While the idea of getting out into nature and traveling in your own personal, portable hotel room can be thrilling, it’s not always easy to choose the right RV upgrades before you go on your first trip. To make sure you have everything you need to take the best possible trip, check out this list of essential RV upgrades for your first camping trip:
- Invest in better tires
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an RV must be in want of new tires… We learned it the hard way: On our first three RV trips, we had 4 blown-out tires. In words: F – O – U – R. It was definitely not fun. After that, we bit the bullet and upgraded to a set of high-quality tires – and haven’t had an issue yet. So even though it might be a little spendy, it’s well worth the piece of mind you get. - Make the switch to LED light bulbs
These ultra-efficient bulbs last longer and put out less heat than incandescent lights. Plus, if you are staying at a campsite with no electricity, your battery will last significantly longer. There are a couple of different types, so make sure you check which ones you need.
These are two of the most common ones
Round base LEDs
Flat base LEDs - Get a new mattress
If you’re hitting the road in an RV, you’ll want to invest in a good RV mattress. It may cost a bit more than a regular mattress, but it will be far more comfortable and durable. We got a Morgedal Foam Mattress from Ikea, but there are tons of options out there. Just make sure it’s not too heavy. - Switch your locks
You have probably heard this many times by now, but some things can’t be said enough: Switch out your RV’s locks! Many RVs are equipped with the same locks – so if you don’t invest in new ones, chances are, your campground neighbor’s key will open your camper as well. That’s great if you lost your keys… but not so great, if you like to keep your belongings safe. Here are our recommendations:
Carmtek – RV Keyless Entry Door Lock
RV Storage Locks - Stove Cover to extend counter space
I don’t know about you, but I already have issues with the counter space in my home… don’t even get me started on the practically non-existing counter space in an RV. An RV stove cover not only gives you extra room to prepare food or store stuff whenever you are not cooking. It’s one of those little things that make a big difference.
Oak Accents Universal Stove Top Cover - New Shower Head
Let’s face it, there are few things in life that are worse than showering under a trickle. That’s why one of our favorite RV upgrades was a new shower head. The one we got even had a super neat switch-off button – so you could just stop the water flow to shampoo your hair and conserve precious hot water this way. And best of all, it was just as easy as replacing a regular fixture.
High Pressure Shower Head with On/Off Switch