Are you ready to take your new RV out for the first time? First-time camping trips are always exciting.
But they are also full of unknowns. While you may have experience with a tent or car camping, traveling with an RV is a different story.
One of the benefits is that you get to bring more stuff with you. So what exactly should you bring to ensure you are both comfortable and equipped to deal with technical problems and emergencies?
Keep reading our RV packing list to find out exactly what you need to pack in order to be a safe, smart traveler, making the most of your time spent in the great outdoors.
Key Considerations for RV Travel
When you are camping in a tent, you have a lot less to worry about. There’s little room for technical issues. And your food situation is likely very simple.
But with an RV, you need to be prepared for a wide range of circumstances. For starters, you have a large vehicle that you need to maintain. This means you need equipment and tools to keep it running smoothly, keep it powered up, and make repairs when necessary.
And since RVs allow you to travel for longer periods of time while still being comfortable, you need to plan ahead. What are you going to eat, and how are you going to cook for a week or two, or a month or two?
And of course, you’re goal is to get outside and experience the great outdoors, so you need to bring gear that empowers adventure as well as outdoor comfort.
That means you have a number of categories to consider when it comes to an RV travel checklist.
RV Packing List
Smart travel is defined by preparation. Here are the different types of essentials you’ll need to pack.
RV Essentials
To keep your RV powered up and running smoothly, make sure you have battery jumper cables on board. It’s also a good idea to have extra motor oil and transmission fluid. Bring a quality flashlight or headlamp for when you need to service your RV in the dark.
To make your RV comfortable, you’re going to need leveling blocks. Not every campsite is perfectly level so you may have to do this manually. Have some wheel chocks as well to prevent movement while parked.
You’ll want a drinking water hose for easy access. It also helps to have a water pressure regulator. Bring RV-specific bathroom cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Purchase a sewer kit as well so you never experience any problems with your onboard restroom.
To ensure electrical supply, bring extension cords, electrical adaptors, surge protectors, and electrical tape.
Keeping your vehicle stocked up with these supplies is one of the most important RV safety tips. You never want to get stranded anywhere, nor do you want to be without power to warm or cool you down when the elements are against you.
One of the best things you can do before heading out on a trip is replacing any aging or worn-out parts. To purchase replacement parts, or have your RV serviced, visit a site like https://www.leisurelandrvcenter.com/ for peace of mind when embarking on your next journey.
Camp Kitchen
Your camp kitchen is one of the most important elements of RV travel. It helps to plan the type of meals you’ll be cooking when traveling. Choose meals that are generally easy to make, requiring fewer kitchen tools.
When outfitting your RV with kitchen basics such as pots, pans, plates, cups, and utensils, you don’t want standard household supplies. You want the lightest version possible, so as not to weigh down your RV more than necessary.
And don’t bring excess dishes. One cup, plate, and bowl per person. Everyone should clean their own dishes after each meal.
Make sure to bring plenty of trash bags, paper towels, plastic wrap, disinfecting wipes, and matches. Keep dish soap and sanitizer stocked up as well.
If you plan to do some cooking outside, make sure to bring outdoor-friendly cookware and BBQ essentials.
And make sure to have cooking basics stocked up, such as cooking oil and spray, spices, condiments, butter, and cooking batter. Canned foods and freeze-dried meals are great to have as backups.
Clothing
Clothing for RV travel is all dependent on the places you will be camping, the types of activities you’ll be doing, and how long you’ll be on the road. If you are staying at established campgrounds and RV resorts, you’ll have easier access to laundry facilities, so bringing fewer changes of clothes is possible.
Those who are boondocking may need to bring a few extra outfits. In general, non-cotton clothing is preferred outdoors or during extended travel.
Technical fabrics or merino wool will dry faster when wet, stay fresher and odor-free longer, and provide sun protection and greater comfort than heavy, cotton clothing.
Make sure to bring camp shoes, such as flip flops or slippers along with hiking shoes or boots. Bring extra socks and underwear, as those often need to be changed the most. Rain gear is a must.
Camp Equipment
While RVs provide comfortable living space inside, camping is all about spending time outside. One of the best things you can bring is a canopy that contains a bug net. That way, if you are in a mosquito-prone area, you can still enjoy the fresh air.
Comfortable outdoor chairs and a hammock can make it even more fun outside. Also, it’s nice to have a few firestarters stored up and ready for the evening campfire.
Outdoor Gear
And, of course, camping is all about adventuring outdoors. Bring along your favorite outdoor equipment.
This might be trekking poles and a day pack in order to go on hikes. It could be fishing equipment for when you are camped near a lake or river.
Bring the mountain bikes as well to enjoy local trails. Binoculars are always a good idea for wildlife viewing.
Start With Shorter Trips
Is there more you can tack onto an RV packing list? Sure.
But it helps to get out for one or two trips in order to find out what works for you and what doesn’t. Taking a couple of short trips before a longer trip will help you dial in your packing list before traveling thousands of miles away from home.
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