Top Things You Better Pack Before Your 1st RV Trip!

Did you remember to bring…? Stocking an RV for that first adventure

You know how hotels will often have signs in the bathroom telling you if you forgot something essential like a toothbrush to just call the front desk? If you are in your RV, there is no front desk.Taking time to stock your RV pantry with essentials is important to make sure that getaway is relaxing and stress-free.

Equipping your home on wheels takes a bit of planning and thought. You have to decide what is important for you to have along with you, what can be downsized, and what is better off left behind.

Think of what you will be doing in your RV.

Cooking? Get a second set of dishes, cups, glasses, pots and pans and tableware. Don’t forget the kitchen whisks, spatulas, tongs, and other tools to cook and grill with. And pack away dish detergent, towels – either cloth or paper, a table covering or two, pot holders, a can opener, crock pot, and any other utensil that makes meal preparation easier.Don’t forget the coffee pot!

Remember you will probably not be making lavish five-course dinners, so some things may not be essential. But if you do plan on wowing your campground neighbors with a gourmet feast, plan accordingly.

Eating? You know what your family will or won’t eat. Stock your RV’s cabinets with essentials that will keep for longer periods of time - canned goods, cereal, condiments, batter mixes, salt, pepper, herbs and spices, flour, cornmeal and sugar, peanut butter, etc. Plan your meals ahead of time and buy what you need.Consider buying perishables like fresh fruit, local produce, eggs, dairy products and meat as you go. Not only will it be as fresh as possible, it will also give you a taste of the region where you are headed.

Sleeping? It’s a sure bet that being in the outdoors and taking part in all the Mother Nature offers will tire you out. Stock a supply of pillows, blankets and sheets in the RV. A two-sheet set minimum is recommended, and make sure that the set you buy will fit the dimensions of the RV mattresses.

Think outside the box as well. Throw your sleeping bags, old tent, a hammock, or air mattress into the storage bins just in case you want to rough it at a campsite. The hammock can be put up on site for a relaxing place to read among the sights and sounds of the campground.

Showering? Stock up on travel size shampoos, conditioners, toiletries, razors, and other personal care needs. Dollar discount stores are a good resource to buy these items because they are inexpensive.Must haves are soap, hair brushes and combs, toothbrushes for each family member (and maybe a few extra – just in case), deodorant, hair accessories, sunscreen, lotion, nail clippers, tweezers and any other personal hygiene products.

Towels will be a necessity so make sure you have a supply of these. Toilet paper suitable for use in RVs is also a priority.If storage is a problem in the bathroom facilities inside your RV, look for storage solutions, like a bag or rack to hang in the shower, or find unused space and store bathroom supplies in a plastic box or bin.

Recreating? If you plan on passing time doing fun things outdoors, make sure you pack the things you need to do those activities, such as fishing poles and lures, hiking boots, bicycle helmets and bikes, etc.Include insect repellent and sunscreen in this group of supplies.

Campsite fun can include balls, lawn games, Frisbees and other toys that are fun and don’t take up much space. Also plan for that rainy day. Tuck some books away, store some games and puzzles or put together some craft kits when boredom hits or the rainy days last longer than expected.

Cleaning up? Pack away a broom and dustpan, a supply of paper towels, sponges, garbage bags, disinfectant wipes and any other cleaning product that you use and don’t want to leave behind.Dish soap will be needed for dirty plates, tableware or cups, unless you opt to stock up on plastic and paper versions.

Fixing boo-boos? Every RV should have a first aid kit. These can be purchased fully stocked with emergency supplies. In addition to the standard first aid kit, consider extra bandage strips for blisters, minor cuts and scrapes, and antibacterial ointment or spray to keep vacation war wounds from becoming infected. Aspirin or other pain reliever is also a must-have, especially when you hiked farther than you should have or stared into the sun too long to get to your destination. If a family member has specific medical needs, it may be necessary to stock up on extra medications or the items they need.

Setting up camp? Some experts suggest hauling along a small table, in case your campsite does not have one or simply because it provides extra space for food preparation or other needs.A cooler is a good thing to have along to keep food and drinks cold. For sure you will need folding chairs, maybe a canopy – if your RV does not have one, a small grill and fuel for the grill, rope and bungee cords, You want a way to light the dark so pack away camping lanterns or outdoor lights and flashlights, and don’t forget batteries.

Fixing or maintaining your RV? While it would be impossible to pack up your local mechanic’s shop and take it along for the RV adventure, there are a few tools and supplies that will be handy for making quick repairs along the way. Pack jumper cables, a hydraulic jack, tire pressure gauge, toolkit, extension cords, leveling blocks, spare fuses, electrical or duct tape, and extra motor oil and transmission fluid.Road flares, a fire extinguisher and other safety devices are also a good idea to have on hand. In addition, a garden hose and spare hoses for sewage, gray water and fresh water connections.

Other essentials on the list to make your RV trip more enjoyable include batteries for devices, headphones, cameras and extra memory cards, binoculars for wildlife watching, nature field guides, travel brochures for the area you are going to, and phone chargers. It will also be helpful to have a non-electronic device along to tell time – like a watch.Throw in some raingear and umbrellas too.

While these suggestions are not all-inclusive, stocking up your RV is important to do before you head down the road. A packing list is an effective way of making sure you have what you need. After each trip take inventory. Stock up on supplies before its time to leave again. Also be willing to adapt your list. You may find that the must-haves on your list are not really that important.

With a little preparation and thought, getting your RV ready will be quick work. That’s a good thing.

Lois Tomaszewski is an award-winning journalist and former editor.