By Cheri Sicard
Bob Wells from Cheap RV Living [695K subscribers, 153M views] has been a full-time RVer for 22 years and counting. In the video below he counts down the five items he absolutely can’t live without. And, true to his YouTube channel’s name, Bob is a full-time RVer who lives frugally. So if Bob recommends buying something, you can be sure it has a lot of practical value.
If you are into luxury RVing you can probably skip this post. But if you are an RV minimalist, a van lifer, car camper, or on a tight budget, you are definitely going to want to check it out.
Bob had an interesting criterion when he was compiling this RV essentials list: If he lost the item today, would he immediately reorder a new one? The five items below made the cut.
Bob says these items are “unsung heroes,” meaning they may not seem all that exciting but they nonetheless make RV life MUCH easier.
5 must-have items every full-time RVer needs
#1 Camco tri-leveler leveling blocks: Helps you easily level your trailer or RV. Features three leveling heights: 2 inches, 3 ½ inches and 5 inches, to meet your leveling needs
#2 Sturdy steps: Bob has a tall RV and the steps to get inside are essential. Not every RVer will need these, but if you have a tall rig like Bob’s, this is the type of steps he recommends. He likes them because they are solid, stable, and will never ever flip on him. In the video, Bob actually had two step options he recommends. I FAR prefer his second option as they are smaller and lighter weight (and would even make a good step for step aerobic exercise). Find that one here.Â
#3 Coleman single-burner stove: Bob has tried many stoves over the years and this is the one he uses the most and likes the best. It would not work for me (I am a foodie). But if your culinary needs are as basic as Bob’s, it might work for you. Bob even uses this little stove as a heat source and as an oven by simply placing a clay flower pot over it. He talks about how in the video. He also stresses the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector, if you choose to do this too.
#4 A good quality umbrella: Why? ‘Cause it rains and gets windy!
#5 A good mattress: Why? Because a good night’s sleep is ultra important. Bob uses two stacked memory foam mattresses.
What about you? What are things in your RV life you just couldn’t live without? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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Thank you, Cheri! Bob is certainly an interesting guy. Thank you for calling my attention to this video. I diverge from Bob in many ways, but strongly agree with his assessment of the importance of a good bed and restful sleep. 🙂
The only thing I would not agree with is his choice of steps. No room for anything that big. I prefer the aluminum-style steps that work pretty much like the black steel steps that come stock on most RV’s but are aftermarket. I don’t have those either but I may get them someday.
1) A lay flat recliner. 2) Sleep Number is a well known brand but any quality adjustable air bed works. 3) Small portable gas grill & a small charcoal grill.
Thanks for your input Bob. I would encounter varying degrees of suffering on the road without these products.
I clicked on #2 & #3 to see what they were. After reading the news letter I checked the status of an item shipped I ordered on Amazon and below it showed them two items. Amazons tracking what you look at on this newsletter.