Best RV Parts and Accessories

Written by Amber Shae.
 
 
 

Introduction

These days, most RVs come with standard features from the factory like air conditioning, LED interior lights, Bluetooth outdoor speakers, and a cable antenna, which helps explain How Much an RV Costs. I’ve been selling RVs for almost 4 years and one of the most common questions I get asked is what are the best RV parts and accessories to add to an RV? In this article, we will cover some of the most useful, exciting and helpful RV accessories for your RV.
 

Why Upgrade Your RV?

Adding accessories and gadgets to your RV that don’t come from the factory can help increase functionality, comfort, and enhance your safety. If you’re still trying to figure out where to start with the RV buying process, my Tips for First Time RV Buyers article is a great place to start.
 
Some RV accessories are expensive, but there are also some really cool gadgets that can make a world of difference for a low price tag, it just depends on what you want! Also, what you pay for items depends on where you get them. For example, you can expect to pay a slightly higher price from an RV dealership than if you order online, but typically the dealership will include labor and a warranty. Whether you buy from an RV dealership, direct from the factory, an RV outlet store, or on the internet, doing your research ahead of time is crucial to finding what works best for you.
 

What Types of RV Accessories Should I Buy?

External/Outdoor:
Power cord extensions, rv covers, auto level, solar panels, solid-step stairs, backup camera, etc
 
Internal:
Fantastic fans, mattress toppers, couch covers, upgraded speakers, etc.
 
Tech:
Tire pressure monitoring system w/ app, wifi boosters, satellite dishes.
 
Camping:
Portable outdoor grills, portable ice chest, portable washer/dryer, portable ice maker.
 
Safety/Security:
Keyless entry, alarm system, weight distribution/sway control hitch for bumper pull RVs.
 

Best External/Outdoor RV Accessories

Solid Steps

You can purchase a set of “solid steps” to add to your RV instead of the factory issued folding steps that come with most RVs. Solid Steps have legs and feet that extend to the ground and conveniently fold into the RV doorway when not in use. Lippert and MORryde make the most popular versions of Solid Steps.
 

How much does it cost?

The prices can range depending on how many steps you need (2-4) but just for the parts alone you are looking at $300-$500.

 

Where can I buy it?

I recommend getting these steps from an RV dealership so that they can install them for you and provide you with a warranty.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with enough clearance in the front doorway for the steps to properly fold up when not in use. An RV dealership’s service department or your RV manufacturer can look up your RV and advise whether the Solid Steps are an option for you.

 

Solar Panel

A lot of people say solar energy is the way of the future, and the RV industry is getting on board. Solar panels are available in a wide range of sizes and watt capacity, and can do everything from charge your RV batteries to power electronics.
 

How much does it cost?

The least expensive solar charging kit will start around $400 for parts only and some get into the thousands.

 

Where can I buy it?

If you know how to install the kits then you can order them online but for most people getting this from an RV dealership is the easiest way to go.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV

 

Backup Camera

Backing up your RV can be a stressful situation if you are new to it or if you have a long RV, so having a backup camera helps tremendously. Furrion is a popular brand for RV backup cameras and now offers an ‘observational’ camera that allows you to look through the camera even when you aren’t in reverse.
 

How much does it cost?

The price of the parts alone can range from $200-$500 depending on which kind you get and if your RV is already wired or not.

 

Where can I buy it?

I suggest an RV dealership so they can make sure you get the right kind for your RV and wire it in if necessary.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

 

Best Internal/Inside RV Accessories

Fan-tastic Fan

Fan-tastic fans replace the standard ceiling vent fans most RVs come with and give you much better air flow. They typically come with remote controls and rain sensors. Dometic is who makes the Fan-tastic Fan brand but there are other high powered vent fans out there as well.
 

How much does it cost?

Depending on the model, the parts range from $100-$400.

 

Where can I buy it?

I recommend an RV dealership so they can install for you and provide a warranty.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with roof vents. Check with your dealership or manufacturer for more information.

 

Mattress/Mattress Topper

Unless you like very firm mattresses, most standard mattresses that come in RVs either need a topper or full replacement for most people to get a comfortable night’s sleep.
 

How much does it cost?

Mattress pads are definitely the least expensive option, typically  costing anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the brand and quality. Denver Mattress is a popular RV mattress brand that offers plush mattress options ranging from $600 to over $2,000.

 

Where can I buy it?

Typically ordering these online will save you time and money.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with a bed.

 

Folding Step Stool

No matter what RV you get or how tall you are, there will almost always be hard to reach places inside your RV where you can store things you don’t use very often. Having a folding step stool is helpful and saves space.
 

Price:

The price for folding step stools can vary but aren’t very expensive, starting at only $10 online.

 

Where can I buy it?

I suggest buying this sort of accessory online to save you from having to pay the markup that dealerships or rv accessory stores have to add. E-Z Foldz and Camco are popular brands.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

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Best RV Tech Accessories

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Most RVs do not come with a tire pressure monitoring system, but if you’ve ever owned a vehicle before, you know how important it is to have the correct amount of air in your tires. TireMinder is an award winning brand that offers many TPMS options. Some even come with a smartphone app!
 

How much does it cost?

$200-$500

 

Where can I buy it?

Online if you want to install it yourself or through an RV dealership if you want them to install it for you.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

Satellite Dish

There will be days when you are camping and being outside during the day is not ideal, like during a rainstorm or freezing temperatures. During these times, having your favorite TV channels can help pass the time. Whether you watch DirectTV or Dish Network, you can get a satellite dish for either and there are many options available.
 

How much does it cost?

Winegard makes the most popular Satellite Dishes for RVs and the price for the parts alone range from $700-$3,000 depending on which kind you get. You can get the portable kind that stay on the ground for less money than the kind that is  permanently installed on your roof.

 

Where can I buy it?

I suggest an RV dealership so they can make sure you get the right kind for your RV and install if necessary.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with a TV.

 

Wifi Booster

Whether or not you are trying to get away from technology while RVing, having a good internet connection is usually still of vital importance to most people, even if it’s just to have good cell phone service for emergencies. Winegard also makes a variety of wifi boosters that increase the range of existing hotspots.
 

How much does it cost?

$500-$900 depending on brand, range, and type.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online or from an RV dealership.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV

 

Best RV Kitchen Accessories

Portable Ice Maker

Not all RV freezers come with ice makers, so a portable ice maker is a great alternative to ice trays.
 

How much does it cost?

You can get them online from brands like Dometic for around $300.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

Instant Pot

When RVing, the last thing you want to do is spend all of your time in the kitchen cooking. The instant pot is a great appliance that makes preparing meals quick and easy.
 

How much does it cost?

You can get them on Amazon for around $80.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

Hardwood Stove Top Cutting Board

Most RVs don’t come with a ton of kitchen counter space or a cutting board, so a stove top cutting board solves both problems!
 

How much does it cost?

Camco makes a few popular versions of this for only $40-$60.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online will be the least expensive option.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with a stove.

 

Best RV Camping Accessories

LP Tank Sensors

Most RVs come with LP tanks, but only a few come with sensors. You can purchase sensors with monitors that make it easy to see how much gas you have left.
 

How much does it cost?

Depending on the size and complexity of the tank sensors you get, the prices can range from $200-$2,000 for parts only.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online will save you money and there usually isn’t much installation that the average person can’t do themselves.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV with LP tanks.

 

Portable Grill

Grilling a good steak outside is still the most popular way to cook while RVing. Most people typically bring their own portable grills for this, which is a great option. You can get bumper-mounted grills or stand alone grills depending on how much storage space you have.
 

How much does it cost?

Bumper mounting kits can cost $150-$300 depending on size, and portable gas grills range from $150-$400.

 

Where can I buy it?

Online or at an RV dealership.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any RV.

 

Portable Ice Chest

Extra storage options for food is never a bad idea, and if something ever happens to your refrigerator, having an ice chest is a great backup plan.
 

How much does it cost?

You can get pop-up coolers for as little as $30 but the best ones will run $160-$400.

 

Where can I buy it?

I suggest purchasing these online or at a local outdoor store. The most popular brands for RV coolers are Dometic and Camco.

 

What type of RV does it work for?

Any

 

New RV Parts vs Used RV Parts:

New RV parts typically come with a warranty, but used RV parts can save you a lot of money. Choosing which direction to go comes down to what is more important to you: Saving money or less hassle & worry?
 
If you are a handy person then used might be a good way to go because you spend less $$ and can fix things if they break.
 
If you would rather not have to worry about fixing anything then new would be the route I recommend.
 
If you are new to the RV community and starting your search online, I recommend taking a look at my article on Tips for First Time RVers as well. It will help you determine what type of RV is right for you and your family and make your shopping experience less stressful.
 

Top Places to Purchase RV Accessories

• Online
• RV Dealership
• RV parts and accessory stores

 

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped narrow down the seemingly endless variety of RV accessories and gadgets and gives you a good place to start. What accessories and gadgets do you find the most helpful? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook!
 

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More on Amber Shae

I am Amber Shae – a creative girl from Texas with a passion to help and inspire people to seek adventure, quality time with loved ones, and lifelong connections and memories by Living Life NOW.
 
You can count on me to be enthusiastic, honest, and knowledgeable. I help a diverse network of people realize and achieve their dreams to explore, travel, and experience the present moment by living their lives to the fullest.
 
I accomplish this by working hard, offering transparent communications with integrity, and leading others to discover their unique ‘Living Life NOW’ journey.
 
Connect with me and learn more here.