5 Must-Haves to Upgrade Your RV
We bought our first RV trailer in 2021 knowing next to nothing–and it showed. Two trailers and 50+ trips later, we’ve figured out what actually matters when you’re setting up camp.
After plenty of trial, error, and gear swaps, these are five must-have upgrades that have made every trip smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable.
This is the first of several posts around helpful RV products. I’ve personally used them all and wouldn’t recommend bad products. Each one has earned its place in our setup through real-world use, not just reviews or packaging claims.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Kit
Our missing wheel incident was a scary wake up call–it was time to get more serious about tires. A blowout can cause thousands in damage and injure others, so I wanted a better picture of my tires’ health. I picked up a trailer TPMS kit that’s super simple to use. Just unscrew the tire valve stem cap and screw on the matching TPMS sensor. Then, just before you leave to go camping, turn on the cab monitor. You’ll get an instant read of your tire temperature and pressure and a notification if there’s an issue. This is one of the most important safety upgrades you can make.
Wheel Stabilizers
One thing that makes a camping trip worse is a bouncy trailer. Scissor jacks are okay, but it shouldn’t be your only tool to minimize rocking. These wheel stabilizers are a quick, effective way to help on tandem axle trailers. Simply place the stabilizer between the two tires and expand until tight. These drastically reduce rocking and make camping more enjoyable.
Water Pressure Regulator
RVs are built with pretty weak plumbing, especially at the connections. High water pressure, like that of city water connections, can cause leaks at the plumbing joints. Water pressures at campgrounds vary widely, but this water pressure regulator keeps everything in check. Set it once at a campground with high pressure (I set mine to 50 psi) and you’ll be good wherever you go.
Tank Rinser
These next two aren’t glamorous, but can make the difference between a stinky trip or not. These tank rinsers wash a jet of clean water back into your RV’s tanks. This helps clean out remaining solids in the tanks, cleans the tank sensors, and eliminates a source of odors all in one. I always use mine at campsites with sewer connections. You’ll also need a few accessories:
- A RV sewer hose and connectors.
- A dedicated fresh water hose. You don’t want to mix with your drinking water hose.
- Upgrade the plastic backflow preventer on the tank rinser to a brass one.
- A water usage meter takes out all the guesswork and ensures you don’t overfill.
Tank Treatment
You can avoid needing to rinse the tank as often by using a tank treatment. I’ve used Liquified for about a year with great results–and no more stinky toilets. Just an ounce or two is all it takes to keep both your tanks and sensors clean. It also has a nice orange scent but most importantly, it breaks down solids in your tank. I often fill my tank with fresh water at the end of a trip, as dumping a full tank does a better job carrying out solids. I’ve also used Liquified in my grey water tank to clean the sensors.
Every one of these upgrades came from lessons learned the hard way — a shaky trailer here, a stinky tank there. The right gear turns camping from a chore into a getaway you can actually relax on. If you’re starting your RV journey, these five upgrades will save you headaches, time, and more than a few campground mishaps.
I’m a lifelong DIYer keeping a fleet of cars and trucks on the road — from Subarus to a ’69 MGB GT to a dump truck. Fix Up Fleet is about budget-minded fixes, practical advice, and having fun with every rig in the garage. Buy it, fix it, drive it, repeat.
