Pack This Not That – Must Haves on Your Next RV Trip
Are you about to take your first RV trip? Or is it the first in a long time, and maybe you’ve forgotten your old list of what to pack?
To make sure you have the best time possible, we put together a list of must-haves for your RV trip. Check out our ideas below and get ready for some fun in the sun!
The only thing better than an RV is a fully stocked one. Make sure you pack these items before hitting the road so you can enjoy all of your adventures without worrying about what’s next on the checklist. It will be like having everything of the convenience of home with you while still being able to explore new places and meet new people along the way.
Your adventure awaits – is your RV packing list ready?
- Pack a first aid kit
- Bring your favorite pillow
- Consider bringing a cooler to keep food and drinks cold for the day, even if the RV has a fridge
- Bring a few extra sets of clothes in case you get wet or dirty, but keep it real, not too many
- Make sure to pack some high-protein snacks, like nuts, granola bars, fruit cups, and beef jerky
- Bring sunscreen – even if it’s not summertime!
- Pack your portable cell phone chargers
- Bring along a deck of cards or a board game or several
- Download an offline map of the area you are visiting to avoid data charges and spotty connections, or if you plan to go off grid or boondocking
- Tow a smaller vehicle with four-wheel drive for off-road excursions if you can
- Make sure there is plenty of gas in the tank before hitting the road
- Check tire pressure, oil levels, and other fluid levels before leaving on your trip
- Check your RV’s batteries, cables, hoses and other connections carefully
- Bring a portable charger for other electronics
- Travel with an extra inflatable mattress or sleeping pad, and some extra blankets to stay cozy
- Take pictures of the places you visit so that you can remember them later
- Download some great tunes on your phone – music will make any trip better!
- Pack decent food for snacks to avoid stopping at too many fast-food restaurants along the way
And here are more suggestions of things to take along, from experienced RV’ers, specifically for traveling in your RV:
- Travel Towel – When on an RV trip, one of the key things to keep in mind is space. You will have limited space in the RV which is why having a small travel towel is perfect.
- Motion Sickness Patch – One of the best parts about RVing is it’s like road tripping in your house. One of the worst parts is motion sickness. If you or your family are prone to getting car sick, using a motion sickness patch will help to avoid any unwanted nausea and help everyone enjoy the ride.
- Portable Generator – Having back-up power while RVing is extremely important. Whether you choose to go boondocking off the grid or you set up camp at an RV park with hookups, you never know when you may need that extra energy. Whether you’re looking to charge your phone or laptop, having this eco-friendly portable generator ensures that you will never get stuck without power.
- Power Cords – Much like having a portable generator, power cords are helpful when you’re looking to charge your phone or laptop while out on the road. And, for plugging in other appliances in when you are at a campsite with power to hook into. Try getting one with a 10-foot cord so you won’t have to worry about an extra extension cord.
- Toilet Chemicals – RV bathrooms, while heaven-sent, are quite small. And keeping them clean is key to enjoying your vacation. Using toilet cleaning stamps will help you go longer in between scrubs and help avoid odor. All you have to do is place one against the toilet wall and let the flush-activated cleaning begin!
- Wheel Blocks – Wheel blocks are necessary to keep your RV from rolling away when parked. While your rig obviously has brakes, they’re not reliable on their own. Having some wheel blocks will not only help you to stay in place but they will also prevent excess movement while you’re walking or moving throughout the cabin.
- Levelers – Levelers are a lot like wheel blocks but rather than keeping your RV from rolling away, they keep it level. This is important because a rig that is not level is not only uncomfortable (which could potentially lead to injury) but it also doesn’t work correctly. Many appliances, such as the refrigerator, will not work properly if not level.
- Jumper Cables – Imagine being out on the road and all of a sudden, your RV breaks down. Without jumper cables, you could be stranded for hours waiting for AAA to come fix it. Or, you can keep a pair of heavy-duty cables to ensure that you’ll be back on the road in no time!
- Emergency Road Kit – Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Whether you’re driving a regular car or an RV, having an emergency roadside kit is key. This is especially true if you’re going to be using the RV for an extended period of time. A kit like this should include jumper cables, a reflective safety vest, a flashlight, a warning triangle, a whistle, a pocket knife, bandages, and more. With this, you won’t ever have to stress out if you run into a less than ideal situation.
If you are still at a loss to figure out what else you need to pack for an awesome RV trip, consult with your El Monte RV Sales location, or if you are ready for an upgrade or a newer RV, stop by and see your local El Monte RV Sales dealer.