RV gear worth packing

Quick comparison

Our top picks this season

Best for boondocking

4.7$$$

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

A 1,070Wh power station that keeps a 12V fridge, CPAP and kids' tablets running through a long weekend off-grid.

Key benefits

• 1,070Wh LiFePO4 battery rated for 4,000 charge cycles
• 1,500W output (3,000W surge) across three AC outlets
• Recharges from 400W of panels in under 4 hours

Pros

• Silent operation
• Only 23.8 lbs — lightest in its class
• Dual 100W USB-C for laptops

Cons

• Panels sold separately
• Full wall charge takes about 1.7 hours

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Best for campfire nights

4.8$$

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker

A rocking camp chair that works on grass or gravel, folds flat for storage, and is sturdy enough that parents and kids both end up fighting over it.

Key benefits

• Spring-action rocking on any surface
• Holds up to 250 lbs
• Folds flat for easy packing

Pros

• Rocking works even on uneven ground
• Padded armrests with a drink holder
• Sets up in seconds

Cons

• Heavier than a basic folding chair at about 12 lbs

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Best for camp cooking

4.7$$

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Propane Grill

A wheeled stand-up grill with 285 sq in of cooking space and adjustable burners, running on the same 1 lb propane canisters most families already carry.

Key benefits

• 285 sq in of cooking space with 20,000 total BTU across three burners
• Instastart push-button ignition and adjustable burners for zone cooking
• Wheeled stand folds down to fit in a pass-through bay

Pros

• Fast preheat
• Even heat across the large grate
• Works with an adapter hose off a bigger tank

Cons

• Heavier than a tabletop grill at about 48 lbs

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Best for long trips

4.5$$

Coleman 55-Quart Wheeled Cooler

A 55-quart wheeled hard cooler with multi-day ice retention, so you stop restocking the campground store every morning.

Key benefits

• Up to 5 days of ice retention
• Wheels and handle for campsite hauling
• Lid doubles as an extra seat

Pros

• Great value for the size
• Drain plug for easy cleaning

Cons

• Takes up real cargo space
• Holds fewer days than premium rotomolded brands

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Best for better sleep

4.9$$$

MLILY RV Short Queen Mattress

Replaces the factory foam slab most rigs ship with, and fits true RV short-queen dimensions without trimming.

Key benefits

• True 60x75 short queen
• Cooling gel top layer
• Ships compressed through the door

Pros

• Huge upgrade over factory foam
• No off-gassing smell after a day

Cons

• Heavy to maneuver alone

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Best for towing safety

4.4$$

Garmin RV 890 GPS Navigator

Routes around low bridges, steep grades and weight-restricted roads using your rig's real height and length.

Key benefits

• Custom RV routing by size and weight
• 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen
• Preloaded street maps with free updates

Pros

• Warns early on grades
• Clear lane guidance

Cons

• Map updates can be slow over Wi-Fi

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Buying guides in progress

Each guide follows the same format: comparison table, "best for" badges, pros and cons, and honest notes on what we'd skip.

• Best RV AccessoriesRead
• Best Camping ChairsRead
• Best Portable GrillsRead
• Best Solar GeneratorsRead
• Best Family TentsRead
• Best CoolersRead
• Best Camp StovesRead
• Best RV MattressesRead
• Best GPS UnitsRead
• Best Outdoor GamesRead