There can be a lot to consider when taking your RV out on the road. Making sure the vehicle is in good condition is obviously a priority, although adding a few conveniences to make life easier can be a big help in the long run. With the vast amount of RV accessories available, there may be a few you weren't even aware of that can make a road trip or maintenance job much easier. Here are several items we recommend:

1. Mobile Outfitters 335852 Straptek Weight Tension Technology Kit. If you own a trailer this is a must-have upgrade. It's safer and easier to use than chains when employing a weight distribution system. The weight distribution spring bars can be adjusted using a socket wrench. It's also quieter, using strong polyester straps rather than heavy chains. You can also save time and effort because the Straptek system works without having to raise or lower your tow vehicle to get the right tension

2. JPC Products 103 Trash-Ease Garbage Bag Holder. This practical accessory makes cleanup during a picnic or camping trip so much faster and simpler. Simply hook it onto the end of almost any picnic table to give you a place to throw away garbage without needing to find a garbage can. It has a one piece design, so it doesn't need tools to mount, and keeps your garbage bags from blowing away or tipping over.

3. Baggit 7530537 Brakkit Garbage Bag Holder. Don't immediately throw out those plastic grocery store bags, reuse them! This garbage bag holder uses plastic bags to provide a place to throw your trash. It fits over any cabinet door and keeps the bag open to act in place of a small garbage can. You can even use this garbage bag holder to store other plastic bags! Perfect for use not only in motorhomes, but also in boats, small apartments and dorm rooms.

4. Eternabond RSW-4-50 RoofSeal White 4" X 50'. EternaBond tape seals leaks permanently! It lasts up to 10 years, sometimes longer, to provide you with a watertight seal. It works on almost any type of RV roofing material, such as EPDM, TPO, most PVC, and metal. To use, first make sure the intended surface is free of debris & moisture. Then simply lay the tape down while removing the protective lining as you go along. Apply pressure either with your hand or a metal roller to remove air bubbles and activate the sealing process, and you're done! It comes in several roll sizes and colors.

5. Stromberg Carlson GR-1522 Stake & Grill Campfire Rack. Looking for a way to grill meals over an open fire quickly and easily? This campfire rack sits on a 36" long stake, so the height can be easily adjusted over the heat to give you the right temperature. It has a large enough grilling surface to cook enough food to feed a group, and features raised edges so nothing will slide off onto the ground or in the fire. You can even rotate the grill rack away from the flames when you are ready to remove your food.

6. SaveAJack SAJ-U Quick Release Jack Saver. Never lose a stabilizing jack again due to low clearance. Made specifically for scissor type jacks, the Jack Saver allows you to remove the stabilizing jacks during travel. This provides you with much more clearance underneath your vehicle. Your jacks can slide in or out of the Jack Saver bracket, with a cotter pin locking them in position while in use. The next time you drive on an uneven or sloped surface, you won't have to worry about your jacks coming in contact with the ground and becoming damaged.

7. Blue Streak RVUD2001D Automatic Chemical Metering System. Stop wasting toilet chemicals and let the system deliver just the right amount automatically! This metering system measures out & dispenses just what is required, for up to 400 flushes. It cleans and deodorizes with a fresh scent, and gets rid of having to guess at how much RV toilet chemical you need.

8. Dirt Devil CV1500 RV Central Vacuum System. Eliminate the need to store a separate vacuum cleaner. This central vacuum system makes cleaning messes off your camper's floors quick and easy. It has ample suction to get rid of 99.97% of dust, dirt and allergens that are .3 microns or smaller, while still maintaining a quiet operation. It comes with almost every tool to clean not only floors, but upholstery and window treatments as well. The 7 foot hose extends out to 35 feet, so you'll be able to reach almost any point in your motorhome.

By Julie T