When people think about upgrading their RV, they often jump straight to expensive appliance or entertainment upgrades. But some of the biggest quality-of-life improvements come from much smaller purchases: products that make setup faster, entry and exit safer, and everyday chores easier.
That’s been Stromberg Carlson’s approach for nearly seven decades. Since 1959, the family-owned company has earned a reputation for building dependable, no-nonsense RV accessories that simply work. What began with mobile home steps has grown into a broad lineup of ladders, leveling equipment, bike racks, handrails, landing gear, and other practical products designed to solve the everyday challenges RV owners face.
If you’re looking for upgrades that deliver real value every time you hit the road, these Stromberg Carlson products deserve a spot on your shopping list.
1. Lend-A-Hand Assist Rail
Getting in and out of an RV isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Campsites are rarely level, factory grab handles are often small, and carrying groceries or gear makes climbing the steps even more awkward. The Stromberg Carlson Lend-A-Hand Assist Rail offers a much larger, more comfortable handhold while entering or exiting the RV. It folds neatly against the side of the coach when you’re traveling, then swings out to provide extra stability at the campsite. The Lend-A-Hand is an especially worthwhile upgrade for families with young children, older RVers, or anyone who simply wants a little more confidence navigating the steps. Stromberg Carlson also offers an extended model for RVs with taller entryways or additional steps.
2. Electric Tongue Jack
An electric tongue jack handles the heavy lifting for you, making it much easier to hitch, unhitch, and level your trailer. It’s one of those upgrades that saves time every single trip, especially if you frequently camp alone or move between sites. Beyond convenience, electric operation also gives you finer control when lining up your coupler with the hitch ball, helping reduce frustration during hookup. Stromberg Carlson’s jacks add a few thoughtful extras, like built-in LED lights for nighttime hookups, an integrated level so you know you’re set up right the first time, and weather-resistant switches built to handle life outdoors. And when parts eventually wear out, Stromberg Carlson sells replacement components directly—a nice change from the usual ‘replace the whole unit’ routine.
Buying Tip: Before ordering, verify your trailer’s tongue weight and ensure the jack’s lifting capacity exceeds your setup’s requirements.
3. Jack Base Pads
Soft gravel, wet grass, loose dirt—any of it can let a tongue jack slowly sink over the course of a stay. Base pads spread the load underneath the jack, keeping your trailer stable and level instead of settling into the ground. Stromberg Carlson’s lineup covers both jobs: molded rubber and polycarbonate pads that interlock or stack to help level uneven ground, plus a rubber ‘shoe’ version that stays attached to your jack’s foot pad for simple, no-fuss protection. Inexpensive and easy to store, this upgrade pairs perfectly with an electric tongue jack.
4. Extend-A-Shower Curtain Rod
Anyone who has used an RV shower knows they’re rarely designed with elbow room in mind. The Extend-A-Shower Curtain Rod pushes the shower curtain outward while you’re using it, creating noticeably more shoulder space without requiring permanent bathroom modifications. When you’re finished, it folds neatly back into place so the bathroom retains its original footprint. It’s a simple and elegant solution that makes daily showers much more comfortable, especially during longer trips when your RV bathroom gets a lot of use.
5. Econo Porch Steps
Some campers, park models, and seasonal sites benefit from something sturdier than portable entry steps. The Stromberg Carlson Econo Porch Steps provide a permanent-feeling entrance complete with a built-in handrail for added confidence getting in and out of the RV. Built from steel rather than the lightweight aluminum or plastic found on most folding steps, they offer a solid, stable, and no-slip platform underfoot—that means no wobble and no flex, even with daily use.
Available in two-step and three-step options, the Econo Porch model makes a worthwhile upgrade for improving accessibility, whether you’re setting up at a seasonal campsite or replacing aging entry steps.
6. Universal Exterior RV Ladder
Whether you’re inspecting roof seals, cleaning debris off the air conditioner, or checking solar panels, roof access is one of those things you don’t think about until you need it. Stromberg Carlson’s Universal Exterior RV Ladder fits the rear of nearly any RV, straight or contoured, and is built rugged enough to trust your full weight on it during maintenance climbs. It also doubles as a handy spot to hang chairs or gear while you’re driving to the next site.
Buying Tip: Before installing, confirm your RV has proper backing or sub-frame support at the mounting location—screwing a ladder into siding alone isn’t safe, and it’s worth a quick call to your RV manufacturer if you’re not sure.
7. Bike Racks
Bicycles are one of the best ways to explore campgrounds, state parks, and nearby towns, but storing them inside the RV quickly becomes a hassle. Stromberg Carlson’s RV bike racks let you securely transport your bikes outside the living area, freeing up valuable cargo space while making them easy to grab once you arrive. Available models can carry two or four bikes, and the cradle arms fold flat for easy storage when they’re not in use, ensuring they’re simple to assemble and lightweight enough to mount without a struggle.
8. Extend-A-Line Camper Clothesline
Wet towels. Swimsuits. Rain jackets. Muddy hiking clothes. They all need somewhere to dry, but hanging them inside your RV quickly turns a small living space into a humid mess. The Extend-A-Line Camper Clothesline mounts to the rear of many RVs and provides a convenient place to air dry clothing and gear without taking up valuable interior space. It’s one of those accessories you’ll use more often than you expect—and, as an added bonus, line drying helps reduce wear on clothing while saving you a trip to the campground laundry room.
9. Camping Chair Storage Rack
Camping chairs are essential at the campsite, but during travel, they often end up rolling around in a storage compartment or taking up valuable space inside the RV. Stromberg Carlson’s Camping Chair Storage Rack offers a smarter solution by mounting directly to your RV’s exterior ladder, creating a dedicated place to carry up to four folding chairs (50 lbs. total) without sacrificing interior storage. The aluminum rack folds out of the way when you need to use the ladder, while integrated straps keep your chairs secure and rattle-free on the road.
Buying Tip: This rack is designed to mount to RV ladders with 1-inch round tubing. For the most secure ride, Stromberg Carlson also recommends using an additional bungee cord to minimize chair movement during travel.
Small Upgrades That Make Every Trip Better
The best RV accessories aren’t always the biggest or most expensive; they’re the ones that quietly eliminate everyday annoyances. From safer entry steps and assist rails to easier hitching, more stable campsites, and clever comfort upgrades, Stromberg Carlson products are designed to make RV ownership a little more convenient without overcomplicating things.
Browse the complete lineup here at Parts Via, and don’t forget to take advantage of our fast, FREE ship-to-store option at checkout so your upgrades are ready when you are.