10 Best Motorhome Accessories That Won’t Disappoint

After nearly two decades on the road, we’ve gotten pretty good at finding gear, tricks, tips, and motorhome accessories to make RVing more enjoyable. Traveling, living, and working on the road for this long means recognizing ways to make your life easier and taking advantage of them.

In today’s post, we’re sharing ten great ideas for motorhome accessories that will make your day-to-day RV life easier, safer, and more pleasant.

Motorhome Accessories Make Your Life Easier

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, and honestly, not even exclusive to motorhomes! But a motorhome is what we’ve always RVed in and everything listed here has the potential to improve any RVer’s life on the road. Our complete list of awesome accessories, compiled over more than 18 years, would require more than a single post to share. But let’s start with the following, as they’re ten of the most important.

We’ll include links to each item on Amazon for your convenience should you want to investigate further details, check out reviews, or even purchase. But remember that Amazon doesn’t always offer the best price, and sometimes ordering direct from the manufacturer can save some cash.

We’ve even included some special deals that we’ve been able to arrange when you buy factory-direct, and included those discount coupons at the end of each section as well. So let’s get to it!

1: VIAIR RV Portable Air Compressor

We consider this one to be must-have RV gear. Our favorite model is the 400P-RV, but there are several Viair air compressor models to choose from.

RV tires can require substantially higher air pressure than a common car tire. The average 16” RV tire could require anywhere from 35-80 psi, and larger motorhome tires require significantly more (our big Class A takes 110 psi in the front tires). But even a Class B camper van like a Roadtrek can require 80 psi in its rear tires in order to properly support the weight.

Have you ever tried swinging over to the local gas station to inflate your tires to 80 or 90 psi, or even higher? In many places you can’t do it because the pressure supplied isn’t high enough for your tires — it’s designed for standard car tire pressures. Sure, you might be able to inflate your tires at a truck stop, but you aren’t always near a truck stop when you need to inflate a tire.

Moreover, one of the top tasks on the list of things to do prior to taking off in your RV is to check your tire pressures and top off any tires needing air. This is incredibly important for both safety, and the longevity of your tires.

We happen to have a built-in compressor on board our diesel pusher, but we FAR prefer our Viair and never use the onboard compressor for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that the pressure cycles up and down below our required pressures as part of its normal operation, making it a challenge to top up tires, especially the fronts, which again, require 110 PSI.

Not only that, but we have to (fast) idle our engine while using the built-in compressor, and no one likes a neighbor who idles diesel fumes into the environment every time a tire needs to be topped-off.

Our Viair portable tire compressor doesn’t take up much room, isn’t too heavy, and is ready to go anytime, anywhere we might need air. It’s an absolute must-have for us, and if you have a look at the reviews of the 400P-RV on Amazon, you’ll see that hundreds of RVers agree.

If you’re wondering why we chose the 400 over the 450P-RV even though the 450 has a 100% duty cycle (which means it can run for long periods of time), it’s because 1) The 400 has a higher flow rate (fills tires faster), 2) The 450 is more expensive, and 3) For topping up tires (which is all we generally use it for), we don’t need to run a compressor continually for extended periods.

This compressor is #1 on our list of motorhome accessories for good reason. You can pick one up from Amazon here:

Or you can use the coupon below to get a 5% discount when you buy the 400P-RVS version (slightly different, but equally awesome) from MobileMustHave.com:

A much smaller, less expensive, Viair 88P compressor may be sufficient for a Class B van or a car or SUV hauling a camper. (We don’t have any experience with this one, but we do have a friend with a Class B who has owned one for a few years and she loves it.) But be sure to read the specifics to make sure you’re getting the pressure and power you need:

2: RV Minders

These might seem silly as motorhome accessories, but anyone who has ever cost themselves an expensive accident will tell you that they’re well worth having.

These reminders slap right onto your steering wheel and you can’t drive away without seeing them. They’re bright and colorful, and as you remove each one you can check (and double-check) to make sure you’ve done everything that needs to be done prior to pulling away from your campsite, home, parking space, etc.

Did you pull your jacks up or collect your chocks? Is your satellite antenna down? Are your doors, vents, and windows all closed? How about those exterior compartments? All closed and locked up? Have you detached your rig from water, sewer, cable, and electric hookups?

Imagine, if you will, what happens if you forget to do any of these things and start driving. For less than 20 bucks, you’ve got some cheap insurance.

These are great to use even if you stop at a park for lunch during your travels. Opening the vent and a window to get some air circulating? Slap the RV minder for vents and windows on your wheel and give yourself the gift of a friendly reminder before you turn the key to leave.

3: Cell Phone Signal Booster

For those of us who need to stay connected on the road, (and that’s a whole lot of us these days), a quality cell phone signal booster is among the most important motorhome accessories.

A cell phone signal booster not only improves your data speed but also the quality of your voice calls. It works with multiple users and devices whether you’re at your campsite or on the road.

We use and love the weBoost Drive Reach RV. It’s FCC approved, works with all carriers, and comes with a two-year warranty.

Just remember that a cell signal booster doesn’t create a cell signal. It picks up the outside signal and amplifies it inside your RV. Improvement of the cell signal depends on how far the booster is from the nearest cell tower, and other factors such as traffic on the tower.

Have a look at the Amazon reviews for some help in determining whether this might work for you based on your needs.

In the way of a heads up, be advised that the product doesn’t come with a 12V power cord (it’s sold separately). Without that cord, the unit requires 120V power to operate.

You can find the weBoost on Amazon:

Or you can grab it directly from weBoost with this coupon for a 5% discount:

Or buy it online from MobileMustHave with our coupon for 5% off:

4: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A tire pressure monitoring system is one of those RV accessories that, once you have it, you wonder how you got along without it. A quality TPMS contributes to improved fuel economy (by ensuring your tires are always properly inflated), but more importantly to your safety and the safety of your family and others on the road. In fact, more than a helpful accessory, a TPMS is really a must-have piece of safety gear for RVers.

A tire pressure monitoring system alerts you to low pressure that could cause a blow-out. The system sends visual warnings and audible alarms when tire pressure or tire temperature falls outside preset safety parameters.

The EEZ system we use, and to which we’ve linked above, has a large display screen so it’s easy to monitor. It also has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 60 hours on a single charge and can be also be recharged (or run continuously) using the vehicle’s USB or 12V/cigarette lighter port.

This is one piece of gear we wouldn’t be without. Period. Have a look at our video about our EEZ Tire system for more information about how it works and why it’s so important:

5: RVLock Keyless Entry System

A keyless entry system for your RV is another one of those fantastic motorhome accessories you’ll wonder why you didn’t install sooner.

In fact, if it’s time to replace an RV door lock on your rig, first see our post on how to repair, replace, and install an RV door latch, and then consider installing an RVLock Keyless Entry System.

Keyless entry systems are more than a matter of convenience. They can also be a matter of safety, allowing you to unlock your RV door when returning to your motorhome as you approach the rig after an evening out, for example, rather than needing to fiddle around with your key in the dark.

Keyless systems also tend to be long-lasting due to less wear and tear on the locks in general.

If it’s time to repair or replace a lock, a system like this is worth considering if a model is available for your particular door lock style.

6: Acuva UV-LED Water Purification System

If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you’re probably aware of our appreciation for our Acuva water purification system. In fact, we recently upgraded to a newer model with a higher flow rate, the ArrowMAX 2.0, and gifted our old (but still awesome) Eco NX-Silver to friends who are thoroughly enjoying it now.

If you want safe drinking water in your RV, the Acuva system is the one we use and recommend. But rather than cover all the details here, we invite you to check out our previous Acuva posts:

This is our most recent post which will offer you some general information and explain why we choose to use this system and why we appreciate having it.

That also links you to a couple of our videos, including one where we share the lab testing we did that demonstrated the effectiveness and value of the Acuva system.

In another, we share the step-by-step process of installing an Acuva in our RV, which is a pretty straightforward process for just about any reasonably competent DIY RVer.

If you’re interested in an Acuva system for your RV, here’s a coupon for 10% off:

7: RV Surge Protector

Most RVers are aware that surge protectors are a key motorhome accessory. But there are “surge protectors” and then there are surge protectors! We’re featuring this one because our experience with it confirms that it’s a beast (the 50 amp units offer 4800 joules of spike/surge protection – a first in its class). That’s surge protection.

We encourage you to check out Amazon reviews for a glimpse at how 1500 other users feel about this product.

While it may appear to be expensive at first glance, the Hughes Power Watchdog offers much more than best-in-class surge protection, and it’s quite possibly the last RV surge protector you’ll ever need to buy. Why? The surge protection module is replaceable. An industry first!

Even if a destructive surge were to damage your Watchdog, you wouldn’t have to throw it out and buy a new one because you could simply replace the module. And, since that module is small and easy to ship, it makes it easier to get when you’re out on the road.

Not only that, but if your surge protection module is fully consumed during the first two years after purchase (surge modules do have a lifespan), Hughes Autoformers will give you one free replacement module. Thereafter, it’ll only cost you (depending on your model) the price of the surge module itself.

Hughes says their Power Watchdog is the most advanced RV electrical system protection on the market, and it’s easy to see why once you set it up and start using it. Here’s how it works:

At your campsite, you’ll turn off the power at the shore power pedestal, and plug your RV into the Watchdog. Next, plug the Watchdog into the power pedestal, and turn on the shore power. It’s that easy.

If the Watchdog detects no issues with the shore power or the wiring that supplies the power, the face of the Watchdog unit will turn white, close an internal breaker, and send safe power to your RV. And it only takes a few seconds to complete the analysis and turn power on to your RV, rather than the 2-plus minutes other systems require.

If the Watchdog detects a problem with the power or wiring, the face of the unit will turn red and won’t send the potentially damaging power to your RV.

With the EPO (Emergency Power Off) models like the one we have (the one we’re linking to above), the Watchdog constantly monitors park power. If potentially harmful conditions are detected, the Watchdog will automatically cut power to the RV.

You can also pair the unit with your smartphone and see how much power your RV is drawing. You could even turn off all power-consuming devices and appliances in your rig and then turn them on one at a time to see how much power each item is drawing. It’s a great way to perform a “power audit” on your rig before upgrading to lithium batteries or adding solar to your RV, so you can properly plan the size of both systems.

The Power Watchdog is big and it’s bright, but if you’re worried about potential theft of an expensive item, be aware that the Watchdog comes with a metal locking plate which enables you to lock the Watchdog to your RV or to the power pedestal… so no one can just make off with it in the night. You can also stow it out of sight in your basement, like we do.

We keep our 50-amp Watchdog in our electrical compartment with our Hughes Autoformer and you can see that installation in this video, but the set-up of your Watchdog doesn’t need to be as fancy as ours is. Plug one end into your RV and the other end into the power pedestal, watch the magic happen and relax knowing that the power coming into your RV is safe.

Power Watchdog surge protectors are available through Amazon:

Or direct from Hughes Autoformers with a 10% discount using this coupon:

8: LevelMatePRO Bluetooth Leveling System

Our LevelMatePRO Bluetooth leveling system is absolutely one of our favorite pieces of RV gear. We love it. A lot. It’s one of the motorhome accessories that we truly appreciate every single time we set up camp. Without exaggeration, it’s an RV game changer.

Since we first started using the LevelMatePRO back in 2016, we’ve produced three videos describing how to install and use them in motorhomes with and without jack systems, as well as in travel trailers (of course the LevelMatePRO works great in 5th wheels, too).

You can see how to set it up and use it here, watch us level a Class C without a jack system here, and see how it works with travel trailers and 5th wheels here.

In short, every RVer knows how important a level rig is to keeping occupants comfortable while sleeping, preventing water from pooling to one side in the shower, and even making sure that your RV refrigerator works properly to keep food safely cold.

The LevelMatePRO is a wireless leveling system that’s accurate to 0.1 degrees, showing how much height is needed to level your rig, and it tells you where that height is needed. The system connects to your smartphone or tablet wirelessly via Bluetooth, and the app gives you the leveling information you need to quickly and easily level your rig… whether you’ve got a drivable motorhome or a towable.

And here’s a neat trick: As you pull into a campground, you can monitor leveling data so that you can choose the most level spot before you park.

If you’ve got a towable rig, you can use the LevelMatePRO to save your hitch height, making it much easier to reconnect to your tow vehicle when it’s time to break camp.

Getting an RV level can be a real pain in the neck, trying the patience of even the most chill RVers among us. The LevelMatePRO (now available in the newest version, the LevelMatePRO+) changes all that, and we can tell you without hesitation that we wouldn’t be without ours. It’s among the most essential motorhome accessories we use.

UPDATE: Now you can SAVE 5% on your purchase of a LevelMatePRO/LevelMatePRO+ when you buy from TechnoRV. Use the coupon code below and save:

9: RV GPS System

We’ll tell you what we like about this system and why it’s on our list of must-have motorhome accessories, and then we’ve got an important caveat for you.

This system has some great features. It’s very user-friendly with an 8” inch high-resolution touch display. You can control the unit with your voice and use it as a hands-free calling device if you’ve got a smartphone with Bluetooth capability. Another great feature is built-in WiFi so that you can update maps and software without plugging the unit into a computer.

You may wonder what makes this an RV-specific GPS system. For one thing, the system includes a preloaded directory of RV parks and services as well as information related to public campgrounds and U.S. National Parks, iOverlander, KOA, PlanRV, and more.

It also offers warnings to keep you abreast of steep grades, weight limits, and sharp curves which is always very helpful.

And finally, in some areas (though it’s not available everywhere), custom routing takes into account the size and weight of your RV and then finds the best route for you based on that information.

But here’s our caveat: While we really like our Garmin RV890, it’s not our sole means of navigation. An RV-safe GPS device is fantastic, but every navigation system has its weaknesses, so we don’t rely solely on any single means of navigation. We like to double-check routing using other services such as Apple Maps, Google Maps, or other RV-safe GPS apps.

For further information on some of our favorite apps, see our post on our top five RV trip planning apps.

10: Electrical Adapters

And last, but certainly not least, on our list of some of the best motorhome accessories RVers can carry are “dogbone” electrical adapters, so nicknamed for their shape. Depending on your RV’s electrical service, they can include the following:

• A 15-amp male to 30-amp female dogbone adapter
• A 50-amp male to 30-amp female dogbone adapter
• A 30-amp male to 50-amp female dogbone adapter
• A small 30-amp to 15-amp simple adapter
• A heavy-duty outdoor RV-safe extension cord

Not familiar with dogbone adapters? Check out this video from back in 2012 in which we explain what they are and how to use them.

Conclusion

There are many motorhome accessories available to make our lives easier and more convenient. Many of the items we’ve shared in this post also provide safety features which is why they’re among our favorite accessories to share with our fellow RVers.We hope you’ve found a few new items to add to your must-have list!

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