407. Things You DON'T Need When You Start Out RVing

In episode 407 of the RV Miles Podcast, hosts Jason and Abby tackle the common misconception that new RVers need to buy a wide array of specialized gear right away. They emphasize that starting with minimal essentials and avoiding unnecessary purchases can save money and reduce clutter. The episode highlights eight things you don’t need when starting out RVing: RV-specific toilet paper (which is overpriced and often no more effective than regular septic-safe toilet paper), hiking boots and expensive outdoor clothing (as trail runners or even tennis shoes work fine for most casual hikes), tent camping gadgets like the yellow egg holder (which often fail to stay closed and are unnecessary when using a cooler), camping memberships (like Thousand Trails or Passport America) which should be delayed until you’ve confirmed your preferred camping style), solar power systems (which can be added later once you understand your boondocking needs), combo washer-dryer units (which take up valuable space and aren’t essential for families who can use laundromats), expensive leveling and stabilizing gadgets (like X-Chocks or Levelmate Pro), and miniature tool kits (real tools are better for RV repairs than compact multi-tools). The hosts stress the importance of waiting to see what works for your lifestyle before investing in upgrades. They also share personal stories, including their first time taking their RV to a dealership for repairs and their excitement about their son’s upcoming prom, reinforcing the idea that RV life is about flexibility and experience over perfection. The episode ends with a heartfelt reminder to support the RV Miles community and look forward to the upcoming Homecoming event.