Are you a new RV owner or looking to buy your first rig? There are a lot of exciting bells and whistles on the market today that can make your RVing experience even more comfortable and memorable. But before you start investing in all these extra RV accessories, it’s essential to know what is necessary for life on the road – read on to find out our top 5 accessories that new RV owners do not need!
Satellite Dish
Don’t waste your money on a fancy RV satellite dish. Most campgrounds have WiFi for internet access you can use to stream instead. In addition, your phone can typically be used as a hotspot, or you can get a mobile internet device such as a MIFI that can be used for all your Internet needs. Streaming services have become the norm and are much cheaper than buying a satellite dish system. Lastly, if your RV has an antenna for local signals, you can access dozens of free channels. Enjoy them without spending extra money on a satellite dish system.
A satellite dish is unnecessary to have a good time in your RV. Instead, you can save money by taking advantage of the resources available to you, such as WiFi and streaming services. And if you want access to local channels, use the RV’s built-in antenna. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of television without investing in a costly satellite dish system.
RV Dealership Extended Warranties
An extended warranty will give you peace of mind as you enjoy your RV lifestyle. However, pass on the extended warranties from the dealership, and get one through a broker instead. The extended warranties the dealers offer are often overpriced, and you may not get the best coverage. If you purchase an extended warranty from a reputable broker like Wholesale Warranties, you can tailor the coverage to your specific needs. Wholesale Warranties can help you find the right extended warranty for new and used RVs (up to 20 years old). The company can also help you get an independent RV inspection before you sign on the dotted line. This will help inform you about the condition of the RV.
Extended warranties are not one size fits all – there are many different levels of coverage at different prices. When comparing policies, be sure you know what’s covered, for how long, and at what cost. A broker can help you find the best option that fits your needs and budget by shopping around. They can also answer questions so that there are no surprises later on down the road.
A Bunch of Gadgets
There are many RV accessories that are in the category I call “gadgets.” Don’t purchase decorative items like wind chimes, a giant flagpole mount, or flags until you have tried out the RV lifestyle for yourself first. For starters, you only have a limited amount of storage space so by taking your RV a few times first, you’ll get an idea for the things you really need for your preferences. Too many people go out and buy thing off of an influencer’s recommendation without knowing if they will be a good fit for them. You’ll especially want to wait to buy extras like extra solar panels until you know how often you’ll be using them. If you plan on short trips, these extras may not be necessary.
Regardless of RV type, the most important things you’ll need are a surge protector or electrical management system, water filter, sewer hose, and power cord. Otherwise, you can get plenty of enjoyment in your RV with the basics like kitchen supplies such as dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment, as well as some storage containers and cleaning supplies. Then once you start camping more, you’ll notice which items are important to you. For example, if you spend much time in your outdoor space, you may want a fancy grill or nice camp chairs. On the other hand, if you plan on camping in cold climates, you will need space heaters, dehumidifiers, and added insulation material.
Books
This one is not necessarily considered in RV accessories unless you are an avid reader, but if you plan on taking extended trips in your RV or living in it full-time, don’t overfill it with books or magazines. Books weigh a lot, and RVs have strict weight limits, not to mention the towing capacity of your tow vehicle if you have a travel trailer or fifth wheel. We are avid readers and opted for a Kindle to take our reading on the road. It’s lightweight, and we can download as many books as we want without adding extra weight.
You’ll also need to consider where to store your books when you’re not using them. Even though RVs are spacious, there is limited storage space. It takes a bit of effort to make the most out of it. Consider pouches and boxes to store items you don’t often use, like board games, cards, or extra blankets. Utilizing the space under couches, beds, and benches can be a great way to ensure everything has its place.
An Expensive Onboard Generator
Don’t Rush to Buy an Expensive RV Generator. A portable generator will do just fine to handle basic needs such as powering a few lights and small appliances. However, if you plan to camp in remote locations or use your RV for long periods, investing in a higher-capacity generator with more features may be worth the added expense. Consider what type of power requirements you have and how often you will need to use the generator, then make an educated decision that fits your budget and needs. If you use your RV frequently, investing in a top-of-the-line model with extra features like a remote start may be worth it. Take a few trips to determine how much electricity you are consuming.
We had an onboard Onan generator in our first RV. Unfortunately, the generator was not fuel-efficient and generated way more power than we needed. In our second RV, we elected not to get the onboard generator. Instead, we purchased two portable generators that can be linked. They are much more field efficient and are perfect for our power needs. We only take them when we know we are going to need them. Lastly, make sure to research different models and brands and read online reviews before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Many different RV accessories can accompany owning a rig, from satellite dishes to onboard generators. But some bells and whistles come at a cost or have little use and may not be necessary purchases. We’ve highlighted five essentials new RV owners don’t need. However, this is not a comprehensive list of what you should skip out on. Doing your research and diligence before handing over your credit card is important. Even if you know what type of RV you want, there can still be unanticipated costs and items to factor in. So, take the time to find out what works best for you. Although we’ve discussed some great tips, we know we’ve only touched the surface—we want to hear from YOU! Let us know what we missed by commenting or using our Contact Us page.
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