Save your wallet, and your sanity, with these smarter buys.
Let’s face it, when you’re gearing up for your first RV trip, it’s tempting to buy all the things. But after years of listening to real RVers, we have compiled a list of accessories that many campers regret buying, or wish they’d upgraded the first time.
If you’re just starting out, here’s what to skip, upgrade, or wait on until you really know what fits your camping style!
We aren’t trying to steer you away from cool gear. It’s about helping you avoid wasted money, clutter, and frustration so you can spend more time enjoying the open road.
Below, we’ll break down the most common RV accessory regrets, explain why they don’t live up to the hype, and suggest better alternatives that will truly improve your camping life.
Cheap Wheel Chocks
Those bright-orange pair of plastic chocks might only cost $10, but they could cost you much more if your rig rolls an inch in the wrong direction. Lightweight plastic chocks can slip on gravel, warp in the heat, or crack in the cold.
Lightweight plastic chocks are notorious for:
- Slipping on gravel when you need traction most.
- Warping in the heat of summer.
- Cracking in the cold when you’re winter camping.
Do you really want to put your 10,000 lb trailer in the hands of something that might shatter under pressure? Probably not.
Better alternative: Heavy-duty rubber chocks or X-Chocks provide far better grip, durability, and stability, even on uneven ground or with wide-stance axles. They cost more upfront, but they’ll last longer, work better, and give you peace of mind every single time you set up camp.
Cheap Sewer Hoses
Let’s be real, no on wants to think too hard about a sewer hose. It’s one of the least glamorous and yet most critical parts of RV life. Bargain hoses might collapse easily, spring leaks, or get crushed underfoot. Worse, they can blow apart under pressure, leaving you ankle-deep in a mess you’ll never forget, yikes!
Better alternative: Invest in a premium, crush-resistant sewer hose like RhinoFlex. It holds its shape, withstands pressure, and helps avoid messy campsite disasters.
- Holds its shape even on rough terrain.
- Transparent fittings let you see when the line is clear.
- Withstands pressure and rough handling.
A quality sewer hose saves you money in the long run, not to mention saving your shoes and dignity.
Slide-Out Support Jacks
Once seen as must-haves, slide-out jacks have largely become obsolete. Today’s RVs are designed with stronger frames and self-supporting slides. Adding jacks under your slides can cause more harm than good, putting strain on your frame or interfering with normal slide movement.
They’re mostly a waste of money and can even cause damage. Modern RVs are built with stronger frames and slides designed to be self-supporting. Adding external jacks can:
- Put extra strain on your RV frame.
- Prevent your slide from moving properly.
- Actually increase the risk of long-term damage.
Better alternative: Skip the slide jacks altogether. Instead, focus on stabilizing your rig as a whole. A solid set of leveling blocks and stabilizer jacks will do more for reducing wobble and bounce without risking frame damage.
Washer/Dryer Combo Units
Combo units eat up precious space and use tons of water while handling only the tiniest of loads, meaning you’ll still end up doing laundry off-site for anything bulky. Most RVers who install them end up using them far less than they expected.
The downsides:
- Tiny loads—you’ll still need to hit a laundromat for bulky items.
- Heavy water use—a major drawback if you’re boondocking.
- Energy drain—they run for hours and still leave towels damp.
- Lost storage space—the units eat up room you could use for pantry items or gear.
Most RVers admit they rarely use their combo units after the novelty wears off.
Better alternative: Take a few trips first and see how you manage. Most campgrounds have laundry facilities, and laundromats are cheaper than wasting precious water and power while waiting 3 hours for a damp towel.
Big Budget RV Toilet Paper
RV toilet paper brands love to scare new campers into thinking regular TP will destroy their tanks. But the truth is, many septic-safe home brands dissolve just as well—and are often softer, cheaper, and easier to find. Don’t let marketing scare tactics wipe out your budget.
Better alternative: Use a quality household brand labeled “septic safe,” and make sure you flush with plenty of water. A good tank treatment and proper habits matter more than what’s printed on the packaging.
The real secret isn’t the toilet paper, it’s proper tank care:
- Flush with plenty of water.
- Use a good holding tank treatment.
- Regularly clean your tanks.
Do that, and your plumbing system will stay in good shape without wasting money on “special” toilet paper.
Our biggest piece of advice is to start with the essentials, camp a few weekends, and let your actual experience guide your purchases. You’ll save money, avoid clutter, and have a better idea of what will truly make your RV life easier and more enjoyable!
Written By: Brooke Erickson
Some say I am a writer, I like to say I am a storyteller