Must-Haves on an RV Essentials Checklist
Americans are snatching up campers and motor homes and taking to the U.S. highways and byways in increasingly large numbers. Total households that own an RV now top 11 million, and the rental market is also active, with peer-to-peer markets showing a 650% increase in interest over the past decade. In 2019, the findings in one survey indicated that 28 million people intended to travel in the spring and summer months that year.
When you tour in a recreational vehicle, you take your sleeping and living quarters with you wherever you go. It’s easier to plan your trips when RV parks are plentiful anywhere you go, but knowing what to take on your journey is more involved than packing a suitcase. We’ve created an RV essentials checklist so you can assemble everything you need for your next adventure.
An RV Essentials Checklist for the Rig
One significant difference between packing for most trips and preparing to travel in a camper is that you need to include items for the rig. While some of these essentials may be similar to what you need when you tent camp, others are unique to RV travel.
Rig Setup Necessities
Setting up camp for a recreational vehicle is more involved than simply pulling into a parking space. You want to make sure you have everything you need to operate your traveling hotel and maintain comfort at each stop. Your RV essentials checklist for setup should include:
- A 30- or 50-amp extension cord
- An adapter to convert 50-amp power to 30-amp or vice versa
- Surge protector
- Blackwater and gray water sewer hoses with extensions, connectors and hose support
- Water hose rated for RVs with no lead or other harmful materials in them
- Water filter to attach to your hose and a water pressure regulator
- Leveling blocks or chocks
- Basic tools to make adjustments and repairs
Make sure you have a tire pressure gauge to check your tires regularly on your trip. You may want to include items such as a small air compressor to top off low tires and a hitch lock if you have a travel trailer.
RV Essentials Checklist for Inside the Rig
If you stay at hotels, resorts or home rentals, most of the non-personal items you need are already there for you. This may also hold in rental RVs for many necessities. However, whether you rent or own your recreational vehicle, your checklist should list everything that allows you to live with ease while on your trip.
Kitchenware
One of the benefits of RV travel is being able to cook rather than dining out for every meal. Make sure your kitchen is stocked with necessities:
- Pots and pans, cooking utensils, plates and bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons, as well as can and bottle openers
- Drinking glasses, including your favorite coffee cup, travel mug and reusable water bottle
- Seasonings and cooking oil
- Aluminum foil, plastic wrap and sandwich, storage and garbage bags
- Coffee maker or tea kettle
- Cleaning supplies, including dish soap, dish towels and sponges
- Paper towels, napkins and food storage containers
While you will undoubtedly find reasons to head out to a grocery store during your travels, it helps to do some basic menu planning. You can then stock your cabinets and refrigerator with staples and ingredients that allow for easy meal prep when you need it.
Bed and Bath Items
Your RV essentials checklist should include the items you and your fellow travelers need for a comfortable stay. It’s easy to overlook bed and bath supplies so make sure the following are on your list:
- Enough pillows for everyone
- Bed linens, including extras in case you need to change out during your trip
- Comforters or quilts
- Extra blankets if you’re traveling in the chillier months or to cooler climates
- Bath and hand towels
- RV toilet paper and hand soap
- Bathroom cleaning supplies
- Laundry bag and laundry supplies
Even if you keep some of these items in your RV throughout the season, it’s still good to include them on your list and visually check to make sure you have them in stock before every trip.
RV Essentials Checklist for Recreational Items
You may be on the go often during your travels or plan to participate in the recreational events at your destination RV resort. However, you should still take along items to enjoy hanging out at your campsite. Some ideas to consider include:
- A portable grill with the fuel and cooking utensils you need
- Portable fire pit and camp chairs for everyone
- Skewers for making s’mores
- Sunscreen and personal bug repellant
- Campsite bug repellant, such as citronella candles
- Bicycles, skateboards or kick-scooters
- Outdoor games, such as cornhole, horseshoes and Frisbee
- Indoor pastimes, including books, movies, board games, cards and coloring books
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you take along entertaining things for them to do inside the rig since the weather doesn’t always cooperate for outdoor fun.
RV Essentials Checklist for Personal Items
As with any other type of travel, your checklist needs to include personal items. While you can get most of what you need along the way should you forget something, it’s far easier to take what you already have and save your money for the fun stuff. The following list should give you a good idea of items to carry along:
- Toiletries, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap and razors
- Sleepwear, undergarments and socks, including hiking and walking socks
- Swimwear and gear, such as goggles, flip-flops or water shoes
- Any hats you might want to wear
- Shoes for activities you plan, including comfortable hiking or walking shoes
- Appropriate pants and shorts for the climate and your itinerary
- Short- and long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters
- Rain gear, light jacket and warmer outer layers, if cooler temperatures are even a remote possibility
Be sure your list also includes any specialty items you need for your trip.
RV Essentials Checklist Complete: Plan Your Next Getaway
Now that your RV essentials checklist is in hand, it’s time to plan your next adventure. Texas is an ideal destination that provides something for everyone. The Boston Group’s RV parks and resorts are located throughout the state’s popular tourist destinations. Get in touch today to learn more about what we have to offer.
Sources:
https://www.rvia.org/media-resources
https://www.rvia.org/news-insights/nearly-25-million-americans-travel-rvs-spring-and-summer
https://go.rvshare.com/trend-report.html
https://rvchronicle.com/do-i-need-a-water-pressure-regulator-for-my-rv/