peaceful open road and bonding with friends and family on a campsite, you must go through one crucial and stressful challenge: packing.
Preparing for your RV trip can get overwhelming. Aside from worrying about numerous camping essentials, you must pack certain items critical to the vehicle. So, to help you, we’ve prepared a thorough checklist covering both categories.
Read below for a comfortable and seamless camping experience before going on your adventure.
RV Essentials
First, this guide will look at all the crucial items you must bring for your camper. The following items will help ensure road safety while in your RV.
Wheel Chocks
Parking without these items puts your RV at a significant risk. If you don’t want to watch your camper and all your valuables inside roll away, always bring chocks, wedges, or blocks to secure the vehicle in its place.
Leveling Blocks
Uneven surfaces may take the fun out of your camping experience. Leveling blocks are handy, so you don’t spend time and effort parking your camper in a smooth area. The best part is that these items are easy to assemble and put in place. Think of playing with building blocks.
Of course, it would still help to look for an area with a flat surface and then use leveling blocks to fine-tune the balance. Doing so is more manageable than relying too much on these devices to level your camper.
Freshwater Hose
This is a specialized hose, often used in RVs, to deliver potable water from an external source to the unit’s water system. It’s necessary to bring these items to avoid contaminating your drinking water when camping.
You can also take safety to another level by using a separate water filter in your RV, making water more reliable for drinking or washing.
Meanwhile, seasoned campers always bring two sets of hoses—one for drinking and the other for washing. When you do so, avoid identical-looking hoses.
Additionally, you can store them separately in clearly marked bags or containers.
Tool Kit
Having a tool kit is vital to address any minor repairs and maintenance in the camper. Some of the items you must include are screwdrivers, duct tape, wrenches, socket sets, and a utility knife.
It’s also ideal to have a separate kit for tools specific to the vehicle’s needs. These includes jumper cables, reflective accessories, tire-changing tools, and pressure gauges. Of course, don’t forget to include the RV’s manual in the mix.
Regulators
A surge protector is crucial to keep your camper’s electrical system safe in case of fluctuations. Its main objective is to determine any issues with the wiring and protect the RV from any dangerous surges.
Meanwhile, surges or sparks may also occur in your plumbing system. That’s why having a water pressure regulator is vital so your camper achieves a safe amount of flow and avoids unexpected leaks or splashes in your camper.
Extension Cords
Not all RV parks or campsites offer the same electrical outlet. That’s why bringing extension cords or electrical adapters is crucial so you can access electricity even with such restrictions.
Flashlights And Headlamps
These items are excellent if you want to have a nighttime adventure at the campsite. They’re also helpful in case of any power outage in the area or if there are no power outlets nearby for your plug-in lights.
Air Compressors
You want to maintain optimal air pressure on your RV’s tires, especially with many campsites having rough roads or debris. So, bringing one is an excellent idea if your tire pressure dips below average. Of course, it would help to monitor your tire pressure regularly to know when exactly you must use this device.
First Aid Kit
Pack all the essentials like bandages, scissors, antiseptic solutions, and tweezers. It would also help to pack items specific to the risks associated with your chosen campsite. Plus, don’t forget to bring all the particular medication you and your family require.
Rv-Friendly Toilet Paper
Know that RV plumbing differs from what you have at home. RV-specific toilet paper has a unique material designed to break down quickly to avoid clogging your system. Be sure to get them for your camper.
Document Protection
Finally, you must have all your essential documents in one place. These include registration, insurance information, booking details, and backup maps. Keep them in a waterproof storage bag and an easily accessible container when you drive.
Camper Essentials
The following items are essentials that are often overlooked by beginner RV campers. Aside from crucial items like clothing, food, and toiletries, don’t forget these for a cozier and memorable RV camping experience.
Camping Chair
There’s no guarantee that the campsite you’ll visit has a picnic table set. That’s why bringing a foldable or collapsible chair is vital so you can lounge outside the RV anytime.
Coolers
Bringing a small cooler is an excellent idea, even if your camper has a built-in refrigerator. Keeping one close that contains drinks and snacks saves time from going in and out of the RV just to get them.
Outdoor Grill
Cooking outside the RV is an excellent way to conserve energy and reduce air-conditioner use, especially on hotter days. Plus, it’s one of the best bonding activities you and your group can do on the campsite.
Pot Holders
This is one of the essential kitchen items that RV campers often overlook. Pot holders are excellent for avoiding burns when handling hot food during camping.
Trash Bags
Be a responsible camper, and never leave your trash behind the campsite. Instead, keep your waste in trash bags and dispose of them properly when you can.
Reusable Plastic Containers
Bringing reusable plastic containers is an excellent idea for storing unfinished food properly and preserving it for the next meal. Using a microwaveable container is also ideal, especially if you bring a microwave or the camper is equipped with one.
Tablecloth
Another way to make clean-up easier when eating is to cover your picnic table with a cloth, preferably one made from vinyl or polyester. These materials are highly resistant to stains, meaning you can easily wipe or wash off dirt. Plus, it will help add a splash of style to your camping.
Camping Amusements
There are many entertainment and amusement items to keep the fun rolling in your RV camping experience.
You can bring sports equipment, yard games, playing cards, music players, movie projectors, and fishing gear for group recreation.
Meanwhile, individuals can carry cameras, books, puzzles, and musical instruments.
Many campers also bring binoculars, telescopes, and rifle scopes to see surrounding nature up close. These items take their immersion to the next level.
Ensure A Seamless Rv Camping Experience
Camping in an RV offers numerous opportunities for a thrilling and memorable getaway. However, without proper preparation, many issues could turn your trip sideways, minor or otherwise. Consider the list above and make the most of your camping experience.