Comfort essentials for the RV life

First and foremost, you know you. You know your comfort levels. Don’t just take someone’s word for it. Many videos paint a picture of a pleasant life that isn’t. They don’t tell you the real side.

So, just be warned, take what I say as a starting point and then, do you and not me!

Ironically, after publishing this, I saw this post. Again, do you.

Camp chairs

While mine broke last year, I find zero gravity chairs the most comfortable and versatile. For someone with a bad back, it is great. It helps take pressure off when it’s needed. With many camp chairs, I can barely move after sitting in them for just a matter of minutes.

Just remember, you get what you pay for in quality. If you’re a heavier person, strongly consider the extra money you’d spend for an oversized, heavy-duty chair. For people who are more petite, you can get away with almost any of them.

A fellow RVer told me that she was told that she wouldn’t want the heavy-duty camp chairs that she chose because she’d get tired of lugging them around. Well, you simply just put them in a compartment, but more so, I’d rather be comfortable and have a chair that will last years over a season or less.

Instapot/air fryer combo

Is it essential? Not really, but it can reduce cooking time. If you can’t use air conditioning like me, it’s a much better option than heating up the RV with propane, especially when cooking rice, potatoes, roasts, beans, soups, and stews. The downside is that you either need shore power or a generator.

Wheel chocks and leveling blocks

Do these make you physically more comfortable? Possibly. If your RV rolls away and crashes, then you might get hurt or for the very least, have your feeling hurt. But seriously, for that peace of mind and safety of others and their property, get some proper wheel chocks. And don’t get just one. For safety’s sake you should have two to prevent forward or backward movement. And, if you’re changing a tire, I’d chock every tire except the one you’re removing.

While you’re at it, you might want to get some leveling blocks. Even at paid campgrounds, your site can be very unlevel.

Solar or electrical hookups

This is probably kind of obvious but for the some of the things on this list or yours, you’ll need electricity.

Maxxair Deluxe roof fans

These fans are reversible and can be used in the rain. As an added benefit, if you forget to close the vent before travel, you’re good to go because it comes with a shield.

It should be noted that you might get some occasional drops coming through. But, it’s a great way to pull in some fresh air or pull out some hot air at night. However, in the heat of the day, I’ve found they simply aren’t that effective. I only use it as soon as the sun has dropped.

Five-gallon buckets

Get a five-gallon bucket or two. They come in handy for just about anything from an outdoor trash can to a vacuum bucket (buy a wet/dry vac that attaches to it). You can haul water, clothes, or maybe have an emergency toilet. You should be able to find the wet/vac top at Home Depot in addition to Amazon.

Gas camp stove

While you could, in theory, cook with wood and over a fire pit, you’ll want a gas camp stove for at least two reasons. The first is that you’re probably not always going to want to cook in the RV if you can help it. If it’s hot, cooking inside is just going to make it hotter. Secondly, if you’re camping in an area that is subject to fire bans, you won’t be able to cook with wood or coals.

Cozy bedding

You’re bed should be comfortable. You know you. Plan accordingly. Also, if you’re going to be doing winter camping or living in it full-time, be sure to have enough blankets to keep you warm even if you have heat. You never know when your heating system could go down.

Clothing layers

Always keep appropriate layers. It can be chilly in summer in some places, just as it can be crazy hot.

Extra water and food

Bad things happen, such as breakdowns. Don’t go off on a trip without enough water and food to get you by for at least a few days or more.

A big mat to catch dirt

Full-time RV living is dirty. You will track all sorts of dirt inside. If you have dogs or kids, multiply that times infinity. It’s just crazy. Get a mat for the door to catch some of the dirt.

Anti-fatigue mat with holes

An anti-fatigue horse mat with holes is a great addition to full-time RVing. Place it outside in front of the steps. They’re great for the rain and mud. I got mine from Tractor Supply, and it’s similar to these mats on Amazon. It’s 3 ft by 3 ft and also great for snowy weather. You simply clean off the snow, and the sun will melt any leftover ice or snow really quickly.

You can live with less

Finally, remember, you can live with less. You don’t need 40 changes of underwear unless you have some serious issues. Downsize and downsize some more.

Of course, we could add many obvious things to this list, such as cookware and dishes but this list isn’t about that.

For all the tools you might need, read, The RV life toolkit you might not know you needed.