I’ve included a list of things that we have purchased, our family travel van and camper set-up & our pop-up camper necessities.
*Last updated 7/24/2024
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Pop-up Camper Necessities
Storage Cubes
Cabinet space is a premium in a pop-up camper since you do not have any upper cabinets. Due to this reason, there is a strong argument for storage that sits on the counters. We have found these Senbowe Collapsible Storage Cubes to be a good option for clothes as they are stackable and easy to stow when travelling.
Sink Table and potable water hose
Even if you have a sink in your camper or RV, it is really nice to have an outdoor sink to do laundry and wash your hands without having to go inside. I’m a fan of our folding sink table as it can fold in half for easy transport. Unfortunately, it has been out of stock on Amazon and I’m not sure where else to find it. If I were buying now, I’d get something like the Goplus Portable Camping Sink Table. We really prefer to be able to wash hands and dishes outside instead of inside the camper.
Additionally, you’ll need a Potable Water Hose (these are the white ones that are safe for drinking water). Additionally, you will want to make sure it is long enough to reach the sink in front (25′ should suffice) since the water hookup will usually be on the back side of your camper.
Camco Portable toilet
My kids think it is funny that I took a picture of our potty. However, it is honestly a game changer for our vacations. We put one of the back seats down and it fits perfect in the van to use while traveling. If we had to stop every time one of the three kids had to use the bathroom, it would take a lot longer, so we definitely save time having this in the car. Also, it has a clean water tank with a push-pump to flush. When we get to the campsite, we move it over to the camper.
Additionally, it works like an “airplane-like” toilet. It has a open-close valve that keeps the contents (and smells) contained. We try to keep a “No #2” policy, but with a 6 year old it usually happens eventually. You can get them from Amazon at Camco Portable Toilet. Also, you can use Porta-Pak Deodorizing Packets like you’d use in a RV tank. Any questions, feel free to contact me!
Patio Mat
Most camper sites are either gravel or dirt. Either way, it is good to have something outside of your camper. We have this Stylish Camping Patio Mat and it looks and works great.
Battery pack
I also have a smaller portable power bank, but for the times we are boondocking with the camper, it is nice to have something that can charge a few cell phones. I have the discontinued model, but if I was buying today, I’d get something like this EnginStar 300w Power Bank. It runs on sale for about $200, but sometimes will have a discount coupon. I charge it at before our trip, during hotel stays or while I’m taking a shower or doing laundry.
The most popular alternative would be the Jackery 300w Power Bank, however the brand is more expensive. If you are looking to get Jackery Solar Panels, then you might like the convenience of having the same brand.
Water backpacks
It is important to stay hydrated out there. Additionally, the kids are always excited to have their own backpack and they won’t be asking you for water all of the time. I like the Water Buffalo Road Runner Hydration Backpack. They run around $35 so they aren’t crazy expensive and they are good size for kids and teens.
Stack Jacks
I have a set of 4 of stack jacks that came with the camper and I always use them to help reduce bounce and rocking while in the camper. They are very similar to these RV Stack Jacks.
Wheel Chocks
Safety is important. A set of inexpensive wheel chocks will keep you camper from rolling when it is disconnected from you hitch. I like these: HIGOOD Solid Rubber Wheel Chock. They come as a two pack, but it is good to have 4, to put one in front and behind both camper tires.
Jack Pads / Leveling BLocks
In the past I just used blocks of wood and it does work. However, I’ve upgraded to these Lynx Levelers (I actually got the 20 pack) and they work great! I also got these Lynx Caps for bot the tires and the stabilizers. You might also consider the Camco Jack Pads to go under the levelers. I like the handles and I think they could be used as levelers under a tire if needed.
Camp Stove
Speaking of safety, our camper came with a stove that hooks to the side of the camper. Can you say fire hazard? Ours actually melted the plastic due to the hot griddle. So we got rid of that one and replaced it with a metal Coleman Triton Propane Camping Stove. It is a tried and true stove and Coleman has been making these forever. Additionally, you can find the little green propane tanks at any Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. If you have a larger propane tank holder, you can also buy an adapter hose to connect it to the stove.
Memory Foam
The thin stock mattresses in pop-up campers are not the most comfortable. We put a 2″ memory foam topper on all of our mattresses and are still able to close it up (however, it will be tight so you’ll likely have to move any blankets from the bed). Here is the one we have for ours: Momend Queen Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
Our van and camper
2007 Forest River Rockwood 1940LTD
In 2021 we purchased a used 2007 Forest River Rockwood 1940LTD pop-up camper for $4000 off of Facebook Marketplace. You can see the specs for the 2022 model, which are the same as the one we have. It has a queen bed, a 3/4 bed and the table turns into a bed, which is a great fit for 2 adults and 3 kids.
2013 honda Odyssey
We have a 2013 Honda Odyssey van that currently has about 130,000 miles on it. Also, we bought it a few years old with 40k miles. Sometimes, we wish we had a big SUV or truck to pull a larger RV. However, our whole set up works great and is perfect for a family of 5. Here is the current version of the 2023 Honda Odyssey.
The Odyssey has a 3,500 pound towing capacity, making it well over the range to pull our pop-up camper, which unloaded, weighs well under 2000 pounds.
