Omtech 100w CO2 Laser

With Lightburn and Water Chiller

HTVRONT Automatic Press

Digital Calipers

🚐 Beginner RV Essentials

Where didja get that?

What I learned my first summer on the road

Let’s get one thing straight.

At 55, I do not “camp.”

I glamp.

There is a difference.

My first summer with the trailer taught me quickly that RV life is freedom on wheels — but it’s also a 30-foot cave that needs to function, breathe, and feel like home. If I’m living in a rolling box, it’s getting blankets, lighting, storage systems, and personality. Decorating your cave is not extra. It’s sanity.

Comfort is not optional.
Shade is survival.
Wind is aggressive.
Storage will either save you or slowly break you.

Yes, you need the basics — leveling blocks, sewer hoses, surge protectors. But the real game changers are the things nobody emphasizes enough.

An ice maker? Non-negotiable.
I am not rationing ice like it’s 1887. Cold drinks in triple-digit heat are a requirement.

Good dog fencing? Also non-negotiable.
Two dogs + open campsites + distractions = chaos. Secure fencing means peace, safety, and zero stress. That alone is worth its weight in gold.

Good bedding changes everything.
Outdoor rugs keep the dirt outside.
Smart storage prevents the “where is that thing?!” meltdown.
The right comforts turn a trailer into your space — not just a campsite.

The items below are what survived my first summer.
Some I won’t travel without.
Some I upgraded after learning the hard way.
All of them earned their spot.

Because if I’m relocating my cave into the desert, it’s going to feel intentional — and functional.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy through them, it doesn’t cost you anything extra — but it does help support everything I build here. I only link what I personally use or would confidently buy again.

Even an outdoor home isn’t a home without rugs

NON-Negotialable

Invaluable counter top ice machine

FWX Secure Pet Fencing

WORTH IT!

Nobdy wants to talk about it. Blast the poo out of your black tank hose!

You never know battery pack w/ jumper cable

Cummings Generator - Runs our 30’ trailer flawlessly and quietly

White noise sound machine - Babbling brook, campire etc

Blackstone Propane Griddle. A must have when I fire burn is in effect

Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit with Pump High Glossy Food Safe

Don’t see something?

I get new gear often.

Please Check back.

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With a backup camera, the fighting ceases to exist. You know it’s true. LOL

Sublimation Paper 8.5 x 11

As we learned quickly, not all poo hose are equal. However, this one is amazing. YOU ‘HAVE to HAVE’ the clear elbow.

🐾 Dog Life Essentials (Approved by Moxie & Tula)

If you’ve been around here longer than five minutes, you already know who actually runs this house.

Moxie and Tula.
Our sweet Goldens. Professional snack inspectors. Toy destroyers. Emotional support fluff units.

People ask me all the time what I buy for them — because let’s be honest — Golden Retrievers are basically giant toddlers with better hair.

So here’s the deal.

If it’s on this list, it has survived:

• The Moxie Power Chew Test

• The Tula “let’s see how fast I can shred this” Challenge

• RV life

• Mud

• Desert wind

• And my zero-tolerance policy for junk

🦴 Toys That Actually Last

Not the cute, overpriced fluff that dies in 11 minutes.
We’re talking durable. Enrichment-worthy. Worth-the-money toys that don’t explode the second your dog looks at them.

🧣 Bandanas + Fun Stuff

Because yes, my dogs accessorize.
If they’re going to strut around town or hang out at camp, they might as well look fabulous.

🚐 Travel + Containment Essentials

Good fencing is non-negotiable in RV life.
Safe. Secure. Easy setup.
I don’t play around when it comes to keeping my girls protected.

🛏 Comfort + Health

Beds that support big dog joints.
Grooming tools that actually work.
Products that make life easier — not more complicated.

Here’s the bottom line:

I don’t recommend what I don’t use.
I don’t link what I wouldn’t buy again.
And I’m not here to push junk for a quick buck.

If Moxie and Tula approve it? It’s earned its spot.

Affiliate Disclosure (Because We’re Transparent Here)

Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

It simply helps support my content, my projects, and yes… probably more dog treats.

If you’re going to grab something anyway, I’d sure appreciate you using my link.

The girls would too. 🐾