Gear we actually use
Every item on this page is something we bought and use on our 2025 Coleman 17B. Nothing here is paid placement, and gear we have not tried yet does not make the list. Pick what you need below.
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Before you buy a camper
New to all of this? Start with our free new camper starter guide: what to buy, what it costs on your own, and printable checklists.
QuizWhich Coleman should I buy?5 questions that match you with the 13B, 13R, 17B, or 17R.Take the quiz →CalculatorCan my vehicle tow it?Check your truck or SUV's tow rating and payload against a camper's weight.Check your vehicle →ChecklistBuying used?What to inspect first: water damage, the roof, tires, plumbing, and propane.Open the checklist →
Setup gear we use every trip
The basics we use on every single setup. The full first-trip packing list is in our free starter guide →
- RVMATE RV leveling blocksGetting level keeps the fridge happy and stops the AC from dripping inside.Why level matters →Check price on Amazon
- Camco brass water pressure regulatorProtects your water lines from high campground pressure. Cheap insurance.Coleman must-haves →Check price on Amazon
- Wireless RV backup cameraThe 17B is pre-wired for it, so it plugs right in. Backing into a site gets far easier.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- RVLock compact keyless door lockCode, fob, or key. No more lost camper keys, and great for renters.Install guide →Check price on Amazon
Water and leak prevention
Water is what ruins campers. This is how we stay ahead of it.
- RDINSCOS pinless moisture meterFinds hidden leaks behind walls and ceilings without poking holes.How we check for leaks →Check price on Amazon
- TOPDON TC004 thermal cameraA partner to the moisture meter. Shows cold, damp spots, drafts around windows and doors, or a wheel hub running hot after a drive.Coleman must-haves →Check price on Amazon
- Dicor self-leveling lap sealantFor flat roof seams, vents, and skylights. How we resealed our skylight.Leak check guide →Check price on Amazon
- Dicor non-leveling lap sealantFor vertical edges and trim where self-leveling would run.Leak check guide →Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
Power and safety
Small things that prevent big problems.
- Battery disconnect switchStops small background draws from killing the battery between trips.Coleman must-haves →Check price on Amazon
- 140-piece blade fuse kitA blown fuse should not end a trip. Keep spares in the camper.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- Kidde battery CO detectorsA must if you ever run a propane heater or generator nearby.Off-grid setup →Check price on Amazon
- 300-piece camping first aid kitLives in the camper so it is there on every trip.Coleman must-haves →Check price on Amazon
- Spare 20 lb propane tankSwap tanks instead of running out of heat or hot water mid-trip.Off-grid setup →Check price on Amazon
The spare tire setup
Ours did not come with a spare tire, so we bought one and set it up.
- 14-inch trailer tire on a 5-lug rimCheck your size and bolt pattern before you buy.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
Comfort and organization inside
The upgrades that made our small camper feel like ours.
- CONTOURE recessed 2-burner cooktopSwapped the factory burners for this. More counter space, one of our favorite upgrades.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- Great Bay Home queen microfiber sheetsFit the front queen, in a lodge print that suits the camper.Coleman must-haves →Check price on Amazon
- Homsorout fabric shelf binsFit the factory shelves and stop everything sliding around on the road.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- Narrow bathroom cabinet with toilet paper rodA close match to the factory cabinets, and real storage in a bathroom that has almost none.How we installed it →Check price on Amazon
- RVGUARD screen door cross barGives you something to grab so you can pull the door shut. We use it every trip.Top 10 upgrades →Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
Emergency and off-grid basics
What we keep with the camper in case the power goes out or a storm rolls through.
- Reliance 7 gallon Jumbo TainersTwo of these add 14 gallons on top of the fresh tank.Off-grid setup →Check price on Amazon
- Waterdrop gravity filter straw 2-packTurns lake or rain water into drinking water with no power.Off-grid setup →Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
- Check price on Amazon
More lists
- Our full Coleman 17B Amazon list
- Coleman off-grid and emergency kit list (includes a few items we are still saving up for, labeled in the off-grid post)
- 1961 Sea King boat restoration list
- The whole Aaron Goes Outdoors storefront
Shopping for the camper itself? Take our 5-question Coleman quiz.