An RV comes with all of the necessities and comforts of home, but it doesn't always have the extras you need for a hassle-free vacation. These extras include items such as a sewer hose, surge protection, and even toilet paper. Having these items and other parts handy when you go on a trip makes the experience that much smoother, saves you time, and eliminates the potential for bigger problems. 

At Bretz RV & Marine, we have parts stores at our locations in Boise and Nampa, Idaho, as well as in Butte, Billings, and Missoula, Montana. Our parts stores carry all of the essential parts you need to get your RV ready for your next vacation and make hooking up a breeze. The following is a look at some essential RV parts that solve problems before they begin. 

RV Sewer Hose

Emptying the gray and black tanks on your RV is an unpleasant but necessary task that you need to do regularly. You don't want to run the risk of a spill as you empty the tank, which means having a good RV sewer hose is a must. 

Buy the best quality hose you can afford, as this makes the job easier, greatly reduces the risk of a spill, and helps with sanitation. You'll be using the sewer hose quite a bit, and a hose lasts three years under part-time use. A high-quality hose lasts longer and saves you money over time. 

If this is your first RV sewer hose, make sure to pick up an elbow attachment that screws into the dump station. This enables you to connect your tank to the dump station with the least amount of contact.

Water Hose

You can use a standard garden hose for filling up your water tanks, or you can use a purpose-made RV hose that won't impart the taste of rubber or plastic to the water. If you're willing to spend a little money on the hose, go for one that has a heater, as this can overcome the issue of water freezing inside the hose. You can expect to replace the hose every two to four years.

RV Toilet Paper

It's highly recommended that you use RV toilet paper for RV sewage systems, as it dissolves faster than regular toilet paper. You can use regular toilet paper in an RV's toilet and tank, but you're more likely to have a harder time of draining the blackwater tank. In contrast, RV toilet paper breaks down more quickly and is less likely to clog the hose when it's time to drain the tank. 

Water Pressure Regulator Valve

The water pressure tends to vary from campground to campground, putting you at risk of burst water lines in your RV. Using a water pressure regulator valve is a simple, yet effective preventive measure. A basic regulator has one or more preset pressure settings but isn't adjustable. In the event you want more control over the water pressure, get a water pressure regulator valve with adjustable settings. 

The valve features moving parts that eventually wear out, and you can expect to replace the part every four to five years. 

Wheel Chocks

Various factors can cause the parking pads at campsites to be uneven, putting your RV at risk of rolling after you park. You won't know this until you arrive, which means keeping a set of wheel chocks in your RV is a must. Wheel chocks last about four years before they need replacing. 

You have a lot of options when it comes to wheel chock selection, and many opt for inexpensive sets for basic protection. Consider buying the best set of chocks you can afford, as the higher-quality sets offer features that give you the most protection against rolling. 

RV Surge Protector

An RV surge protector works much in the same way as a computer surge protector, but it does the job on a larger scale. The basic function of the RV surge protector is to prevent a power surge from frying all of the electronics in the RV. That includes everything from TVs to the microwave and anything else that requires power to operate. Considering the fact that you don't know the quality of the electrical feeds at an RV camping site, getting an RV surge protector is almost a requirement.

Make sure to test your surge protector regularly, and expect a three to five-year replacement cycle. Regular testing and replacement ensures safety and reliable performance. 

Power Adapter Cord

The power adapter cord works by converting the power that runs to your RV from the campsite up or down. 30 amp and 50 amp are the two common types of power outlets used by campsites, but they only supply one or the other. Keeping a power adapter cord handy helps you get around a mismatch between the provided power source and the one that powers your RV. The lifespan of the cord depends on its quality, usage, and available power at the campsite. 

Why These Parts Aren't Included With Your RV Purchase

You can include some of these parts with your RV when you get it custom-built, add them on at the time of purchase, or leave them off entirely so you can use the parts that you select. If you're buying a used RV, the previous owner may have taken certain parts with them and put them onto their new RV. The inclusion of these and other parts all comes down to the decisions that you make during the purchase of your RV. 

Adding These Essential Parts to Your RV Eliminates Unwanted Surprises

There's nothing worse than rolling up to a reserved spot in your dream vacation destination only to find you need parts to settle in with your RV. At Bretz RV & Marine, we can help you get the parts you need at our parts stores in Boise and Nampa, Idaho, and Butte, Billings, and Missoula, Montana. Get in touch with us today to talk to one of our parts experts and discuss your needs. We can get you on the road with your RV with the right parts and the confidence you need to take on any setup challenges.