Ready for the road? A 10-point checklist for RV’ers

Brandpoint (BPT)

(BPT) – Whether you’re a new RV’er or a tenured camping pro, it pays to be prepared before hitting the road. Having the right supplies on hand can help ensure smooth travels no matter how near or far you’ll be going this season.

The experts at Road & Home have developed a Ready For The Road RV parts checklist containing information about important RV repair and replacement parts for campers of all sizes. Let this simple, easy-to-use checklist guide you as you gear up for your next road trip. For more information, visit www.roadandhome.com.

Plastic Roof Vent Cap

It’s common for the vent cap to break off if you hit a low branch or if something knocks into it. Keep pests, debris and water out of your drain system by replacing the cap as soon as you notice it’s gone. It’s a simple repair that keeps your plumbing system in tip-top shape.

40-50 Pound Water Pressure Regulator

Plumbing systems are generally designed to work at 40-50 PSI of pressure. Water inlets at many parks run higher. Don’t put your RV’s plumbing system at risk — simply place the regulator on the water supply spigot and take the worry out of hooking up. Also, water pressure regulators are frequently lost or left behind, so it is a good idea to have an extra one on hand.

25-Foot Drinking Water Hose

Sometimes the water hookup is further away than your existing hose can reach. Or you may find that your existing hose is damaged and it needs to be replaced. Either way, you need to get the water to the RV! It is critical to have an extra water hose with you at all times. Remember, not all garden hoses are drinking water safe, so get one specifically for your consumption needs.

90-Degree Hose Adapter

Keep your hose from kinking by using this adapter to angle the hose in the direction it needs to go. The hose easily attaches to the fitting because it extends out from the body of the RV.

RV Adapters (Dogbones)

RV parks have different electrical hookups and you never know what you will find. Don’t get caught in the dark because you can’t adapt your electricity to what is available! These dogbone adapters will ensure you can hook up no matter what you do. Before purchasing, remember to match the maximum amperage of your RV to the amperage rating on the cord.

25-Foot RV Hookup Cord

Damaged electrical cords present the risk of electrocution, fires and short circuits. If your cord’s jacket has a cut or if it is damaged in any way, you must replace it immediately. Carry an extra cord with you so you don’t get to the park and find that your cord is not in working condition.

15-AMP and 30-AMP Outlet Adapters

Prepare to adapt! Outlets can vary from one park to the next and you can get caught without power if you can’t adapt. Always have the right outlet to match the hookup. Use these adapters to make sure your lights will always come on and your vacation adventures never slow down.

RV Waste Hose

RV waste hoses are subjected to constant abuse. They can get run over, stepped on, crushed or cut in normal use. Don’t get stuck with a full tank and no hose to hook up to the sewer. Keep an extra hose with you at all times. It is inexpensive insurance and provides peace of mind!

Fittings for your RV Waste Hose

When you need to replace the sewer hose, you probably don’t want to pull the old dirty fittings out of your old hose. Keep a collection of spare fittings to go along with your spare hose. These four are the most important:

RVP141 — Cap: They fall off and they break. It is important to have an extra so that your RV is not leaving a trail wherever you go!

RVP142 — Straight Hose Connector: Connect to the hose so you can attach to the RV outlet.

RVP144 — Coupling: Used to put two hoses together. Your hose may stretch up to 20 feet, but if you need to go a longer distance, you can put two hoses together. You can also use this to repair a hose by cutting out the damaged portion and putting it back together.

RVP145 — 45-Degree Hose Connector: This goes into the hose so you can attach to the RV outlet at a 45-degree angle to help point the hose down and avoid kinking.

RV Waste Hose Clamps

These are easy to use and very important for holding fittings securely into the sewer hose. Stock up on a few and be ready no matter what.