There’s a certain romance to the open road, a feeling that’s hard to beat. But let’s be honest, getting there isn’t always glamorous. RVing is a hands-on lifestyle—it’s about problem-solving, a little bit of grease, and the satisfaction of a job well done. It requires a certain kind of person, one who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty and learn as they go.
We sat down with one of our seasoned experts, Scott, a man who has seen, fixed, and trailered it all. He’s spent countless hours on the road and at the campground, learning the ropes through good old-fashioned trial and error. We’re pulling back the curtain and getting answers to some of the most common—and critical—questions that RVers have on their minds. This is a straightforward conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and why it matters.
Here’s what you wanted to know.
Question: I’m a total newbie. What are the absolute essential products I need to get started?
Answer: This is the million-dollar question, and getting it right from the start can save a world of headache. You can get overwhelmed with gadgets, but a seasoned RVer will tell you to focus on the fundamentals. The essential toolkit comes down to five key areas:
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A Water Filter: Don’t ever hook up to a campground spigot without one. The quality of water varies wildly from place to place. A good inline filter, like the Camco Tastepure Water Filter, is non-negotiable for keeping sediment, chlorine, and other unwelcome tastes and odors out of your drinking water and your RV’s plumbing.
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A Water Pressure Regulator: This little brass fitting is your plumbing’s best friend. Some campgrounds have shockingly high water pressure that can blow out your lines and create a mess. The Camco Brass Water Pressure Regulator keeps the pressure at a safe, steady level.
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An RV Sewer Hose: It’s a dirty job, but a good hose makes it manageable. Opting for a complete kit like the Rhino Sewer Hose Kit gives you everything you need right out of the box.
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A Leveling Solution: Your RV needs to be level for two big reasons: comfort and appliance function. Your refrigerator, in particular, needs to be level to work correctly. Plus, nobody likes sleeping on a tilt. For a beginner, a set of FasTen Leveling Blocks is incredibly user-friendly.
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A Set of Electrical Adapters: You can’t assume the power pedestal at your campsite will match your RV’s plug. Having a set of Power Grip dogbone adapters for 15, 30, and 50-amp connections means you’re prepared for any setup you roll into.
Master these, and you’ve got a solid foundation for just about any adventure.
Question: What is your single best sanitation tip for a new RVer?
Answer: This one is simple, but absolutely crucial for managing your holding tanks. Always—always—keep your gate valves closed until you are ready to empty the tanks.
By keeping the valve closed, you allow liquids to accumulate along with the solids. When the tank is full and you’re ready to dump, you pull the valve and the resulting rush of water flushes everything out cleanly and completely. Always dump your black tank first, then follow it with the grey tank. The soapy water from your grey tank will help rinse any remaining residue out of the sewer hose. For extra credit, toss a TST Pro Drop-IN into the tank after you're done to help break down any remaining waste and keep odors at bay.
Question: How can I improve the water pressure in my RV shower?
Answer: That weak shower stream is a common complaint, but you can definitely improve it. The key is to maximize the water pressure that's coming into your RV in the first place, but you have to do it safely. You never want to exceed the limits of your RV's plumbing.
This is where a high-quality water pressure regulator comes in. It seems counterintuitive—why would you use a regulator if you want more pressure? The reason is that many standard, non-adjustable regulators are preset to 40-50 PSI to be safe. But, most RV plumbing systems can comfortably handle 55-60 PSI. By upgrading to an adjustable Water Pressure Regulator with Gauge, you can dial in the pressure precisely. You can set it to a higher, more satisfying pressure for a better shower while still protecting your entire system from the dangerously high pressures found at some campgrounds. It gives you control, letting you find that sweet spot between a powerful shower and a protected plumbing system.
Question: I’m confused about all the different electrical adapters. What do I actually need?
Answer: It boils down to a simple principle: you need to be able to connect the plug on your RV to whatever outlet the campground provides. Power pedestals typically have three types of outlets: 15-amp (a standard household outlet), 30-amp, and 50-amp. Your RV will have either a 30-amp or a 50-amp cord. The solution is to be able to "step up" or "step down" your connection with a small collection of dogbone adapters.
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For 50-amp RVs: You’ll need a Power Grip 50A Male to 30A Female Adapter (SKU: 55175) and a Power Grip 30A Male to 15A Female Adapter (SKU: 55165). This lets you plug into the more common 30-amp outlets or even a standard household outlet in a pinch.
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For 30-amp RVs: You’ll want a PowerGrip 30A Male to 50A Female Adapter (SKU: 55185) (in case the 30-amp outlet is broken) and a 30A Male to 15A Female adapter (SKU: 55165) for connecting at home.
Question: Do I really need a voltage protector?
Answer: In a word, Yes! Think of it as insurance for every single electronic component in your RV. A voltage protector, especially a full Electrical Management System (EMS), does far more than a simple surge protector. It constantly monitors the power coming from the pedestal.
Campground power is notoriously unreliable. You can face dangerous power spikes, but you can also experience "brownouts" or power dips, which can be just as damaging to motors and compressors in your air conditioner and refrigerator. An EMS, like the Power Grip 50A Voltage Protector or the 30A version (SKU: 55302), will detect these issues and instantly shut off the power to your RV before any damage can occur. It’s a silent guardian that protects sensitive electronics from faulty shore power.
Question: What's the importance of having a hitch with weight distribution?
Answer: This is a fundamental concept of safe towing that every trailer owner needs to understand. When you drop the weight of a heavy trailer tongue onto the hitch ball of your tow vehicle, it creates a lever effect. The rear of the vehicle squats down, and the front end lifts up. This is incredibly dangerous. When the front wheels have less weight on them, you lose steering authority and braking effectiveness. The vehicle can feel floaty and unresponsive, which is the last thing you want when you’re hauling several tons down the highway.
A weight distribution hitch, like the Eaz-Lift ReCurve R6 or R3, solves this problem. It uses a system of spring bars to redistribute that heavy tongue weight more evenly across all the axles of the tow vehicle and the trailer. The result is a level platform, with the full weight of your tow vehicle’s front tires firmly on the pavement. This restores the precise steering and confident braking you need for a safe, controlled journey.
Question: I've heard about trailer sway. How do I prevent it?
Answer: Trailer sway is one of the most frightening things a driver can experience. It’s a dangerous situation where the trailer begins to pivot back and forth behind the tow vehicle, often building in momentum until it can lead to a total loss of control. It can be triggered by a number of factors, including high crosswinds, a passing semi-truck, or even just an improperly loaded trailer. Sway control hitches, like the Eaz-Lift ReCurve line, are designed specifically to prevent that oscillation from starting. When a gust of wind pushes the trailer, the sway control system creates resistance, keeping the trailer in line behind the tow vehicle. It’s a proactive safety system that provides an immense amount of stability and peace of mind.
All this talk about hitches, hoses, and hookups really comes down to one thing: confidence. When you're prepared for whatever the road throws at you, you can spend less time worrying and more time making memories. So get the right gear, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and enjoy the hard-earned peace of mind that comes with a job well done—it’s the best accessory you can have.
Happy travels!
