RV Camping Essentials: Must-Have Gear You’ll Actually Use

[@derrickwarner3935]

you know I owe you an apology sir. I started watching this video thinking oh yeah this is going to be another rv'er showing a bunch of gimmicky snakeoil gadgets nobody needs. I was very wrong. You had a lot of great ideas, gadgets and advice, I am now subscribed to your channel. Thank you for what you do.

[@Five2Go]

I appreciate that very much! Thank you! We only show and recommend things that we actually use and think others could benefit from. If we come across something that isn't great (TireMinder, Titan sewer hoses, etc), we'll call it out and are very honest about what we don't like.

[@denniscummins7735]

This cat makes it easy to understand thanks brother man

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Dennis!

[@Wanderingsomewhere145]

Good review! Have been rigging’ for decades and full timers 12 years. Always good to see how other folks gear up. Only suggestion is to check our Berkey water filters. Avoids use of plastic and yields very clean water.

[@harryduncan6699]

Suggestion……I carry a small spray bottle full of rubbing alcohol to spray my gloves and anything else having to do with septic. It evaporates quickly. Also they make a high flow pressure gauge. Also I put LevelMatePRO in my travel trailer which will tell me on my phone where the trailer will most level and how many inches I will need to raise it. It’s a huge time saver along with the teardrop levelers. Also try cooking bacon on the gas grill like a steak, just put it on the grate. You won’t go back to cooking bacon any other way. After 38 years of RVing and either deciding which meal you’ll have ice for or buying ice, I bought a table top ice maker that makes 22 lbs a day……we use distilled water. It’s really compact.

[@janicevaszlavik8386]

I like the little camper cover for the sewage because it has reflective tape on it. Less likely to trip over if people are walking back there at night.

[@andyespenan5919]

Yeah, same here! Great idea but $35 seems a bit much. Maybe when it goes 50% off 😀

[@scottgrisham2596]

On the outdoor chair, you can order a taller chair that is easier to get out of and more comfortable. Good job on the video

[@JohnC-t5t]

There are a lot of you tube videos that are soooo boring and not helpful. Yours are helpful and adaptable to the regular rv camper. Thanks…I have subscribed

[@airacephillips8398]

Good video, another great thing about a dual fitting on the output of the water inlet is that when you are ready to leave you turn the water off at the site spigot then open the empty side of the dual fitting and that relives the pressure so you don't get squirted!

[@lyfandeth]

You can also get veterinary gloves that come 6-8" above the wrist, if you really want to stay clean. Disposable, too.

[@jesserevilla992]

As always you all are true RVer but like us weekenders. As for Happy Camper stoped using it back in late May of 2021 in South FLA.. And for us semi-boondocking we had shore power only. So we had to conserve water. Happy Camper just didn’t cut it! I switched to the “Unique” product and 3 weeks later at the same place camping and slightly hotter weather and Unique was a bad ass we have it our bad ass holy shit and no stink…And it better for the environment as well. We have only been camping since January 2020.

[@niceatrya3477]

We like to use a simple 1 foot 50 amp extension to plug into the pedestal first, and then connect our surge protector to that. Otherwise you can’t close the pedestal and the weight of the SP pulls on the plug. With the extension, I can close the lid, and the SP rests on the ground.

[@badbiker666]

Good tip! My SP has about a foot lead on it and most electric posts close OK, but there are those that don't. I don't think I have ever seen a 1 ft 50A extension. Where did you acquire yours?

[@bradwest6413]

Brian I just got a “new to us” Jayco Jayflight 29fbs and I purchased a Husky Centerline equalizer hitch for it. I have been watching several of your videos and in one of them I noticed you had a Husky CL hitch too. My question is this: Did your hitch “moan” and “groan” and make loud sounds when you turned? It is almost like the sound of ‘metal twisting’. (Hard to describe) If so, is this normal? Is the noise coming from the bars rubbing on the brackets?

[@robbypro3370]

Your slide out is the size of my travel trailer.

[@SeeCrum]

Just found your channel and it is awesome you are in Oregon. We love our state and usually camp on the coast. Great channel.

[@Five2Go]

I think everyone is on the coast this weekend, it's packed out here! 🤣

[@dgnewbyify]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. My only suggestion would be is to point the camera to the items you are talking about. It was good when the items was at face level. Thanks

[@tobylosey2210]

I have seen a bunch of your videos. I'm new to rvs and you have helped me understand my systems and gear. I have used the Amazon list you guys put together and it was so helpful. Thank you.

[@dkleath8697]

Whew! You Really put together a CHOCKFUL OF TIPS video here! Thank You > looks like I have A LOT to Learn (and a lot to buy!) I'll be referring to this MANY Times, I'm sure!

[@stever6986]

I've watched a lot of these "RV Essential" videos, and this is one of the best, most thorough ones I've seen. Thanks!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Steve!

[@Masterchief68]

Nice presentation for the newbies and old fogies as well! It’s just amazing how those big “A’s” have so much room to store stuff!

[@kayechalmers3807]

Awesome thanks .. we are just getting setup to buy our first travel trailer later this year . probably the most useful one I've seen so far

[@gratefuldude7511]

Some useful information for truck camper folks too. Thanks

[@WubbaBubba]

You guys are GREAT! I love that your videos are 99% meat, and the 1% fluff content is always very entertaining! You guys are very real, authentic, trustworthy, and informative- I have ADHD, and usually have to watch KZbin videos on 1.5x speed, but yours are so good I can watch at regular speed and not lose interest. Thank you for the great content! Stay safe, and happy travels!

[@scrippslarry]

Very true! Right to the point!

[@sharonbright8225]

Recommend getting the Berkey for drinking water. Very cost effective

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

Thank you! I'm kitting my RV out next weekend and I am glad using these links gets you something back for your time making this video and providing links!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks for helping out!

[@lindalilyquist5745]

Good review of some great equipment. The one thing that I would highly recommend is a back flow prevention valve on the side of your water Y valve where you connect your back flush hose to prevent any possible cross contamination from the back flush system. Thanks for your informative video.

[@Five2Go]

Black tank flush inlets have a backflow preventer built into them, same with the Flush King that I showed as well (which is why that hose connector looks so large on it)

[@lindalilyquist5745]

@@Five2Go I didn’t realize the flush inlet had a backflow preventer built in. Good to know. Thanks.

[@TrailFire]

Thank you for the Trail Fire Grill review 👍

[@Five2Go]

Thanks for making an awesome piece of kit! We're really hoping to use it more soon 😍

[@melissalynch450]

I just found your channel thanks to Facebook. I am loving all the behind the scenes information as my husband and I are looking into an rv since we will be empty nester next year.

[@jimbuckley4986]

We have a hitch pull trailer and enjoy getting out to parks, rv resorts and boondocking. I must say almost every single mentioned item, I have ended up with after purchasing many one time only used items. Great advice here, highly recommend every item you covered and the list shows you have walked the accessory gauntlet as well. We ended up giving our chairs to another elderly couple we met one time last year as they loved the rocking chairs and we will buy new ones this year. Saving the link for this video to share with others as well. Thank you and happy trails

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Jim!

[@jeeperchris]

So great to see a full video again! My motorhome came with the snap pads, they are amazing!

[@Five2Go]

Thanks man!

[@ginrhea65]

Wow, lots of awesome information!! Thanks for the links.

[@paula.2422]

Wow, what great information!!! Thanks for that. My wife and I are just thinking about getting a bumper pull just recreationally. Hence, I'm researching what I can. Excellent ideas and advice. I'm pleased to be a new subscriber.

[@Science_Labs_]

Great video, thank you for the details and descriptions. I need the ladder and wagon! On my shopping list.

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Heather!

[@NJ-Cathie]

This is an excellent video. Thank you for sharing all your tricks to successful RVing.

[@ryanm7865]

Thanks for the info on the Trail Fire grill. We have a Camp Fire in a Can, which has been amazing, but the Trail Fire would be a little more modular with the wok/lid and grill grate. Lots of little tidbits of information on accessories. Thank you.

[@scottd143]

Great idea for using the RV blocks with the sidewinder. lighter than carrying extra wood as I have seen some people do.

[@adame924]

I had a nonadjustable pressure regular fail so i switched to the gauge version. The issue I had with the inline is I didn't know it failed until I was at a campsite with REALLY high pressure. I'm guessing it failed 2 or 3 trips before I actually noticed, then it was to late.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Lots of good gear to think about. Thanks.

[@Five2Go]

You're very welcome!

[@sandyruther2936]

Thanks for the info. I think I've seen a couple of things I missed getting. I did purchase some saddle bags for my sewer hose should I need them. Yours is cuter. Mine you fill with water, not sand.

[@TheLakingc]

Thank you. We have the wagon, but i wish there was a way to brake it, especially when folded. Very handy

[@jackpippenstock1104]

Excellent video! ! Chock full of extremely useful and seldom seen information of the oft overlooked details that make campground camping a pleasant experience. Thank you.

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Jack!

[@cjfishtales2238]

Thorough and concise. Well done 👏

[@badbiker666]

Great video!! I watch these type of things all the time. Occasionally I come across one that is relevant to my living situation. I got a LOT out of this one! Here's some thoughts I recorded as I watched ... • That sewer weight shaped like a little RV is cute. I use a sandbag. Didn't cost me anything. My rig weighs nearly 17,000 lbs. A 3 lb bag doesn't tip the scale. If it gets dirty, I can toss it and get another one for nothing. Plus it is extremely flexible. You showed how your weight didn't sit on the elbow cleanly. I'll stick with the bag for the time being. Also, I don't have as many sewer adapters as you have and one of those (I don't know how to describe it) I have never seen. I am pretty sure I could have used it once or twice. I need to look for one. • I don't have a Zero G water hose. I keep hearing about them because I watch these RV Tip videos all the time. Next time I need a hose, I think I will be getting one. I have never heard a singe negative word about them. I haven't had any trouble with the hose I use now, but I have been able to avoid below freezing weather so far. • Leveling blocks ... so useful for much more than merely leveling your rig. Unfortunately, I have a couple of sets and as a result I have no need for the Snap Pads. I don't think they are a bad idea, just not anything I think I need to invest in. • I also have a folding wagon. But the one you demonstrated folds up a lot thinner than mine; at least an inch or even two. I use it as you do yours, especially for hauling tiny grandkids. I am an old man and my walking pace has slowed considerably from my prime. But it is still difficult to walk at a two-year-old's pace. Plus, the little ones love riding in it. My wife's main objection to the wagon is how dirty the wheels get. So I hooked up an air hose and I blow the dirt off (as much as I can) before stowing. Side note: Sadly, they have been outlawed in Disney World. I don't know why, but I assume that someone at some time using one caused a ruckus with it. You can't take ice into the parks any more either. Why has never been explained. Ah! End of the video. I see you have all the products listed online. I will look for that sewer adapter and the wagon.

[@RT2Do]

Enjoyed this video a lot! Do you tow your jeep or not? Have a great day!

[@Five2Go]

We flat tow the jeep with a ReadyBrute Elite II and an aftermarket bumper with solid d-ring attachment points

[@douglawrence9057]

This is a fantastic video. Thanks for all of the great information!

[@pamprice586]

Thanks for the tips on septic. Our toilet is not holding water and we have been smelling sewage. We've had it repaired 3 times!!! Maybe 4th will be secret to finally them getting it right.

[@Five2Go]

With some toilets it's super easy to replace the seal in the bowl, but in some models you can't. We just replaced our entire toilet a few months ago and to be totally honest it's an extremely easy job. If you've ever done a toilet in a house this is about 1/4 the effort.

[@klouism1]

I am a new subscriber. You have some very helpful equipment. Thank you for the video.

[@frankstith7800]

Get a Berkey water filtration system. Filters all our our drinking and cooking water. This is not cheap, but it will make river water drinkable.

[@manonarcand2146]

Best, well organized and complete all around rv gadget package ever seen, and i ve watched many videos, looking forward to watching more of yourvideos and added u to my suscribers list :) thank u :)

[@Five2Go]

Glad you liked it!

[@McScott76]

Starlink is truly a game changer. We use it at home in a very rural area with spotty cell service and no other broadband options. I work from home, and we stream multiple TVs and devices with really stable service, even during bad weather. Buying the equipment upfront is a little pricey, but the monthly rates are not much higher than most broadband providers.

[@michaeldean3771]

I use the yellow levelers to level tables whether pipe or 2x wood legs.

[@RickC77]

After seeing this video I subscribed. Nicely done. A really good overall vid on what you should be carrying. Also, I really like the Bounder and that you are pulling a Jeep Wranagler. Going to look and see if you have a video about pulling the Jeep and the set up. If you don’t you might want to think about doing one. We just purchased a Holiday Rambler and are going to pull a four-door Jeep Wrangler.

[@Five2Go]

Thanks Richard! I'm using the ReadyBrute Elite II for attachment and braking and I put an aftermarket bumper on the Jeep that gives me nice solid d-ring connection points to hook it up to. If your HR is a diesel pusher you should look into the Air Force braking system instead of what I'm using - it taps into your compressed air system for braking in the toad.

[@RickC77]

@@Five2Go Sadly, it is not a diesel. We went with the blue ox system for bars and such. The invisibrake for the toad. Have not tried it yet, but we are cautiously optimistic.

[@Greenfuego]

I’ve been looking for that 50>15amp adapter!

[@calvincollison8210]

as a fellow rvers, i started out with using rinoes assesories

[@mcrochip]

Regarding the P-trap for the sewer hose - only the gray tank is fed by drains with P-traps or waterless traps. The toilet drains straight into the tank with no trap at all - my old camper toilet actually was a straight drop and I could see the contents of the tank. While the holding tanks generally shouldn't be kept open, if you're taking a shower it helps to have that trap setup in the sewer hose.

[@gfamykathleen]

as always, great info. thanks friends! even after two years full timing we still always learn something new 🤛

[@Five2Go]

Love you guys!

[@Highplains_Dirtbagger]

My wife and I are seriously considering going full time RVing. Your video has helped tremendously in answering all our questions and concerns. Thanks for the video! Safe travels!

[@lakegeorgeloyalist2151]

I have rvd since 1993. 4 different tag alongs. I have never had a blockage in a sewer system. I work/ traveled in one. One trailer got retired to a " permanant site". What the hay are people putting down their toilet? Thanks for sharing!

[@joecraft4409]

If you use the Flush King, the hose you use must have a back flow preventer to eliminate the possibility of sewer being cavitated (drawn) back into the fresh water lines. Nothing like poo in your shore water spigot!

[@Five2Go]

The water hose connection on the flush king has a backflow preventer on it, it comes that way

[@FiliSuperDuty]

You must be at that beautiful KOA in Newport right by the bridge.

[@Five2Go]

This was actually recorded in the north section of the Whaler's Rest Thousand Trails

[@scrippslarry]

Great video! We have almost all the same sewer and electrical stuff!

[@joshuaclark5796]

Run the regulator after the filter. Your adjustable regulator will work fine and last a long time when you’re not sending particulates through it.

[@CW5Light]

Love the video! We just left Newport Oregon this morning!

[@Nillaman]

I love the Newport area! There’s a place called Beverly beach just North of there that has tons of fossils in the cliffs!

[@teresawalker4492]

Enjoyed watching your video and paid particular interest to the impressive array of waste management products. The water filled weight to hold sewer hose end was new to me. I have had to resort to big rocks. I was surprised to see your waste water rinse hose is white. White or light blue is usually potable water. I'm always looking for equipment to save weight or do double duty to save space. Thank you.

[@johnwallington3159]

Your water splitter.....is it drinking water safe? Many contain lead if you bought at hardware store. Camco and others make one that is drinking water compliant.

[@Five2Go]

It's drinking water safe, all brass and no lead

[@johnwallington3159]

@@Five2Go appreciate the prompt reply. I enjoyed your tutorial. I listen to these periodically just to see if I pick up anything that I didn't already know and just thought it was a suggestion to maybe let people know not to buy the hardware store cheap ones

[@chrismartin8479]

How do you secure your Starlink while you're at the campground? Prevent theft and blowing off?

[@anthonysmith4566]

Flag pole buddy with starlink adapter kit

[@thomasblankenship1646]

Agreed on the Vacu-flush... It sucks... well its supposed to suck but it's always broken

[@Five2Go]

Our new rig has macerator toilets, they’re *so* much better than that vacuflush junk!

[@axiomproductions]

There is quite a bit of stuff unsecured. Have you ever dealt with theft and how do you prevent it.

[@Five2Go]

All of those bays are normally locked, I just unlocked them before filming so I didn't waste time fumbling with the key 😂 We haven't had any theft issues in campgrounds though we've had friends lose bikes that they didn't lock up. We keep ours secure at all times.

[@axiomproductions]

@@Five2Go actually I was referring to the power dog, adapters etc.

[@Five2Go]

Oooh, gotcha. I used to run a cable lock around the Watchdog but stopped for some reason. It comes with a loop bracket built in for it if you want to lock it down. Adapters and water stuff are so cheap though, and everyone should already have them, so I'd be shocked if anyone stole that stuff.

[@jenniferghormley5209]

Great information. You remind me of Richard Dreyfus. TFS.

[@tonymontgomery5827]

Hello from Depoe Bay Oregon! We are buying our first rv, selling our home in Depoe and going nomadic. Any advice from anyone?

[@Five2Go]

We just drove through there last week! If you have any questions we've got a bunch of fulltimers on our Discord server, you should join us 👍👍 www.five2go.com/discord

[@everydayfixer8446]

I haven't gotten one yet, but from what I've seen you want to get the pressure regulators with the oil filled gauge, it seams like they last better. Maybe you had one before but the one you showed wasn't.

[@Five2Go]

I've tried both types and both have failed. I don't think they're made to be out in the elements and I want my filter and hose protected from high pressures so I don't put the regulator in the bay. The "dumb" ones are perfectly fine because I never adjusted the pressure after setting it up the first time. Simple is often best 😉

[@dennisajones9352]

Great info video! Definitely going to use some of your ideas!

[@rcheas4894]

You can replace the gauge on the adjustable water pressure regulator. They’re cheep at a hardware.

[@courtascot]

When are you going to do a full vlog ? I like the shorts but miss the reg vlogs

[@scottbarnard2422]

For drinking water... if you have the space under your sink, install the Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artisan Full Contact under counter RO system by Perfect Water Technologies. One of the best, most compact, modular RO filter systems that produces absolutely delicious water!

[@marctonnacliff6810]

Great video, thanks. I liked seeing the back pressure cleaner attachment flush king. I just watched a video from a company that cleans tanks, he said you can use any TP and not to use any additives to the black tank. What are your thoughts?

[@Five2Go]

We have been using the Walmart brand strong TP for 7 years but any septic-safe TP will work. We also use Liquify tank treatment and definitely notice a difference when dumping: amzn.to/3UgMgUj Those guys probably don't want you to use additives so you need their services more often...

[@shayhat8077]

I'm from Quebec, is this RV good for Extreme cold weather? I've been doing research of it and it doesn't clarification that on google

[@conniejohnson9393]

Very informative, thank you. Have a lot of this gear but going to check out a couple of things, sure want to know more about the internet thing, what did you call it star link. Does it work in Canada as we are from BC? Thanks again

[@Harry-zz2oh]

Add some Dawn kitchen sink detergent to your kit. Once a month or so, add it to the toilet and let it go through into the tanks.

[@pauls477]

so you keep sewer gloves beside your fresh water intake ?

[@54denzo]

When using a splitter on fresh water lines you should have a back flow on each side of the splitter

[@Five2Go]

The only thing that needs a backflow preventer on it is the black tank flush, and that’s built in to the flush inlet itself. There’s nothing else you’d use the splitter for that would need that level of separation.

[@newelph]

I would love to know where you got the water jug that looks like a camp trailer.

[@Five2Go]

All the links are in the description. Here’s the one for the sewer weight: amzn.to/3tXUy5I 👍👍

[@markjohnson5618]

Just came across this. Very nice job covering a lot of the useful thing tonight. Lotta extra BS. Thank you.

[@jackrussellville]

I use the biggest thickness gloves I can find that still allows me to work when dealing with 💩

[@gbennett3009]

Great informative video thank you

[@Squanto9]

Good video, I'm working on my collection. On the surge protector, do you have a preference to attaching it at the camp power rather than hard wiring it in to the RV? While the one you have is weather proof, the hardwired version would be inside, out of the elements. If you have to plug into 30Amp power, you'd have a converter to 50AMP, the surge protector, and the power connector from the rv, and you'd have to keep all of that away from water. Less weather problems if hardwired. But I have no experience yet so just asking.

[@Julian-do7bv]

Good video again guys

[@dewaynehastings3191]

Zero g hose is awesome

[@markstevensgarner]

Well made informative video ,good job

[@miketaylor2810]

Can that filter inlet be used in either direction for filtration as an inlet?

[@shornz82]

On toilet clogging. If you’re going to do your business, something that could get stuck. Just make sure you fill that bowl with plenty of water before you do your thing and then let all that go down when you flush and run some extra to ensure it goes down.

[@Five2Go]

That's what we do every time but our kids are particularly skilled at, well, pipe-blocking deposits 🤣 There's a right angle just below the floor that likes to catch longer things if you catch my drift.

[@WeLoveToKamp]

A big ‘ole squirt of dish soap into the bowl helps ‘stuff’ slide by those tight turns.

[@Metoo24]

Thank you

[@nosoupforyou425]

Have heard the bulldog is super sensitive and shuts off a lot when used. Have you found this to be the case for yourself ?

[@billmalec]

You must have a lot of problems with your black tank stuff. I don't open the valve until it's time to empty. One thing I do before I leave a campground...I empty the hot water tank (via the shower hose)into the toilet and let it loosen things up(yours may not reach, I get that but there are other ways). Always flows out very well!

[@gorvlivin]

Thanks again for the content!

[@markmcconnell604]

Question?. Your gauged pressure regulators, did the regulator fail or just the gauges getting stuck? Like pool pressure gauges they fail and you just replace the gauges. I just bought a travel trailer and have been told by many people to get a gauged pressure regulator. The inline ones are great but they like everything else fail without knowledge. My daughters toilet was ruined when one of these failed.

[@lancewulfers2502]

To repair the water pressure regulator, just go to your handy hardware store and get a replacement water pressure gauge, they are a standard size thread and just screw into the housing. Just because the gauge is not working doesn't mean the regulator portion is also broken. A lot of these gauges are not weather resistant and need to be covered in bad weather.

[@frankzicari784]

You should have a back flow preventer on your black tank flush hose

[@Five2Go]

There's one built into the flush system, it's right behind the inlet

[@johnr8629]

Never electrical cables around the elbow. Check the over/under method anywhere on youtube.

[@WynneEden]

I like the concept of the zero g hose - have one of the knockoff garden hoses - but why do they come in dark colors (I've found dark blue, gray, black and dark green)? I use my cheapie white hose on purpose; it doesn't pre-heat the cold water for me as much in the Florida summer sun.

[@craighofer7890]

Try the flexzilla hose. I have a 10 foot and 25 foot. Supple in all temps too.

[@kellyashurst9553]

Alright so love your videos I have a question to ask you I want to know if the 021 hose I think that's what you called it is an anti-freeze hose they just sent me a notice today where I'm staying at the campground and they told me that I have to get a heated hose or a non freezing hose you know one that will not freeze up so this is why I'm asking

[@Five2Go]

Zero-G hoses are not safe to use during freezing weather. You'll need a proper heated hose, and I think only Camco makes those: amzn.to/43BC8Xe