10 Ways to Step Up Your RV Camping Game in 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

Over nine years of full-time RV living, I’ve learned several ways to make camping trips more fun and more comfortable. You don’t need a new RV to have a better camping season; you just need to upgrade some of your gear.

In this article, I’m sharing 10 ways to step up your camping game this year. These upgrades made our travel days easier, our campsite more comfortable, and our rig feel a little more like home.

This post is sponsored by etrailer.com. They’re my go‑to for everything RV‑related, from campsite gear to hitches and replacement parts. I’ve been ordering from them for years and always get great customer service. I especially love their detailed product descriptions and video tutorials. They make it easy to get the right gear the first time.

Install a Keyless RV Door Lock

A keyless lock is one of those upgrades you use every single day. It makes a big difference when you’re carrying groceries, walking the dog, or just trying to get inside without digging around for keys. We switched to a keyless lock this past year, and it’s still one of my favorite little upgrades.

We chose the Global Link RV Entry Door Lock, which is a direct replacement for most travel trailer entry doors. The keypad lights up at night, which can be super helpful at dark campgrounds.

Upgrade to Stable RV Entry Steps

If your RV still has bouncy entry steps that don’t touch the ground, switching to a sturdier staircase makes a huge difference. Having a stable set of stairs makes me feel safer coming in and out of the RV, and they are easier for Ted to use, too!

The MORryde StepAbove RV Steps are a great choice because they’re sturdy, adjustable, and simple to install. They fold up into the doorway for travel, and when you’re parked, they have extendable legs that sit firmly on the ground.

Add a Cargo Tray for Extra Storage

One of the best upgrades we’ve made to our RV is adding a sliding cargo tray to our pass-thru storage. RV basement storage areas are not always easy to use. If you’ve ever had to empty half your storage bay and crawl inside just to reach one tote in the middle, you know exactly what I mean. A cargo slide tray makes your entire storage area usable and keeps you from playing RV Tetris every time you need something.

We installed the MORryde Cargo Slide Tray, and it instantly made our storage bay so much more functional. The tray comes preassembled, so installation is straightforward: clean the storage area, set the tray in place, and screw the rails down. It only took us about 30 minutes to install ours.

etrailer carries cargo trays in a wide range of sizes, so you can pick one that fits your exact pass-thru dimensions.

Add or Expand Your Solar Setup

Even a small solar setup gives you more flexibility when traveling. It keeps your batteries happy on the road and lets you boondock or dry camp without worrying about power. If you’re hoping to camp more off-grid in 2026, solar is the upgrade that gives you the most freedom.

The Go Power 200-Watt Portable Solar Panel Kit is a great option for RVers who want more power without committing to a full rooftop system. The panel folds into a compact case, sets up on adjustable legs, and includes a built-in 30-amp solar controller, so you can plug directly into your batteries or your RV’s solar port.

Upgrade to Lithium (LiFePO4) Batteries

Switching from lead-acid to lithium batteries is one of the biggest performance upgrades you can make. Lithium batteries deliver more usable power, charge faster, and don’t need the constant maintenance that traditional batteries require. If you pair them with solar, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in how long you can stay unplugged.

The Go Power 100-Ah LiFePO4 Battery delivers efficient, long-lasting power for RV use. It’s a deep-cycle lithium battery, so it can be charged and discharged repeatedly without the performance loss you get from traditional batteries.

Replace Your Dinky Camping Chairs

If you spend a lot of evenings outside, upgrading your camp chairs is one of the easiest ways to make your campsite more comfortable. After going through too many cheap chairs, we finally invested in Kelty chairs.

We use the Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair, which is built for two people (or you + your dog) and sits low to the ground so you stay cozy by the fire. It even comes with attached blankets to keep you warm on fall camping adventures. With a sturdy steel framing plus tough 600D polyester fabric, it is built to last multiple camping seasons

Carry a Portable Air Compressor

A portable air compressor is one of those tools you might not think about until you really need it. It’s helpful for topping off RV tires, adjusting pressure before travel, or filling bike tires and inflatable gear around the campsite. Having one onboard saves you from awkwardly maneuvering your RV near a gas-station air pump.

The Air Lift 7-Way Automatic Portable Air Compressor is a compact, easy-to-use unit that delivers up to 120 psi, making it suitable for most RV tires. It runs off your 7-way plug or the included battery clamps, and the 16-foot hose makes it easy to reach every tire without wrestling with short cords.

Just set your desired pressure, press start, and the auto-shutoff handles the rest. It also includes attachments for bike tires, sports balls, and inflatables, and everything packs neatly into the included carrying bag.

Switch to an Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch

We’ve used a few hitches over the years, and the Andersen has been one of the easiest and quietest options for towing a travel trailer. It reduces sway, smooths out the ride, and is much lighter than many traditional weight distribution hitches. If you’re traveling long distances, this upgrade makes towing less stressful.

The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch uses chains instead of heavy metal bars, which makes it easier to connect and disconnect. It also provides great sway control without the loud clunking you get from traditional systems.

Pack a Portable Table Tennis Set

A portable table tennis kit is a fun little game to play at your campsite. It sets up in seconds on your picnic table and is a great way to unwind, hang out with friends, or squeeze in a little friendly competition.

The portable table tennis set attaches securely to most picnic tables. The net expands up to 6 feet wide, and the kit includes two paddles, three balls, and a small carrying pack that stores easily in your RV. It’s fun for the whole family!

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space With a Durable Patio Mat

A good patio mat instantly makes your campsite feel cleaner and more comfortable. It keeps dirt out of the RV, gives you a defined outdoor space, and makes hanging out under the awning a lot more enjoyable.

This etrailer Reversible RV Outdoor Rug is an 8′ x 20′ mat, so it covers a huge area and gives you plenty of room to spread out. It’s made from weather-resistant polypropylene, has a soft surface for bare feet and puppy paws, and the double-layer weave helps block moisture from the ground.

The rug comes with 12 galvanized stakes that clip into the built-in grommets, so it stays put on windy days. It also folds up easily and stores in the included bag with straps and a pocket for the stakes.

---

Upgrading your RV doesn’t have to mean a big renovation or a brand-new rig. A few smart gear swaps can make your camping season more comfortable, more organized, and a whole lot easier. These are the upgrades that have held up for us over years of full-time travel, and each one adds something small but meaningful to everyday RV life.

Whether you’re looking for smoother travel days, a cleaner campsite, or just a few comforts that make life on the road more enjoyable, these are great places to start. Here’s to making your 2026 camping trips the best ones yet.

Happy Camping!