Motorhome Travel Accessories and Essentials

Traveling in a motorhome brings freedom and adventure, but packing the right motorhome accessories can make all the difference between a smooth trip and a frustrating one.

Ready to elevate your journey? Dive into this essential list of must-have items to maximize comfort, save space, and embrace every spontaneous escapade with confidence.

Keep reading to gear up for the road ahead!

Motorhome Accessories and Essentials

Awning Options

When it comes to awnings, motorhome travelers can choose from two common varieties:

1. Drive-Away Awning A drive-away awning acts as a self-supporting tent that can be detached and left standing while you explore. Although it tends to be pricier, it provides additional space for various purposes.
   Use it to store muddy shoes and outdoor gear, entertain more guests than planned, or simply relish the view while being shielded from wind or rain. Essentially, it offers an extra room with comprehensive protection and privacy, with some larger ones even including sleeping cabins.

1. Canopy Awning Unlike a drive-away awning, a canopy awning rolls out like a blind and is supported by a few added poles for stability. While it primarily offers top protection, it is generally more affordable.
   This type can be temporarily or permanently attached to your vehicle. Premium options may include fabric walls to enclose the space, providing protection and privacy similar to a drive-away awning. Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your specific motorhome model before making a purchase.

Fire Safety Gear

If you’re using gas on your vehicle, it’s crucial to have a carbon monoxide detector along with a fire blanket and an extinguisher.

Let’s begin with fire extinguishers: there are plenty of options available, but before settling on one, I would recommend consulting with a fire safety expert for guidance.

Once your decision is made, make sure to get two – just in case. Place them in various locations within your van, ideally within easy reach, such as mounted on the wall near the stove or by your bedside.

Transitioning to fire blankets, even if you don’t plan to ignite candles or use open flame equipment, it’s prudent to have one on hand in case you need to smother a fire swiftly. Again, storage can be anywhere, but accessibility is key.

Lastly, carbon monoxide detectors. Every van should have at least one.

Portable Illumination

This is particularly crucial if you’re considering free or wild camping or wish to dine and savor a glass of wine outdoors. I recommend acquiring an LED lantern to eliminate concerns about batteries running out.

I also suggest having a head torch for moments when you require light after sundown, but your hands are occupied, such as when you need to adjust the gas or empty the toilet.

Flexible Tubing

A hosepipe is an extremely practical tool to carry as it can be employed to fill up the on-board water tanks or rinse off muddy, sandy feet.

Opt for a food-grade one measuring approximately 15m in length. Despite most campsites featuring a hose-lock connector, it’s advisable to carry one just in case you need to replenish your water tank unexpectedly.

Mobile Outdoor Shower

For those embracing a more adventurous spirit and opting for wild camping rather than traditional campsites with amenities, this is indispensable!

If your vehicle already boasts shower facilities, feel free to skip this recommendation.

However, for those with compact vehicles or campervans that seldom accommodate toilets and showers (unless self-renovated), read on.

A portable outdoor shower is a lightweight, economical, and space-efficient option, ideal for those intending to spend ample time on sandy beaches.

Simply hang it high enough, attach it for unobstructed water flow, and you’re all set. Additionally, consider pop-up shower tents for added privacy and extra storage space.

Mud Mats

When stranded in a muddy field, mud mats can be a game-changer! Traction boards are an alternative, but exercise caution as they might slip from under the wheels and propel backward.

While we’re on the topic, you might also want to contemplate…

Tow Strap

You never know when you might need to extricate yourself from a sticky or boggy situation! A tow strap becomes invaluable in such scenarios.

When shopping for one, be aware of your vehicle’s weight, as an insufficiently strong tow strap could snap or cause damage to your chassis.

Portable Toilet

Larger vehicles or those that have undergone renovations might already have a built-in toilet. However, for free camping, having a portable commode is advisable.

Portable toilets come in various styles and sizes; the choice depends on how elaborate you want to go. If you find a compact one, it can be conveniently stowed away in a cupboard until needed. Just remember to pack some toilet paper!

Foldable Outdoor Furniture

Given the limited space, fold-up furniture ensures you have a bit more room and aren’t confined to your vehicle. You can opt for basic functionality or choose something more stylish, depending on your needs, budget, and available space.

Fold-out furniture is an excellent option, especially for those traveling during warmer months, allowing you to relax outside and appreciate your surroundings or enjoy summer evenings. It’s a worthwhile investment that quickly becomes indispensable!

Leveling Ramps

While most campsites provide level ground, venturing off the beaten path may expose you to uneven terrain. Sleeping at an angle can be bothersome, and it becomes even more frustrating when you can’t properly drain the sink!

Leveling ramps can be a lifesaver in conquering uneven ground. Before making a purchase, consider the size and weight of your vehicle. Also, consider the hardness of the surface you’ll be on, as grass and concrete can impact the suitability of the chosen ramps.

Compact Kitchen Gear

Careful consideration of your kitchen equipment is essential. Kettles, pots, pans, colanders, and even graters are indispensable for traveling chefs, but they can occupy a significant amount of space.

If space is limited or you prefer a neat storage solution, consider investing in collapsible or foldable kitchen equipment. It’s an excellent way to save space while ensuring you have all the essentials for your cooking adventures.

Thermal Blind

For year-round travelers, a thermal blind can regulate the temperature inside your vehicle. In warmer weather, it reduces condensation and humidity, while in colder weather, it acts as an additional layer of insulation to prevent heat loss.

While larger, more luxurious motorhomes may already come equipped with thermal blinds, this suggestion is particularly useful for smaller, budget-friendly vehicles. It’s a simple solution to create a cozier and more private atmosphere.

Just be sure to measure your windscreen and windows before making a purchase!

Extras

Not everyone may have the room or desire to bring these extras, but it’s worth considering them if you haven’t already.

Hammock

This may be an unconventional suggestion, but hammocks can be attached to various fixtures, making them handy for lazy afternoons when all you want to do is soak in some Vitamin D or finish the last chapter of your holiday read.

They take up minimal space, easily rolling up and storing when on the move. Can you imagine anything better than lounging back and relaxing in one of these?

Portable Barbecue

A portable BBQ earns its spot as a must-have essential for those weather-perfect days. Opting for a foldable one means that after relishing your favorite flame-grilled delights, all that’s left to do is give it a good clean and stow it away!

Alternatively, if storage space is a concern but you’re still yearning for that holiday vibe, a disposable option from the supermarket is available – though it might not quite match up to the experience.

Bicycle Rack

The freedom that comes with traveling by motorhome or campervan is unparalleled. However, once you’re settled at a site with everything in place, the thought of moving your vehicle again might be less appealing.

Enter the bicycle rack – a solution that allows you to bring your two-wheeled companion along for the adventure without the hassle of repacking and setting up your motorhome or campervan.

When it comes to bringing your bicycle along for the journey, there are several options to consider:

1. Bumper-Mounted Rack: These racks, once installed, can accommodate up to four bikes, making them ideal for family holidays. They work best if the bumper is reinforced with steel but may not be compatible with every vehicle.
2. Hitch and Tow Bar Rack: Easy to use and secure, this type utilizes your vehicle’s receiver tube or tow ball. However, be aware that prices are typically higher, and it adds length to your vehicle.
3. Ladder-Mounted Rack: The simplest choice involves hooking onto your vehicle’s ladder.
4. Rear Door Mounted Rack: Specifically designed for vehicles with rear doors, these racks are easy to install and offer the option of increasing storage space by attaching a rear trunk instead of bikes. Given the variety, prices, and sizes will differ, so shopping around to find the perfect fit is advisable. When narrowing down your options, consider:

• How many frames can it carry?
• What works best with your vehicle?
• What security features are necessary?

Games

Perfect for family bonding or settling those perennial Scrabble feuds with your partner, board or card games are an excellent way to spend evenings. Travel-size versions are available, ensuring entertainment on the road.

Select the accessories that suit your needs, keeping in mind the weight of each item to avoid exceeding your motorhome payload. After using your motorhome for a while, review the accessories and remove those you haven’t used to declutter and lighten the load. And of course, never forget the corkscrew!