🚐 Van Life Hookup Essentials: Must-Have Electric, Water & Sewer Accessories for RV Living
These are all my Van Life Must-Have Essentials for Hooking Up: RV Accessories + Optional Upgrades For Hooking Up To Water, Sewer, Power, etc This could be at an RV Park or somewhere on the road!
When it comes to setting up an RV at an RV park or preparing for life on the road, having the right gear makes all the difference. If you’re wondering what you need to hook up an RV, this guide breaks it all down — especially for those living the van life full-time or managing multiple setups like we are.
In case you didn’t know — we actually have two RVs:
- One is our RV van for traveling and exploring the open road.
- The other is a travel trailer that’s permanently parked at an RV park and used for stationary living (it NEVER moves!).
Our van is a 2012–2013 Pleasure-Way Excel TS, built on a Ford chassis. It’s compact, self-contained, and perfect for van life with pets — including our five dogs and one cat! We bought the van so we could work remotely and travel full-time with our furry family.
Over the last year (and through plenty of RV adventures), we’ve figured out what RV gear actually works, what doesn’t, and which RV accessories and upgrades are truly worth having — especially when it comes to hooking up your RV at a campground or boondocking off-grid. This is actually our third van, so trust me when I say: every RV setup is different, and your needs will change over time.
From RV electric, water, and sewer setup tips to helpful gadgets that make life easier, we’re always testing, improving, and customizing our setup to match our lifestyle.
So, if you’re looking for a Van Life Setup Guide, a Must-Have RV Gear list, or just a simplified RV hookup essentials checklist, you’re in the right place! Below, I’ve listed all of the tools and accessories we use to hook up our RV — whether at a campground, a full hookup site, or when relieving, refueling, or recharging batteries on the road.
👉 🎥 TAKE A TOUR of My RV Van and see all the items mentioned below in action ⬇️
✅ Van Life Hookup Essentials: Must-Have RV Accessories + Optional Upgrades
⚡ RV ELECTRIC Hook-Up Essentials:
Getting connected to power is critical, especially when you’re relying on outlets, lighting, and appliances inside your rig. Here’s what we use every time we plug in:
- 30 Amp Electric Cord
The lifeline between your van and shore power. Make sure it’s long enough to reach outlets even at awkward campsite angles. We always buy the longest one available 50ft (i think) because 25 might not be enough, depending where the RV spot you park in vs the power outlet you’re plugging into is. Also even if you’re just recharging your RV batteries or keeping the fridge cool you’d still need to use this cord so it is a must have necessity for plugging the van up to electricity! - 30 Amp Surge Protector
Protects your RV’s electrical system from unexpected surges or low voltage issues. One of the most important investments you can make! - 30 Amp to 15 Amp Converter Adapter *
This lets you plug into a standard household outlet (120V) to charge your batteries, which is super helpful when you’re staying somewhere without a full hookup aka when you’re NOT able to find 30 Amp Shore Power outlets) — Note: This is NOT for operating your RV’s full systems — only for charging, keeping the fridge cool, using the lights, etc, you cannot run the AC or Microwave on these. - Extension Cord (Heavy-Duty) — in case the power pedestal is far away. We always keep at least a 50-100ft extra-long high-gauge extension cord to be able to plug the RV in no matter how far we are, as well as for using it to plug things inside the RV.
🔌 Optional Upgrade Idea:
EMS System (Electrical Management System) — a step up from a basic surge protector. It constantly monitors the power for dangerous conditions like open neutrals or reversed polarity. A must-have if you want even more peace of mind. We do keep one of these on our stationary travel trailer in case of a storm or power surge at the RV Park, but don’t have one for the van since we are rarely plugged up to power for these types of needs.
Related:
- >> How an RV Electrical System works EXPLAINED
- >> How To Plug Your RV Into A HOUSE & Get Electricity at Home!
- >> How To Hook Up Your RV To SHORE POWER & Get Electricity
💧 RV WATER Hook-Up Essentials:
Clean water is non-negotiable when you’re living on the road. These tools make it easy to fill up and maintain your system safely.
- Water Hose x 2
- One is used exclusively for fresh water.
- The second can be used for flushing the black tank or cleaning up messes.
- (Color-code or label your hoses so you never mix them up!)
- In-Line Water Filter
Filters out sediment, chlorine, and contaminants before water enters your RV tank. Keeps your drinking water clean and your plumbing safe. - Upgrade: In-Line Water Gauge
Not essential, but great for monitoring how much water you’re adding during fills — especially helpful when dry camping or boondocking.
💧 Extra Suggestion:
Water Pressure Regulator — some RV park hookups can have dangerously high water pressure, which can damage your plumbing. A simple regulator saves you the headache and potential repairs.
Related:
- >> Watch How To Hook Up Your RV & Get Water! | RV Water Hookups Explained
- >> Learn about LOW WATER PRESSURE in RV? | Tips & Tricks for TROUBLESHOOTING
- >> How I SHOWER IN MY RV | Van Life
💩 RV SEWER Hook-Up Essentials:
Not the most glamorous part of van life, but if you want to stay clean and sanitary, these are a must.
- RV Sewer Hose Kit
- Sewer Hose – A quality, heavy-duty hose with connectors for an airtight seal.
- Clear elbow connector – Choose one with a clear elbow so you can see when the tank is flushed.
🧼 Add-On Tip:
A sewer hose support or slinky can make dumping easier by maintaining a consistent downward slope. Some parks require them!
Related:
- >> How To Dump Your RV Holding Tanks (Black + Grey Water)
- >> RV TOILET | HOW TO USE Motorhome Toilet
- >> How to use RV Dump Stations and Empty your RV Holding Tanks
🛠️ Other Essentials for Hooking Up the RV (Bonus Items to Consider Adding)…
These tools and accessories aren’t always talked about, but trust me — you’ll be glad to have them on hand.
- RV Holding Tank Treatment – Helps break down waste, controls odors, and keeps your black tank sensors working properly. Choose a non-toxic, septic-safe brand.
- Dawn Dish Soap – It’s gentle but effective. We use it for cleaning dishes, greasy hands, and even occasionally to clean the black tank.
- Gloves! – For sewer hookups, dirty campsite tasks, and anything gross. Keep a box in your storage bay or tool kit.
- Toolbox – A basic kit with screwdrivers, pliers, a wrench, tape, and zip ties. Something always needs fixing or adjusting!
- Leveling Blocks or Wheel Chocks — essential for safety and comfort on uneven ground.
- Fresh Water Tank Filler Valve (with Shutoff) — makes it easier to fill your tank without overflowing.
- Spare Fuses & Bulbs — little things that make a big difference when they go out unexpectedly.
👉 SHOP all our Van Life Essentials in our RV STORE — We’ve curated our favorite tools, gadgets, and upgrades that we’ve personally tested and used on the road!
Would you add anything else to your personal hookup setup? Drop a comment or send me a message — I’m always looking for new ideas to test in the van!
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Related:
- HOW TO PLUG IN AN RV AT HOME | RV HOOKUP – ELECTRICITY
- How RV Electrical System Works?
- RV Water Hook Up 101: How To Connect Water To Your RV
- How To Dump RV Holding Tanks (Black & Gray)
- RV Electric 101: How To Hook Up Shore Power To Your RV
- RV DUMP STATION | HOW TO USE RV DUMP STATIONS
- RV PROPANE TANK – HOW TO REFILL RV Propane Tanks (SERVICE, COST, LOCATIONS)
🚨 >> DOWNLOAD: My RV Essentials Checklist for all of these Must-Haves and More!
