The RV accessories market charges premium prices for products that are often inferior to their car camping or marine equivalents. RV-specific cookware, storage containers, and small appliances frequently cost double or triple the price of nearly identical items marketed to backpackers or boat owners — and the non-RV versions are usually built better.
Take collapsible cookware as an example. A collapsible pot marketed to RVers might cost $60, while an identical design sold to backpackers runs $25. The difference isn’t quality — it’s just marketing and distribution. The same pattern shows up in storage solutions, water containers, compact tools, and space-saving organizers. Car camping gear gets higher volume production and more competition, which drives both prices down and innovation up.
There are exceptions where RV-specific makes sense: anything that needs to interface with RV electrical systems, propane connections, or mounting hardware. But for standalone items — dishes, cookware, storage boxes, cleaning supplies, tool kits — the outdoor recreation market usually offers better options at lower prices. Marine gear is another overlooked category that often works perfectly in RVs, since boats face similar space and weight constraints.
Experienced full-timers often shop outdoor retailers first and RV stores last. REI, Walmart’s camping section, and marine supply stores carry most of what you need for RV living, without the RV markup. The key is thinking about function rather than marketing category. A backpacking stove that runs on small propane canisters might serve you better than an expensive RV cooktop, especially if you do a lot of outdoor cooking anyway.