Many folks wonder what equipment to buy for their trailer. With all the choices available on the market it can be hard to decide on the right lock or solar equipment. My theory is to buy good quality once rather than cheap or inferior products over and over. In conversations with other users on forums and social media I have put together this list of recommended items.
Recommended products from multiple users or sources that found these products to be superior.
Most recommend/The clear winners online
Lock
Proven Industries
Back Up Camera
Halo view camera – I wish I could find the post about this camera. The guy was very happy about it.
https://amzn.to/3JmHFL4
What are the best power sources for my RV
The best power sources for a recreational vehicle (RV) will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the RV owner. Some popular options include:
Generator: A generator is a portable power source that can be used to run appliances and charge batteries. They are available in a variety of sizes and fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and diesel.
Solar panels: Solar panels can be used to generate electricity from the sun. They can be used to charge batteries, run appliances, and even power an RV’s air conditioning. See Solar Page for more information
Shore power: If the RV is parked at a campground with electrical hookups, it can use the campground’s power supply to run appliances and charge batteries.
Battery: A battery can be used to store electricity generated by solar panels or a generator. This can be used to run appliances and charge other devices when the RV is not connected to shore power or a generator.
Ultimately, the best power source for an RV will depend on the RV owner’s budget, the type of RV, and how it will be used. A combination of power sources may be the most practical solution for an RV.
Drawers/Interior
Drawer Roller Guides
JR Products 70785 Roller Drawer Guide
RV Designer H310, Delta Drawer Repair Kit, Cabinet Hardware
Exterior
Hitch Lock
Proven Industries Model 2178 Trailer Lock, Fits 2-Inch Trailer Couplers, Secures Safety Chains, Made in The USA, (Red)
RVLock Compact and Key Fob Keyless Entry Keypad
Halo view camera
Tevlaphee Wheel Lock – Car Boot Tire Locks Anti-Theft Trailers Wheel Clamp Lock Parking Boot for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Campers, Boat – with Adjustable Claw and Lug Nuts Cover
Tevlaphee Universal Wheel Lock Heavy Duty Security Trailer Wheel Lock Tires Anti Theft for Car SUV Boat Motorcycle Golf Cart Great Deterrent Bright Color with 3 Keys (Red-Yellow)
Stromberg Carlson CC-255 Trailer Tray
https://amzn.to/3RMcbjC
Comfort
ALPS Mountaineering Sidekick – Silver
Plumbing
RV Water Heater Anode Rod 2 Pack -Magnesium- Superior Tank Protection for Your Investment!- 9.25?? Long ¾?? Threads Suburban Mor-Flo 6 Gallon
Camco TastePURE RV/Marine Water Filter
Watts 959098 Aqualock 3539-10 (P-650) Straight Valve, 1/2″
SEWER
Valterra T1020-1CLR Waste Valve Cap – 3″ with Capped 3/4″ GHT, Clear, Bulk
Dont get caught using a coat hanger and your ungloved arm to dislodge a blockage in your tail pipe, err, I mean black pipe… Have one of these in your tool kit!
There are many options for these. I like the Cobra Products Skinny Snake Drain Cleaner as it contains the coil inside the casing and it is small and easy to transport. I highly recommend. https://amzn.to/3wK2EzE (Two pack)
Alternately find one of these Liquid-Plumr 670112 Sink Drain Snake. What you want is one that is small and compact and can easily go in a bag after use…
Or
Electric
Soft Start
There is a big difference between a conventional “Soft-Start” capacitor and the Micro-Air Easy Start. SoftStartRV – The RV AC Soft Start For Any Air Conditioner – Guaranteed
Micro-Air Easy Start 364 Soft Starter For RV and Marine By Micro-Air, Inc.
WAGO 221-412/VE00-2500 221 Series 2 Conductor AWG 24 – 12 Transparent Body Connector w/Levers – 50 Item(s)
Progressive Dynamics PD4655V Inteli-Power 4600 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard – 55 Amp
Conntek ASTT-30P RV Male Replacement Plug, 30-Amp
12V USB Outlet, Ollcuz 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 USB Fast Charger Socket Power Outlet Adapter w/LED Digital Voltmeter for Car, Marine, Boat, Motorcycle, Truck, Golf Cart, etc
Casita to Generator cord adapter
AC WORKS Generator to 30Amp RV Adapter (L14-20 20A 4-Prong Locking Compact)
Progressive Dynamics PD4655V
The Renogy 120W Portable Solar Panel E.Flex 120 is only $299 on Amazon, that doesnt seem bad.
If you want a great emergency charger, I highly recommend this one. It saved a three week trip for us. The converter went out and we had not power… I bought one of these at Canadian Tire in Vancouver BC and we were able to keep on going. Once I got home I replaced the converter and we were back up and running. I keep this in the Casita as a spare if we ever need it again. I use an Amazon service that alerts me when prices drop… this is now $84.70 (Down -32%)
NOCO GENIUS10, 10A Smart Car Battery Charger,
Winterizing
No one wants to put oil in their waterlines. Protect your lines with a filter that will catch most droplets. I recommend this IR brand. May need a different size depending on your compressor hose outlet but this is the normal standard size. I also recommend the air hose below.
Ingersoll Rand ARO F35121-400-VS Air Line Filter, 1/4″ NPT – 150 psi Max Inlet, Black
Milton 1670 50 Foot 1/4″ MNPT ReKoil Hose
Dual Purpose RV Winterizing Kit with Air Adjusting Valve, 17Inch Hose Blow Out Fitting Adaptor 3/4″ Male&Female GHT Quick Connect Blowout Plug for Winterizing RV, Camper, Travel Trailer, Garden Hose
Tires
Need an airgauge that goes up to 65 PSI for your trailer tires. Get one of these that reads to 75PSI.
Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge (0-75 PSI) – Certified ANSI B40.1 Accurate, Large 2″ Easy Read Glow Dial, Premium Braided Hose, Solid Brass Hardware,
Solar
100 Watts 100W Solar Panel 12V – 18V Poly Off Grid Battery Charger for RV
CURT 58150 Vehicle-Side 7-Pin RV Blade Trailer Wiring Harness Connector
Renogy One Pair of 9LN 12 AWG Adapter kit Solar Cable Wire PV with Female & Male Connector
Renogy 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Negative Ground Solar Charger Controller Compact Design Wanderer 10A
Model RS232
There is a bundle you can get for the Charge Controller and the Pair of 9LN 12 AWG Female & Male Connector
Renogy 10 Amp 12V/24V PWM Negative Ground Solar Charge Controller Compact Design w/LCD & One Pair of 9In 12AWG Adaptor Kit Solar Cable Wire PV with Female & Male Connectors
Heaters
Kismile Small Electric Space Heater Ceramic Space Heater,Portable Heater Fan for Office with Adjustable Thermostat and Overheat Protection ETL Listed for Kitchen, 750W/1500W,10 Inch
Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater – Black
https://amzn.to/3XUpjFE
Propane
Marshall Excelsior MER426-15P RV Thermo Pigtail
Made in America by Marshall Excelsior. I highly recommend these for replacement.
https://amzn.to/3rOqjQn
Marshall Excelsior MER611-36P Thermoplastic Hose, 3/8″ Hose ID – 36″
https://amzn.to/3XOGSa7
DO NOT BUY Cheap Chinese Propane Pigtails – they both failed and I lost all of the propane in our tanks due to the failure of the GASPRO 15-Inch Braided RV Propane Pigtail Hose, Durable Camper Gas Line Replacement for Propane Tank, 1/4-Inch Male NPT x QCC-1, 2-Pack. DO NOT BUY THESE https://amzn.to/40jtxrZ
Exterior
Casita Cover
Classic Accessories Over Drive PolyPRO 3 Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer Cover, Fits 11′ – 13′ Trailers, Camper RV Cover, Customizable Fit, All Season Protection for Motorhome, Grey/White
13 foot – https://amzn.to/487bwRr
17 foot – https://amzn.to/462IIb1
Review by Alice Blackwell
Much lighter than old one so easy to put on myself
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
Size: 13′ 1″-16’L (Model 3)Verified Purchase
Much easier to handle on my own as it is light weight. Just have had it a couple months so we’ll see how long it lasts. think it’s great for the money. Covers a 17′ Casita.
Hitch Lock
Proven Industries Model 2178 Trailer Lock, Fits 2-Inch Trailer Couplers, Secures Safety Chains, Made in The USA, (Red). These get great reviews from users. Highly recommend.
https://amzn.to/3xaFbYM
RVLock Compact and Key Fob Keyless Entry Keypad – Direct replacement lock for Casitas
https://amzn.to/3I6pw2W
Halo view camera – This one gets great reviews on the Casita forums and Facebook Groups.
https://amzn.to/3eVN4vf
Tevlaphee Wheel Lock – Car Boot Tire Locks Anti-Theft Trailers Wheel Clamp Lock Parking Boot for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Campers, Boat – with Adjustable Claw and Lug Nuts Cover
https://amzn.to/40h5qdh
Tevlaphee Universal Wheel Lock Heavy Duty Security Trailer Wheel Lock Tires Anti Theft for Car SUV Boat Motorcycle Golf Cart Great Deterrent Bright Color with 3 Keys (Red-Yellow)
https://amzn.to/3kPrUlj
Stromberg Carlson CC-255 Trailer Tray
https://amzn.to/3RMcbjC
Chain and lock for generator
I am a big fan of the ABUS brand of locks, chains, and bike chains. THis ABUS Hardened Steel 10KS 10 Foot x 3/8″ Thick Square Security Chain made of hardened steel with a special anti-corrosion coating which makes them ideal for outdoor use. Each link has a thickness of 3/8″, inside height of 1 1/2″ and inside width of 5/8″.This chain requires 8 tons of cutting force to break through the hardened steel. Cannot be compromised by typical aggressive burglary attacks. Each individual link is unique in that the shape is squared rather than round. The squared link construction makes it almost impossible for theft tools to get a secure grip on the chain to cut. The thick hardened steel is extra resistant to sawing and the welded finish makes prying insurmountable.
https://amzn.to/3Bpkj2b
Abus Lock – This is a German made lock that is very secure. If you put both ends of the chain above in the lock and lock it there is very little room to get a saw or bolt cutters onto the shackle. https://amzn.to/3It3GGQ
Abus Bike Chain Lock
https://amzn.to/3YMXlf3
RVLock Compact and Key Fob Keyless Entry Keypad, RV/5th Wheel Lock Accessories – $109.99
https://amzn.to/3YvOgYj
Leveler Blocks
https://amzn.to/3YOF3ul
Wheel Chocks
https://amzn.to/3YVigMH
Miscellaneous
Goop Glue or E6000 – A great, strong adhesive where you need a bit of flexibility. I use this in place of Super Glue most of the time. It is not brittle like superglue and generally will outlast most other glues. Available at your local hardware store, big box home home improvement stores, Target, and of course online at https://amzn.to/40zsODb
RV Store – Replacement Hardware for your RV
Has anyone installed any of these RV Designer H309, Drawer Locks? I am interested but wonder how to install them. Our middle drawer always slides open and I have switched drawers, done the match stick trick, etc. The only thing that does work is a piece of wire that I bend around the bottom of the drawer and is secured to the stove bar/towel rack. Not very elegant…
https://amzn.to/3jmdkS7
I found them on this great RV Replacement Hardware Site at https://amzn.to/3JpxVQ4
Hardware page https://amzn.to/3JpxVQ4
Collapsible food containers.
We have started using Sea to Summit collapsible food containers in our Casita when we go on trips and I wanted to share how handy these are. You can freeze meals in them and just reheat in the trailer to minimize prep time. Easy clean up and you can collapse them with a store them easily when done. If you don’t want to clean them immediately you can rinse them, add a little water and dish soap and seal them up and wash at home like we do. The sink (Not Sea to Summit) can be used as a water container, ice bucket (chilling wine, beer, or drinks), cutting board, etc. Let me know if you want more information and I can tell you the ones we like. Make sure you buy the X-Seal so you have the lids. When freezing you can fill them up completely as they will expand and hold whatever you have in them. As an added bonus, we found that doing this, we can use the frozen ones to ‘precool’ the fridge and/or freezer when heading out, too! No more needing the propane on when driving.
Sea to Summit X-Seal & Go Collapsible Food Storage Container, 2-Pack (S + L), Olive
https://amzn.to/3PyerLG
Sea to Summit X-Set Collapsible Camping Dinnerware Set with Zippered Pouch
https://amzn.to/3PxqdGb
Sea To Summit X-Seal & Go Collapsible Container
https://amzn.to/487c61z
Collapsible Sink/Ice Bucket/Cutting Board
UST FlexWare Collapsible Sink 2.0 with 4.23 Gal Wash Basin for Washing Dishes, storing dirty dishes till you wash them (If you have two) Impromptu ice bucket, hauling water, etc. Once you have one, you will find a lot of uses.
https://amzn.to/44MhHr9
Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag, Food Storage Container/Ice holder
https://amzn.to/3PvlkgT
https://amzn.to/45KU7wo
https://amzn.to/3Zf5ri0
Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant 64 Inch BBQ Grill Cover
https://amzn.to/3RgHC7w
https://amzn.to/3r6Wjz5
Store https://amzn.to/3r1591w
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