Must have accessories for your motorhome

Author: RV Super Centre   Date Posted: 10 August 2022

 

When you’re exploring New Zealand by motorhome or campervan, your RV becomes a bit like a home-away-from-home. Your own comfy bed, your own bathroom, and a kitchen to create tasty meals whenever you’re in the mood for a bite to eat. What could be better? But to really make the most of your motorhome, there are a few must-have accessories and RV supplies that every campervan traveller should have on board.

Whether you’re heading off on a long weekend or an extended road trip, our handy guide to 10 must-have motorhome accessories will help keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure.

 

Top 10 accessories for your motorhome 

RV Super Centre shop accessories

Wherever you plan to go with your RV, whether it’s staying at a holiday park or campground, or if you’re heading off-grid, there are a few things you should always have on board. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Power adaptors 

A power supply lead that includes an RV adaptor is a must-have item of camper equipment if you wish to plug into ‘mains’ power. An adaptor allows you to attach your 240V lead into mains power so you can power up your RV lights, heating, and appliances. RV adaptor leads are waterproof with an enclosed plug, so you can use them when it’s wet outside and know that you’re safe and protected.

It’s a good idea to store your power lead safety stored in a cable carry bag within the external locker of your motorhome or caravan. This way, you know it’s safe, dry, and ready to plug in and power up when you are. Remember, only use a power or extension cord that complies with New Zealand Electrical Safety Standards and is safe for use in your motorhome or caravan.

 

2. Levellers 

One of the first things you’ll want to do once you’ve parked up at your chosen campsite is to make sure your motorhome is nice and level. Not only does this help make your living space more comfortable and easier to move about in, but it’s also important for ensuring optimal water drainage and performance of your RV fridge. Absorption fridges need to be as level as possible, with no more than a few degrees of slope. This is important as your RV fridge relies on gravity to help cooling liquids move through the fins and coils. Levelling your RV also helps water to drain freely through your water hoses to your grey and waste tanks and ensures your tank readings are accurate.

Some RVs come with built-in hydraulic levelling systems or stabiliser legs which simply require the push of a button to deploy. Another great option, and very cost-effective, is to use wedges. Levelling wedges come in either a straight finish – which requires chocks to keep the wheels in place – or with steps, which pocket the wheel at every height, eliminating the need for chocks.

 

3. Carbon Monoxide alarm 

There are a few must-have alarms that you should have fitted in your RV, and a carbon monoxide alarm is definitely one. These unobtrusive devices literally save lives by detecting carbon monoxide build-up produced by burned carbon fuel such as wood, propane, natural gas, heating oil, and gasoline. Carbon monoxide is virtually impossible to detect without a sensor. When burned in a safe, well-ventilated environment, it is quite safe. But if the gas builds up in a confined space, it can cause fatal poisoning.

Some carbon monoxide alarms include a long-life built-in lithium battery, while others run on disposable alkaline batteries. The alarms are easy to install on a wall or ceiling.

 

4. Gas detector 

Most RV travellers use LPG gas for cooking, which means having a gas detector to alert you to any leaks is vital. Some detectors combine gas and carbon monoxide detection into one alarm which can be a great space saver.

 

5. Freshwater hose 

Your freshwater hose is the link between your water tank and your tap or shower. When considering freshwater safety, many RV travellers focus on the hygiene of their tanks – which is definitely important. But it’s also important to be aware that the quality of your freshwater hose will significantly impact the quality and taste of your drinking water.

Standard garden hoses can leach chemicals into your water, creating an unpleasant taste and possibly placing your health at risk. A high-pressure hose made from food-grade material with brass connectors will deliver clean water and prevent leak hazards. When looking for freshwater hoses for your motorhome or caravan, check that it complies with AS/NZS4020 standards. This means it won’t break down and is safe for drinking.

 

6. First aid kit 

Whether you’re planning a weekend of hiking and adventuring, or you’re looking forward to relaxing with a good book and a glass of bubbles, a first-aid kit is a must-have motorhome accessory. Keep your kit stocked with essentials such as:

  • Plaster and bandages
  • Paracetamol
  • Eyewash
  • Cleansing wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Antiseptic wash
  • Face masks

Remember to add in extras that you or your travel companions may need, such as:

  • Regular medications
  • Emergency medications such as insulin, EpiPens etc
  • Asthma inhalers
  • Antihistamines
  • Medications for pets travelling with you

Don’t forget to restock your first-aid kit after each use and check it occasionally for expired products that may need replacing.

 

7. Toilet consumables 

A fresh, clean, hygienic toilet makes for a comfortable, more enjoyable motorhome holiday! And the good news is that with a few simple accessories – it’s actually pretty simple to do. We suggest keeping the following toilet must-haves on board:

 

RV-friendly toilet paper 

Household toilet paper can quickly block up your toilet – and no one wants that while you’re trying to enjoy a holiday. We recommend using a quality brand specificallydesigned for RVs, such as Thetford Aqua.

 

Porta-Paks 

Porta paks take all the hard work out of deodorising your toilet’s waste tank. Just drop one into your tank and add water. The paks dissolve and keep your tank smelling fresh for weeks.

 

Aqua Rinse 

Aqua Rinse adds a protective coating to your toilet bowl to keep it sparkling clean and prevent staining.

 

Toilet section in RVSC

8. Water purifier

When you’re travelling by motorhome or campervan, it’s vital that your freshwater tank is kept hygienically clean. Fresh water treatments help to keep harmful micro-organisms – such as E Coli, salmonella, and campylobacter – at bay. We recommend a treatment such as Pour n’ Go RV & Marine, which can also be used to sterilise your hands, fruit and veggies, and as a mild disinfectant for cuts and scratches. It’s also completely tasteless, odourless, and non-toxic.

 

9. Fire safety equipment 

Whether you’re at home or travelling, accidents tend to happen when you least expect them, so it pays to be prepared. In the unlikely event of a fire, having a fire extinguisher and fire blanket on hand can save lives, not to mention expensive damage. Three key fire safety items to keep in your RV include:

Fire extinguisher

A dry powder fire extinguisher can quickly extinguish fires from combustible materials such as wood and plastic, flammable materials like petrol, and electrical fires. Features to look out for include:

  • Compliance with New Zealand standards

  • Easy to read pressure gauge (and instructions)

  • Mounting brackets

  • A good warranty period

 

Fire blanket 

Made from heat-resistant fibreglass, fire blankets can quickly and safely extinguish small fires and prevent them from getting out of control. They can be used repeatedly, too, making them an economical must-have for your motorhome.

 

Smoke detector 

Just as you’d have a smoke detector in most rooms of your home, it’s vital to have at least one installed in your RV. We recommend using a photoelectric smoke detector which includes a light-sensing chamber that detects smoke and immediately activates the alarm. This type of detector includes a long-life built-in lithium battery. Other key features to look for in your smoke detector include:

  • Test button
  • Hush feature
  • Low battery warning
  • Strobe light warning
  • A good warranty period

 

10. Campervan awning

Offering vital shade and shelter from the weather, adding an awning to your motorhome or caravan can transform your holiday experience! A good awning can also extend much-needed space and help create a defined outdoor living area. There are a number of awning types available to choose from, including:

  • Wall-mounted motorised: These awnings include a 12V motor for fast and easy set-up with only one person.
  • Inflatable: Designed to offer an additional room or storage space, inflatable awnings feature tough double-coated polyester fabric and windows. They’re easy to inflate, too, with single-point inflation airframe technology.
  • Roll-out: Economical, durable, and simple to use, these awnings feature vinyl fabric designed to give you years of shade and shelter.

RVSC has an unbeatable range of motorhome accessories 

There you have our top picks for RV accessories to provide safety and comfort as you enjoy your motorhome travels. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our wide range of RV accessories and camping supplies.

 

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Thule Levellers with Carry Bag 2pk

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Comments (1)

Been there done that

27 February 2017
It's good having you people there @Albany for all our needs. The AB's. Alan & Ann Bennett.

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