Congratulations on being the proud owner of your new travel trailer! It’s an exciting time as you think of all the fun trips and adventures that you’re going to have. But before you hit the road, we want to help you be prepared. Here are the essentials you need for your travel trailer.

Exterior and set up essentials

First, we’re going to dive into the things that you need in order to tow and camp in your travel trailer.

Generator

This might seem like an obvious one to you, but you’ll want to confirm if your RV is coming installed with a generator. Most new RVs will need one in order to use things like the microwave and A/C. Because of this, most will come with a built-in generator, but that’s not always the case.

Hook-ups and accessories

There are some important essentials that you don’t want to overlook when purchasing a travel trailer. First, you’re going to want to make sure you have the right size trailer ball. While most travel trailers will require a 2 and 5/16″ ball, some of the smaller trailers will use a 2″ ball. You want to make sure you have the right one because if the ball is too small then the coupler could bounce loose, and you definitely don’t want that.

Leveling blocks

Leveling blocks are what help you to get set up in your campsite with a level travel trailer. This stops things from rolling off your table and also provides you with a much more comfortable stay. But it does a lot more than that. Making sure your RV is level can make sure your refrigerator works correctly, reduce wear & tear on your slides, allow your water to drain properly instead of pooling in the shower, and help your doors to keep from swinging one direction atll the time.

Along with purchasing leveling blocks, it’s also helpful to have a tool like the LevelMatePRO which allows you to see right from your smartphone what you need to do in order to get your travel trailer level.

All the right hoses & water supply necessities

You want to make sure that you have all the right parts that you need and that you’re familiar with how to use them. This includes:

• Sewer hose
• Drinking water hose
• Water pressure regulator
• Water tank filler valve

The extras

When it comes to the exterior of your travel trailer there are some things that you might want to bring with you that aren’t necessarily “essential” but are still nice to have. This can include things like a welcome mat to help keep dirt out of your RV, a hammock to relax in, chairs for around the firepit, additional lighting to help you enjoy your outdoor space even more. You also want to make sure you have any tools packed up that you might need. This can include a small hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape (not an official “tool” but still important at times), drill, and proper sized sockets. You’re also going to want to have a gas can that you can use to keep your generator running.

Interior essentials

Now that we have the essentials covered for the exterior and set up, let’s move inside your new travel trailer.

Safety and tech

Safety is the most important thing to prepare for as you travel. While pretty much everyone has GPS on their phones now, it can help to have a separate GPS to keep your phone open for other uses. You can find GPSs that will warn you about things that matter to you while towing your travel trailer. This includes things like sharp curves, weight limits, and steep grades.

It’s also helpful to have a WiFi booster while staying in your travel trailer. This can be especially essential if you are working from your RV or roadschooling your children.

It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit along for the trip. Some campgrounds don’t have a nearby hospital, especially if you’re boondocking, and it’s a good idea to be prepared in case of an emergency. It’s also helpful to make a note of where the closest hospital is when you arrive to your location so you know if the need arises.

All the little things

When it comes to interior essentials, think about the things that you would want to have in your house. The little things are easy to overlook when you’re excited to get out on the road. This can include things like:

• Collapsible laundry hamper
• Sheets, blankets and pillows
• Coffee maker or tea kettle
• Cleaning supplies, broom, small vacuum
• Organizers to help you keep your space clutter-free
• RV friendly toilet paper
• Extension cords
• Can opener
• Dish soap

It’s normal to come across things that you wished you had but forgot on the first few trips out. This is one reason it can be helpful to plan your first few trips close to home. This gives you a chance to get comfortable with your RV set up while also making sure you have everything you need before you head off to a farther destination.

Getting your travel trailer ready to go

It can feel like a lot as you try to prepare for your first trips out on the road. Or, you may have already been on a few trips and realized that you didn’t have everything you needed. Sky River RV has a Full Service RV Parts and Accessories Store. Our friendly staff can help you find just the thing you need to get and keep your travel trailer up and running with all the necessary essentials.

If you’re looking for a travel trailer for sale California, we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit for your family.