Buying a new RV is exciting. It also makes it very easy to start buying accessories before you even know what kind of camper you are.
A lot of us have done it. You get the RV, then immediately start loading up on gadgets, specialty gear, and upgrades that promise to make RV life easier. Sometimes they help. A lot of times, they just drain your budget before you have enough experience to know what you actually need.
That’s why one of the smartest things a new RVer can do is wait a little. Spend some time camping first. Learn your habits. Figure out whether you prefer full-hookup campgrounds, boondocking, weekend trips, or longer travel days. Once you know your camping style, it gets much easier to tell the difference between a useful purchase and an unnecessary one.
Here are eight things you probably don’t need for your new RV right away.
1. RV Toilet Paper
You do not need toilet paper marketed specifically for RVs.
What matters is not the label on the package. What matters is whether the paper breaks down easily enough for your black tank system. A simple single-ply toilet paper often does the job just fine, and many longtime RVers use household brands without any issues. We use Scott single-ply, which we have used for almost 10 years without any issues. The secret – water. No matter what TP you use, you need to use plenty of water every time you flush.
A quick test is easy: drop a few squares in a jar of water and shake it for 10 to 15 seconds. If it breaks apart, it is likely a good option for RV use.
This is one of those products that often gets sold at a premium just because it says “RV” on the label. For many campers, that extra cost simply is not necessary.
2. Outdoor TVs
An outdoor TV can sound like a great feature when you are shopping for an RV. Watching a game outside under the awning feels like peak campground living.
But for many RVers, it ends up being something they use far less than expected.
The bigger issue is that outdoor entertainment features can push buyers toward more expensive RVs or trim levels. In some cases, that means paying a lot more for a feature that looked fun on the lot but rarely gets used in real life.
If you already have one and love it, great. But if you are still shopping, it is worth asking whether an outdoor TV is really a priority or just a nice extra.
3. Tent-Camping Gadgets
It is easy to get pulled into the camping gear aisle and start grabbing things that look useful. And to be fair, some outdoor gear works great for RVers too.
But a lot of products designed for tent camping just do not make much sense once you are traveling with an RV.
If you have a refrigerator, protected storage, a stove, and actual beds, you probably do not need to stock up on things like waterproof matches, sleeping bags, sporks, or specialty egg carriers. Those products solve problems that many RVers simply do not have.
Before you buy camping gear, ask yourself one question: does this solve a problem I will actually have in my RV?
4. Camping Memberships
Campground discount programs and travel memberships can absolutely save you money. But there is no need to buy them the same day you buy your RV.
These programs are usually annual memberships, so if you sign up months before your first trip, you are eating into the value before you have even used it. You also may not yet know what kinds of parks you prefer or how often you will camp.
A better approach is to wait until you are booking trips and then sign up for the programs that match the way you actually travel.
There are some memberships plenty of RVers find worthwhile, but the key is timing. Buy them when they make sense for your travel plans, not just because they are available.
5. Solar Power
We are big fans of solar, but it is not something every new RVer needs right away.
Solar can be a fantastic upgrade, especially for campers who like boondocking or staying off-grid for extended periods. But it is also one of the easiest places to overspend before you understand your actual power needs.
For a lot of RVers, a large solar and lithium setup is overkill at first. If your main goal is the occasional overnight stop or a short stay without hookups, an extra battery may be enough. You can always add solar later once you know how you camp and what you really need to power.
The important thing to remember is that solar does not automatically recreate the experience of being plugged into full hookups. Heating and cooling appliances still have major limitations, and that matters when you are trying to decide how much to invest.
6. Combo Washer and Dryer Units
The idea of doing laundry inside your RV sounds great. The reality is often less impressive.
Combo washer and dryer units can take a very long time to finish even a single load, and they also use space and weight capacity that could go toward other priorities. Unlike a home setup, you usually cannot keep one load washing while another dries, which slows the whole process down even more.
For many RVers, laundromats or campground laundry rooms are simply more efficient. You can often get everything done at once instead of stretching laundry across an entire day.
This is one of those features that can sound essential during the buying process, but it is worth thinking through how often you would actually use it and whether the tradeoffs are worth it.
7. An Oven
A lot of new RV buyers assume an oven is a must-have. But in practice, many RV ovens go mostly unused.
They are often small, inconsistent, and quick to heat up the inside of the RV. That can be especially frustrating in warm weather or in smaller rigs where every bit of extra heat matters.
Some RVers love having an oven, especially if they bake regularly, but many others find they are happier using a microwave, air fryer, grill, or cooktop instead. Before making an oven a deal-breaker, think honestly about how often you would use it.
Sometimes what feels essential during the shopping phase turns out to be unnecessary once you are actually camping.
8. Miniature Tools
Tiny tools may seem like a smart space-saving solution, but they are often more frustrating than helpful.
RVs are large, complex machines, and when something needs adjusting or repairing, you want tools that can actually do the job. A mini wrench may not give you enough leverage. A tiny screwdriver may be awkward to use. And novelty-sized gear often ends up taking space without being all that functional.
Instead of buying miniature versions of everything, focus on a few quality, full-size essentials or compact multi-purpose tools that still work well.
When something goes wrong on the road, you will be much happier to have tools you can rely on.
Wait Before You Fill Every Cabinet
One of the best things about RVing is that your setup gets better with experience. The longer you camp, the more clearly you see what actually makes life easier and what just takes up space. Focus on the essentials first, the things buyers often overlook when purchasing an RV, and wait on the little extras.
Camp for a few weekends. Learn your rhythm. Figure out your priorities. You can always add more later as your camping style becomes clearer and you get to know your RV.
Join Jason and Abby on the RV Miles Podcast every Sunday night on YouTube or any major podcast app.
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