'Getting started' shopping list - what should I buy?

[stellaandspike]

Buy gradually! You buy the rig and they don't tell you about the two grand you want to spend to get it set up, LOL. Command hooks just inside the door for keys and always put them there! Got that one from this site and it has been a lifesaver. Battery operated candles (Amazon), great for inside and outside when dry camping, turn them on with a remote (one inside is a great night light). Also a big battery operated Coleman lantern and a portable cell phone charger (Pocket Juice). You'll figure it all out based on the type of camping you do.

[Skip51]

x100 for just the basics (sewer hose, water hose, water filter, ect) then buying things as you see what you need. that being said, a few things to consider:
head light for set up/finding things in the dark
cheap multimeter from Harbor Freight for testing outlets and batteries, fuses, ect.
if you're not boon docking, an electric blanket is a good alternative to carrying extra blankets into iffy weather
adapters to to plug into 20, 30, 50 amp service.
Campground directory or app
maps or GPS (I recommend both)
some way of checking local traffic laws, example in New York driving you're MH on a Parkway is a $500 fine, New Jersey it's legal.

[3boxerss]

Hit up your local Dollar Tree for alot of the Kitchen, cleaning and stuff. I also got a 2 load size laundry soap and softener there.. We dont camp more than 5 days at a time so I have bought alot of the sample or small size of stuff and refill them.. Saves alot of space.. The "free" coupons from Harbor Freight for the small flashlights, bungee cords etc.. I had one of the wicker baskets that holds the silverware and paper plates that actually fit in one of those totes with mulitple pockets on the outside. Think a Thirty One knockoff.. That I put spices,salt & pepper Kitchen scissors, A1, etc in. Very convenient to just grab it an set outside. I also bought a couple diff sizes of white baskets from Walmart I use in the fridge and cubbards.. The two in the fridge are nice . I put condiments, pickles,olives, sliced cheese etc.in one and its easy to just grab the basket out of the fridge an set on the table. The other holds coldcuts, hotdogs etc.. At my Walmart these plastic baskets are located next to the Kitchen dish drainer racks and the metal shelf racks.. They will also stack if you flip the gray tab on the handles.. I love the convenience and less trips back an forth into the trailer...If you dont mind extra stuff to wash a twin fittet sheet will fit on most picnic tables...

[ben31]

I agree with alexisc and DouglasReid. Just get a rhinoflex sewer line. I've had mine for three years and it still works very well.

For some people, the "Basic" list includes a spare kitchen sink. You can add other things as you get the funds and the need to add them.

[stellaandspike]

Anyone mention rubber gloves for emptying black tank?

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by stellaandspike

Anyone mention rubber gloves for emptying black tank?

Nope, don't need 'em

[jeffnick]

We're going to try something new getting ready for a cross country in our new Pup. We're starting out with basically nothing. Our main overnights are Walmart lots, so we'll just pick up things we think about while on the road that day.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by dmlranhc

I would and always do have one of those humidity absorbing buckers, about the size of a bucket of ice cream.

UNTIL you or someone else knocks it over. Inside the camper. ICK!.

And, yeah, don't ask me how I know

Originally Posted by alexisc

Do you have a link to what you're using?

This is a better solution:
https://www.amazon.com/Improved-Eva-...rds=evadry+500

No mess, no fuss AND it is renewable!

[Kimber45]

I'm in love with the 1$ only story, where everything is 1$. I spent $90 today packing and getting my new camper ready for this weekend. To long of a list to even type. Everything from kitchen to bath to cleaning stuff.

[jeffnick]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I'm in love with the 1$ only story, where everything is 1$. I spent $90 today packing and getting my new camper ready for this weekend. To long of a list to even type. Everything from kitchen to bath to cleaning stuff.

The Dollar Tree is also especially good for medicine cabinet items.

[alexisc]

Love all of the suggestions... thanks to everyone who contributed. I'm not going to buy a ton of stuff up-front because I don't want to end up with things I don't actually need...but I compiled a list of the ideas posted above into a giant list because it'll help me remember the great suggestions and others may find it useful. I broke it into a few sections as well

RV Shopping List

Electric/gas:
extension cord
30 amp 50 amp 15 amp adaptors,
Progressive 50 amp EMS
portable gas detector
extra fuses

Plumbing/Water:
tank treatment (e.g. odorlos black tank treatment)
Upgrade sewer hose (e.g. rhino flex)
sewer hose support
Screw on Back flow valve
wand to wash black tank if no black tank flush (attach to above)
upgrade fresh water hose w/ pressure regulator (2)
Water splitter for 2 hoses
45 or 90 degree elbow hook for water hose
Water filter (e.g. blue Camco filter)
storage containers for hook up components / hoses
Rubber gloves for waste disposal
Hand sanitizer for after you take the gloves off ^

Kitchen:
Ice trays or portable ice maker
kitchen utensils / Silverware
stick lighter
coffee maker
coffee grinder
dish drainer
crock pot
forman grill
hand mixer
Paper towels/holder
Plates (micro safe paper or not)
Bowls (micro safe)
Mugs
Kettle
Pizza stone for oven to prevent burning
Nesting Mixing bowls
Measuring cups/spoons
Pots/pans (removable handles are best for easy storage)
Dish sponges
Small dish dry rack (fits in sink for storage)
toaster
electric griddle

Outdoor:
outdoor mat
camp chairs
folding table
table cloths for picnic tables
leveling chocks
exterior windshield cover
grill / bbq

Bed/Bath:
Pillows
Sheets
Sleeping bags
blankets
Electric blanket
Septic-safe toilet paper
toilet paper holder
Command hooks
Shower Squeegee
Shower gel / soap
Shampoo
Upgraded shower head
Air freshener

Cleaning / Household / Life Supplies:
Bleach (need to sanitize lines and tank on new unit and after winterization)
Disinfectant wipes
Broom
Floor cleaner
Glass cleaner
laundry soap
Dish soap
bug spray
sun screen
Wasp spray
Bear spray
13gal Pop up trash can(s)
Batteries
First Aid / Emergency kit

Electronics:
small vacuum
Digital thermostat
Fridge/freezer thermometer
Small ceramic space heater with thermostat (saves propane)
Digital air gauge
Led headlamp
Flashlights
battery operated candles / lantern
dehumidifier

Misc:
New locks to get rid of the generic keys
Tow mirrors (see backup camera below)
Jack or trailor aid for tandem wheels in case of flat
Damp rids/dehumidifier
Step stool for large first step
Quarters for laundry etc.
level or equivalent gadget
Wifi extension
board games for rainy day
maps /GPS
campground directory / app
bungee cords

Tools:
sockets for water heater annode (1 and 1/4 usually), lugs on new rig, WD hitch etc.
Adjustable wrench
Screw drivers
Drill and bits/drivers
Voltage tester (12v and 120) to troubleshoot
Tape measure
Duck tape
Electrical tape
Eternabond roof seal tape
Dicore if you find any holes
Hammer (BFH)
Gasline tape
Teflon tape (annode)
Dremmel tool
Scissor jack bit if you have manual scissor jacks

[Jonesin]

Need some good comfy chairs. I got these from Amazon with a truck mount. The only problem is my daughter steals my seat when I have to refresh my barley pop or other adult beverage.

Edit: Stupid interwebz turned my pics, sorry.

[jeffnick]

One More Time Around: Wolf Pup - Sewage

[stellaandspike]

Have copied your terrific list, alexisc. Thanks! This will be our second season and are still stocking up. One thing that is nice to have, especially for those of us with small rigs, is a 10'x10' canopy. Bought ours at Dick's Sporting goods for $50, and got the add on screens and rain shields. Very easy set up. Spent some rainy nights cooking, eating, and playing cards in ours. Put the picnic table inside, good to go.

[Jadenala]

Funny, I posted a very similar question a few days after you did. Congrats on your camper, I bet you are as excited as we are! We pick ours up next weekend (the 8th) and have our first trip planned a few weeks later.

Lucky for us we combined two households recently so we have all the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom stuff covered. We will be working on the TT specific stuff as soon as we pick it up.

Thanks for recapping the suggestions you've received, it's very helpful and I will probably nab it for my own use.

Congrats again!!

[wrsees]

Originally Posted by 3boxerss

Hit up your local Dollar Tree for alot of the Kitchen, cleaning and stuff. I also got a 2 load size laundry soap and softener there.. We dont camp more than 5 days at a time so I have bought alot of the sample or small size of stuff and refill them.. Saves alot of space.. The "free" coupons from Harbor Freight for the small flashlights, bungee cords etc.. I had one of the wicker baskets that holds the silverware and paper plates that actually fit in one of those totes with mulitple pockets on the outside. Think a Thirty One knockoff.. That I put spices,salt & pepper Kitchen scissors, A1, etc in. Very convenient to just grab it an set outside. I also bought a couple diff sizes of white baskets from Walmart I use in the fridge and cubbards.. The two in the fridge are nice . I put condiments, pickles,olives, sliced cheese etc.in one and its easy to just grab the basket out of the fridge an set on the table. The other holds coldcuts, hotdogs etc.. At my Walmart these plastic baskets are located next to the Kitchen dish drainer racks and the metal shelf racks.. They will also stack if you flip the gray tab on the handles.. I love the convenience and less trips back an forth into the trailer...If you dont mind extra stuff to wash a twin fittet sheet will fit on most picnic tables...

Great idea about the twin sheet for a tablecloth! Thanks!

[jeffnick]

Dollar Store is a good idea...we have a Dollar Tree where everything is a dollar. Small quantities of sunscreen, antihistamine, tooth paste/brush, aspirin, cough medicine, soap, shave cream, antacid -- anything that might expire before you actually need it.