Overwhelmed trying to figure out equipment needed

[bghouse]

Is there a list somewhere of what a new rv'er needs for equipment? I'm scouring forums, posts, etc. and getting completely overwhelmed. I'm really looking for a list with recommendations on which one. For instance, "sewer house" - my gosh, it's all over the place. I know that budget can be a determining factor - but I've even take a list with "budget friendly", "mid range", "expensive".

Someone needs to make a "new rv'er kit" or something - yikes, this is so confusing - hahaha

[JudyJB]

I would go as budget-friendly as you can in the beginning. First start with what you already own. Start tossing stuff into a box for kitchen and living, etc. Do you have tools? Put together a small toolbox. Also, living stuff might include first aid kit, sewing kit, flashlights, fly swatter, etc. Add dishes, and a minimum of cooking stuff that you already own.

The important thing is that if you don't own it, put it on a list, but don't go crazy shopping because you can do that on the road as you discover what your really, really need.


Then make a list of the essentials that you don't have, but absolutely have to buy before you leave. I would put things like sewer hose and fresh water hose on the list. Also absolutely need water pressure regulator and maybe thing for testing electric power, and bleach for sanitizing tanks. (Although I still have not bought a power tester.)

Keep it simple is the best advice I can give so you do not buy stuff you will not need. It is really easy to get carried away with lists someone else thinks you need!

[bghouse]

Thanks Judy. I have nothing, because I sold everything except my clothes and laptop equipment before moving to Mexico and renting a furnished place. So the "outfitting" part of my journey is going to eat into my budget and I'm trying to get a handle on this.

I think the essentials is where I'm trying to pull this together - maintenance, hoses, tools, etc.

[avalen]

Relax, it will work out one piece at a time. WalMart carries almost
all of the necessary stuff, and that's a whole cheaper than camping world.
Like Judy said, go through your kitchen stuff and put together a bit of
your stuff, tools, same thing. Everyone has several screwdrivers, toss a couple in
your kit. When I was sorting. I kept a laundry basket in the corner and when
I thought of something, I'd toss it in there. Extra towels, sheets, dish cloths, etc.
The first night I took my motorhome out I sat down and made a lust of things
I needed but didn't have yet. Turns out I never packed a coffee mug. Good thing
I had a disposable in the console from the day before.

[avalen]

Thrift stores, DAV, Goodwill, all good places to replace some
of those kitchen items you got rid of.

[Bethers]

And many items may come with the rv when you purchase.

[bghouse]

Thanks guys. I really wish I could say I had anything, even tools - but alas I don't. I have 4 duffle bags that fit in the trunk of my tiny car, with clothes and my laptop gear. Everything else must be purchased prior to leaving - I don't even own a coffee mug or a flashlight at this point. On the plus side, I don't have to worry about downsizing

I will most likely be purchasing an ex rental from either Cruise America or El Monte RV for many reasons that I don't want to bore people with. So it's possible that everything I need might not be included. Hence why I'd like to make my list, so that if it's not there maybe I can convince them to throw it in

[JudyJB]

Try Goodwill or someplace similar for a couple of pots and a frying pan, and some cooking utensils. You will need a couple of mugs (one wide one for soup) and some silverware and knives, but skip the dishes because you will be using paper plates and cups.

One thing you will need are some plastic storage containers and a small container with a tight lid for juice or other liquids. You need those to put leftovers into the refrigerator. Really just buy a handful of things to start. And you should be able to get all those at thrift shops. And as you travel, you can make lists and buy things on your way. Skip things like a crock pot, toaster, blender, etc. until you really know you will use them.

Good luck, but you will be surprised what you don't need.

[monik7]

I think you should try not to stress out about all of this. When I bought my RV 5 years ago, I had never even stepped into an RV. I bought the first one I looked at. I did quickly peek into a few others on the lot, but came back to the original. I knew nothing about RVs and RVing. You've gotten way more information from the ladies here than I had because I hadn't found the forum at that time. I've found paper plates are the way to go and I also use plastic disposable drinking glasses. You must know what you like on a daily basis like coffee, tea, etc. I bought one of those tool cases (bright pink ) from Walmart and I've only added a couple more things. You'll need several flashlights, small set of silverware (or go plastic), a small fry pan, small saucepan, a white water hose, pressure regulator, and start out with a 20' sewer hose. I also have a shorter sewer hose that came with my rig but only use it occasionally as the sewer hookup is generally farther away that it will reach. It does work well at dump sites though where you just drive right up and connect. I also have several sets of Trailer Life leveling blocks for those frequent times when camp sites aren't level. You'll also need some of the formaldehyde-free packets you throw in the sewer tank via the toilet. Wherever you go there will generally be a Walmart where you can get most anything that comes up once you take off. As you go along you'll think of things you need. Good luck on your new adventure.
Sandi

[Colliemom]

Garage sales, especially those with tools are great as is Habitat for Humanity Restore. RV's have pretty much sqare screws, so make sure you get a square head screwdriver. Roll if duct or Gorilla tape and WD-40 are good to keep around. Keep in mind, you are one person. Will you be traveling mostly alonevor having somebody along ocassionally. You don't need a ton of dishes, just enough for you. I carry 4 of everything, all Corelle. Paper plates are a mainstay of gatherings anyway. Don't overstock. There are stores out there. Remember, weight is to be taken into account when loading. The RV's not yours, i carry the basic tools, two whie water hoses, regulators, hose washers and a 90 degree brass elbow to attach to my water hose when hooking up to city water. It allows the hose to hang straight down rather than get a kink at the city water connection on the RV. A spare 30 amp cord, various adapters in case you have to plug into a different size plug than what you normally use, a surge protector, a multi plug strip and regular extension cord in case want to plug in something outside or RV plug isn't convenient, 20 feet of sewer hose with various attachments and a few little spare parts like clips for my weight distrubtion bars, hitch pin, valve cap for the sewer valve in case it gets cracked or broken etc. we all find what we use on our various rigs. Levelers are something too, as not all sites are level like they say, unless have then built into a MH, but sometimes they need them too. Some carry boards, some plastic leveler kits.

[OregonLuvr]

I have a lot of Dollar store items in my Motorhome. Some things I go very cheap with and others I like more quality. I cook when I travel so I like decent pots and pans. I have Corelle dishes. Paper plates. Ozark Trail travel mugs for keeping hot and cold drinks cheaper than Yeti LOL You can get them at Walmart but they are in the Camping section I just bought another one $7.50

Tools can also be bought at the Dollar store or Walmart. I did buy Robogrips at Sears on the recommendation of a couple of our forum sisters Now I cant live without them, couple screwdrivers, hammer and pliers. Measuring tape. You will add to it as you travel and find you need something. I now have a box of fuses, bulbs, etc But so far they are just along for the ride. Thrift stores can also be your friend but I would suggest you start with the basics and then you can add stuff that you find you want. Dont forget a camping chair and small table so you can sit outside and make a list of things you find you need ha ha

Happy camping

[snowball]

how good of a imagination do you have??? since you have pretty much nothing sit down and in your mind prepare your favorite
meal...what do you need to fix it??? write those down...so there you are sitting doing nothing what would you reach for to
keep the hands occupied? bedding will have to wait until you have your rig but you can put on your list must haves for the bedding
sheets do you like lots of comfy blankets or just a sheet I prefer flannel hard to find so if you do as well put it on the list
my husband had no less than 3 tool kits they are all gone except for what was in the trailer one day I will weed through those and keep what
I know how to use...you will need that square headed phillips had to replace mine cant find it now that I have it will show up ...
we can give you list upon list upon list...but what Judi uses or Sue or Sheila or Beth may not be what you need or want.
I see so many get so stressed over this. so much will depend a lot on the rig you get what if you get something that doesn't have much storage
space then what will you do with the stuff we all carry simply because we can ...Sue mentioned a water pressure gauge it is a must...some not all but
some campgrounds have high water pressure and you will need it hooking up water need hose write it down White Marine
hose for water....many people have the clear thing on their sewage hose I wish I did ....good luck in writing your list...then present it to us and perhaps
we will say did you consider this item??? in the mean time breathe breathe deep breaths and perhaps go for a walk clear the mind of stress
sheila

[havingfunnow]

Just to add to your confusion, there's that "individual" thing again. Everybody has their own essential items, and they are not the same items. I'd advise going as light as you can to begin with, so you can figure out what you really want/need.

I think your idea of a list of essentials to keep your rig running is a really good idea, especially if you can get the seller to throw in items. I don't do "amenities," so I can't be of much help there, but other people here have lots of idea. Obviously water and sewer hoses, electric cords of the correct rating, and basic tools to keep them up and running. If your rig has a battery and a 12-volt system, make sure there's a device (often built in) to monitor the battery levels and another to convert electricity to 120 if you want to use your regular appliances on battery power. Make sure the propane lines have been checked and everything there is fine, and get your propane tank filled right away. This part is just like buying a house -- what systems are present, and what is essential to use them?

I'm not happy without a first-aid kit and my toolbox, even though I always hope I won't need to use them! Something for light outdoors -- flashlight, headlamp, lantern? A real minimum of cookware and kitchenware, because you probably don't know yet how you'll like to cook -- indoors? outdoors? over a campfire? Dish soap, basin, dish towels, etc. Paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic cutlery until you know what and how much you want. Basic cleaning supplies. Bed linens or a sleeping bag and bath linens - absolute minimum to start with. Something to sit on outdoors. Maybe a tarp and stakes -- they have lots of uses.

I'm sure you already have clothes and toiletries, but include rain gear, a hat, insect repellent, and sun block.

Go as cheap as you can on anything that's not a safety/health issue. It's amazing what you can find at thrift stores (I especially like Habitat ReStore and university salvage) and garage sales. You can upgrade when you know what you will use.

Don't worry about it too much. If you forget something, you can run to the store, just like you would from a house!

[BarbaraRose]

OK, I am also going thru this process with my new trailer, but I think I pretty much have the essentials...

-20' sewer hose (kit comes with 2 10' sections, caps, etc) with a clear section to see what is coming out.
-disposable gloves
-2 10' white potable water hoses (for drinking water only)
-1 25' regular hose for rinsing sewer hose, etc. (not for drinking water!)
-small tool kit from Walmart, plus a square ended screw driver
-brass elbow attachment for water hose
-water pressure regulator
-30 amp electrical cord and adaptor
-set of leveling blocks (plastic set,much lighter than wood!)
-stabilizer jack pads (plastic)
-wheel chocks (plastic)
-lighter to light stove/oven and water heater
-tire pressure gauge

I have also purchased my own personal stuff, plastic plates ,cups and bowls (4 of each for a couple bucks from WM), plasticware, organizer shelves, plastic bins for the water and sewer stuff, bedding, bathroom stuff (shower curtain, shelving, etc), rubber shelf liners, kitchen stuff (a lot of that I already had), and just little things to personalize it for me to feel like home. The list above is the stuff you really need to start with. As others have said, you will think of things along the way and can pick those up as needed. You will know more once you get your RV and see what you need and want. Dollar store and Walmart are good places to save some money (as long as you don't look around in there too long! )

You can also google "RV must haves". There are You Tube videos of top ten things you must have, etc. Some are gadgets you probably don't have to have at this point but some really good ideas and money saving tips. Good luck!

[bghouse]

Thanks everyone - I definitely see some things here that I was scratching my brain over...

I had seen other people list the brass elbow attachment for the hose, but didn't understand why, so thanks for explaining that. And the square screw thing - I've never seen that mentioned before, so that was awesome to know...

I've been watching oodles of videos and have a whole section in my notebook about "gear" - but then it's sorting the must haves from the "save that for later" - lol.

I think my next steps is going to be to identify campgrounds near where I think I'm gonna purchase my rig, so that I can have a place to pull things together, outfit the rig, check for any stuff that needs to go back to the dealer, and then also sell the car before I take off since I'm not towing it. But keep the car initially after getting the RV so I can drive to Walmart a lot