt for wood or metal, and measure your stovetop before buying one. Just because it says it’s universal doesn’t mean it’ll fit your model.
Many models run about $60. However, that added wiggle room would be priceless.
Price Check: Camco Bamboo or Oak Stovetop Cover
#8 RV Life Pro
One of the vendors that YouTuber Matt spoke with at the trade show was RV Life. This app is an all-inclusive road-trip planning tool. Their map accounts for low-clearance obstacles, bridges with weight limits, and even tunnels prohibiting propane.
The software helps you find campgrounds, big-rig-friendly rest stops, dump stations, and more. Once you input your information and your destination, it’ll give you a thorough itinerary with a realistic timeline for arrival.
When you’re searching for the best place to camp, you can filter criteria to locate what you want. Whether you prefer BLM property, national parks, KOA campgrounds, or spots where you can get a Good Sam membership discount, it’ll help you locate the perfect place to hang your hat. You can even download your maps to avoid the dreaded uncertainty of the unknown.
Download the app for a free seven-day trial. If you fall in love, you can get a one-year membership for $65.
#9 Spot2Night
These days, more folks are RVing than ever before. And that can make it hard to find a decent place to camp, especially during peak season. That’s why Spot2Nite is so popular. This app has earned its place as one of 2024’s essential RV accessories.
As the name implies, they began as a last-minute site to help campers discover immediate accommodations. But they’ve become a regular booking resource for folks searching for campgrounds and parks.
Imagine a service like Expedia geared towards campers. Personalize your search to locate exactly where you want to stay. Are you looking for a pet-friendly campground with laser tag on-site? Just plug it into the search engine and let it work its magic.
The app is free. You just pay a small booking fee when you reserve your spot.
#10 Arvie
The Arvie app is our final suggestion for RV accessories you’ll want in 2024. This subscription service repeatedly scans websites for openings in fully booked campgrounds. Instead of spending precious hours refreshing your browser or calling destinations for cancellations, you just tell it when and where you want a spot, and it’ll let you know when one opens up.
You can even have it automatically reserve your site so it doesn’t slip through your fingers.
Arvie’s technology gives you a serious advantage over other campers vying for your site. Just create your profile, plug in your payment info, and tell it where you want to go.
The first seven days are free. After that, you can choose from several membership tiers.
Let These RV Accessories Make 2024 A Better Travel Year
Make 2024 your best travel year yet with a few must-have RV accessories. Whether you want a safer trip, a little more counter space, or an easy way to reserve hard-to-book sites at your favorite destination, you can do it with these helpful items and services.
We suggest taking inventory of your gear, identifying any weak spots, and hitting Amazon or the app store for anything you’re missing. After that, it’s time to hit the road!
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