407. Things You DON'T Need When You Start Out RVing

April 26, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Hosts Jason and Abby of the RV Miles Podcast share advice for new RVers facing the temptation of expensive gear and gadgets. Drawing from their years crisscrossing North America, they emphasize starting simple to discover personal needs, kicking off with strategies for affordable, low-stress travel day meals before listing items to skip until later.

Travel Day Meal Prep to Cut Costs and Fatigue

Anne's Facebook group question about lunch on the road prompts practical tips grounded in habit and psychology. The hosts pack a reusable, upright grocery bag with snacks—mixed nuts from Costco, non-perishables like peanut butter and jelly or fluffernutter sandwiches, Oreos or Trader Joe's pistachio toffee chocolate bark as treats—kept in the truck console to avoid gas station stops with a big rig. For meals, they plan leftovers from the night before, like sausage with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or tray bakes, individually packaged for quick grabs. These work best cold or with a brief microwave zap via inverter, eaten at rest area picnic tables to minimize dishes—just rinseable items or finger foods.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:31) **Episode Intro** - Hosts introduce topic of things new RVers don't need to buy right away
2 (03:58) **Travel Day Eats Q&A** - Answering listener Anne's question on affordable, easy meals while driving
3 (06:17) **Snack Bag Essentials** - Details on packing and using a central snack bag for all passengers
4 (13:21) **Meal Strategy Tips** - Avoiding heavy foods, decision fatigue, and fast food costs
5 (18:24) **Don't Need #1: RV Toilet Paper** - Skip premium branded TP; use septic-safe alternatives
6 (22:20) **Don't Need #2: Hiking Boots & Gear** - Test your style before buying expensive outdoor clothes/shoes
7 (25:46) **Don't Need #3: Tent Camping Gadgets** - No need for egg holders, paracord tools, lightweight cookware

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Jason and Abby answer a listener question about affordable travel-day lunches before discussing common RV purchases new RVers don’t need to buy immediately: RV-specific toilet paper, pricey hiking boots/outdoor clothing, tent-camping gadgets, camping memberships, and more. Plus, one state is getting 3 new state parks, while another is shuttering state park campgrounds to keep their system afloat.

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Track SSTK_MUSIC_ID 437726– Monetization ID MONETIZATION_ID AMXDXB4BX5FLHUYE
00:00 Intro and New Set
03:58 Travel Day Eats
17:37 etrailer Sponsor Break
18:24 Things You Don't Need
19:57 Skip RV Toilet Paper
22:21 Hiking Gear Reality Check
25:46 Tent Gadget Traps
30:08 Camping Memberships Worth It
33:18 Solar Power Wait
37:38 Washer/Dryer Debate
41:51 Leveling Gear You Can Skip
45:54 Tools Without Overpacking
49:30 Parks Funding Wins and Losses
52:48 Prom Plans and RV Repairs
59:19 Project Hail Mary Movie Review
01:05:08 Homecoming Tickets and Farewell