Motorhome life is all about freedom — that intoxicating mix of being able to head wherever the road takes you, without worrying about hotel bookings or rigid itineraries. But ask any seasoned motorhomer and they’ll tell you the same thing: the right accessories make the difference between a stress-free adventure and a trip full of avoidable headaches.
Nothing dampens the joy of a road trip faster than being unprepared for simple things.
Nobody enjoys waking up at a weird angle because the ground wasn’t level, or finding out that your leisure battery is drained in the middle of nowhere. And nothing dampens the joy of a road trip faster than being unprepared for simple things like cooking, waste disposal, or keeping your motorhome secure when parked up.
That’s why kitting out your vehicle with a few smart additions is worth every penny. This guide runs through the must-have motorhome accessories, explaining not just what you should pack, but also why they matter, how they’ll make your life easier, and which ones are worth prioritising.
Levelling Blocks – The Foundation of Comfort
It’s one of those small things you don’t think about until it ruins your day. Park your motorhome on uneven ground and suddenly everything feels off. Cooking becomes awkward because the hob is tilted, sleeping is uncomfortable because you’re sliding into one corner of the bed, and even using the bathroom feels unbalanced.
Levelling blocks solve this instantly. They’re sturdy ramps you drive your wheels onto until your motorhome sits flat. A simple accessory, but it has a huge impact on comfort.
When choosing levelling blocks, don’t go cheap and cheerful. A motorhome is heavy, and flimsy plastic won’t hold up. Go for durable, lightweight models rated for your vehicle’s weight. Pair them with chocks for extra safety, especially on sloped sites. Once you’ve used them a few times, setting up will become second nature — and you’ll never camp without them again.
Solar Panels – Freedom from Hook-Ups
Ask anyone who’s spent time wild camping, and they’ll say the same: solar panels are a game-changer. They let you stay off-grid for longer, without relying on campsite hook-ups or running your engine to recharge batteries.
With a decent solar setup, you can power essentials like lighting, fridges, and phone chargers without a second thought. That means you can pitch up on a Scottish loch, a Cornish cliff, or a French vineyard and stay for days without worrying about power.
There are two main options: roof-mounted panels, which are fitted permanently and work as you drive, and portable ones, which you can set up on the ground and move with the sun. Portable panels give you flexibility, while roof-mounted ones are fuss-free.
Pair your panels with a battery monitor so you know exactly how much power you’re generating and using. It’s a little investment that gives you true independence on the road.
Hook-Up Cable & Adapters – Avoid Power Nightmares
It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed how many travellers get caught out by hook-up cables. Campsites across the UK and Europe use slightly different connections, and distances between your motorhome and the power post can vary wildly. Turn up unprepared and you’ll either be stretching cables dangerously or not reaching at all.
A 25-metre hook-up cable covers most scenarios, and carrying a couple of adapters ensures you’re never stuck without a compatible plug. Always use a proper outdoor-rated cable reel and make sure it’s fully uncoiled when in use — coiled cables can overheat and pose a fire risk.
It’s a small thing, but having the right cable and adapters means you’ll set up smoothly every time, without the stress of asking neighbours to borrow theirs.
Fresh Water & Waste Gear – The Less Glamorous Essentials
Water is the lifeblood of motorhome travel, but managing it isn’t glamorous. Without the right kit, you’ll either run dry or end up in a mess.
Water is the lifeblood of motorhome travel
For fresh water, a collapsible container saves space when not in use but gives you enough capacity to refill your tank easily. Always carry a decent hose with multiple tap connectors — nothing’s worse than finding a tap you can’t actually connect to.
Waste disposal is equally important. Grey water (from sinks and showers) and black water (from toilets) both need to be dealt with properly. A good waste carrier or cassette system makes this straightforward and hygienic. It also keeps you on the right side of campsite etiquette — nobody likes the neighbour who cuts corners with waste.
Top tip: keep a dedicated pair of gloves for water and waste jobs. They’ll save you from mixing unpleasant tasks with everyday chores.
Outdoor Furniture – Your Living Room in the Fresh Air
The beauty of motorhome travel isn’t just the vehicle — it’s the lifestyle it allows. Picture this: you’ve parked up overlooking the sea, the sun’s going down, and you’re sitting outside with a drink in hand. That’s motorhome life at its best.
But you’ll need the right gear. Folding chairs and a portable table are essentials, and if you’ve got space, an awning or roll-out canopy extends your living area into the outdoors. Look for aluminium-framed furniture: light to carry, strong enough to last, and easy to stow away.
Once you’ve got an outdoor setup, every trip feels more like home.
Torches & Headlamps – Because Campsites Get Dark
It’s easy to forget how dark campsites can be once the sun goes down. Whether you’re heading to the loo block, dealing with a late-night (electricity) hook-up, or investigating a strange noise outside, you’ll need light.
Torches are fine, but headlamps are even better — they free up your hands for practical jobs. Rechargeable LED models are bright, long-lasting, and much easier than relying on your phone torch (which drains your battery and is awkward to use).
Keep a couple of spares in the van. You’ll thank yourself the first time you need one at 2am.
Security Gear – Peace of Mind on the Road
Motorhomes are valuable, and unfortunately, that makes them a target. Investing in security gear isn’t just about protecting your vehicle — it’s about peace of mind, knowing you can park up and relax without worry.
A good steering lock is an inexpensive but effective deterrent. Pair it with a wheel clamp for extra protection. A GPS tracker is invaluable if the worst happens, improving your chances of recovery. And don’t overlook lighting — motion-sensor lamps outside your van are simple but effective at keeping unwanted visitors away.
Security works best in layers. The more obstacles you create, the less appealing your motorhome is to opportunists.
Kitchen Must-Haves – Cooking Without Stress
Cooking on the road is part of the fun, but cramped space makes the right equipment vital.
Stackable pots and pans are brilliant for saving space. Collapsible colanders, utensils, and washing-up bowls make a big difference in small kitchens. Don’t skimp on a decent coffee maker — instant coffee quickly loses its charm after a few mornings on the road.
Reusable containers are great for leftovers, snacks, or pre-prepped meals, and a small portable BBQ or gas stove means you can cook outside when the weather’s good. After all, food always tastes better outdoors.
Smart Gadgets – Making Travel Easier
Technology has transformed motorhome travel. A few clever gadgets can save you stress and make your adventures smoother.
A motorhome-specific sat-nav is worth its weight in gold. Unlike a car sat-nav, it factors in your vehicle’s size and avoids routes with low bridges or narrow lanes. Wi-Fi boosters are brilliant if you work remotely or enjoy streaming on the road. Portable power banks keep phones charged when you’re exploring away from the van.
For safety, tyre pressure monitors are invaluable — spotting slow leaks before they turn into dangerous blowouts. And a dashcam not only protects you in case of accidents but also lets you record those epic scenic drives to relive later.
Motorhome life is about keeping things simple — but that doesn’t mean travelling without the right kit. Accessories like levelling blocks, solar panels, and hook-up cables may not be glamorous, but they transform the experience. Add in a few luxuries like outdoor furniture, kitchen gear, and smart gadgets, and suddenly your motorhome feels less like a vehicle and more like a true home on wheels.
The key is balance. Don’t overload your van with every shiny new gadget on the market. Instead, choose wisely, invest in quality, and focus on the accessories that genuinely make your trips safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
Because at the end of the day, the point isn’t the stuff — it’s the adventure. And with the right gear on board, you’ll be ready for anything the open road throws your way.
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