Comfort essentials for the RV life: My top gear picks

First and foremost, you know your own comfort levels better than any influencer. While many videos paint a picture of a perfect life, the reality of full-time RV living can be rugged.

Take my advice as a starting point for your own RV gear checklist, but always prioritize what works for your specific body and travel style.

Zero gravity camp chairs

While mine broke last year, I find zero gravity chairs the most comfortable and versatile RV patio furniture. For someone with a bad back, these are essential comfort items for campers because they help take pressure off the spine. With many camp chairs, I can barely move after sitting in them for just a matter of minutes. So, the best RV patio furniture for back pain is often a zero gravity chair. This, of course, depends on the source of your pain. Each person is different.

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.

Instant Pot and air fryer combo: A full-time RV kitchen must-have

Is it essential? Not really, but this is one of the best RV kitchen gadgets for saving time. If you are boondocking (camping without hookups), you’ll need a power station or generator, but for those with shore power, it’s a game-changer. It prevents your living space from turning into a sauna, which is vital for summer RVing.

Heavy-duty wheel chocks and leveling blocks for a stable rig

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 feelings 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. If you’re wondering how to stay cool while boondocking, fans are a great help.

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 composting toilet. You should be able to find the wet/vac top at Home Depot in addition to Amazon. These are indispensable for budget RV living.

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 three 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. Lastly, you want to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and excessive moisture.

Essential clothing layers and cozy bedding for winter RV living

Your 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.

Always keep appropriate clothing layers in the RV. 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. I also recommend a simple inline water filter to ensure the water you do have tastes good and is safe to drink.

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 horse stall 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 or maybe lack access to laundry facilities. Downsize and downsize some more.

Of course, we could add many obvious things to this list, such as cookware and dishes, but this list is about the specific comfort essentials for the RV life that make or break your daily experience. Most of these items solve the hidden stressors—like back pain, heat, and dirt—that influencers often gloss over.

Frequently asked questions about RV comfort

Conclusion: Finding your perfect RV gear setup

The secret to a successful RV gear checklist is balance. You don’t need every gadget on the market, but investing in high-quality full-time RV living essentials like a solid chair or a reversible roof fan will save you money and frustration in the long run. Start with the basics, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working for your lifestyle.

What is the one comfort item you can’t live without? Leave a comment below and share your favorite gear finds with our community of travelers!

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