8 Essential RV Accessories for Scenic Driving

Scenic RV routes offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in North America, but navigating winding mountain passes and remote coastal highways requires more than just a sense of adventure. Maneuvering a heavy rig through tight turns and steep grades introduces unique challenges that standard passenger vehicles never encounter. Equipping an RV with specialized gear transforms a high-stress driving ordeal into a smooth, memorable journey where the focus remains on the landscape.

Disclosure: This site earns commissions from listed merchants at no cost to you. Thank you!

Elevating Your Scenic Drive With the Right RV Gear

Driving a house on wheels down a winding, cliffside highway requires intense concentration. Standard vehicle accessories often fall short because they cannot account for the sheer mass, height, and stopping distance of a recreational vehicle. The right gear minimizes stress behind the wheel, allowing drivers and passengers to safely enjoy the dramatic views.

Investing in specialized RV gear is not about collecting high-tech gadgets; it is about risk mitigation and situational awareness. Whether navigating a tight mountain switchback or finding a level spot to park for lunch, purpose-built tools handle the heavy lifting. They ensure the journey itself is as rewarding as the final destination.

What to Prioritize Before Hitting Mountain Roads

Mountain driving demands a proactive approach to vehicle management. Before ascending steep grades or descending narrow passes, drivers must understand their rig’s exact clearance heights, weight limits, and braking capabilities. Relying on standard highway maps or basic smartphone navigation is a recipe for costly mistakes on remote terrain.

Prioritize tools that provide real-time data about vehicle health and route conditions. Knowing tire pressures, upcoming elevation changes, and overhead clearances before they become emergencies keeps the drive controlled and predictable. Proper preparation transforms intimidating mountain climbs into highly manageable scenic drives.

RV GPS Navigator – Garmin RV 895 GPS Navigator

Standard GPS units and smartphone mapping apps often route vehicles down narrow residential roads or under low-clearance bridges. An RV-specific GPS plays a critical role in safety by calculating routes based on the exact height, width, length, and weight of the rig. This prevents the nightmare scenario of turning around on a narrow, two-lane mountain road.

The Garmin RV 895 GPS Navigator stands out with its bright, high-resolution 8-inch display that is easy to read at a glance. It features preloaded directory data for RV parks and services, alongside steep grade warnings and sharp curve alerts that are invaluable on scenic byways. The unit can be mounted in portrait or landscape mode to suit varying dashboard configurations.

Before hitting the road, users must take the time to input precise measurements of their fully loaded RV, including any rooftop accessories like air conditioners or solar panels. The interface has a slight learning curve, and map updates require a solid Wi-Fi connection. It is also wise to cross-reference routes with physical road atlases when venturing into deep canyons.

• Key Specs: 8-inch display, custom RV routing, preloaded travel directories.
• Best for: RVers driving Class A, B, or C motorhomes and large travel trailers who want real-time clearance and grade alerts.
• Not for: Casual campers towing small pop-up trailers that easily clear standard highway obstacles.

RV Dash Camera – Garmin Dash Cam 67W Video Recorder

A quality dash camera does double duty on scenic drives: it serves as an unbiased witness in the event of an accident and automatically captures beautiful roadway footage. Because RVs have longer stopping distances, documenting road events is vital for liability protection. A wide angle is essential to capture the full scope of winding roads and peripheral traffic.

The Garmin Dash Cam 67W Video Recorder excels due to its ultra-wide 180-degree field of view and crisp 1440p resolution. It captures license plates and road signs clearly, even in high-contrast mountain sunlight or low-light twilight conditions. Its compact footprint means it fits discretely behind the rearview mirror without obstructing the driver’s view.

Using this device requires purchasing a high-speed microSD card capable of continuous overwriting. The voice control feature allows drivers to save video clips hands-free by simply speaking commands, which prevents distracted driving. Keep in mind that retrieving footage requires syncing the unit to a smartphone via Garmin’s proprietary app.

• Key Specs: 1440p resolution, 180-degree field of view, GPS-enabled.
• Best for: Safety-conscious drivers traveling through heavy tourist traffic or scenic corridors where unexpected stops are common.
• Not for: Budget travelers who prefer basic, no-frills camera setups without smart connectivity.

Tire Pressure Monitor – EEZ RV Products TPMS

Tire blowouts on a steep mountain descent are extremely dangerous and can cause catastrophic damage to the RV’s bodywork. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides continuous, real-time feedback on pressure and temperature changes inside the tires. Because heat buildup precedes a blowout, this early warning system is an absolute lifesaver.

The EEZ RV Products TPMS is a powerhouse system capable of monitoring up to 26 tires simultaneously, making it perfect for tow vehicles and “toad” cars alike. The large, backlit display screen sits on the dashboard and sounds a loud, distinct alarm when it detects rapid pressure loss or high temperatures. The sensors are built to withstand harsh highway debris and wet weather.

Installing this system requires replacing rubber valve stems with high-quality metal valve stems to prevent the weight of the sensors from causing stem damage over time. Replacing the sensor batteries every year is necessary for reliable performance, and users should manually check tire pressures before a trip to calibrate the baseline.

• Key Specs: Monitors up to 26 tires, handles up to 180 PSI, customizable alarms.
• Best for: Drivers of large motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers pulling towed vehicles through extreme elevation and temperature shifts.
• Not for: Small campervans that already feature integrated, factory-installed dashboard tire monitoring systems.

Cell Signal Booster – weBoost Drive Reach RV

Scenic routes often wind through remote wilderness areas, deep valleys, and national parks where cellular signals are weak or non-existent. A cell signal booster captures faint signals from distant towers and amplifies them inside the RV cabin. This ensures access to navigation updates, weather alerts, and emergency services when traveling off the beaten path.

The weBoost Drive Reach RV is the gold standard for amplifying cellular signals on the move. It delivers the maximum allowable gain, significantly extending cellular range for all major carriers simultaneously. The rugged, spring-mounted exterior antenna resists low-hanging tree branches and harsh wind resistance on the highway.

Installing this unit requires routing a cable from the exterior antenna to the interior amplifier booster. The internal and external antennas must be placed far enough apart to prevent feedback oscillation, which can shut down the unit. It is also important to note that a booster cannot create a signal where absolutely none exists.

• Key Specs: Up to 50 dB gain, multi-user capability, compatible with all US carriers.
• Best for: Off-grid boondockers and mountain road travelers who rely on cellular data for navigation, weather alerts, or remote work.
• Not for: Campers who exclusively stick to major interstate corridors and fully-serviced urban RV resorts.

Binoculars – Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42

A scenic drive is only as good as the views, and often the most spectacular details are far off in the distance. Having a reliable pair of binoculars in the glovebox allows travelers to spot wildlife safely from designated pullouts without encroaching on habitats. They are also invaluable for scouting upcoming road hazards, high-water crossings, or distant camping spots.

The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars offer exceptional optical clarity and color fidelity thanks to their high-definition glass. The rugged, rubber-armored chassis is waterproof and fogproof, standing up to sudden mountain rainstorms or temperature drops. Vortex also backs these optics with an unconditional, unlimited lifetime warranty that covers accidental damage.

A 10x magnification is the sweet spot for hand-held viewing, though it can highlight hand tremors if the user is fatigued. To keep the lenses pristine, avoid wiping them with t-shirts or paper towels, which can scratch the multi-coatings; instead, use the included microfiber bag. Keeping them safely stored in their harness chest rig prevents them from sliding off the dash during tight turns.

• Key Specs: 10x magnification, 42mm objective lenses, roof prism design.
• Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and landscape lovers who want premium optical performance without spending thousands of dollars.
• Not for: Casual travelers who prefer to view landscapes exclusively through a smartphone screen.

Portable Power Station – Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

Navigating scenic, off-grid routes means relying on a variety of electronic gear, from cell boosters to GPS units and cameras. A portable power station keeps these critical devices charged without draining the RV’s house batteries or requiring a noisy generator. It provides a clean, silent backup power source during emergency roadside stops or unexpected overnight boondocking.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 features a durable LiFePO4 battery that offers a long operational lifespan of up to 4,000 cycles to 80% capacity. It packs a 1500W output power rating, allowing it to run high-draw appliances like coffee makers or portable heaters, alongside sensitive laptops and tablets. Charging is quick, taking under two hours via a standard wall outlet or 12V car charger.

While highly portable compared to older models, the unit still weighs around 23 pounds and must be secured in the RV cabin to prevent it from shifting during transit. Optional solar panels must be purchased separately if off-grid solar recharging is desired. Users should remember to charge the unit to full capacity before setting out on remote routes.

• Key Specs: 1070Wh capacity, 1500W output, LiFePO4 battery chemistry.
• Best for: RVers who enjoy dry camping, remote boondocking, and having a reliable, silent backup power source for essential electronics.
• Not for: Travelers who always stay at RV parks with full electrical hookups and have no desire to camp off-grid.

RV Leveling Blocks – Tri-Lynx Lynx Levelers 10-Pack

Scenic overlooks and mountain campsites are rarely perfectly flat. Parking an RV on an incline is not just uncomfortable; it can permanently damage the absorption refrigerator, which relies on gravity-fed fluids to cool. Heavy-duty leveling blocks provide a stable, level surface for the tires, ensuring the RV’s internal systems run safely and efficiently.

The Tri-Lynx Lynx Levelers 10-Pack utilizes an innovative, interlocking design that functions like giant building blocks. They are constructed from high-density copolymer that supports up to 40,000 pounds of weight without cracking under stress. Their bright orange color ensures they are easily visible during setup and are not accidentally left behind at the site.

When using these blocks on soft mud or gravel, it is critical to distribute the weight evenly to prevent the plastic from sinking or cracking. Ensure the entire tire footprint rests on the block to avoid damaging the tire sidewalls from overhang. For dual-wheel axles or tandem trailers, purchasing two packs is highly recommended for proper stability.

• Key Specs: 10 interlocking blocks, supports up to 40,000 lbs, nylon storage bag included.
• Best for: Travel trailer owners and motorhome drivers who need a lightweight, custom-stackable solution for uneven gravel and dirt parking pads.
• Not for: Owners of heavy luxury coaches with built-in automatic hydraulic leveling jacks, unless used purely as jack pads.

Polarized Sunglasses – Oakley Holbrook Polarized

Driving toward a mountain sunset or navigating a coastal highway with water glare can quickly strain the eyes. High-quality polarized sunglasses block blinding horizontal glare from asphalt, windshields, and bodies of water. This sharpens definition and reduces visual fatigue, keeping reaction times sharp when winding through mountain terrain.

The Oakley Holbrook Polarized sunglasses combine classic, timeless styling with advanced optical technology. Equipped with Prizm Polarized lenses, they enhance contrast and color definition, making road hazards and changing terrain much easier to spot. The lightweight O-Matter frame is highly durable and sits comfortably on the face during long, multi-hour stints behind the wheel.

Drivers should be aware that highly polarized lenses can cause a rainbow effect or blackout screen when viewing certain older LCD dashboards or GPS screens. It is best to test the glasses with the vehicle’s displays before hitting the highway. Keep a microbag handy to clean the lenses, as smudges can severely degrade the optical benefits.

• Key Specs: Prizm Polarized lenses, Plutonite lens material, O-Matter frame.
• Best for: Drivers looking for superior glare reduction, high-contrast road visibility, and lightweight, all-day wearing comfort.
• Not for: Individuals who frequently lose sunglasses or those whose dashboard instruments rely on older, non-compatible digital displays.

Crucial Safety Checks Before Driving Mountain Passes

Before tackling any mountain pass, a thorough safety walk-around is mandatory. Inspect the braking system, as mountain descents put immense thermal stress on pads and rotors. Check the engine fluids, particularly transmission fluid and coolant, as climbing steep grades raises operating temperatures to their absolute limits.

Confirm that all cargo is securely lashed down inside the living space and storage bays. Sharp turns and sudden elevation shifts will cause unsecured items to slide, potentially shifting the vehicle’s center of gravity or distracting the driver. Finally, verify that tow hitches, safety chains, and breakaway cables are completely secure.

Managing Driver Fatigue on Long Scenic Mountain Routes

Driving a large RV through winding mountain corridors is physically and mentally exhausting. The constant micro-corrections required to keep a tall vehicle centered in a narrow lane build up tension in the neck and shoulders. Plan to stop every two hours at designated turnouts to stretch, hydrate, and give the eyes a break from the intense focus.

Utilize the vehicle’s transmission to manage speed rather than riding the brakes on long descents. Shifting into a lower gear uses engine braking to control descent speeds, saving the service brakes for emergency stops. Pacing the drive and refusing to rush ensures everyone arrives safely and enjoys the incredible landscape along the way.

Equipping an RV with the right gear turns a stressful mountain haul into a smooth, scenic adventure. By prioritizing safety, clear navigation, and proper vehicle maintenance, travelers can confidently explore the continent’s most majestic roads. Plan the route, double-check the equipment, and enjoy the open road ahead.