As a new RV owner, outfitting your travel trailer with all the right accessories may feel overwhelming. From basic necessities like sewer hoses and water filters to conveniences like outdoor mats and tire covers, the list seems endless. Not to mention, accessories can get expensive.

So how do you determine what’s absolutely essential versus merely nice to have on board? This comprehensive guide breaks down the must-have travel trailer accessories for first-time RVers. I’ll walk through the critical categories step-by-step so you can make informed decisions about equipping your RV.

Leveling and Stabilization Devices

One of the first things you’ll need is some way to level and stabilize your RV once you park at your destination. A uneven, shaky camper isn’t just annoying—it can even be dangerous.

These two devices are absolute essentials for new trailer owners:

Leveling Blocks

These durable plastic or laminated blocks lift your wheels to even out your rig on uneven terrain. Leveling makes living inside much more comfortable and ensures your appliances operate properly. It also keeps cabinets and doors from popping open unexpectedly.

I recommend the Camco Yellow Tri-Leveling Blocks. They stack easily, resist weathering, and provide a large weight capacity up to 15,000 lbs per chunk.

Chocks

Chocks are wedge-shaped blocks that hold your wheels in place to prevent rolling after you level the trailer. Heavy-duty rubber chocks tend to be the most durable in all weather.

The Camco UltraGuard Rigid Wheel Chocks meet that criteria. Just position one snugly in front and behind each tire for peace of mind on the shifty ground.

Hookups and Hoses

Making the right connections for water, sewer, power, and gas is fundamental for the basic functioning of your travel trailer.

Here are three absolutely essential hookup accessories:

Fresh Water Hose

You’ll need a quality drinking water hose rated for potable water to connect your trailer to water sources. Look for one at least 25 feet long made from FDA-approved materials.

The Camco Premium Drinking Water Hose is a solid choice that comes in several length options up to 50 feet.

Sewer Hose Support

Holding your sewer hose in place while dumping waste is no one’s idea of fun. A sewer hose support relieves the burden via built-in cradles to take the weight.

The simple, adjustable Camco Heavy Duty Sewer Hose Support gets the job done with sturdy, rustproof plastic.

Surge Protector

A surge protector guards your RV from electrical damage by regulating power flow from external sources. Choose at least a 30 amp protector with an adequate joule rating for runtime.

The Southwire Electrical Surge Protector meets the key criteria at a very reasonable price point for most trailers.

Appliance Accessories

Travel trailers contain all the comforts of home, including standard appliances. You’ll get more use out of them if you accessorize appropriately.

These extras make RV appliances much more functional:

Water Filter

Because water sources vary in quality at campgrounds, an inline water filter protects your plumbing and drinking water. Select one sized for your hose diameter.

The Camco Inline Water Filter attaches easily to hoses up to 5/8″ for crystal clear water.

Water Pressure Regulator

Similarly, inconsistent water pressures can damage your trailer. A regulator maintains safe, consistent pressure. Go with a standard 40-80 PSI model.

The Valterra A01-1452VP Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator handles pressure fluctuation issues well.

Microwave Plate Cover

It’s annoying when food splatters all over the microwave interior. A vented cover prevents that while allowing steam to escape.

I recommend the basic affordable Gates 32673 Microwave Plate Cover. It gets the job done and fits most standard microwave turntables.

Climate Control Gear

One major advantage of RVing is the ability to travel in comfort through varying weather and temperatures. Some key accessories make climate control much easier.

Portable Heater

Even nicely insulated travel trailers can get chilly. A portable propane or ceramic space heater boosts heat efficiently as needed.

Mr. Heater’s Portable Buddy Propane Heater runs up to 7 hours per cylinder and has a low oxygen shutoff for safety.

Vent Cover

You’ll want to let fresh air circulate even while driving, so a vent cover allows passage of air while blocking debris and insects.

Camco Ventura Vent Cover fits standard 14″ x 14″ vents nicely to keep air flowing bug-free.

Tire Covers

Protect your tires from UV rays and extreme weather fluctuations with insulation. Look for water resistant covers with a snug custom fit for your wheel size.

The CLASSIC Canvas Trailer Tire Covers suit tires 12″ to 13″. The durable canvas stands up to sun, rain, and snow.

Protection and Security Extras

Part of making your travel trailer truly feel like home is having some peace of mind about safety. Protecting your investment should provide comfort, not paranoia.

These discreet accessories offer security without making camp feel like a fortress:

Hitch Lock

A hitch lock like the Trimax UMAX Premium Universal Fits Class III, IV & V Hitches secures your trailer from theft when parked. Prevent tow away crime with this simple removable block.

Smoke Alarm

Ensure you have adequate smoke detection beyond factory pre-wired alarms. Battery operated units supplement hardwired models.

The First Alert SA304CN Battery Operated Smoke and Fire Alarm provides reliable additional protection.

Motion Sensor Light

Lighting deters intruders so place a motion-activated service light pointing toward the door. Power options include battery, solar and hardwire.

Mr Beams Wireless LED Stick-Anywhere Nightlight works well to illuminate movement near the door.

Storage Solutions

One continual challenge with RV living is organizing gear and keeping the interior tidy. Well-designed storage accessories tailored to your space provide significant help.

Consider these storage extras absolute must-haves:

Bed Risers

Bed risers lift your mattress to allow storage of bulky items like off-season clothing under the bed.

Bed Risers come in a pack of 4 durable 12-inch risers to maximize your bedroom storage capacity.

Hooks

Install utility hooks appropriate for hanging lightweight items like keys, hats and dog leashes.

Make room with this 5-pack of Deco Brothers Super Strong Heavy Duty Utility Hooks suitable for closets, cabinets and walls.

Shelf Dividers

Plastic shelf dividers neatly separate folded clothes, linens and other small stacked items so things don’t topple over when you take corners.

Get your cabinets organized with Duck Brand Dividers to keep piles contained.

Cleaning Essentials

Regular cleaning is paramount in compact RV living space. Quality cleaning tools tailored for campers make maintaining tidiness much simpler.

To simplify sanitizing duties, make sure you have these cleaning helpers:

Broom and Dust Pan

Choose a broom and dustpan designed for smooth floors (no bristles) to make quick work of dirt, leaves and other debris.

The OXO Good Grips Sweep Set with Extendable Handle is perfect for quick clean up jobs outside or in tight spaces inside.

Vacuum

While your trailer likely came with a built-in vac, a portable handheld unit comes in handy for small messes, furniture and hard to reach areas. Cordless battery powered models excel for RVs.

This DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Hand Vacuum has excellent suction power and a washable filter to keep it running strong.

Disinfecting Spray Bottle

A manual spray bottle allows you to distribute your preferred disinfectant easily. Just fill and spray counters, tables, floors etc and allow to air dry.

Stanley Adventure Camp Kitchen All Purpose Sprayer handles a variety of cleaning, bug spray and even sunscreen formulas well.

Top Accessories For Comfort and Convenience

Once you’ve covered all the fundamental accessories related to function, you can turn your attention to extras focused on creating a cozy living environment.

Here are some of my top recommendations for convenient comforts:

Door Mat

An outdoor doormat collects dirt so it doesn’t track inside. It also makes your entryway feel homier.

NuLOOM makes a great machine washable polypropylene RV Door Mat that handles outdoor grime well.

Shelf Liners

Prevent items from slipping on shelves and drawers by lining them with grippy material. It also protects surfaces.

Duck Select EasyLiner Shelf Liner grips nicely without leaving residue behind when removed.

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains block light and add insulation so you can sleep better. Tailor them to perfectly fit your windows.

NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panels come in tons of size options to darken your trailer bedroom affordably.

Mattress Topper

Increase mattress comfort with a padded foam topper sized to your bed. Look for cooling gel memory foam to reduce heat.

Sleep Mantra’s Cooling Mattress Topper distributes body weight evenly with thick memory foam.

Most Worthwhile Travel Trailer Accessories: Summing It Up

As I’m sure you can tell from this extensive rundown, RV accessories abound, and it’s tough to equip a trailer properly as a new owner. Focus first on the fundamental accessories related to operation and protection. Then you can indulge in some of the many conveniences for storage and luxury.

I recommend making a master checklist so you can start acquiring must-have accessories methodically without blowing your budget all at once. And don’t forget to factor in the little add-ons like cleaning tools and shelf liners that make living easier. Properly outfitting your rig takes time, but enjoying the journeys ahead in your home-away-from-home makes it all worthwhile.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed walk through each critical category of travel trailer accessories gives you clarity on where to allocate budget first when outfitting your RV. While it’s tempting to want all the conveniences of home right from the start, focus first on safety, security and operation accessories before splurging on luxury upgrades. If ever you get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of add-ons available, return to these prioritized must-have lists to stay the course. Here’s to smooth travels and happy trails on the adventures ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute essential accessories I need before my first trip?

The bare minimum accessories for your maiden voyage are leveling blocks, wheel chocks, a sewer hose, fresh water hose, surge protector, water filter, water pressure regulator, and a water hose. Safety first!

How much do RV accessories typically cost?

Prices vary widely, but expect to spend at least $500-1,000 upfront in outfitting basics like hoses, electrical equipment and stabilization devices. Build over time as budget allows.

Where can I find RV accessories for good prices?

Shop both at local RV supply stores and online retailers like Amazon, Camping World and RV Part Shopper to compare deals on individual accessories or accessory bundles.

Can I bring accessories from my house to use in the trailer?

Sometimes. But remember anything not RV-specific hasn’t been designed for use in a vibrating vehicle, plus homes typically run 110vs, not 12V DC power. Buy specific.

Should I splurge on luxury accessories right away?

Probably not when you’re just starting if money is tight. Get road-ready first with functional accessories, then add comforts like mattress toppers down the line to get more life from your existing mattress.