Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What RV gear is actually worth your money... and what turned out to be a complete waste?
After more than 15 years, hundreds of thousands of miles, and many different RVs, Jennifer and I have finally figured out which upgrades and gear we'd buy again without hesitation, and which ones we'd never spend another dime on.
In this episode we share the gear that has genuinely made RV life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable, including:
Why a washer and dryer completely changed how we travel
The lithium battery and solar system we'd install again in a heartbeat
The mattress upgrade that transformed our sleep
Three inexpensive accessories we now consider essential
Why our air fryer gets used almost every day
The camping chairs we're still searching to replace
The appliance that we used exactly once... and now lives in the barn
Why we stopped buying most RV toilet paper
When black tank chemicals really are worth buying... and when plain water works just as well
The technology that made us retire our cellular boosters and routers
We also answer two listener questions:
• How can someone overcome the fear of driving a large RV if their spouse becomes unable to drive?
• Is it time to downsize from a large Class A motorhome after retirement?
Along the way we also share practical advice about black tank maintenance, choosing RV gear wisely, and buying equipment that fits the way you actually travel.
We'd love to hear from you!
What's the best RV purchase you've ever made? And what's the one you wish you'd never bought?
Leave a comment below.
Helpful Links
Free Chapter from our new ebook, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement:
rvlifestyle.com/freechapter
RV Trip Dashboard:
rvlifestyle.com/tripdashboard
RVOvernights (Save 40% with code RVLDEAL):
rvlifestyle.com/rvovernights
Viofo dash cam: amzn.to/4fWoxlM. (affiliate link)
Milwaukee cordless inflator: amzn.to/4fMqnpb. (affiliate link)
Tastee air fryer: amzn.to/4g9zHEQ (affiliate link)
Liquified RV Tank Treatment (Matt's RV Reviews): liquifiedrv.com
Brooklyn Bedding Aero Deluxe RV mattress - rvmattress.com/rvlifestyle
Join our RV Lifestyle Community:
rvcommunity.com
00:00 – Intro: Episode 632 of the RV Podcast
02:20 – Update on Jennifer’s recovery and upcoming travel plans
04:36 – Top Gear Buy: Washer and Dryer
06:21 – Essential Upgrade: Lithium Batteries & Solar System
07:40 – The most overlooked upgrade: A quality mattress
09:03 – Small but vital: Dash cams for insurance and memories
10:23 – Safety first: Portable cordless air inflator
11:26 – Kitchen favorite: The RV air fryer
12:50 – Stuff to skip: The hunt for the perfect camping chair
14:36 – The "Bourbon" Lesson: Why we retired the countertop ice maker
16:03 – The Truth about RV Toilet Paper
17:12 – Managing your Black Tank: Why water is better than chemicals
20:11 – Cell Boosters vs. Starlink: Is dedicated hardware still needed?
22:11 – RV Overnights: A favorite way to find unique stays
24:04 – Question: Overcoming the fear of driving a large toy hauler
26:50 – Question: When is the right time to downsize in your 70s?
Visit us online: rvlifestyle.com
► If you want help planning and organizing your own RV trips, we have put all our guides, tools, RV travel apps and checklists together in one place.
You will find it all rvlifestyle.com/plan
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos and our YouTube Live special reports from the cool places we visit on our RV adventures.
Please note this channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV experts and are not simply sharing our opinions and what seems to work for us. You should do your own research and make your own decisions.
What RV gear is actually worth your money... and what turned out to be a complete waste?
After more than 15 years, hundreds of thousands of miles, and many different RVs, Jennifer and I have finally figured out which upgrades and gear we'd buy again without hesitation, and which ones we'd never spend another dime on.
In this episode we share the gear that has genuinely made RV life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable, including:
Why a washer and dryer completely changed how we travel
The lithium battery and solar system we'd install again in a heartbeat
The mattress upgrade that transformed our sleep
Three inexpensive accessories we now consider essential
Why our air fryer gets used almost every day
The camping chairs we're still searching to replace
The appliance that we used exactly once... and now lives in the barn
Why we stopped buying most RV toilet paper
When black tank chemicals really are worth buying... and when plain water works just as well
The technology that made us retire our cellular boosters and routers
We also answer two listener questions:
• How can someone overcome the fear of driving a large RV if their spouse becomes unable to drive?
• Is it time to downsize from a large Class A motorhome after retirement?
Along the way we also share practical advice about black tank maintenance, choosing RV gear wisely, and buying equipment that fits the way you actually travel.
We'd love to hear from you!
What's the best RV purchase you've ever made? And what's the one you wish you'd never bought?
Leave a comment below.
Helpful Links
Free Chapter from our new ebook, The Complete Guide to RVing in Retirement:
rvlifestyle.com/freechapter
RV Trip Dashboard:
rvlifestyle.com/tripdashboard
RVOvernights (Save 40% with code RVLDEAL):
rvlifestyle.com/rvovernights
Viofo dash cam: amzn.to/4fWoxlM. (affiliate link)
Milwaukee cordless inflator: amzn.to/4fMqnpb. (affiliate link)
Tastee air fryer: amzn.to/4g9zHEQ (affiliate link)
Liquified RV Tank Treatment (Matt's RV Reviews): liquifiedrv.com
Brooklyn Bedding Aero Deluxe RV mattress - rvmattress.com/rvlifestyle
Join our RV Lifestyle Community:
rvcommunity.com
00:00 – Intro: Episode 632 of the RV Podcast
02:20 – Update on Jennifer’s recovery and upcoming travel plans
04:36 – Top Gear Buy: Washer and Dryer
06:21 – Essential Upgrade: Lithium Batteries & Solar System
07:40 – The most overlooked upgrade: A quality mattress
09:03 – Small but vital: Dash cams for insurance and memories
10:23 – Safety first: Portable cordless air inflator
11:26 – Kitchen favorite: The RV air fryer
12:50 – Stuff to skip: The hunt for the perfect camping chair
14:36 – The "Bourbon" Lesson: Why we retired the countertop ice maker
16:03 – The Truth about RV Toilet Paper
17:12 – Managing your Black Tank: Why water is better than chemicals
20:11 – Cell Boosters vs. Starlink: Is dedicated hardware still needed?
22:11 – RV Overnights: A favorite way to find unique stays
24:04 – Question: Overcoming the fear of driving a large toy hauler
26:50 – Question: When is the right time to downsize in your 70s?
Visit us online: rvlifestyle.com
► If you want help planning and organizing your own RV trips, we have put all our guides, tools, RV travel apps and checklists together in one place.
You will find it all rvlifestyle.com/plan
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and click the bell icon to be notified of new videos and our YouTube Live special reports from the cool places we visit on our RV adventures.
Please note this channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV experts and are not simply sharing our opinions and what seems to work for us. You should do your own research and make your own decisions.
