Stepping into the world of RVing is exciting. You have your new RV, your road map, and thousands of miles of adventure ahead of you. The only thing you need is a packing list. The last thing you want is to reach your campsite, open your bag, and realize you left something important at your home hundreds of miles away. Leaving stuff behind is a hassle no matter how you travel, but it can turn disastrous when you’re in an RV. On top of clothes, toiletries, and entertainment, you also need to remember the essentials for your RV’s kitchen and bathrooms. Maintenance and emergency supplies are also essential for a successful trip. How do you ensure you have everything you need when you walk out the door? The key is to keep track of everything with a thorough packing list. As you prepare to leave, make sure you double-check this list of what you should pack for your first RVing trip.
For the Kitchen
One of the greatest perks of RV travel is the fact that you get to bring your kitchen with you. That said, you’ll be cooking in a much smaller space. It’s important to stock your RV’s kitchen with convenient supplies that are easy to store and work for multiple dishes. This means stackable mixing bowls, pans, and measuring cups. Foldable utensils are also useful. Consider what kinds of meals you want to eat on your trip. Stocking up on canned goods, dry products, and other quick meals can make cooking easy. No matter what you bring, though, make sure you have the right dishware, spices, and food storage containers to manage the meal. While you don’t want to take up too much space, you also don’t want to arrive at the campsite and not have the right equipment. In addition to these items, make sure your list includes these essentials:
Cutting board and knife set
Can opener
Bowls, plates, cups, and utensils
Paper towels
Dish soap and a sponge
Garbage bags
Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and food storage containers
For the Bathroom
Bathroom items are another crucial part of what you should pack for your first RVing trip. Stock your RV’s bathroom with towels, wash cloths, RV-friendly toilet paper, and hand soap. Make sure everyone has the proper toiletries, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Your RV bathroom will have limited counter space, but you can use clever storage hacks to free up space. One option is to have everyone keep their individual bathroom supplies in shower bags or caddies with the rest of their bags. You can also hang a shoe rack on the back of the bathroom door and use it to store toiletries, hairbrushes, and other similar items. Bringing along smart storage techniques like these will help keep your RV as clean and clutter-free as possible, making the trip more comfortable for everyone.
For Safety
RVing means spending a lot of time in quiet campsites or parks, enjoying the great outdoors. While the adventurous and natural landscapes are great, they can also pose a lot of danger if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to stock up on the proper tools and safety equipment before you leave. You should always travel with at least a couple of flashlights. A radio is also good for catching the local weather broadcasts. Make sure you pack backup batteries for these things, in addition to any other electronics you bring along. Keep a first aid kit in your RV, and make sure it’s full of supplies before every trip. Bandages, antiseptics, bug spray, sunscreen, and painkillers are always good to have on hand in case of an accident. You should also keep a fire extinguisher on hand whenever you make a campfire or work in the kitchen.
For RV Maintenance
Just like any other vehicle, your RV will need some maintenance and care from time to time. If you don’t have the right tools or knowledge to take care of your RV, it can lead to breakdowns, expensive repairs, and a ruined trip. Make sure you have everything you need to keep your vehicle in good shape as you travel. These essentials include:
Sewer kit (including a sewer hose, garden hose, and protective gloves)
Freshwater hose
Leveling block
Tire gauge
Motor oil, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid
Jumper cables
Extension cords
Shovel
Cleaning supplies
It’s also a good idea to get a sealable bag or folder for any important documents, including your RV’s registration and your campsite information.
For Cold Weather
Is your first camping trip taking you to sub-freezing temperatures? Winter RV trips can be cozy and exciting. You can also save a few bucks, since many campsite and parks offer cheaper rates during the off-season. That said, winter RVing requires a little extra preparation. Make sure you pack warm clothes and extra blankets. Waterproof boots and gloves will also keep you comfortable as you work and play outside your RV. A space heater will also help keep the interior of your RV warm. Additionally, be sure to outfit your RV for the weather. RV holding tank heater pads and other UltraHeat products will help protect your water system from the weather, so that you don’t have to deal with frozen or ruptured pipes. An RV skirt will help insulate your RV and keep bitter winds from blowing across the vehicle’s underbelly. For extra comfort, you can also place an area rug in the interior of your RV to keep the floor warm and help retain heat.
For the Campground
As you make your packing list, don’t forget about the most fun part of the trip: the campground. Make sure you have everything you need for a safe, exciting, and relaxing outdoor vacation. Pack lighters and fluid so you can enjoy a roaring campfire. Outdoor rugs, table cloths, and camping chairs can also help you set up a comfortable outdoor space. Be sure to pack the fun things as well. Entertainment items like a frisbee, cards, yard games, or a good book are all great ways to pass the time on your trip. Make sure you bring along a camera and a pair of binoculars to help you enjoy and capture the beautiful landscapes surrounding your campsite.
