Diving into the complex waters of Scamping for the first time can feel intimidating and overwhelming. What items are needed? What are essentials that might go overlooked? What might get forgotten and have to be learned the hard way? While many resources (and opinions) exist this is a simplified list of items I have and use. My experience has shown them to be reliable and absolutely essential. They are items no one should leave the driveway without. Start with the quick list and continue on for more in-depth explanations on why these are my top choices.

If you are looking for gear that really elevates comfort levels in all kinds of weather check out Camping Gear That Elevates the Experience

THE QUICK LIST

1. Designated Drinking Water Hose
2. Water Pressure Regulator
3. Trailer Hitch Lube
4. Surge Protector
5. Electrical Adapters
6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System
7. Tire Pressure Gauge
8. Headlamp
9. Emergency Road Kit
10. Wheel Chocks
11. Duct Tape
12. Water Filter
13. Holding Tank Treatment
14. Disposable Gloves
15. Leveling Blocks

WHY THESE OPTIONS

Zero-G hoses will never kink. They pack away flat and have high-quality metal fittings that rotate in place. These 3 things eliminate common frustrations, saving a ton of time and space. Plus, they are lightweight and durable with a 5-year warranty. You honestly won’t find a better hose for your Scamp.

A water pressure regulator is a device that reduces the water pressure coming from a spigot. If the water at a campsite has too much pressure, it will damage the fragile plastic pipes in your Scamp. This could lead to leaks and water damage. The water pressure regulator stops that from happening by lowering the water pressure before it reaches your hose. Attaching a water pressure regulator before the hose ensures that the high water pressure stops right at the source and doesn’t enter your water hose or your Scamp’s delicate plumbing.

This unit has a small flat blade screwdriver insert to adjust the water source’s PSI to your Scamp’s recommended pressure. Use one, and you will no longer have to wonder what the pressure is or if it is safe for your plumbing.

It’s never a good call to be stingy with the lube. Neglecting to use trailer hitch lube is the fastest way to damage your tow ball and hitch mechanism. You will get rust immediately and have to listen to terrible scraping noises while you tow.

Using lube provides a thick protective coating that reduces friction and wear on hitch balls. It helps prevent rust and makes for easier connecting/disconnecting without attracting dust/dirt/debris to the area like WD-40. Add some to your travel kit for a quieter, smoother ride.

The importance of a surge protector can not be overstated. There are a host of electrical issues like low voltage and power surges that can damage your Scamp’s electrical systems. Campground hookups are notoriously unreliable. Purchasing a surge protector for your Scamp is one of the smartest investments that you can make immediately after buying it.

These Surge Guards will analyze an electrical source in 10 seconds and determine if it is safe to use. If not, it cuts power to the Scamp, protecting very expensive components from damage. It has a built-in locking ring compatible with cable or padlocks to lock the unit directly to a power podium preventing theft. The LED display is user-friendly and easy to understand. It is extremely weather resistant. Plus, it offers an impressive 4,200 joules of surge protection, making it the highest level of protection currently on the market.

However, it is the lifetime warranty and the connected equipment coverage that make these the absolute best option hands down. Meaning if it fails and something in your rig is damaged as a result, they will cover the cost of repairs!

Dog bone adapters exist to adapt a 50A RV down to 30A (when it is the only connection available) or to convert either a 50A or 30A down to a 15-amp connection like a standard outdoor extension cord.

Sometimes, the only available campsite isn’t compatible with your connection. Sometimes, you park at a friend’s house and want to power the Scamp with a regular extension cord. Having adapters on hand will allow that flexibility. You won’t be able to run the AC or use a toaster and a hairdryer all at the same time when using a 15-amp connection, so be aware of your power usage. But you will be able to power the fridge and top off the batteries while you are mooch-docking if you have the correct adapter.

Tire pressure monitoring systems not only protect you from hazardous tire blowouts, they also extend tire life and boost fuel efficiency while towing a Scamp. A good TPMS will notify you when the Scamp tire pressure is low or if a tire is going flat. This Tire Pressure Monitoring System by Tymate has all the right features. It can be charged through a USB cable, by solar, or via a 12 volt port. It has a powerful lithium-ion battery, but the auto solar charging feature ensures that there is uninterrupted tire pressure monitoring without lag. The five critical alarms alert you of high pressure, low pressure, high temperature, rapid air leakage, and a tire sensor low battery alarm. Plus, the tire sensors have controlled power consumption for a significantly longer service life.

Now that we know maintaining the correct tire pressure is key, a quality tire pressure gage is essential. This tire gauge is digital, precise, easy to use, and it reads up to 230 PSI. It’s perfect for tow vehicles with higher pressure tires. The long stalk makes it easy to put pressure on the valve. The extra attachment point is especially handy for trucks with dualies. Once on, the unit can read and re-read without having to do anything other than pulling off the valve and pressing back onto it. It’s accurate and easy to use. Just be sure to let it fire up and calibrate before taking a reading.

While flashlights used to be the staple, headlamps are far more practical. If you need light chances are you’ll also need both hands free. Why try to change a tire with a dirty flashlight in your mouth when this ridiculously comfortable headlamp exists? The BioLite headlamp wears like a sweatband, is feature rich, reliable, and it’s rechargeable. It is indispensable in an emergency and fantastic on night hikes as well. I love mine so much that I did a full in-depth review on it.

Let’s face it, things will go wrong. Even with all of our modern technology, travelers will eventually find themselves signal-less. It is important to be prepared for a host of contingencies. My roadside emergency kit is full of incredibly useful items without duplicating a bunch of tools I already own.

Scamps and wheel chocks are like PB + J. Regardless if you only ever plan to stay in campgrounds, there will come a time when you have to park somewhere that isn’t level. These Chocks are compact and won’t take up valuable storage space when scamping.

MacGyver taught me that any problem can be solved with duct tape and a pocket knife. Few things in life have turned out to be so universally true. Gorilla Duct Tape is especially high bond, and I like the visibility of the white roll. It makes it harder to forget to return and permanently fix the temporary solution.

Safe drinking water matters, and I would never trust the sources at any campground. Camco’s TastePURE Water Filter reduces bad taste, odor, chlorine, and sediment in drinking water. Connect one between the source and your drinking water safe hose to remove aluminum, bad taste, cadmium, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, iron, lead, mercury, odor, and turbidity. It also keeps sediment out of your Scamp’s fresh water tank. This particular choice provides a 20 Micron Fiber Barrier while maintaining a high flow rate. Save money with the 2 pack.

Black tank odors are one of the most common issues new RVers encounter first. There is nothing like sloshing your own waste around while driving in the summer heat to make you question your dietary choices. Strategies to combat the dreaded holding tank stink range broadly and divide the community deeper than political alliances. Yet the most simple solution is to go with this tank treatment. It is far superior to all the rest. A scoop of Happy Camper in your black and gray tanks with a couple of gallons of water has the power to change your camping experience. Should unpleasant odors arise after extended use, flush the tanks thoroughly with one of these wands, and continue using this treatment for happy camping.

While we are on the subject of holding tanks, emptying them is a dirty job and not the time for flimsy disposable gloves. These Astro-Grip gloves are not only textured for grip, which aids in getting/removing tight seals. They are much thicker and more durable than medical type gloves found in the 1st aid section. They will not tear mid use.

Leveling blocks do more than keep blood from rushing to your head while lying down. A level Scamp is critical for keeping a 3-way fridge running well. These Lego like blocks are stackable and packable without the need for a storage case. When combined with the chocks recommended above, they make for a fantastically level and worry free night’s sleep.

Bonus Item

If your trailer didn’t come with a sewer hose OR you just want to upgrade to the most puncture resistant option, this kit comes with 20 feet of hose and a clear elbow that gives you insight into the state your holding tank’s cleanliness. It is very durable and provides extended reach. Just be sure to devise a separate storage system if the kit is too big to fit where the original sewer hose was housed.

Together, these items will get you road ready and well prepared for wherever your adventures take you. As mentioned, these are products I have and use regularly. They have stood the test of time and are worth every single penny. I hope these simplified descriptions help you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to start Scamping with confidence. Come back soon for a post with all my favorite storage solutions.

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