The 6 Best RV Accessories For A Motorhome With Everything You Need

There’s nothing like making an RV your home away from home for weeks on end, or simply your home for some. What’s more, the best RV accessories make it even better. If you’re on a long road trip, you’re going to want to make sure you have the right gear, not only for comfort but also for health and safety.

Understanding your power sources, how much energy you use, and what to do with your waste is essential. To that end, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking into buying the best R.V. accessories.

Consider Your Energy Sources

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First off, RVs come equipped with either a 30 amp or 50 amp system. So you need to know what you’re working with to avoid frying your electrical and potentially starting a fire. You’ll be hooking your RV up to a variety of power sources. That means you must also be aware of how much energy the source that you’re patching into is feeding into your system.

Not only that, but there are times when you’ll need some help in reaching the power pedestal.

1. Extend Your Reach

As you might imagine, an extension cord comes in handy when you can’t get your rig close enough to the hook-up. However, there are a few things you need to know about to pick the best RV extension cord.

For example, an extension cord is a temporary alternative. What this means for you is that if you’re planning on living in your RV, you don’t want to use this accessory as a permanent solution. On the other hand, a heavy-duty extension cord is one of the best RV accessories to take on a road trip.

Here’s the thing:

There are lots of different kinds of extension cords; however, keep in mind that you want the amperage that matches your RV, and you also want an outdoor extension cord with a heavy-duty casing that provides additional insulation.

It’s all in the numbers

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By the way, there’s a number on your extension cord. The numbers indicate the American Wire Gauge rating or AWG, which rates the thickness of the wires as well as the number of wires enveloped inside the cord.

Here’s the confusing part; the lower the number, the thicker the wire. So for RVs, you need a lower AWG number and three wires. For example, an extension cord with a 14/3 AWG means that it has three thick wires inside.

You’ll want a rating of 14 or less to ensure the wires are durable enough for the great outdoors.

What’s more, for a 30 amp RV, you’ll need a low gauge, 30 amp extension cord. You’ll also want to use the shortest extension cord that will get the reach you need. Generally, 25 feet should do the trick.

Pro tip:

Never use an extension cord with a lower wattage than your RV. We’re reviewing 30 amp extension cords, and each of our picks also come in 50 amps. So make sure you pick the one that matches your RVs amperage.

Also, keep the connection off of the ground and don’t expose it to moisture or standing water. One more thing, it’s vital that you disconnect the extension cord by pulling on the plug and not the cable.

How we Reviewed

We looked at the AGW rating, made sure that the cords had molded ends for outdoor use, and picked a 25-foot cable to ensure the best output. Then we took a look at what customers had to say. Real user feedback matters more than manufacturer or professional reviews.

Back in black

No products found.

The Conntek 14363 fits the requirements we’re looking for in an extension cord. 

The Conntek 30 amp extension cord is adequate for the job; however, it’s potentially difficult to get a good grip when you’re disconnecting it from the power source. Also, the warranty seems less than optimum, and since the manufacturer is outside of the U.S., it may be challenging to get a replacement under warranty.

Though this one will do the job, it isn’t going to make it to the finals of our best-of list. Instead, we’ll suggest you look a bit further and get an extension cord that has something extra.

PROS

• Three-pronged 30 amp most common connection in RV parks
• Heavy-duty cable jacket
• Heat resistance to 221 degrees
• 10 AGW wire
• Molded plug and connector

CONS

• May be difficult to grip when unplugging
• Limited warranty available through customer service
• Made in China

Get A Grip And Keep It Together

Like the Conntek, the GoWISE Power RVC3003 has a 10/3 AGW rating which is excellent for RV use. Additionally, it has an easy-grip handle so you won’t run the risk of grabbing it by the cord to unplug it from the power source. And, this extension cord comes with a cable organizer that means you can keep it neatly rolled and packed away.Though the GoWise is a perfectly good extension cord, meets our basic requirements, and it has an easy-grip handle, we want more.

PROS

• Durable construction
• Molded connectors
• Handle tie
• 10/3 AGW
• Waterproof

CONS

• May be difficult to grip when unplugging
• No warranty
• GoWise is a home products company, so they likely do not manufacture their extension cords

The best RV accessories aren’t so shocking

Camco is based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has worked with RVs since the 1970s. Ultimately, the Camco Powergrip 55191 stands out above all others in its class.

This 30 AMP extension cord by Camco is the clear winner in the extension cord category for the best RV accessories. The company’s excellent reputation, the extension cord’s outstanding construction, and extra-large grip handle make it stand out above the rest.

PROS

• Safe and durable construction
• 100 percent copper wiring coated with heavy-duty flame retardant
• A flexible extension cord adaptor
• Their patented Power-Grip handle, big and sturdy
• Multiple uses in addition to campsites
• 10/3 AGW

CONS

• A handful of customers received defective or damaged merchandise

2. Don’t Fry Your Electrical

A surge protector is an essential accessory if you want a well-equipped RV. Here’s why: This little item could save your electrical system during a power outage.

Not only that you can use a portable surge protector to determine if the pedestals at the campgrounds you visit are working correctly, or at all. There are bound to be times when you pull in and find out that the power source you hope to use is out of order. Imagine having the ability to check before you maneuver your rig into a space with no power.

What we looked for in a surge protector

There are a few vital functions we want from a surge protector. Number one, we want it to be portable.  It’s also important that it has diagnostics to let us know, not only about the source we’re connecting to but how it’s affecting our system. And finally, a great surge protector should be weatherproof.

Lights off, lights on, all systems fried

It keeps your electrical safe in a power surge and from overheating from a miswired pedestal. It also resets when all systems are, go.

Additionally; the Blac​​k 34930 monitors and displays the voltage and amps drawn from the hook-up. Another nice feature is that it has an anti-theft locking ring.We think we can do a bit better because of the somewhat awkward design.

PROS

• Lighted LED display
• Monitors voltage and amperage from the power source
• Weatherproof
• Theft proof

CONS

• The hinge cover is hard to remove without the right tools

Is there power in that pedestal?

Progressive Industries’ SSP 30​​XL surge protector is a basic unit with three indicator lights that detect open ground, open neutral, and reverse polarity.

It also indicates a miswired pedestal and has a surge indicator light. What’s more, it has a shield that protects it from the elements.We’d like to see a better display with more information to give us everything we need from this RV accessory.

PROS

• Easy to install
• Good value
• Quality material
• Tech support
• All-weather shield

CONS

• Small, limited display screen
• Limited warranty
• Short life-span

Portable protection and the best RV accessories

Southwire’s Surge Gu​​ard 34931 is pretty special. It stands out from other surge protectors for several reasons and customers agree it’s the top of the line.

Even though this little unit costs a bit more than other surge protector options, we think it’s well worth the investment. If for no other reason, it’s a real plus to have the wireless connection inside your RV so if there’s an electrical issue you can get the information without having to run outside to the pedestal.

Fair enough?

PROS

• Runs a 10-second analysis to determine if the pedestal is in proper working order
• Will protect the RV’s electrical from unsafe voltage (below 102 volts above 132 volts)
• Detects elevated ground currents inside the RV (load side protection)
• Weather-resistant
• Lockring to protect from theft
• Lockring to protect from theft
• Easy to install and remove from the power source
• Connected equipment life-time warranty
• Optional wireless display for inside the RV

CONS

• More expensive than other surge protectors

3. Water Is Good Except When It’s Grey or Black

There are three kinds of water that you deal with in an RV:

1. Clean water for drinking, washing dishes, and bathing
2. Gray water from washing dishes and taking showers
3. Black water — Sewage from the toilet

So it probably comes as no surprise that one of the best RV accessories is going to help you dispose of gray and black water.

Pro tip:

Always use latex gloves

Start filling the tank with black water; finish with gray water

Empty the dirty water from the tank slowly

Handle with care

For large loads, the Tote-N-Stor 25609 has a 32-gallon capacity. And it has a convenient compartment for storing hoses, clamps, and fittings. Additionally, it has two rubber wheels and comes with a tow bracket.

PROS

• 36 inches of 3-inch drain hose
• A hose clamp
• Tow bracket so you can tow it behind the vehicle
• Storage compartment for accessories
• Low to the ground and easy to maneuver

CONS

• Rubber wheels may wear out faster
• Hard to clean inside

That’s a whole lot of … black water

The 32-gallon Barker ​​27844 4-wheeler portable waste tank has some great qualities, as the host from RV Parts Country points out.

For one, it’s easy to use, with a low profile and 3-inch valves, so there’s no lifting to dump the tank. It also has a fill indicator that lets you know when the unit is full as well as when it’s emptied.We’re concerned with complaints that it leaks sometimes. Who wants their black water dripping along behind them on the way to the dump station?

PROS

• 5-foot sewer hose
• Easy to maneuver
• Four wheels
• Long handle
• No lifting to dump

CONS

• Some customers complain that it leaks
• The wheels may not hold up well

Waste not; want not

Customers rave about it, and we can see why this one stands out. Unlike its competitors, the portable waste tank has a built-in cleaning system.

Self-cleaning is a huge plus considering that any leftover waste not only smells bad but it’s also a potential health hazard.Camco​​ Rhino stands out among the competition because of its durability and internal cleaning system.

PROS

• Heavy-duty wheels
• Low drain hole
• Durable
• Smooth inside with a built-in tank rinser

CONS

• May need a longer hose
• Sits high

4. The Best RV Accessories Give You a Boost

A cell-phone booster is must-have if you want to keep in touch with the rest of the world while you’re traveling through remote areas. Not only will it keep your phone online, but it will also boost your hotspot so you can use your laptop and other wireless equipment. Having a remote hotspot a real plus if you dream of traveling while you work.

Remote but not lost

One of the most important things about setting up your booster is to make sure that the outside and inside antennas are far enough apart to prevent feedback that results in less coverage. Next, you want to confirm that all the connections on the booster are tight. However, you don’t want them too tight, so use your fingers, not a wrench.

Finally, the higher up the outside antenna, the better. You can even use a telescoping flag pole so you can easily raise and lower the booster.

A corner on the market?

weBoost cell phone boosters are a leader in the industry, and the weBoost Drive 4G-X is their best booster yet. It provides the maximum coverage boost allowed by the FCC at 50 DB, as well as enhancing service both on the road and at home.

The weBoost package includes an indoor antenna for home or in your RV. It also has an omnidirectional antenna for the top of your RV. Plus there’s a Mini-Mag Antenna for to use in your passenger vehicle.Still, we need to dig a little deeper to get a better picture of whether the weBoost is the real winner in this category.

PROS

• 4G capability
• 32 times faster connection
• Improves GPS signal in remote locations
• A complete package for RV, vehicle, and at home
• Compatible with all U.S. carriers
• 2-year warranty

CONS

• It might be a challenge to install without some technical knowledge
• It can be difficult to reach customer support

Remotely perfect

​SureCall’s F​​usion2Go 3.0 can pull signals further than any other cell booster in its class, and it works with all the major American cellphone carriers. Not only that it reduces dropped calls, boosts GPS, and provides a clear and consistent signal.We feel like we need to confirm whether or not SureCall’s Fusion2Go 3.0 deserves a higher rating.

Here’s why:

In touch, no matter where you roam?

After exhaustive research, we’ve concluded that there are currently only two real competitors in the RV cell boost market at this time. Although there aren’t many 4 star reviews on Amazon for RV cell phone boosters, we believe that much of this is a result of consumers doing the installation. Without proper technical knowledge, it’s not likely you’ll get the result you want from any unit.

The good news is that you can get an excellent product with the results you’re looking for, as long as you set your system up correctly. So, in addition to looking into the two best RV cellphone boosters on the market, we looked to experts to show us how to hook it all up.

Boost it up

SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 versus weBoost. We want to hear an expert’s opinion.

In this side-by-side comparison, we can see that SureCall has better antenna options and more cable. While weBoost includes better packaging, permanent mounting accessories, and hardware supply.

Ultimately though, SureCall’s newest edition, the Fusion2Go 3.0  outperformed the weBoost in this side-by-side comparison. To that end, our pick for best cellphone booster is the Surecall Fusion2Go 3.0.

Now, let’s get cozy.

PROS

• Weatherproof
• Powerful outdoor antenna
• LED indicators
• Long cable
• multiple user capability
• 3-year warranty

CONS

• Need some technical knowledge to install
• Could have more durable hardware
• Needs better packaging

5. Comfy Cozy

If you want a comfortable night’s sleep, then an RV mattress is arguably one of the best RV accessories. In fact, you’ll probably want to replace your RV’s standard mattress right away.

Here’s the thing: The best way to ensure that you get a mattress that fits properly is to measure the platform.

When is a queen, not a queen?

To make a point, we based our review on a short queen-sized mattress that measures 60 inches wide by 75 inches long because that is a pretty standard RV platform size. Comfort is our top priority, as well as hygiene; so we went with memory foam because these mattresses are known for both.

The Serenia S​​leep eight-inch memory foam mattress boasts a stretch knit cover and open cell memory foam construction for even weight distribution. Not only that, it’s CertiPUR-US Certified, which means it’s hypo-allergenic. Perfect for sleeping in an RV.Although we like the looks of this mattress, we feel there’s a better choice for longevity.

PROS

• Good value
• Quality construction
• Comfortable
• Pain relief
• Certified hypo-allergenic

CONS

• Too firm for some users
• May sag after moths of use

The best RV accessories for dreamy comfort and support

Two inches of memory foam, plus two inches of pressure-relieving comfort foam, supported with four inches of high-density foam definitely elevates this mattress. Additionally, instead of a petroleum product, the Zinus D​​eluxe uses BioFoam, with natural plant oil.While there were very few complaints about this memory foam, we hope to find one that doesn’t make the RV smell bad

PROS

• Biofoam
• Durable construction
• Comfort
• Highly recommended
• CertiPUR-US Certified

CONS

• Strong odor
• Corners may not inflate completely

A cool difference; no pressure

This memory foam mattress has everything we want and more. The Travel Happy cool, sleep gel memory foam mattress is indeed one of the best RV accessories you’ll find.

Travel Happy sleeps cooler than other memory foams, and there aren’t any complaints about odor.Unlike regular memory foam mattresses, there’s no odor, and it won’t make you too hot when you’re sleeping. These factors make Travel Happy is our clear winner for the best RV accessories in the bedroom.

PROS

• easy to assemble
• Comfortable
• A good value
• Quality sleep
• Doesn’t sleep hot

CONS

• May be too firm for some users

6. If You Can’t Take the Heat

Pressure cookers have come a long way in the past few years, and what makes them excellent at home also makes them one of the best RV accessories for your home away from home. This all-in-one appliance won’t heat up the kitchen.

​ Healthy And Happy On The Road

It comes with a stainless steel pot, a steamer basket and an app for recipes. Not only that, you can cook a variety of foods; you can even make yogurt.

We like the looks of the Meathy ​​Multi-Pot, and the app would come in handy while you’re learning a new tyle of cooking.

PROS

• Cook multiple foods at the same time
• Easy touch programing
• Recipes and how-to videos via the app

CONS

• Pressure cookers can be hazardous if not properly handled
• A few customers received a defective cooker

The best RV accessories: One easy meal

Of course, Instant Pot is the name that everyone thinks of when they think of a multi-pot pressure cooker. So it’s no wonder that the Instant Po​​t DUO80 has over 34,000 people reviewed this item.Although Instant Pot is a leader in the industry, we’re not sure this is the best multi-use pot for us. We’d like to see better customer service and some help getting through the learning curve of one-pot pressure cooking.

PROS

• Stainless steel cooking pot
• 3rd generation technology
• 10 safety mechanisms
• Steam rack with handles

CONS

• Have to purchase the cookbook
• Fewer settings than its competitors
• Hard to reach customer service

Ready, set, and go

The Simfo​​nio is a cut above, as a 10-in-1 multi-function pressure cooker.

There are a few things that make the Simfonio electric pressure cooker stand out. Not the least of which is the safety features. As we mentioned earlier, pressure cookers are dangerous by nature.

However, the built-in safety mechanisms make this pot the safest on the market. Also, the large LCD screen and cookbook, as well as 10 functions make this one-pot cooker the clear choice for your RV.

PROS

• Patented secure protection technology
• Large LCD Panel
• Simple to use
• Comes with a cookbook
• Auto-warming, pasteurizing, and pressure regulation

CONS

• A couple of customers received a defective appliance

Our Best RV Accessories Six Top Picks

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1. Best extension cord

The Camco Powergrip 55191 is best in its class for a 25 foot, 30 amp extension cord that you can rely on for quality construction. We appreciate their patented Power Grip handle that ensures we won’t damage the cable.

2. Best power surge protector

Southwire Surge Guard’s surge protector takes the win for the best power surge protector. It’s all about communication with this one, as well as the optional wireless adaptor that adds the next level of convenience.

3. Best waste holder

When it comes to a portable waste holder, you can’t beat the Camco Rhino. For one, the heavy-duty construction and big solid wheels mean you’ll get a lot of life out of this unit. Even better, the internal cleaning system makes it more sanitary than its competitors.

4. Best Cell-Phone Booster

We chose SureCall Fusion2Go 3.0 as our pick, based on the side-by-side expert comparison. One note: If you’re not technically inclined, then it may be worth getting a professional installation.

5. Best RV matress

Travel Happy is hands down the best memory foam matress we found. It’s comfortable, doesn’t smell bad, and keeps cool throughout the night. What more could you want for a good night’s rest?

6. Best slow cooker

When it’s all said and done, the Simfonio electric cooker is our pick for one-stop cooking. We like that it has 10 setting options and are impressed with the safety features.

Gear Up and Head Out

Now that you have a list of the best RV accessories for a motorhome with everything you need, you can move on to refining the little details. The truth is, the more you’re on the road, the more you’ll discover ways to make your RV a home away from home.

Do you have ideas and suggestions to enhance the RV experience? Please feel free to leave a comment, or get in touch with us via our contact page. We always want to hear from fellow road warriors.

Now let’s gear up and head out.

Last update on 2023-05-06 at 08:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API