10 Must-Have RV Accessories that You’ll Want to Buy Now

Considering life on the road? Don’t forget to pack these 10 must-have RV accessories. They’ll make existence in your small home much better. This post contains affiliate links.

My boyfriend’s parents recently retired and have struck out for “life on the road.” They’ve given away, sold or stored all of the home furnishings and packed a large RV that they plan travel the country with this year. Consequently, we’ve learned a lot about living in a motorhome.

While most of the preparation has revolved around downsizing, we’ve had the time to interview other full-time tiny house and RV homeowners, other retirees who travel frequently (including my parents) and seen the needs of my boyfriend’s parents as they’ve made the transition.

Just before the drove off into the sunset, we filled a cooler with all the must-have RV accessories they were missing (and a few just for fun things too). There are hundreds of sites and sources for the technical items every RV must have (like dump hoses, y valves, levelers and the like), so today I am sharing a list of items that runs a bit on the lighter side – must-have RV accessories!

10 Must-Have RV Accessories

1. Instant Pot – Hands down, my most efficient small kitchen appliance is my Instant Pot. I love it! It’s perfect for living on the road, because of it’s extreme flexibility. I’ve used it to cook everything from lobster bisque and an AMAZING chicken dish to cheesecake. An added bonus? It’s not going to heat up the whole RV.

I have this 6qt Instant Pot, which works well for my boyfriend and I or a large crowd equally as well. There is a “fancier” version on the market now for about $40 more dollars, if you’re looking for an even more sophisticated pressure cooker (it’s an Amazon Best Seller). If you want to look past the name brand,  check out this list of electric pressure cookers.

2. Collapsible Food Storage and Baking Accessories – Collapsible items are GREAT space savers and store in the smallest of spaces. A collapsible colander is perfect for washing fruits and veggies, as well as draining pasta. These collapsible bowls are great for mixing or for using as serve-ware for your side dishes. If you love to bake, these collapsible measuring spoons and cups are a fantastic idea.

3. Small pitcher – Depending on the size of your small fridge, you’re probably going to be looking for an 8 to 16 ounce container. We purchased a simple Rubbermaid bottle for the RV. They store up nice and tight, fit in the door and don’t spill if tipped. They’re great for mixes like Kool Aid or Crystal Light, or just for keeping water cool.

Another great option would be the individual Swell bottles. They’re beautifully designed and they also keep hot drinks hot.

4. Kitchen Storage – It’s important to keep glass and other items from sliding around in transit and it doesn’t hurt if the storage device helps keep things looking uniform and neat. We love these Stack a Plate storage devices. They fit perfectly into RV cabinets.

Another great option is this paper plate dispenser that can be installed under cabinetry in the kitchen area. It’s large enough, I think you could keep the “reusable” paper plates made from melamine inside. Yay for unique storage!

5. Picnic Clamps – We live in a windy area, so these inexpensive $3 picnic clamps come in handy all of the time. They’re also prefect for RV’ers who frequently eat outside on picnic tables in canyons. They pair super well with these adorable gingham fabric tablecloths, but also do well with vinyl tablecloths that are easily wiped down.

Speaking of picnicking, I have my heart set on purchasing this fun waterproof picnic blanket. Initially I intended to create a DIY version, but priced under $12 it’s a bargain!

6. 3M Tabs and Hooks – I always, always have a supply of 3M tabs and hooks on hand in the house. Their ability to hold a lot of weight, while still easily removed makes them perfect for life on the road. I use them in my own home to hang everything from artwork to utility hooks. We’ve found that they’re indispensable in the RV.

The 3M tabs and hooks I use most frequently include: medium velcro tabs, large command strips, utility hooks and brushed nickel hooks (these look great).

7. Battery Operated Puck Lights – These little peel and stick lights are perfect for under cabinets or in dark corners. We purchased this set of two for the RV, BUT I have this larger set, with a remote control, under the cabinets in my home kitchen and I love it.

8. Collapsible Trash Can – When you’re living in limited space, every single inch counts. A collapsible trash can can easily be stowed away when not in use, but while parked it can corral a whole lot of mess. We purchased this smaller camp version for use inside the RV, but I love the idea of these huge collapsible trash “boxes.”

And, I’m in love with this pretty collapsible gingham trash bin, it’s perfect for placing out by the picnic table.

9. Dyson Cordless Vacuum – I use this amazing little piece of technology in my house. It’s pretty much the most thing ever created. It’s a super powerful little vac that will clean up all sorts of dirt and debris, plus it’s size makes it fantastic for small spaces!

10. Igloo Rolling Cooler – I have to admit, I initially purchased the rolling cooler for picnicking, BUT I realized it would be great for day trips. Not only does the top zip off to hold plates and napkins (it doubles as a table), but the storage capacity is fantastic. The cooler easily comes away from the fabric for cleaning and, since I love to overpack the wheels make light work of moving everything around! We packed up the first one I purchased, but I am going to run out to grab a new one for our own use this weekend.

My boyfriend’s parents love all of the new, functional items they’ve acquired for the RV and are excited to be on the road. Do you have any must-have RV accessories that ought to be added to this list?

Oh, and if you’re looking for the fun print + cut “Happy Trails” gift tag, you can grab it for free here!