When we picked up our R-Pod 192, we thought it was road-ready—and technically, it was. But after our shake down trip, we realized a few things needed to change. Whether it was about comfort, safety, or making day-to-day life easier, these upgrades made a huge difference in how we travel.
If you’re new to RVing or just looking to improve your setup, here are 11 upgrades we made right away that were absolutely worth it.
1. Mattress
I was so determined to fix our mattress issue that I wrote a blog post and made a video about it. The factory mattress just wasn’t cutting it. Even with a 3” topper, after a month, there were visible divots where we slept, despite rotating it regularly.
Upgrading to a memory foam mattress made a massive difference. No more back pain, no waking up sore—just comfortable, restful sleep. If you’re still using the factory mattress, upgrading should be at the top of your list. Sleep is too important to settle for less.
If you’re thinking about switching to memory foam or a residential mattress, there are a few things to keep in mind, like ventilation and fit. I’ve covered all the details in a blog post (which includes a video) if you want to dive deeper.
2. Tires
Our R-Pod came with Castle Rock tires, and after reading way too many horror stories about them, we decided we didn’t want to take the risk. People mentioned blowouts that ripped off fenders or stranded them in remote areas, and we weren’t interested in testing our luck.
We upgraded to Goodyear Endurance tires, which are made in the U.S. (ours even came from Fayetteville, NC). These tires are known for their reliability, and upgrading gave us peace of mind—especially in the mountains or on long stretches of remote highway.
If your RV came with Westlake tires, you might be okay, but for us, switching out the Castle Rocks immediately was the right call.
3. Shower Wand
We upgraded to an Oxygenics BodySpa RV shower wand, and it’s been a big improvement. The water pressure is far better than the factory wand, without using more gallons per minute. Conditioner actually rinses out of my hair quickly and easily now, which wasn’t happening before. My husband—with all his curls—especially appreciates the extra pressure. It’s also been great for washing the dog and the baby without fuss.
The model we chose came with a water miser valve, but we don’t use it. If you like longer showers, it could be helpful, but the wand itself has been worth it. I honestly don’t know why we waited so long to make this upgrade.
Our trailer is under 5,000 pounds fully loaded, so trailer brakes aren’t strictly necessary for flat roads. But when we’re traveling through the Smoky Mountains or the Rockies, they’re a must. My husband has said there’s no way he would’ve felt comfortable on certain passes without them. They make braking smoother, more controlled, and less stressful—especially when going downhill with tight curves or steep grades.
Trailer brakes are also required by law in many states, even for smaller trailers. For example, states like California and Idaho require trailer brakes for trailers as light as 1,500 pounds. Others, like Texas or Florida, have thresholds closer to 3,000 pounds. Before you hit the road, check the regulations for every state you’ll travel through—compliance isn’t optional, and neither is safety.
Our brakes are made by Prodigy are Bluetooth-controlled and were surprisingly easy to install. If your tow vehicle doesn’t have a built-in controller, standalone options are simple to use and offer a reliable way to manage braking.
Watch the video below to see (it skips to the Trailer Brakes automatically).
5. Extra Battery
We added a second golf cart battery, and it’s been one of the best upgrades for off-grid camping. Having the extra power allows us to go nearly a week off-grid without worrying too much about conservation (though we’re not wasteful).
It’s also been helpful when leaving the RV in storage. For example, when we parked it at someone’s house for a few days, we were able to leave the refrigerator running without draining the battery. No spoiled food, no stress, and no extra work cleaning out the fridge.
Again, watch the video and video starts at the Battery.
6. Kitchen Sink Sprayer
The factory kitchen faucet worked—technically. But it was more of a weak stream than an actual spray, which made doing dishes a pain. We swapped it out for a basic sprayer from Amazon. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.
The downside? It does use more water than I’d like. In the future, I may swap out the entire faucet and look for a model that uses oxygen to create pressure while conserving water. But for now, this budget upgrade has made washing dishes so much easier.
7. Backup Camera
Sure, you can back up a trailer without a camera—but why would you want to? Ours is a Furrion Bluetooth model, and it’s made parking so much easier. It’s also helpful for checking blind spots on the highway. You can see what’s coming up behind you, which is great for lane changes and merging.
One thing I love about the Furrion Vision S is that it’s versatile. It can double as a security camera—just bring the monitor inside and plug it into a 12V outlet to see what’s happening outside. Perfect for those “what’s that noise?” moments—or for spotting a bear wandering behind your rig.
8. Smart TV Options
Our trailer didn’t come with a Smart TV, so we made it work with a Fire Stick and Chromecast for streaming. We added an HDMI extender (which we usually tuck behind the RV) so we don’t have to dig behind the TV every time we switch devices, and we power everything through a 12V DC USB port or a battery bank backup for off-grid use.
Another tip: download shows and movies from your streaming services before you hit the road. That way, if Wi-Fi or your hotspot isn’t strong enough, you’ll still have something to watch.
9. Backsplash
Our RPod didn’t come with a backsplash, which was fine at first—until I got tired of cleaning grease and splatters off the walls. We bought stick-on tiles from Home Depot and made one ourselves.
It’s such a simple upgrade, but it makes a big difference. Not only is it easier to clean, but it also makes the kitchen feel less “RV beige” and more modern. It’s practical and adds a nice touch to the space.
10. Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Booster
Staying connected isn’t optional for us—it’s part of the lifestyle. We need Wi-Fi for work, booking the next campsite, keeping in touch with family, and sometimes just relaxing with a movie or scrolling the internet.
Campground Wi-Fi is hit or miss. Some campgrounds only offer it at the clubhouse, others have weak signals, and most can barely handle sending emails, let alone streaming or video calls.
To make things easier, we added a Wi-Fi booster, which helps strengthen the signal when campgrounds actually have decent Wi-Fi. We also got an unlimited data MiFi device for internet on the go. Ours runs on T-Mobile, and we have a backup hotspot through Verizon on our phones. For really remote spots, we added a basic window-mounted cell booster. It’s not fancy, but it works. For example, in the U.P., we went from no bars to one bar—enough to send a text or check email. You can read this blog post on how I work from the RV – including which MiFi service we prefer.
11. Sway Control Bar
We don’t use a weight distribution hitch (WDH) because it’s not really needed for our lightweight trailer. That said, whether or not you need one depends on your specific setup—read your tow vehicle’s manual and check the information on the door jamb to figure out what’s best for you.
What we do swear by, though, is the Reese sway control bar. It’s simple to install and makes a noticeable difference, especially on windy days or when driving on the freeway. The friction brake reduces trailer sway caused by crosswinds or passing traffic, giving you more stability and peace of mind when towing. If you’re towing without a WDH but want more stability, a sway control bar is a reliable, affordable option we highly recommend.
A word of caution: always remove the sway bar before backing up. It’s not designed for that kind of stress, and leaving it on could damage your equipment.
No RV is perfect right out of the factory, but that’s part of the fun—you get to make it yours. These upgrades weren’t just about convenience; they made our RV life safer, more comfortable, and less stressful. From better sleep to smoother towing, every one of these changes has earned its place on this list.
If you’re just getting started, focus on the upgrades that solve your biggest pain points first. Whether it’s better handling on the road, staying connected, or finally getting a good night’s sleep, the right upgrades can make all the difference in how much you enjoy the journey.
Because at the end of the day, RV life isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how great it feels to get there.
New to RVing and don’t know where to start? Check out my shopping lists for RV essentials, decor, and more!
I have some affiliate links on this post, so I can make (literally) a few pennies of this post to offset my hosting fees. All opinions are genuine and the products I endorse are actually products we use while living full-time in our R-Pod 192.
