35 motorhome essentials to enhance your adventures

Departing on your first trip in your motorhome and unsure about what to take with you? Don’t worry—we’re here to make packing less overwhelming so that you can enjoy your holiday.

While motorhomes bring added comfort and luxury compared to camping in a tent, preparing them requires more thought, especially if you have kitchen or bathroom facilities onboard.

Here you’ll find a guide to the must-have motorhome essentials, including those you might not have thought of, to make your trips more special.

Motorhome safety essentials  

#1 – CO2 detector 

This is the most crucial safety equipment you’ll ever need in your motorhome, especially if you have gas-powered appliances.

Since motorhomes are so confined, installing a trustworthy carbon monoxide detector for the worst-case scenarios, such as a leak from faulty equipment, is vital.

#2 – Emergency fire blanket & extinguisher 

A fire blanket is ideal for preventing damage to the rest of your motorhome if small flames break out whilst cooking inside or outside, and it can also cut the supply of oxygen to a person’s clothing should it catch fire.

Having a fire extinguisher onboard adds even more peace of mind. Just ensure you have the right type of fire extinguisher based on the equipment you’re using.

#3 – Emergency breakdown kit 

You never know when you might run into trouble, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads—this makes it even harder to dodge potholes and other obstacles.

An emergency breakdown kit makes small roadside repairs possible, such as punctured tyres or flat batteries, so you can reach a secure location before getting assistance and cause less disruption to your trip.

Select one with a red warning triangle to alert other road users that your vehicle is stationary.

#4 – First aid kit 

A basic first aid kit is another of the biggest motorhome essentials for safety. They’re useful for various things, from scrapes and blisters picked up during hikes to bandaging up wounds in emergencies.

You may want to include extra items if your kit doesn’t include them, such as:

• plasters
• painkillers
• antihistamines
• suncream and after sun
• insect repellent and after bite
• antiseptic cream and wipes

#5 – Torch 

We’ve all been caught in the dark and wish we’d had a torch. To prevent this during your trip, make sure you have a powerful LED torch or lantern to help you find your way across the campsite at night or to give you light during a power cut.

Handy motorhome essentials 

#6 – 240v electric cable 

A 240v extension cable is something you’ll wish you brought if your designated pitch is quite a way from the nearest electrical hook-up. You might also want to pick up a splitter, as some sites lack sockets.

Never leave your cable coiled up—ensure it is spread out properly outside the van. Coiled cables are a huge fire hazard. 

#7 – Sat nav 

You may have a navigation app on your smartphone or integrated into your car’s entertainment system that you can use on the road. But if not, purchasing a separate sat nav device could be useful.

They’re useful for monitoring traffic and giving you more confidence when driving in rural areas, which can initially feel intimidating.  

#8 – Tool kit 

Tools are essential for motorhome owners, as you could be out in the middle of nowhere and suddenly need to fix something small, only you left that one screwdriver you own at home.

Getting a tool kit with all the basics inside is a great idea, especially if you’re short on space. Make it includes a 30mm spanner for tightening your gas bottles.

A pair of scissors is a must, too—you’d be surprised at how many times you’ll be glad you brought them, even if you’re using them to open food packaging.  

 #9 – Gas bottle 

If you forget this motorhome essential, you might have to grab a takeaway for your first evening meal.

Exchangeable gas bottles are the most convenient in the UK, while refillable are more suited to trips around Europe where LPG is easier to locate.

Related: Motorhome advice: gas tanks or refillable cylinders?

#10 – Hosepipe

Another essential for your motorhome, hosepipes are used to fill your water tanks when they’re running low. Opting for one at least 10-15m in length is advisable, and it’s also a good idea to ensure it’s ‘food grade’ so that it won’t contaminate your water with toxins.

#11 – Mud mats  

No one wants to end up stuck in a muddy patch. You can significantly reduce this risk by making mud mats a priority on your list of motorhome essentials.

While they can ease your motorhome out of soft ground, you can also park on them beforehand to avoid getting stuck.

#12 – Levelling chocks

Several newer motorhomes come with air suspension of integrated levellers. But you might not benefit from such luxuries if you have a vintage or slightly older model.

Levelling chocks will straighten out the angle of your motorhome, so you can get a restful night’s sleep no matter where you park up.

Motorhome essentials for living 

#13 – Awning 

Depending on their size, they can either be expensive or relatively cheap, but awnings are a fantastic way of adding a living area outside your motorhome.

Just ensure you get a strong pair of awning straps to prevent any wind damage—British and European weather is unpredictable, even in the middle of summer.

#14 – Groundsheet or carpet 

This is especially useful if you purchase an awning, as it keeps the area outside your motorhome mud-free and tidy. You can find a range of groundsheets and awning carpets online.

#15 – Doormat 

Another motorhome essential for keeping the muddy footprints at bay, a quality doormat is more than just a homely touch of décor. You can even get camping-themed personalised doormats on Etsy if you like that sort of thing!

#16 – Kitchen equipment 

You’ll want to keep this list to hand when packing your motorhome for your next adventure—forgetting something simple like your set of camping mugs can be incredibly inconvenient when you’re in the middle of a field. 

As far as motorhome kitchen essentials go, here are the main items we recommend:

• kettle
• cooker (you may want a Cadac if you don’t have one installed)
• saucepans
• washing up bowl
• cooking utensils
• chopping boards
• cutlery
• mugs/glasses
• water bottles/flasks

#17 – Water purifying tablets 

It’s easy to forget this step when you’re new to holidaying in your motorhome, but ensuring you have clean drinking water is a must. Aqua Clean Tabs are inexpensive and have positive reviews online, but there are many brands out there.

#18 – Toilet chemicals 

If you have a toilet in your motorhome, you don’t want to forget the chemicals necessary for keeping it clean. You’ll also want to own a pair of disposable gloves and a quality disinfectant for cleaning your toilet and emptying your waste.

#19 – Washing machine

Laundry might not be an issue if you’re heading away for a week, but if you have an extended break, you might want to invest in a washing machine for your motorhome. Alternatively, remember to bring some detergent so you can handwash any clothes that need it.

#20 – Vacuum cleaner 

Hiking and adventuring in the outdoors makes your motorhome dirty, especially if you bring along your furry friends. A compact or handheld vacuum cleaner can be a lifesaver when keeping your space clean.  

#21 – Comfy bedding

Sleeping bags are the go-to option when camping in a tent, but there’s no reason you can’t have the luxury of comfy bedding in your motorhome. It truly makes it feel like a home away from home. You can even get bespoke bedding if your layout requires it.

#22 – Clothes

You might remember the basics, but don’t forget to bring along gear for any extra activities or changing weather conditions, such as:

• hiking gear
• running gear
• swimming costume
• wetsuit
• waterproof
• thick fleece or warm jacket
• wellies
• water sport footwear
• flip flops

#23 – Toiletries and utensils 

Personal toiletries and utensils should be high up on your motorhome essentials checklist, as they’re some of the most frequently forgotten items—how many times have you gone away to realise you’ve left your shower gel at home?

Here’s a quick-fire list of the essentials to get you started:

• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• shower gel
• shampoo
• conditioner
• haircare products
• skincare products
• hairbrush
• tweezers
• nail clippers

#24 – Towels 

Towels are another easily forgotten item, but they are essential for your hygiene and getting dry and warm after swimming.

Microfibre towels are quick drying compared to standard alternatives, so investing in some if you’re away for an extended period or enjoy your water sports could be a good idea.

#25 – Storage boxes

Storage boxes are essential for keeping your motorhome tidy and organised, especially since you have limited space.  

Boxes made out of softer materials and with different compartments like this car boot organiser can help maximise your storage space and allow you to keep track of where everything is. They’re also quieter during transit and don’t scratch your motorhome as plastic alternatives can.

#26 – Spare fuses and bulbs

A spare fuse and bulb kit can help you out of a sticky situation or two, especially if you find yourself with a light out in a rural area. It saves you from wasting your holiday heading to a garage to get one fitted.

Luxury motorhome essentials 

#27 – TV

While a big part of holidaying in your motorhome is to get into the great outdoors, there’s no harm in indulging in your favourite Netflix shows after a long day of exploring. Having a TV and access to streaming services can transform your experience entirely.

#28 – Wi-Fi

Installing Wi-Fi in your motorhome can make you feel at home, giving you instant access to TV channels, streaming services, gaming services, and social media if you wish.

It can be handy for checking out local activities and dining places if you haven’t planned this beforehand.  

#29 – Camera

Your smartphone camera will suffice, but there are other methods of capturing your adventures if you want to get creative. You could get a DSLR, Polaroid instant camera, or drone to capture images and videos.   

#30 – Bluetooth speaker

Socialising outside your motorhome is more entertaining if you have a portable Bluetooth speaker to set the mood, especially if you’re having a BBQ in summer.

#31 – Chargers and cables 

Unless you’re going for the complete off-grid experience, you don’t want to forget the chargers and cables needed for your electronic devices, especially if you’re using them to navigate.

If you don’t already have them, you might want to install USB sockets in your motorhome to make charging your devices easier.

#32 – Solar panels 

They’re good for the environment and can slash your bills in summer when there’s plenty of energy to harvest. Luckily, motorhome solar panels are much cheaper than those used on brick-and-mortar homes.

#33 – Kayak or SUP 

If you fancy trying something new, a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) could be just the thing you need to make your trips more adventurous. Both can be purchased as inflatables, which are much easier to store aboard your motorhome.

Already own one? This is your reminder to take it with you!

#34 – Bike rack 

Cycling is almost synonymous with camping, so it makes sense to try it out if you haven’t already. It can be a great activity to enjoy as a family, and attaching a bike rack to your motorhome allows you to transport multiple bikes at once without compromising space.

#35 – Board games 

Finally, board games had to make our list of motorhome essentials, especially given the changeable weather conditions here in the UK. They’re perfect for those rainy days when you can’t get out and save you from feeling too cooped up.