8 Overhyped RV Accessories to Skip
Every new RV owner walks into a big shiny store, a bright plastic shopping cart rolling behind them. The metal cart quickly fills with colorful camping gadgets. People get excited about their first long road trip; they want every cool thing the internet promises will make RV life easy. Plenty of companies make money selling tiny plastic items you don’t need for an adventure. Some RV accessories will just gather dust in a storage bin. Wise travelers learn fast what stuff really helps on the open road. A smart person saves hard-earned cash for actual experiences. Let’s talk about eight overpriced items you should leave on the shelf.
1. Overpriced RV Leveling Blocks
Orange plastic leveling blocks sit stacked on dirt, beside a small blue level and a pile of brown wooden boards. Bright plastic accessories often cost too much for their function. Simple wood planks provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive plastic blocks.
2. Flimsy Portable Waste Tank
A blue plastic waste tank sits on gravel, leaking dark liquid. A man in a dark shirt connects a black hose to a white RV, emptying the vehicle’s contents. Avoid buying cheap RV accessories; flimsy tanks often cause messy problems.
3. Unnecessary RV Water Filters
The blue plastic water filter shows significant brown sediment, indicating the filter has captured many particles. A beige recreational vehicle sits on a gravel lot with green pine trees in the background. An RV water filter is not always needed, especially at campsites with clean water.
4. Bulky RV Satellite Dish
A large white dome on the dusty RV roof represents a bulky satellite dish, one of many RV accessories to avoid. The large dome takes up significant roof space, leaving little room for solar panels or a cargo box. Consider if a smaller, portable dish on a tripod might better suit your needs, saving roof space and avoiding unnecessary weight.
5. Ineffective RV Fridge Fan
A small white fan with red and black wires sits inside an open RV refrigerator, surrounded by plastic water bottles and fresh green lettuce. RV accessories to avoid often claim to improve cooling, but the tiny fan struggles to move enough cold air. Save your money and skip buying an ineffective fridge fan.
6. Redundant RV GPS System
A large black GPS screen dominates the dashboard, showing a complex map with red and blue lines. A smaller smartphone below the screen also displays a map, proving a dedicated GPS device is one of the RV accessories to avoid. RV owners already own a powerful navigation tool; avoid buying another one.
7. Cumbersome RV Grill Attachments
A metal rack with many arms hangs from the side of a large white RV. A man stands beside a white picnic table, trying to assemble a complicated accessory. Avoid cumbersome RV accessories to prevent frustration on your trips.
8. Excessive RV Awning Lights
Numerous small warm lights hang in strings from a tan RV awning, creating a bright glow around a white folding table. RV accessories to avoid add charm, but the excessive light actually hurts your night vision. Instead, choose minimal, dim lighting for your outdoor space.
Beyond the ‘Gram: Why Pinterest-Perfect Isn’t Always Practical in an RV
You might think those charming woven baskets in online photos will organize your RV. Many people buy them for their cottagecore look. They often unravel quickly in a bumpy RV, or they slide around on smooth shelves. Instead, choose sturdy plastic bins with high sides. These square containers fit snugly into cabinets.
Most glossy ceramic mugs from home stores crack on the first rough road. A pretty speckled finish does not prevent breakage. Those delicate cups shatter into tiny, sharp pieces. You need durable, melamine dishes with a matte finish. These lightweight plates and bowls bounce when they fall. Silicone coffee cups with ridged sides collapse flat for easy storage.
You’ve seen those flowing macrame plant hangers on social media. They look nice hanging from a ceiling hook. A sudden stop sends a clay pot swinging wildly, smashing against a wall. Concrete planters become heavy projectiles. Opt for lightweight, artificial succulents in small plastic pots. These green plants stay put with a bit of sticky tack underneath.
Space-Saving Myths: When ‘Compact’ Just Means More Clutter
Your camping neighbor probably suggested telescoping poles for hanging clothes, believing they save precious room in a small RV. Many people buy flimsy hanging shoe racks, thinking these will organize a cramped closet. Instead, cheap plastic organizers often snap on bumpy roads, scattering your canvas sneakers and hiking boots across the floor. Better storage solutions do exist for your small rolling home.
Collapsible silicone bowls seem like a clever kitchen hack, collapsing flat for easy storage. However, those soft, squishy sides give way easily, spilling your cooked oatmeal or hot soup across the laminate countertop. Consider solid nesting stainless steel bowls instead. They stack neatly inside each other, taking up a single round footprint in your lower cabinet.
Over-the-door organizers often look helpful in online photos, promising extra storage for bathroom toiletries or cleaning supplies. A moving door, however, bangs them against the wooden frame repeatedly, causing glass jars of sunscreen or bottles of shampoo to tumble out. Sturdy wall-mounted baskets, screwed directly into a stud, secure your grooming items safely. Your RV accessories for organization should stand up to constant motion.
A portable fabric laundry hamper might seem convenient, folding down when empty. Most fabric hampers quickly lose their shape, flopping over and spilling dirty cotton socks everywhere. A rigid plastic bin with a hinged lid contains dirty clothes much better. This bonus section guides you to smarter choices for your mobile living space.
Which Idea Will You Try First?
That’s 8 different takes on rv accessories to avoid. The best ideas above are usually the smallest moves — one material, one layout shift, one piece of furniture in the right place. Pick whichever room feels closest to your space and start there before tackling the rest.
Found an idea worth keeping? Save this post to your Pinterest board so it’s waiting for you when you’re ready to start your own project.
