10 Teardrop Camper Essentials That Every New RV Owner Needs
You have just spent some good money purchasing your new Teardrop trailer. Now what?
As a new RV owner, I am sure that you have combed the internet, fallen down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos, and spent countless hours researching what you need for your new Teardrop.
We have been there, so we totally get it!
You get sooo excited about your new Teardrop that you just want all the cool accessories to go with it.
So, we have put together a list of camper essentials that you will NEED to purchase before your first camping trip, and the list won’t break the bank.
Do Any of the Essentials Come with Your New Teardrop Trailer?
Before we dive into our list, you may be wondering what, if anything, actually comes with your new Teardrop travel trailer.
The short answer is nothing.
However, this can depend on the dealer from whom you purchased your Teardrop. They may opt to throw in some freebies or even give you a discount if you buy items from them.
While we didn’t receive any products from our dealership, we were given services (free winterization for the first year, etc).
Expect that you will need to buy most, if not all, of the items on this list yourself.
Teardrop Camper Essentials List
Trust me when I tell you, that the first year of RV ownership can get pretty expensive!
And it doesn’t help that most lists you will find online include a ton of stuff that is either nice to have, or just plain unnecessary.
While there will be a ton of gear that you end up purchasing for your Teardrop, there are a few things that you absolutely need right out of the gate.
Keep in mind that we are basing this list on our experience with a Teardrop that has both a kitchen and bathroom.
1. Water and Sewer Hoses
If you have a kitchen and/or bathroom in your Teardrop, you will need to think about hoses and attachments for bringing water in and waste out of your RV.
Water Hose
A drinking water hose for your camper looks just like a regular garden hose but is usually white or blue to differentiate it from other types.
It has a special lining inside to keep your drinking water clean and safe.
Water filters
Water filtration is an important part of making sure that you have clean water in your camper.
The one we use attaches directly to our hose, removing impurities and contaminants from the water before it enters our Teardrop.
This makes sure that we do not get any sediment collecting in our freshwater tank.
Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator is a small, brass device that you attach between your water hose and the campground’s water connection.
It helps to control the water pressure and is really important for protecting your Teardrop’s plumbing from high-pressure damage.
Sewer Hose
The sewer hose (or Stinky Slinky) is a must-have for handling wastewater in your teardrop camper.
It’s usually three inches wide and comes in a variety of colours.
Most are about six feet long. If you go for a pricier one, it might be thicker and tougher to avoid getting holes.
Sewer Hose Attachments
Sewer hose attachments are handy extras that make draining wastewater easier. The one we would recommend is the clear plastic elbow.
This elbow connects the hose to the dump station sewer and allows you to monitor the flow of the waste.
That may sound gross, but there is nothing worse than disconnecting the waste hose only to find that there is still ‘stuff’ coming out!
Protective Gloves
This leads me to our next must-have. I am a germaphobe, so we definitely wear gloves when dealing with waste disposal.
John prefers wearing latex gloves that can be disposed of after every use.
However, we have seen some people using rubber dishwashing-type gloves that can be washed and reused.
The choice is yours!
2. Electrical
Unless you are planning to solely Boondock, you will need to think about using and protecting your Teardrop’s electrical system.
Surge Protectors
These are an absolute necessity. The last thing you want is to fry your Teardrop’s electrical system because of wonky campground utilities.
A good surge protector will keep your Teardrop safe from high voltage.
Dogbone RV Electrical Adapter
An RV dogbone electrical adapter is a must-have tool that lets you connect mismatched power cord plugs and outlets.
If your camper has a 30-amp plug but the campground only offers a 50-amp outlet, this adapter will make them compatible.
It’s shaped like a dogbone, which makes it easy to connect and disconnect.
We also use the adapter to plug our Teardrop into our standard household outlet. This is particularly useful when we are getting ready to go camping.
It’s also perfect if you are moochdocking on a friend’s driveway!
Extension Cord
An extension cord for your RV is definitely a must-have.
I can’t tell you how many campgrounds we have been to, where the pedestal has been way beyond what our power cord can reach.
In fact, because we mostly camp in provincial parks, we have both a 25-foot and a 50-foot extension cord with us at all times.
Just make sure to get one that matches your RV’s amperage needs—either 30 amp or 50 amp.
Choose a heavy-duty cord to handle outdoor conditions. This ensures that you have a safe power supply.
🔌 Insider Tip: If you are camping at a provincial park, most will have extra extension cords that they will loan out to you. Just ask at the camp office. Of course, you will have to leave a deposit.
Fuse Kit
A fuse kit is important for keeping your Teardrop’s electrical system running smoothly.
You will need to pick up a set of fuses that handle different amperages.
Check to see what your camper needs, as each colour fuse represents a different level of current.
Brake Controller
Depending on the size of your Teardrop and what you are towing it with will determine whether or not you need a brake controller.
While we did need one to tow our Tab 400 with my Toyota Highlander, John’s Tundra already comes with a built-in towing package. So it wasn’t necessary.
A brake controller is basically a device you install in your RV to manage the trailer’s brakes.
It helps you control how quickly the trailer stops when you apply the brakes in your vehicle.
There are both Bluetooth versions available (like the one we used with the Highlander), and aftermarket ones that are hard-wired into your tow vehicle.
3. Blocks and Chocks
Next, we will go over everything that you need to level your Teardrop once you get to your Campground.
This is especially important if you have plumbing and heating systems (and to prevent you from rolling out of bed 🤣🤣).
Jack Pads
Jack pads are placed under the stabilizing jacks of your Teardrop to provide a solid and level surface.
They help prevent the jacks from sinking into soft ground and ensure your camper stays stable and level while parked.
Levelling Blocks
Levelling blocks are important if you find yourself setting up your Teardrop on uneven ground.
These heavy-duty, sturdy plastic blocks work like giant LEGO pieces, in that you can attach several together to make varying heights.
You place them under your RV’s wheels or stabilizing jacks to ensure your vehicle is level.
You can stack as many as you need under your stabilizer to help it reach the ground.
Remember, a level trailer is important for the proper operation of appliances and overall comfort inside the RV.
🚨 Pro Tip – DO NOT use only your stabilizers to level your camper! That may put a lot of weight on one side of the trailer, and the stabilizers could actually snap.
Tire Chocks
Tire chocks are wedges that you place in front of and behind your Teardrop’s tires to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked.
Tire chocks should be the first thing you put on your camper when you arrive, and the last thing you remove before you leave.
They are important for safety and for ensuring that your Teardrop stays in place on slopes or uneven surfaces.
Bubble Levels
Bubble levels are small tools that help you check if your Teardrop is parked level.
You place them on flat surfaces inside or outside your camper to see if it’s even.
This is important for the proper function of your fridge and, of course, for overall comfort.
Wheel Dock
A wheel dock is specifically designed to support and stabilize the tongue jack of your Teardrop.
It prevents the jack wheel from sinking into soft ground or moving on hard surfaces.
While you can use a Jack Pad for this, or even just a wooden block (if you remove the wheel from the tongue jack), we just find this easiest.
4. Kitchen Essentials
Kitchen essentials for your Teardrop include items like pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, and a cutting board.
This list is very dependent on what kind of camping meals you are planning to prepare.
We would recommend sticking to the basic essentials for the first few trips out, then add on as you see fit.
Compact and multi-use items are best to save space.
5. Bed Linens and Towels
We have a separate set of linens and towels that are used strictly in our Teardrop.
When they are used, we take them home to wash, and then they are put right back into the camper.
This prevents us from forgetting anything, and also from us ruining our household linens.
Just keep in mind that RV mattress sizes can be different than residential sizes.
We actually mix and match our bedsheets as a result (queen fitted sheet with double/full top sheet and comforter).
Having a laundry bag used to collect dirty laundry while we are camping is also handy and makes clean-up at the end of the trip easier.
6. Cleaning Supplies
Camping definitely would not fall under the category of good clean fun! No matter how hard you try, your Teardrop will get dirty.
So it’s best to be prepared for anything!
Cleaning supplies for your Teardrop should include multi-surface cleaners, dish soap, sponges, and trash bags.
We also have a broom with a telescopic handle, collapsible pails, a mop head that also fits the broom handle, and a dustpan for cleaning up.
But one of the items we use most is disinfectant wipes for quick clean-ups.
Keeping these items on hand will help keep your space clean and pleasant during your travels.
🧼 Insider Tip: Dawn Powerwash works great for pots and pans, when you are trying to conserve water, and for hard-to-clean grills.
7. Bathroom Essentials (If You Have One!)
Some of the obvious bathroom essentials for your RV include bathroom cleaner and toiletries like soap, shampoo and toothpaste.
However, there are some other must-haves that you will need to purchase.
Black Tank Chemical
Black tank chemicals are important for maintaining the waste system in your Teardrop.
They help break down waste and toilet paper in the black water tank, reducing odours and preventing clogs.
The tank treatment comes in liquid, powder and even handy drop-in tabs.
We treat our tank as soon as we arrive at the campground.
Grey Tank Chemical
Similar to the black tank chemicals for the toilet, grey tank chemicals are used to manage wastewater from your Teardrop’s sinks and shower.
These chemicals help reduce odours, help to break down food particles from the kitchen sink and prevent buildup in the grey water tank.
Again, we add the grey water treatment as soon as we arrive at the campground, to help keep our system clean and functional during our travels.
Having treatment in both your black and grey tanks also helps to prevent build-up on your tank sensors. This will help to give you the most accurate readings.
RV Toilet Paper
RV toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and prevent clogs in your Teardrop’s waste system.
It’s softer and breaks down faster than regular toilet paper, making it safe for use in your black water tank.
You don’t have to go to a camping store to get the toilet paper either. We buy our favourite brand from Walmart.
Just take a look at the package, and it will tell you if it is RV-safe.
Shower Lock
This shower lock is made specifically for a TAB and prevents the faucet from moving up or down, turning on the water accidentally.
Because the bathroom in our Teardrop is quite small, there is not a lot of room to move around if you are getting changed.
So, after no less than 4 out of 5 of my family members got an unexpected shower while changing in the bathroom and accidentally hitting the shower turn-on, we went out and got the lock.
Now, if we hit the tap accidentally, the lock prevents the faucet from turning on and soaking the unwitting occupant!
8. Emergency and First Aid Kits
A first aid kit is always good to have around. And when you are travelling with your Teardrop, so is a roadside emergency kit.
Road Side Kit
A roadside kit for your RV is definitely something that you want to have for handling unexpected issues on the road.
It should include items like jumper cables, tow cables, a tire pressure gauge, warning triangles, a flashlight, and basic tools.
We had trouble finding an all-in-one kit, so we ended up putting together our own.
First Aid Kit
One of the first things we did before heading out on our shakedown camping trip was buy a first aid kit. Not only do we have kids in tow, but John seems to be quite accident-prone.
And sure enough, on our first trip out, he sliced open his finger, and it was a first aid kit (and wifey) to the rescue!
A first aid kit for your Teardrop should include essentials like bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, Polysporin, pain relievers, and tweezers.
I have also added steri-strips, a thermometer, tensor bandages, a tick remover, Afterbite, and Benadryl.
Since you never know what might happen while camping, keeping these items readily available can help you address minor cuts, burns, and other common injuries.
9. Tool Kit
A tool kit is definitely a must-have for RV travel. Being able to fix something on the fly, in the middle of nowhere, is pretty important.
Not to mention, being able to fix little issues before they become major problems can also save your camping adventure from going bust.
The following items are what we have pieced together for our tool kit. I have to add that the more experienced we get with travelling with our Teardrop, the more this toolkit changes.
10. Security
Unfortunately, when it comes to Teardrop trailers, the smaller they are, the easier they are to steal.
And because almost any vehicle can tow a Teardrop, it also means almost anyone can drive away with your trailer.
So getting even some basic security devices will help to deter any would-be thieves.
And while no security is 100% foolproof (trust me, we know from experience), at least it will slow down someone who is trying to make off with your camper.
Here are the security devices we use and recommend:
And as an added bonus, we also secure our surge protector right to the pedestal while it is being used. After all, good ones aren’t cheap!
A simple lock will prevent it from being stolen while you are away from your campsite.
Teardrop Camper Nice-to-Haves
The following items may also become a necessity, depending on your camping style. However, they are not really a must-have for your first trip out.
11. Back-Up Camera
A backup camera for your RV is definitely a handy tool to have.
This is especially true if you are camping solo, or you are still not comfortable reversing your Teardrop into your campsite.
The camera helps you to see behind your Teardrop when reversing, making it easier to maneuver in tight spots and preventing accidental collisions with trees, stumps, park signs, pedestals, and other camping-related hazards.
Most models come with a decent-sized monitor that displays a live feed, giving you a clear view of obstacles behind your RV.
Backup cameras can be hard-wired to your trailer or come in wireless varieties as well.
John and I travel together, so one of us acts as a spotter. Both of us know how to reverse our Teardrop, so we have not felt the need to purchase a backup camera.
12. Generator
A generator for your RV provides power when you’re not connected to an electrical hookup.
It’s a great item to have for running your air conditioner, refrigerator, and other appliances while dry camping or travelling to remote areas.
Make sure to choose a generator that is quiet, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough to meet your energy needs.
Since we mostly go to campgrounds with electrical connections, plus we have a solar panel and lithium battery set-up in our Teardrop, we have not found it necessary to purchase a generator.
13. Outside Furniture & Awnings
Outside furniture and awnings are great additions to your RV setup.
Chairs, tables, outdoor carpets, and sun/rain shelters all help to make your outdoor space comfortable for relaxing and dining.
During our first few trips, we only took some camping chairs that we already had at home, as well as a doormat to help prevent tracking dirt into the trailer.
After a few trips, we were able to assess what we needed and wanted for our campsite.
Our recommendation is not to go overboard buying stuff before your first trip.
Also, make sure the furniture is durable, lightweight, and easy to fold up for travel.
14. Internet Boosters
Internet boosters are handy gadgets used to amplify your Wi-Fi signal strength, making sure that you have better connectivity on the road.
These devices help you to stay connected, whether you’re working remotely, streaming movies, or keeping in touch with family.
We have found that in most campgrounds we have visited, the Wi-Fi is weak at best.
This makes it pretty much impossible to do anything that requires an internet connection (even trying to load up the park map so we can find a trailhead for hiking).
We are currently looking into purchasing an Internet Booster, so stay tuned for our review!
15. Bike Rack
A bike rack for your Teardrop is an awesome accessory for bringing bicycles on your camping adventure, especially if you are travelling with kids.
Having your bicycles with you allows you to explore the bike trails, the campgrounds, or even head into neighbouring towns without having to get into your car.
Depending on your RV, the bike rack could attach to your tongue (like it does with our Tab 400), to the rear of your trailer, or even to your tow vehicle.
Be sure to choose a rack that fits your RV and bike types. For example, many racks will not accommodate e-bikes due to their weight.
In case you are interested, John and I have a Jack-it bike rack installed on our TAB 400.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, I hope that you find our list of Teardrop camper essentials useful.
And we would just like to reiterate, everything that we have mentioned in the ‘Essential’ part of our list, we ourselves have purchased and are using!
I know that when John and I first started this whole RV adventure not too long ago, we had a hard time finding resources that were specifically aimed at Teardrops.
It was frustrating and confusing to find an endless list of stuff that we would have no use for in our Teardrop.
Our hope is that this post has made things as easy as possible for other newbie owners.
Drop us a line if we missed something, or if you just need help clarifying something. We would love to help!
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