Becoming a new motorhome owner has its learning curve—and when you're standing in your driveway trying to figure out what belongs in your rig, it can be overwhelming to sort out needs vs. wants. Being a new motorhome owner with our Entegra Vision XL, we are here to help break it down. After our first few trips and a handful of trial-and-error lessons, we've nailed down the Top 5 Essentials we won’t leave home without.
Here’s what we've learned—and why these items make every travel day a little smoother:
1. Tire Pressure Gauge
Tires are one of the most important safety components of any motorhome. Having a reliable tire pressure gauge on hand helps ensure they're inflated to the correct pressure, reducing the risk of blowouts and helping with fuel efficiency. Whether digital or analog, this small item gives the Nordmans peace of mind before hitting the road.
2. Tool Kit (Including Gloves!)
We’re not super handy, but it didn’t take long to realize how often little fixes pop up. Having tools on board has been a lifesaver.
From tightening cabinet screws to checking fuses or dealing with a loose step, a basic tool kit has quickly become essential. We recommend keeping a compact kit stocked with essentials—screwdrivers, pliers, zip ties, and a wrench or two. Don’t forget gloves! They're helpful for sewer hookups, dirty maintenance jobs, or even setting up camp.
3. Jack Pads
Jack pads provide a solid surface for your stabilizers, especially on soft ground or uneven terrain. They help distribute weight more evenly and prevent your jacks from sinking into dirt or gravel. They're also great for protecting campsites and keeping your motorhome level. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really need them.
4. Cooking Utensils
We love cooking together on the road—it’s a great way to keep things simple and save money. But forgetting a spatula once was all it took to make us rethink our setup.
Stocking your kitchen with its own set of cooking utensils saves a ton of hassle. We recommend keeping essentials like plates, cups, silverware, spatulas, and a good knife on board full-time. With everything in place, mealtime becomes a lot more fun—and less frantic.
5. Hoses (Sewer, Water, and Electric)
A fresh water hose, sewer hose, and electric cord with the right amp adapters are absolute must-haves. Without them, you’re not tapping into any campground hookups. Having the right setup not only keeps things sanitary, but also helps you settle into camp much faster.
Final Thoughts
If you're just getting started, we hope this list gives you a solid starting point—and saves you a few of the "rookie moments" we encountered early on. With the right gear on board, every trip becomes a little smoother, a little safer, and a lot more fun.
Stay tuned for more tips from the road as the Nordman Family continues their motorhome adventure!
