RV Camping Buying Guide

You can imagine the sizzling prawns cooked on the beach, or hearty steak dinners after a long hike. When you are equipped with one of our portable barbecues, you can have an outdoor feast fit for a king.

The humble microwave is one of the most used appliances at home, but it is especially handy when you are on the road. A compact microwave can heat up frozen meals, as well as prepare a quick meal after a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring. These compact microwaves will take up less space and use less power to ensure your RV kitchen is not crammed and your RV batteries are not drained.

Toasted bread can be the foundation for all kinds of meals. This foodstuff is a versatile item: toast for breakfast, a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, or a soup accompaniment for dinner. Always have warm toast available in your RV with a compact two-slice toaster. 

Benchtop dishwashers are ideal for busy adventurers and time-poor families with children. Thanks to a compact design, benchtop dishwashers can sit on top of most RV kitchen benchtops, and they will save you a lot of labour. This convenient option means you’re not wasting precious time in front of the sink — use that time to bond with loved ones or to take in the natural surroundings.

While some RVs come with built-in ovens, these units are prone to overheat a small space. A convection microwave is an excellent alternative as it uses a fan to circulate heated air, enabling it to cook food at a lower temperature. By combining the functionalities of an oven and a microwave, you can save plenty of space.

You can create a wide range of dishes with a multi-cooker, meaning you won’t be stuck with the same set of meals while you are on the road. Small in size but very versatile, a multi-cooker can cook a wide range of ingredients such as grains, meats, and vegetables. You can set your multi-cooker to run while you’re out hiking or swimming, so you can come back to your RV with a hot meal waiting for you.

If you’re travelling very light but you prefer a proper espresso brew over instant coffee, a stovetop espresso maker (also known as a Moka pot or coffee percolator) is a great option. This ultra-portable appliance only needs water, ground coffee, and a heat source to give you the perfect cup of coffee. There are options to suit a variety of heat sources such as an electric or gas stove. If your RV has an induction cooktop, look for espresso makers designed specifically for induction.

Being on the road doesn’t mean having to wake up to flavourless instant coffee. Wake up to the inviting smell of espresso with a capsule coffee machine. You can ditch your coffee grinder and your bags of beans because the capsule format is a more portable and lightweight option. Some machines have a milk frothing option so you can enjoy a flat white as you watch the sun rise.

You need the right kind of fuel to keep you going on your adventures. A Nutribullet blender is engineered to blend satisfyingly smooth smoothies packed with nutrient-dense fruits, veggies, and nuts. The compact design allows for easy transportation and quick cleaning. There’s a wide range of Nutribullet recipes, so your smoothie selection will never go stale. This blender also doubles as a food processor to help you blend pancake batter, salsas, or sauces.

Nothing beats a filling cheese toastie after a long hike or a day of surfing. You can enjoy this classic comfort food at any time with a sandwich grill. If you want more than just a toasted sandwich, you can opt for a contact grill, which can also cook meats, veggies, and pancakes. Look for non-stick plates for convenient cleaning.

• With a variety of different sizes from popular brands such as Dometic, portable fridges are great choices for both long and short trips.

• Dual zone models let you set a different temperature for each section.

• Provides precise cooling - you can adjust to your desired temperature.

• You don’t have to worry about melted ice making your contents soggy.

• Models with features such as LED light, WiFi connection for mobile temperature adjustment, and USB charging can be a life-saver. 

• Ideal for short trips or as a secondary cooler for day trips.

• Simple to use - simply add ice and you’re good to go.

• Extremely durable materials for any conditions - from the harsh outback sun to water splashes on a boat.

• You don’t have to worry about power or recharging.

• Lightweight and easy to move from your RV to another location.

• Stops you from tossing and turning in the heat resulting in a restful sleep.

• Compact and easy to transport - you can even use it in your bedroom when you arrive back home.

• Some models also double as a dehumidifier for additional comfort on very humid days. This is also useful if you’re cooking or showering inside your RV as it takes away excess moisture in the air.

• Comes in a range of capacities, depending on the size of your RV. Go to our Portable Air Conditioner Buying Guide for additional information.

• A cosy companion for your winter adventures, or locations that get chilly at night.

• Use less energy than a heater, for a greener and cheaper alternative.

• Easy to pack and put away.

• Some models have adjustable settings for precise and comfortable heating.

• Simple to set up.

• Compact and easy to store. Tower fan models take up less floor space and desk fans can rest on a variety of surfaces.

• Helps to circulate air within the confined space of an RV. Opt for a model with oscillation function for more even circulation and cooling.

• Suitable for dry or humid climates.

• Stop your RV from becoming stuffy, especially when you have a built-in shower or oven.

• When your RV is not in use, you can use a dehumidifier to prevent mould and mildew from growing.

• Prevent excess humidity which can cause difficulties for people with conditions such as allergies and asthma.

• Prevent musty odours which can be bothersome, especially in a small RV space.

Some GPS and navigation systems feature helpful information for large vehicles such as an RV. This alerts you if there are any restrictions for your vehicle on the route ahead so you can better plan your way. Look for models with safety features such as driver fatigue alerts and speed limit notifications. A dedicated GPS system is a better option for long drives compared to a GPS app on your phone, and you won’t have to worry about draining your phone’s battery. Additionally, you have more memory space to store maps and routes for offline use - particularly useful when you are travelling in remote areas.

A dash cam helps protect you while you are on the road. Should an incident occur, a dash cam will record driving activity from the front of your vehicle. This provides you with video evidence for police reports, insurance claims, or ticket disputes. Opt for a model with G-Sensor - this feature detects vehicular impact and automatically saves footage so it does not get overwritten. For additional RV security, a dash cam can record theft or break-ins when your RV is unattended. On a more positive note, a dash cam can capture your road trip memories for you to look back on at the end of the trip. Look for models with a wide field of vision to capture the changing landscapes during your drive.

When you are on a relaxing RV road trip or camping adventure, you are bound to have a few cold ones. Ensure you make wise and informed decisions when you are hitting the road and keep a breathalyser on hand to check if you are within the legal limit.