New Camper - Your Must-Have Seasonal RV Setup List!

So your friend finally did it—they bought a camper and are parking it on a seasonal site! Whether it's lake life, woods life, or weekend escape life, there’s nothing quite like having your own little home away from home. But before they get too comfy in that new recliner or start dreaming about s'mores, let’s talk essentials—what they really need before leaving the dealer lot.

This isn’t about glam upgrades or bells and whistles. It’s about making sure their setup is functional, protected, and ready for a whole season of chill. 🛻🏕️

 
🧰 The Must-Have RV Essentials

These are the non-negotiables—trust us, your friend will thank you later.

⚡ Surge Protector, Adapters, & Electric Cords

Go ahead and splurge on a quality one—Watchdog is the top pick at around $300. It protects your camper’s electrical system from faulty hookups and surges. Think of it like insurance… for your sockets. If the site’s power hookup isn’t a perfect match, they’ll need adapters to connect safely. (30 amp vs. 50 amp, etc.), Useful if power sources are oddly placed or for outdoor lighting and accessories.

🚽 Sewer Hose & Fittings

Unless they want an unforgettable (and not in a good way) welcome to RV life, they’ll need a reliable sewer hose or PVC pipe and all the proper fittings. Don’t skimp here.

🛞 Wheel Chocks & Leveling

Even on a seasonal site, wheel chocks keep everything stable and safe. No accidental rolling—especially after a rainstorm on a slope! Even if the site looks level, it probably isn’t. These will help stabilize the camper (and keep the fridge happy).

🌞 Tire Covers

Not going anywhere? Great! But UV rays and weather can still age those tires fast. Get covers to keep them protected.

🔒 RV Lock

Upgrade to a keypad or heavy-duty lock if their unit doesn’t come with one. Peace of mind is priceless.

🚰 All Things Water💧 

• Freshwater Hose (Drinking Safe!) - They’ll need a dedicated drinking water hose, not just any old garden hose. Look for the ones labeled “drinking water safe.”
• Water Pressure Regulator - Campground water pressure is unpredictable. A regulator keeps things safe and leak-free inside.
• Inline Water Filter - Because no one wants weird-tasting water in their coffee. An inline filter helps keep their H2O clean and crisp.

🧻 The Potty

• Toilet Chemicals - Keeping the black tank from smelling like, well, a black tank is key. Drop-in or liquid versions both work great.
• RV Toilet Paper - Yes, it really matters. Regular TP can clog the system. Grab some RV-friendly stuff—it dissolves fast and keeps the tank clean. Some debate if this is needed, but we do buy Septic Safe!
• Disposable Gloves - Just trust us. For sewer tasks, these are non-negotiable. Keep a box on hand always.

 
✅ Things We Did (and Recommend)

• Full coat protectant on floors and furniture: It helps with long-term wear and keeps surfaces looking new.
  
• Slide covers: Totally optional, but we’ve had campers with and without. They’re great for shade, debris protection, and long-term care of the slides.
  

❌ Save Your Money On These (Unless You're Traveling)

• Backup camera: Not needed if you’re not towing it around.
  
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Again, not necessary for a stationary setup.
• Solar upgrades: These are great for off-grid “boondocking,” but not worth the cost if you’re parked with full hookups.
   

  Final Thought 💬

Buying a camper is exciting—but setting it up right is what makes seasonal camping a breeze. Share this checklist with your friend (and maybe grab them a little site-warming gift  😉.

Let the relaxing begin. 🍹🌅 Happy Camping!