The Must-Have Accessories and RV Maintenance Tips You Need

Whether you're planning weekends at your favorite campground or gearing up to become full-time nomads, RV life is exciting. And yet, you might be wondering about must-have RV accessories and the RV maintenance that will keep your home-on-wheels rolling. Accessories make life on the road more comfortable and functional. Regular maintenance protects your investment in the RV and helps ensure you won't lose precious adventure days to repairs or mechanic visits.

Here's everything you need to know to have the best adventure ever in your RV.

Space is at a premium inside an RV, so you don't want to buy too much. And yet, having the right items can make your space feel more like home. Whenever possible, look for small items that can serve more than one purpose. Here are five indoor RV accessories you won't want to miss:

• Power protection: A surge protector is used whenever you plug your RV into a power source. It protects your electronics from voltage surges. An electrical management system is similar, but it also protects your RV from low power or irregular currents.
• Kitchen items: When it comes to an RV kitchen, less is more. Gather essentials like cutting boards, Tupperware and knives. As for cooking gadgets, aim for multipurpose items, like a multicooker.
• Temperature monitor: If you're traveling with pets, you may have to leave them alone in the RV sometimes. A pet safety temperature monitor tracks the temperature inside your RV and alerts you if the rig becomes too hot or cold to be safe for pets.
• Handheld vacuum: You won't need a full vacuum in the RV, but a small handheld is invaluable. If you have kids or pets, consider a two-in-one vacuum and mop.
• Safety kit: Just like at home, you want to be sure you're safe. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like a fire extinguisher, flashlights and a first aid kit. Make sure everyone you're traveling with knows where the safety kit is.

When you're living in an RV, the outdoors is your living room. Here are five essential outdoor accessories to get you started:

• Camping chairs: Just like your favorite chair at home, you'll want a comfortable place to kick back when you're on the road. From rocking chairs to recliners, camping chairs come in all shapes and sizes these days. Test them out to find which will be most comfortable for you.
• Patio mat: An outdoor patio mat is a large area rug for your RV site. It not only makes the space feel more like home, but also reduces the amount of mud and dirt that gets tracked into the RV. Pair a large patio mat with a smaller doormat to wipe shoes on, and your RV will be markedly cleaner.
• Awning: During rainy days, the RV can become very small. A retractable awning allows you to utilize outdoor space when it's rainy, and it also offers some shade on hot sunny days.
• Leveling blocks: Whether you're camping in the backwoods or campgrounds, you'll find that not all lots are level. Leveling blocks or leveling jacks make the RV more level and stable.
• Portable grill: The idea behind an RV is to spend as much time as possible outdoors—so why not cook outside as well? A portable grill allows you to enjoy the great outdoors, while still serving a delicious dinner. Look for one with a griddle top to step up your breakfast game, too.

In addition to the accessories that make life easier on the road, you'll need maintenance accessories to help prevent problems and address them when they pop up. Here are the maintenance items every RV should have:

• Tool kit: A basic portable tool kit will help you address loose bolts, stuck valves and other common issues.
• Jumper cables: Jumper cables keep you from getting stuck if someone drains the RV battery. If you're planning lots of off-grid camping, choose a portable battery pack, which lets you jump your battery without another vehicle.
• Portable air compressor: Low tire pressure can spell trouble for RVs. A portable air compressor allows you to monitor your tire pressure and fill up if needed.
• Generator: A generator keeps power flowing, especially when you're off the grid. If you're relying on generator power, be sure to have plenty of fuel on hand.
• Sewer and water hoses: You'll need to hook up to plumbing at each campsite, so have your sewer and water hoses on hand, but stored separately.

How often you need to perform routine maintenance depends on how you're using your RV. If you're covering lots of miles and frequently changing campsites, you'll need to inspect the RV, check fluid levels and examine the tires more frequently than if you're at a seasonal campsite.

Here's a common RV maintenance schedule. For the best results, follow the maintenance schedule laid out in your RV owner's manual.

Before every trip, follow these maintenance tips:

• Disconnect all hoses and electrical connections.
• Check the tire pressure.
• Secure any loose items inside and outside the RV, including the awning.

• Run the generator for at least an hour.
• Check the battery water levels. Top off with distilled water if needed.
• Check fluid levels like oil, coolant and washer fluid.

• Check smoke detectors.
• Clean air conditioner filters.
• Examine and clean seals around the doors, windows and shower.

• Rotate tires.
• Change smoke detector battery.
• Wax exterior and treat metal surfaces.

• Service brakes.
• Inspect the roof, or have a certified technician check it for you.
• Check propane system, looking for any leaks, paint damage or rust.
• Change the oil.

Jumping into the RV lifestyle can be a little intimidating at first, but before you know it you'll be having the time of your life. Investing in the right accessories and following a maintenance schedule can keep you on the road and having fun. When in doubt, visit an experienced RV technician to help you manage preventive maintenance or RV repairs.

The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for RV maintenance and some of those vital accessories, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Apply now.

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