1st Timer No Bath/toilet basics

[jonathanwesc]

If we buy a 2005 Interstate 22. We will not be using the toilet or inside shower. That space will be used as a storage closet. We may occasionally use the outside shower. We will camp in campgrounds and use their electric. We will sometimes camp off-grid. Most of the time it will be my wife and me camping. We will be using this RV as our 2nd vehicle and sometimes have upto 8 passengers including driver.

Given the above, what basic accessories do folks recommend? What accessories will we not need since the toilet/inside shower won't be used?

[Piggy Bank]

The only thing you will need related to bathroom use since you won't be using the facilities in the AI will be a flashlight, shower shoes, and tote bag to take to the camp house showers for each user. Any other bathing related items are needed no matter where you will be showering or using the bathroom.

[jonathanwesc]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

The only thing you will need related to bathroom use since you won't be using the facilities in the AI will be a flashlight, shower shoes, and tote bag to take to the camp house showers for each user. Any other bathing related items are needed no matter where you will be showering or using the bathroom.

Thanks. Really am asking about RV accessories (stuff not included with RV). Not looking for other ways to take showers / go to the bathroom etc..

[jonathanwesc]

Originally Posted by jonathanwesc

Thanks. Really am asking about RV accessories (stuff not included with RV). Not looking for other ways to take showers / go to the bathroom etc..

Edit to original post (because there is no other way to edit after 15 minutes after initial post):

The question is about Accessories (i.e. things that did not come with RV). Not looking for replies about alternatives to using RV shower, toilet, etc.. Not looking for opinions about use vs. non-use of RV toilet / shower.

Thanks for reading and trying to answer the question.

[jonathanwesc]

Originally Posted by jonathanwesc

If we buy a 2005 Interstate 22. We will not be using the toilet or inside shower. That space will be used as a storage closet. We may occasionally use the outside shower. We will camp in campgrounds and use their electric. We will sometimes camp off-grid. Most of the time it will be my wife and me camping. We will be using this RV as our 2nd vehicle and sometimes have upto 8 passengers including driver.

Given the above, what basic accessories do folks recommend? What accessories will we not need since the toilet/inside shower won't be used?

Edit to original post (because there is no other way to edit after 15 minutes after initial post):

The question is about Accessories (i.e. things that did not come with RV). Not looking for replies about alternatives to using RV shower, toilet, etc.. Not looking for opinions about use vs. non-use of RV toilet / shower.

Thanks for reading and trying to answer the question.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by jonathanwesc

Edit to original post (because there is no other way to edit after 15 minutes after initial post):

The question is about Accessories (i.e. things that did not come with RV). Not looking for replies about alternatives to using RV shower, toilet, etc.. Not looking for opinions about use vs. non-use of RV toilet / shower.

Thanks for reading and trying to answer the question.

Everything you need for daily living needs to go with you on a trip.

Have a great time.

Maggie

[SteveSueMac]

I don't know if I'm understanding your question because Piggy Bank answered it as I would have but it seems you were looking for something different.

Not sure if this helps - but you'll need a shore power cord to connect to the campground electricity - that should have come with your unit - and if using the outdoor shower, you may want to brink a small teak platform to stand on and/or an outdoor shower curtain/tent setup.

If you camp off-grid, you may want to invest in solar panels and/or generators to charge your batteries though I believe Interstates have a generator on board.

Is that the kind of info you're looking for?

[cazual6]

You will need a toilet. Here are some links from Amazon that will give you plenty of options.

I would highly suggest something that is low maintenance, as in use and toss very clean and re-use.

Or, go old medival with a shovel and toilet paper.

[68 TWind]

We tent camped for several years before I got our Airstream ready. We had a portapottie for the tent and it was OK but one of the very best things about having an RV is having your own toilet. We still use campground showers but would never consider not having and using the toilet. In fact, don't think I could get my wife to go camping without it.

Now to answer your question about "accessories". Duplicate all the little kitchen tools that you use every day (spatula, knifes, skillets, coffee pot, etc…..) Makes camping much more enjoyable. Also, find a place for everything and always put things back in the same place as it will save you lots to time hunting for stuff when you could be relaxing.

[65CV]

Welcome to the forum. Not sure I understand your question, but this might help.

If you're new here, you're probably overwhelmed by the number of threads! There are some terrific answers here, but they are becoming increasingly hard to find with all the years of discussions.

Here's my favorite method:

Click on Search in the blue menu bar
Click on Advanced Search
Type in the minimum number of words in Keywords
Change the dropdown below keywords to Search Titles only
Near the bottom, change show results to Threads
Then press Search Now button

If I understand your question correctly and you type in "Checklists" in Keywords, I think you'll find what you're looking for.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by cazual6

You will need a toilet. Here are some links from Amazon that will give you plenty of options.

I would highly suggest something that is low maintenance, as in use and toss very clean and re-use.

Or, go old medival with a shovel and toilet paper.

I highly recommend the "Curve" porta potty by Dometic. We use one in our Tradewind as we only have a gray water tank. We don't poop in it. It makes camping so much easier when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We empty it in the Campground toilet after 3 or 4 days.

Dan

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by jonathanwesc

If we buy a 2005 Interstate 22. We will not be using the toilet or inside shower. That space will be used as a storage closet. We may occasionally use the outside shower. We will camp in campgrounds and use their electric. We will sometimes camp off-grid. Most of the time it will be my wife and me camping. We will be using this RV as our 2nd vehicle and sometimes have upto 8 passengers including driver.

Given the above, what basic accessories do folks recommend? What accessories will we not need since the toilet/inside shower won't be used?

The OP is not planning on using the toilet or shower inside their Interstate, instead planning to use it as a storage closet, so lengthy discussion about toilet alternatives may not be helpful to him.

Not sure the plan for off-grid camping without a toilet, tho....

I'm also not sure what kind of accessories he is referring to, but maybe he will be back to clarify that.

Maggie

[Titus]

One accessory that you may want for the camping part of your usage is a grill. If staying in a real campground you could try to get by with the campground firepit and just brill a grill. I tried one propane grill but its regulator was incompatible with the pressure at the auxiliary LPG port. Rather than looking for a LPG grill that did work, I decided to first try my Smokey Joe (~14" dia grill with a dome lid). I found a plastic tote that holds it, a fire-starter chimney, and enough charcoal briquettes for about six grillings. Works well for us.

Another accessory: we cut a piece of carpet for the floor - from the base of the dashboard all the way to the back. Feels great on the feet on cold mornings. And we (read that wife) has a small 12V vacuum that we (again, wife) use daily.

Foil-faced foam ~ 1/4 thick cut to fit over the side windows in back (we leave them there permanently as it is just my wife and I and we always leave the bed made up) and pieces for the front side windows and windshield. The ones up front go in during hot sunny weather whenever we stop for longer than 15'. Much easier to deal with thant the chintzy curtain that came with it. Wasn't sure how durable the would be but are still functioning well are hundreds or installations.

Appx 6'x9' mat to lay outside the sliding door. Helps keep the interior clean. We got ours at Camping World and made a rubberized cloth bag to keep it in. We also keep a boot scrubber brush thingy outside the sliding door.

We much prefer a smart phone GPS (Google Maps) over the Garmin in the dash.

Inside switch to shut off the propane. Ours is always off until needed. Inside switch is in series with the one that is so inconveniently located on the outside. Both have to be on for propane to flow.

[jonathanwesc]

Originally Posted by Lily&Me

The OP is not planning on using the toilet or shower inside their Interstate, instead planning to use it as a storage closet, so lengthy discussion about toilet alternatives may not be helpful to him.

Not sure the plan for off-grid camping without a toilet, tho....

I'm also not sure what kind of accessories he is referring to, but maybe he will be back to clarify that.

Maggie

The plan for off-grid camping is the same plan we've used successfully for years backpacking in the wilderness. Not asking for advice about off-grid 'camping'.

I'm asking about the basic kinds of accessories you might need to use typical RV campground facilities and sites. For example: electric cable connectors / cables / EMS related equipment; theft protection (locks, alarms, security monitors etc.); RV leveling equipment; potable water hoses, connectors, pressure regulators / gauges, filters etc.; special lubricants for awning or other moving parts unique to Class B RVs without sliders; rear view backup video / tv cameras systems. What can we initially get by with or live without? What's essential?

[Piggy Bank]

Originally Posted by jonathanwesc

The plan for off-grid camping is the same plan we've used successfully for years backpacking in the wilderness. Not asking for advice about off-grid 'camping'.

I'm asking about the basic kinds of accessories you might need to use typical RV campground facilities and sites. For example: electric cable connectors / cables / EMS related equipment; theft protection (locks, alarms, security monitors etc.); RV leveling equipment; potable water hoses, connectors, pressure regulators / gauges, filters etc.; special lubricants for awning or other moving parts unique to Class B RVs without sliders; rear view backup video / tv cameras systems. What can we initially get by with or live without? What's essential?

A-ha.

I think we all got so distracted on your initial post about not using the bathroom that we overlooked completely that you do plan to use the plumbing for the kitchen area.

So, yes you will need a fresh water hose, power cord for electric hook ups, slinky to attach to the dump valve to dump your gray tank at the dump station.

Some people like to connect up to water at the site with a hose attached for use. Others prefer to use the hose to fill the fresh tank and then use the water pump. (I am assuming the AI works in the same fashion as a trailer does.) In either instance you will likely want a Camco water filter that goes onto the hose. (these need to be replaced each season). Also a pressure regulator if you will keep the hose attached to the fresh water intake vs just filling up the holding tank. A RV surge protector is also recommended for protecting from high/low voltage and power spikes.

Many people also like to keep all of this organized. It is preferable to use plastic tubs with lids that close. This helps keep gear dry if you need to set up or break camp in bad weather.

After the season is over you will need to winterize the plumbing with pink RV antifreeze. If your unit is winterized when you receive it, you will need to de-winterize it.

Will you have physical access to your toilet? If so you will be able to utilize the added capacity of the black tank for additional gray water use. (i.e. do dishes in a dish pan and then pour water down the toilet.).

You will also want folding outdoor chairs, a cooler, and items for cooking and eating either inside or outside. Good hot pads and tongs are essential safety equipment. Also a bucket is very handy for many things and should be kept with water in it near a campfire for safety.

Also needed are a good trash can with a solid bottom that doesn't leak.

[ATownTX]

30 A or 50 A power cord (should come with that)
30 A to 50 A (or 50 A to 30 A) dog bone adapter
30 A (or 50 A) to 15 A dog bone
Basic tool kit with multimeter
athletes foot cream.