7 x Vital items for your Recreational Vehicle under $5

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By Car Brand Experts


When it comes to acquiring accessories for your camper, you can surely splurge a considerable amount of cash. My wallet has been depleted multiple times over the years. The fact is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to acquire products that are not only crucial for life in your RV but also offer incredible value for your money.

With a bit of free time to spare (yes, occasionally I get a moment to myself), I utilized it to browse through the nearby bargain store. It is surprising what treasures you can discover in these shops, and their prices are unbelievably low. Here are merely seven items I stumbled upon that are perfect for usage in your RV and all priced under $5 each.

Dehumidifier buckets

We have all experienced the problem of moisture accumulation inside our campers leading to mold growth under the bed or in the linen cabinets. It is an unfortunate consequence of humans exhaling humid air into the enclosed spaces of our RVs. This issue can exacerbate if you’re travelling in tropical regions.

Fortunately, there exists a simple and economical solution. These dehumidifier buckets perform exceptionally well in absorbing moisture from the air within the storage compartments of your RV. We utilize them regularly and have at least three operational in our van. One beneath the bed, one in the linen cupboard, and one placed on the kitchen counter.

These buckets do a fantastic job in preventing mold. While there are renowned brand-name dehumidifier buckets on the market, they can be pricey. I found these affordable alternatives in our bargain store for just $2.50 each. At such a price point, you can easily stock up on a few for your next extended vacation.


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Anti-slip drawer liner

A common query that arises on caravaning social platforms is how caravan owners safeguard their drawers and cabinets from getting scratched and marked by the contents stored within them. One simple remedy is to line them with rubber matting. Rolls of this material are available in various outlets at different prices.

I was pleasantly surprised to find rolls of this material at the local bargain store for the modest price of $2.50 per roll. Each roll measures 30cm x 120cm, adequate for lining multiple drawers. They even offer a selection of colors to match your RV’s interior. How convenient is that?

Magic cleaning sponge

Some time back, we stumbled upon this magical cleaning sponge as an effective method to eliminate stubborn marks and stains from walls and other surfaces. We have also discovered its utility around the camper for eradicating stains left by insects, bird droppings, or mold on the awning.

This cleaning tool is highly efficient, often requiring only water without the need for harsh cleaning agents. While they usually retail for around $10, I managed to find them at the bargain store for under $5. An opportunity to stock up on this excellent cleaning product for the camper.

Plastic pan scraper

Continuing on the theme of cleaning, how many times have you faced the chore of cleaning up at the campsite and required to scrape off burnt or dried food from your dishes or cookware? It’s a familiar scenario. This petite handheld scraper from the bargain store is compact enough to fit anywhere, features a comfortable foam grip, and is versatile for various situations. There were several color options available, and at just $2.50, you could easily purchase two and keep one in your outdoor kitchen.


BBQ cleaner

Here’s a product that I particularly favor. I’ve experimented with a range of BBQ cleaning brushes and scrapers over time, yet I always return to the basic wire brush with a metal scraper. While they may not be the most long-lasting, they do an excellent job in cleaning our Weber BBQ, particularly the grill plate. The bargain store had the exact style of cleaner I prefer for only $2.50. It was such a great deal that I purchased two.

Spare hose clamps

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys being ready for any unforeseen situation, you probably have a spare parts kit in your van. I certainly do, and one of the most frequently used items in it are these hose clamps. They work wonders in ensuring your plumbing hoses are tightly secured and leak-proof, preventing hoses from disconnecting while you’re away from your van.

I must confess, I’ve likely lent these out more to others than used them for myself, so when the time comes that I do require one, I seldom have it on hand. And if I do have one, it’s often the wrong size. For just $2.50, I acquired a 12-pack of hose clamps. With five different sizes included, I should be able to locate the appropriate clamp size for the next repair task. That’s certainly worth a smile.

Single shot super glue

Another crucial item that should feature in everyone’s toolkit is super glue. It proves invaluable in repairing various items, particularly small plastic objects. My spouse finds it handy for reattaching her acrylic nails. The challenge with super glue is that it’s not frequently needed, and if you open a large tube, it’s often dried up the next time you need it. This pack of single-use super glue tubes is ideal for occasional repair jobs. You only require a small amount, and with these single-use tubes, there’s no wastage. Priced under $5, it’s a wise decision to have one or two packs of these in your spare parts kit.

These are just seven of the top items I came across while perusing the bargain store. There were likely numerous other products that could have made the list. If you’ve encountered a bargain find that you believe would be useful for other camper owners that won’t break the bank, we’d love to hear about it.


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