Chapter 1 – Necessities on Day 1 of first camping trip.

Required statement:  Links in this chapter are to tools I have purchased via Amazon and I am an Amazon affiliate so I will make a small commission off of everything you purchase via my links, there is no extra cost to you.

Bare Necessities

Whether in your driveway or at a campground.

If you are going boondocking that is a different thing and more things are potentially required, like generator or solar panel setup, etc.

Ok this what I consider starter set of items, you will find more as your journey of RVing continues, got any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, think I missed something, either way send an email to info@RVingForNewbies.com or text 740-206-8522

Electrical Systems

Dog Bone Adapters

If you have a 50Amp RV, you need a female 50A -> male 30A adapter for those times when you are at a 30A ONLY electrical pedestal. Keep in mind you cannot run your entire 50A RV on a 30A pedestal receptacle, see Advanced Course on Electricity for explanation.

https://amzn.to/3gZQxYp

https://amzn.to/3gZQxYp

If you have a 30Amp RV, you need a female 30A —> male 50A adapter for those times when you are at a 50A ONLY electrical pedestal.

https://amzn.to/3qAYYfW

If you have a 15 Amp RV, you need a female 15A —> male 30A adapter for those times when you are at a 30A ONLY electrical pedestal and have a 15Amp plug, normally found on popups and small teardrop trailers.

https://amzn.to/2Y2yGJH.

Electrical Management Systems (EMS) & Surge Protectors

I recommend an EMS but if you choose for less protection at least have a surge protector.  An EMS protects you from high AND low voltage whereas a surge protector only protects you from high voltage.  Pick one of the EMS below or one of the surge protector based on your RV needs.

Combo Surge & EMS: Hughes Autoformer – Electrical Management System (EMS)

Hughes Autoformer 50Amp

https://amzn.to/3e4bJuv

Hughes Autoformer 30 Amp

https://amzn.to/2TBGNKV

 

50 Amp RV EMS & Surge Protector

Progressive Industries EMS 50 Amp
https://amzn.to/3gZiJZk

Progressive Industries Surge Protector 50 Amp https://amzn.to/3h1yG0Y

 

30 Amp RV – EMS & Surge Protector

Progressive Industries Electrical Management System (EMS)

https://amzn.to/3dFDnvx

Progressive Industries Surge Guard Surge Protector (30A)

https://amzn.to/2A5VMTu

NCVT (Non-Contact Voltage Tester)

Used to check campground pedestal before touching it, see Chapter 3: Introduction to RV Electricity 120 Volts Alternating Current (AC), Checking of Campground Pedestal (Basic)

 https://amzn.to/3r1qYcy

Volt-meter

One of the most important things you can purchase after the RV, it is indispensable when trouble shooting electrical issues.

Simple Volt/Multi-meter

https://amzn.to/2VZlGAm

Heavy Duty Volt/Multi-meter

https://amzn.to/2ZOJvvN

Fuses 12V DC

Be sure to pick up a couple 40A fuses also, will discuss why in Chapter 9 Electricity: Advanced

https://amzn.to/3iKoZ8c

Polarity/GFCI Tester

https://amzn.to/3xwmKfy

RV Electricity book

This is the best book on the market for learning about RV Electricity, hands down.

https://amzn.to/3zszzZc

 

Water/Dump Systems

Potable Water Hose

 https://amzn.to/3k0GtjH

Water Filter (assuming you don’t have an on-board water filter)

https://amzn.to/3xyFwDc

Water Pressure Regulator

https://amzn.to/3i1XFmq

 

Stinky Slinky, aka Sewer Hose

https://amzn.to/3hBGaud

Tools

Black Electrical Tape

https://amzn.to/3xyS0KT

Flashlight (these ones last a long time and are rechargeable,

I use them for my RV Inspection Biz)

https://amzn.to/3e4V49P

Electronic Level

To make sure your RV is level, if you have a propane/120V AC refrigerator, aka Absorption Type, this is essential.

https://amzn.to/3r1Np1s

Power screwdriver/drill

https://amzn.to/3hrQtkd

Tape Measure

https://amzn.to/36pJIZN

Tire Pressure Gauge

https://amzn.to/3k6iJuu

 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by Tireminder

https://amzn.to/3xtgpBA

Various sockets/wrenches, this just an example of one, you might have all the tools you need already but if not, look at this one.

https://amzn.to/3k5wnOo

Infrared Thermometer:

https://amzn.to/3mCPnFp

Various type of pliers (channel locks, regular pliers, wire cutters), this is an example set, you might have everything you need already.

 

Ok this what I consider starter set of items, you will find more as your journey of RVing continues, got any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.