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

[dmlranhc]

I would and always do have one of those humidity absorbing buckers, about the size of a bucket of ice cream. Especially in weather when windows are closed most of time. Human bodies give off more moisture than most people realize, and it can be damaging.

[alexisc]

Looks like there are a few different types of Progressive EMS's available (plus other brands). Are ya'll recommending the portable that gets plugged directly into campground electric or the hardwired version? A couple of links below.

https://smile.amazon.com/Progressive...WHCBWZ1ME&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002UC4S...ter_B01IWAR2OQ

[alexisc]

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. Especially in weather when windows are closed most of time. Human bodies give off more moisture than most people realize, and it can be damaging.

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

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by wrvond

Ditch Amazon and go to Walmart.
Inside the camper- take stuff from your sticks n bricks to outfit the bed, bath, and kitchen. Buy new for your home.
Spend a couple nights camping in your driveway, when you run into the house to get something, leave it in the camper.
Outside-
Water hose. The white kind is just fine (Walmart) get two 20 footers. You can put them together when necessary. The blue Camco water filters are pretty good. Save the caps, empty thoroughly, and store in refrigerator between trips. Get a brass 90 degree elbow to hook your water hose to. Letting it stick straight out from the wall places lots of stress on the connections. Stinky slinky- the Rhino from Walmart is great - get one long and one short section that'll usually do. Wheel chocks, leveling blocks, etc. - lots of personal preferences out there. I suggest using wood at first then upgrading to plastic logos, Anderson levelers, X-chocks, etc. when you have a better feel for what you like. However, Harbor Freight sells some really awesome rubber wheel chocks for not much money.

Not a fan of Walmart, so I'll stick to shopping from the comfort of my couch
Added a few things to my cart based on your suggestions:

Camco Water Filter

Camco 45 degree hose elbow (the 90 degree version is not available on prime)

Camco Rhinoflex 15' Sewer Hose

Still on the fence about levelers / chocks and what I need there. Not 100% clear on the benefits of them... I'm riding solo and maybe don't care as much as others do about being perfectly level or about bobbing around a bit... but I guess I'll know once I'm actually on an uneven site.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

At least RhinoFlex - Wastemaster system is better.

Get a Progressive EMS as well

Rhinoflex is in my Amazon cart

I wrote another comment about the EMS... do you have a specific version you prefer (hardwired vs the campsite plug-in)?

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by dbledan

Looks like you are starting new? I have created a similar list over time. Its expensive at first.

Sewer hose would get rhinoflex with clear 90. They are plug and play and come with everything you need.
Skip the lego levelers. Go with anderson levelers. Legos are good for stabilizers.

Definately add
progressive industries ems...50amp so you never buy one again...saved me first trip
Wheel chocks (x4) get good rubber ones so they dont slide or blow away
Sewer hose support
Paper towels/holder
TP holder (for some reason they give you these but don't install them in new units thus the drill or command strips below)
13gal Pop up trash can(s)
Quarters for laundry etc.
Some laundry soap
A good level or equivalent gadget
Plates (micro safe paper or not)
Bowls (micro safe)
Silverware
Nesting Mixing bowls
Measuring cups/spoons
Pots/pans (removable handles are best for easy storage)
Ice trays or ice machine for real entertainment if you don't have freezer or do but no ice.
Step stool for large first step
Dish sponges
Pillows
Sheets
Sleeping bags
Bleech (need to sanitize lines and tank on new unit and after winterization)
Something to fill water tank with (if camper config does not cover this many times just remove outdoor shower head)
Wasp spray
Led headlamp (think late arrival and no light setup)
Screw on Back flow valve
wand to wash black tank if no black tank flush (attach to above)
Tow mirrors (see backup camera below)
Jack or trailor aid for tandem wheels in case of flat.

Optional:
25ft cable for tv hook up
Small ceremic space heater with thermostat (saves propane when cold and no electrical fee) if cool
I would also add storage containers for hook up components
A foldable table for outdoor cooking
Command strips various types and weights for towels keys cups hats
Spice rack of some sort
Batteries
I packed a few extra shark bite connectors and some pex on first campout just in case.
Some rope or tie downs (awning)
Tent stakes
Awning shade
90 degree water elbow
Water splitter for your 2 hoses
Twist ties (trash cabinets and wires) our pots fell from cabinet and broke sink first trip.
Vaccume of some sort (got a small shop vac from walmart at 2am when my son threw up on first trip. Use it a lot for other things now.
A rug for outside
Door mat for inside
Screens for any openings for bugs (think wasps building nests in summer)
Wine cork screw and bottle opener
Xchocks to stop rocking (dont replace wheel chocks with these as they dont cover it)
Small dish dry rack (fits in sink for storage)
Pizza stone for oven to prevent burning
I found the new mattesses sucked and brought my sleeping pad as well or foam topper
Table cloth
A few bricks (holds table cloth or can be used as chocks if you leave them or for leveler pads)
Some sort of wifi extension i suggest alfa high gain usb antenna and alfa R36 repeater/extender. These are cheapest and other solutions are $300-$500 where these are $110 together.
Dry Slide lube
Slide seal treatment
RV antifreeze if it will freeze when you get back
Tension rods for cabinets and fridge
New locks to get rid of the generic keys
I use an induction or gas burner outside for cooking. Camper came with outdoor grill
Oxgenics shower head
Wheel covers
Hitch lock
Pin lock (deters theives in storage)
Extra pins (non locking if some lost)
Get a good rv (observation) camera if wired for furrion or Esicam and your phone/tablet
Extension cord 30 or 50 amp depending on rv.
Digital thermostat (analog sucks with 5 degree swing either way)
Fridge/freezer thermometer. Suggest wireless ones.

For 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

This is a great list - thank you. Yes, I'm starting from scratch but will be using a lot of things from my home because I have too much stuff there... so that helps a bit with the cost.

[Terier]

Originally Posted by alexisc

Upgrade them to what? How do I know the ones I'm getting are no good? (it is new, if that matters)

Sorry but I was referring to upgrade from the items the dealer will sometimes toss in as a starter kit. (The items in a starter kit can vary from one dealer to another.) I saw the difference in quality with the Rhino sewer hose and brought it at Wal-Mart.

My co-worker told me to upgrade the fresh water hose so I took her advice. Originally I was keeping the starter kit water hose as backup but it was among the stolen items when my trailer was broken into.

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by 2016 Ram 2500 373

I have a Rockwood ultra lite when slide outs are in position (out) do I need to support them especially when someone is sleeping in them

I only have one slide for the dinette and it seems pretty sturdy. Plus, it's just me, so no one will be bouncing around while it's extended

[alexisc]

Originally Posted by Terier

Sorry but I was referring to upgrade from the items the dealer will sometimes toss in as a starter kit. (The items in a starter kit can vary from one dealer to another.) I saw the difference in quality with the Rhino sewer hose and brought it at Wal-Mart.

My co-worker told me to upgrade the fresh water hose so I took her advice. Originally I was keeping the starter kit water hose as backup but it was among the stolen items when my trailer was broken into.

Gotcha. I admit I didn't pay a ton of attention when I bought the thing as to the quality of the hoses. I have the Rhinoflex in my Amazon cart but will wait to test out the 'free' hoses before I commit to buying.

[NMWildcat]

Honestly, for your first trip I would advise you not to buy much of anything. As long as you have a sewer hose, a fresh water hose with a pressure regulator, and tire chocks, you will be fine. Maybe leveling blocks if you don't have auto level.

The rest of the stuff you can get out of your house.

After your first trip or two you will know what you need/want and can make better decisions.

We have been doing this for over 30 years and our RV list is still changing

[pdqparalegal1]

I have been RV'n for over 30 years and read this forum daily. Always learn something new. What I haven't learned is how to get rid of things I carry that I don't need. Good luck and pleasant travels.

[robsshots]

Originally Posted by 2016 Ram 2500 373

I have a Rockwood ultra lite when slide outs are in position (out) do I need to support them especially when someone is sleeping in them

Definitely not. They need flexibility when the fifth wheel moves/rocks. Forcing them to be stationary could cause damage.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by alexisc

I 'should' be picking up my new Sunseeker 2290S next weekend, so I'm starting an Amazon shopping cart and ready to fill it with the essentials. What should I be buying to get started?

Here's a few items I have on the list so far:

1. RV toilet paper
2. Easy Liner (for cupboards & drawers)
3. Emergency+First Aid kit
4. Disinfectant cleaning wipes
5. Hand Soap
6. Dishwashing liquid/soap
7. Coffee
8. Kitchen foil
9. Zip lock bags
10. Small trash can
11. Trash bags

What else?

SUGGESTIONS FROM COMMENTS:


bug spray,
broom,
tank treatment,
stick lighter,
sun screen,
beer
extension cord,
tool kit,
leveling chocks,
30 amp 50 amp 15 amp adaptors,
water filter,
water pressure regulator,
fill hose,
drain hose,
toaster,
electric griddle,
grill,
camp chairs,
extra fuses,
board games for rainy day,
coozies for beverages
Upgrade sewer hose
upgrade fresh water hose

X2 We have them all.

[Terier]

I agree that a lot of stuff can wait especially until you have determined your camping style. I still borrow from the house for limited use items. Black Friday sales are great for picking items for next to nothing. My little crock pot was only $6 and still getting put to use 6+ years later. Yard sales can be great too.

I learned that I didn't necessary need separate specially items. For example I have used a beach towel as a table cloth for a folding outside table, folded as a pad on a one step stool that was being used as a foot rest and of course as a towel.

Another suggestion is to keep a little bit of clothing for both warm & cold weather in the RV. A couple items of both as back up is not much but can come in handy when the weather is much different than expected.

[robsshots]

I can add but two very helpful, inexpensive and small items.

1. A portable gas detector (for checking your propane lines) About $20 on Amazon and worth their weight gold. Find a gas leak once and you've paid for them several times over.

2. Digital air gauge - also available on Amazon for about $10. handy-dandy accurate read on your tire pressure, both trailer and truck. I am regularly surprised after camping in one spot for awhile to find my trailer tire pressure down from what it should be.

Full-timing since August 2014 in Rockwood Ultralight fifth wheel, about 20,000 miles of towing so far. Another Western swing starting in three days - will add another 5,000 miles this summer.

[Kimber45]

Originally Posted by 2016 Ram 2500 373

I have a Rockwood ultra lite when slide outs are in position (out) do I need to support them especially when someone is sleeping in them

Slide out supports are an option but I dont think they are widely used. I never have. There is an argument that says they cause binding and such, dont know for sure but they are not required.

[Mstrshop1]

Toilet Paper-- Buy the cheapest brand, but the way to check--roll off an amount you would use at one time place in 1-quart fruit jar or equal size container fill 3/4 full of water then shake vigorously for about 1 minute if it is all separated into the water it will work of but if there is still a big clump in the jar it is not good to use!

[rmac04401]

Start with necessities and slowly build up when you know how you are going to use your rig. Are you a total outdoor camper or are you the traveler, if your the latter your style may not warrent an outdoor grill, stove top, picnic table covers.

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by alexisc

Looks like there are a few different types of Progressive EMS's available (plus other brands). Are ya'll recommending the portable that gets plugged directly into campground electric or the hardwired version? A couple of links below.

https://smile.amazon.com/Progressive...WHCBWZ1ME&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002UC4S...ter_B01IWAR2OQ

I just bought the EMS-HW50C five minutes ago at Tweetys for $303.99 with free shipping. Best deal I could find. Here is a link.
Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C | RV Energy Management Systems

As far as hardwired vs portable.....
My last unit was a portable. I had to expose it to theft and the weather. I did have minor melting at the plug but it was replaced under the life time warranty. I also had to be outside to monitor my energy usage. This time around for the new trailer, I am going with the hardwired version so I can monitor the add on display from inside without the risk of exposure to the elements or theft.

[mdstudey]

A lot of great stuff on here, but I thing I did not see is fuses. We also carry the big Mag lighths in the truck and trailer along with head lights. We are still adding but now need to subtract some stuff as well.