Are you planning a long-distance trip in your RV? Are you looking for ways to make the journey easier and more enjoyable? This checklist will help you get started. It includes everything we use in our RV life, including personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials, and more. We’ll start with some must-haves for RV newbies and then go into the details with a printable PDF!
RV must-haves for newbies
Our RV packing checklist dives into the details of everything you need to have an amazing RV experience, but first we’re going to cover some must-haves for newbies to the RV world. We all start somewhere and here are a couple items you absolutely need to have.
RV must-haves for newbies: water hose
If you’re new to RVing, you might not realize how important a water hose is for your camper checklist. Without a water hose, you won’t be able to fill up your fresh water tank or hook up to a campground’s water supply. Trust us, a water hose is an essential piece of gear for any RVer!
What to look for:
When shopping for a water hose, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, make sure the hose is long enough to reach from your RV’s fresh water inlet (where you’ll be attaching the hose) to the faucet or spigot you’ll be using. Second, look for a hose that is specifically designed for RV use – these hoses are usually white and have reinforced connections to prevent leaks. Finally, consider investing in a drinking-water safe hose if you plan on using it for filling up your fresh water tank – this will help ensure that your drinking water stays clean and free of contaminants.
How to use it:
Using your RV’s fresh water system is easy once you have a properly connected water hose.
If you’re at a campground or RV park with hookups, simply attach one end of the hose to your RV’s fresh water inlet (usually located on the side or near the front of the rig) and the other end to the spigot. We attach a filter to the end of the hose that connects to the inlet and a water pressure regulator to the end that attaches to the spigot. Once the hose is connected, open up the fresh water valve on your RV and turn on the water at the faucet or spigot. You should now have water flowing into your RV’s fresh water tank!
If you’re filling your fresh water tank to go off-grid camping in an area without water hookups, you’ll do almost the same process. Instead of attaching the hose to the inlet, fill up your fresh water tank. It usually helps to have the water flow at a medium to low level rather than full blast because of the way fresh water tanks are designed to prevent water spilling out during your drives.
RV must-haves for newbies: leveling blocks
Leveling blocks are should be included in any RV travel checklist because every single rig will need them at one point or another, even if you have an automatic leveling system.
Some RVs have automatic leveling systems; others do not (like our 1986). Regardless of your system, you will still need a set of leveling blocks. This is essential for a number of reasons.
First, it makes your RV more stable when it’s perfectly level, meaning you’ll get better sleep and feel like you have a solid ground below you rather than feeling like you’re walking and sleeping at an angle. Second, it helps to keep your doors and windows from sticking or jamming when you try to open them. Third, it ensures everything in your RV functions properly. We actually made the BIG mistake of running our fridge while not perfectly level. This caused the cooling agents to not flow correctly, killing our fridge and costing us about $1,500 to replace it. If you’re not level, turn off your RV fridge!
How to use them:
Using leveling blocks is actually pretty simple. You’ll want to find the most level place in your campground, at your site, or in a parking lot. Once you found a level spot, simply place the leveling blocks under the wheels on the side of your RV that you need to raise. Drive over your leveling blocks or lower your leveling bars onto your blocks. Confirm that your RV is level both side to side and front to back. It may take a couple times to get the levels just right, but you’ll get a better sense of how many blocks you need and optimal positioning of your rig the more you do it. That’s all there is to it!
Friendly reminder to those that do have leveling systems… make sure all your tires are grounded and not floating above the ground. We see RVs with their front tires hovering above the ground often, but this is horrible for the RV and the leveling system.
Where to buy them:
You can purchase leveling blocks at most camping supply stores, Walmart, online retailers that sell camping supplies, RV shops, and Amazon.
RV must-haves for newbies: surge protector
Your RV is a big investment, and you want to protect it from as many potential hazards as possible. That’s where a surge protector comes in. A surge protector helps to safeguard your RV from electrical surges that can damage your appliances and other electronic equipment (like your TV or computers).
How to use:
Most surge protectors have two outlets: one for your RV’s shore power cord and one for a generator. Be sure to plug the shore power cord into the outlet labeled “Shore Power.” Then, plug your generator into the outlet labeled “Generator.” If it doesn’t have labels, it’s usually pretty self-explanatory where you need to plug in the cord.
The complete RV supplies checklist
Once you have the supplies all RV newbies need, it’s time to get into the details of the ultimate RV camping checklist! These items are all things that we use to make our RV experience fun, efficient, and comfortable.
Kitchen essentials
You’ll need a few basic pots and pans for cooking. Choose a size and material that will work best for you – and you really only need one of each for a couple. We have 1 pot and 1 pan that we use for nearly all our meals and truly have not needed more. Many RVers swear by their cast iron pan, but make sure to consider weight and upkeep if you go with this route. Our pot and pan are stored overhead, and taking down a cast iron over and over again simply wasn’t worth it for us.
Cooking utensils: A few basic cooking utensils, like a spatula, BBQ tools, spoon or ladle, and tongs, will come in handy. Choosing BBQ tools that can be stored inside of your camping grill is a great way to save space and stay clean when moving to the next spot.
Dishes and silverware: You’ll need enough dishes and silverware for your whole family. Having one set per person (fork, knife, spoon, cup, plate, bowl) is really all you need. If you’re worried it’s not enough, have some disposables on hand just in case. This is also a good idea when urban camping.
Coffee maker: A coffee maker is a must-have for many people – and something that’s easy to forget. Choose one that is easy to use and clean. Most people opt for a French press because it requires no electricity, just hot water.
Easy-to-forget items: can opener, egg container, wine bottle opener, beer bottle opener, cutting board, and knife set.
This is not every single item you’ll need in the kitchen. For a more comprehensive list, you can check out our off-grid camping guide or download the printable RV packing checklist.
Personal hygiene
Toiletries- bring enough for the entire trip plus a little extra just in case. If you plan on showering outside, use biodegradable products and follow Leave No Trace principles. We prefer outdoor showers to conserve water when boondocking (and it’s super freeing)! Don’t forget toilet paper, paper towels, rags, and towels.
First Aid Kit – Bring all your prescribed medications and supplements along with any items you typically would need in a first aid kit. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug spray, tweezers, and anti-itch topicals. These are usually must-haves for any camping trip!
Clothing- depending on your packing style, this is really easy to over or under pack. The key is to plan for drastic weather and functionality before planning to look super cute each day. Make sure you have a super warm item like a Comfy or heated vest (I own both) for night and quick dry or warm-weather clothing for the daytime.
Shoes- comfortable shoes are a must when doing any sort of camping or hiking. I always have a pair of Tevas, hiking boots, running shoes, and slippers for every trip. Tevas are great for water activities and showering at campgrounds while the others are key for various weather and fun activities!
Again, this is not the full list but you can find one here!
Comfort & sleep
I sleep way better in the RV compared to a house. The natural darkness and cooler temps are perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep. Plus, you get to fall asleep to the stars and sounds of wildlife – there’s not much better than that!
To get a good night’s sleep in the RV, you’ll want to bring the same thing you’d have in a house – sheets, blankets, pillows, and potentially a mattress topper (depending on your RV mattress). Make sure your pillows fit in your RV bed. Because ours is a queen, we transitioned to queen/standard pillows instead of our king-sized pillows.
In addition to the basic sleeping products, you should also bring sleeping bags for each member of your family. The truth is it can get very cold at night, you could run out of propane or battery power for your heater, and being too cold to sleep is the worst. Having sleeping bags on hand ensure that you’ll stay nice and cozy regardless of temps at night.
Some other items we use for sleeping and comfort include:
- eye mask
- ear plugs
- warm socks
- battery-operated fan (for warm nights)
- Mr. Heater Buddy
- electric blanket (only if you have the power for it)
Recreation & outdoor fun camping items
The recreation & outdoor fun camping gear in the RV supplies checklist is what makes this the best way to camp! You have more space to bring toys and outdoor activities than you would when tent camping with a small car.
Here’s our list of recreation items that we bring every single time:
- frisbee
- hammock
- TRX workout system
- Jazzminton
- swimsuits
- collapsible trash can
- outdoor mat
- folding chairs
- folding camp table
- solar lights
- books or e-books
- travel-size board games
- deck of cards
- outdoor games
- propane fire pit
- hydration pack
- bicycles or scooters
- soccer ball
- folding canopy
- e-bike (we have the Aventon Sinch and love it!)
Personal safety & identification information
Each person’s personal safety requirements are different, so only go so far off-grid to your comfort level. For the most part, the most dangerous part of RVing isn’t the off-grid camping, it’s driving and weather. Here are some basic tips for staying safe:
- Don’t drive in the wind – if you feel like you need to, you don’t. It’s not worth your life and the lives of others in your rig/truck.
- Make sure your towing vehicle is not overloaded. It’s not just about how much your truck can tow; it’s mostly about how well your braking system can handle the load. You’ll be going through elevation changes, highways, dirt roads, and traffic. Making sure your truck can actually handle the weight of a fully loaded rig (with water, propane, full tanks, toys, etc.) is critical for safely arriving at your destination.
- Invest in sway bars. If you feel the sway of your travel trailer or toy hauler as you’re driving, invest in a sway bar. While it seems like a big investment, it will pay off if this is a concern.
- Track tire pressure. Blowouts are a much bigger deal when you’re driving a top-heavy RV or towing a trailer. Using a system like Tire Minders can give you so much peace of mind without fiddling with your tires at every gas station.
- Turn off your propane when driving. Do we do this all the time? No. Should we? Probably. Some states require you to turn off your propane when driving, others don’t. Most fridges will retain their safe temps for food even with the propane off while driving. Just throw in a couple ice packs and don’t open the fridge until you reach your destination.
- Keep tire fixer on hand. Grab a tire fixer kit from Walmart or Amazon to patch up any minor leaks you might encounter on the road. This is a huge help if you drive over a nail in an off-grid area.
- Let someone know your travel plans. If you have someone you can trust, share your location on your phone or let them know your exact travel plans. Stuff happens, and you’ll want someone to know where your last location was if you’re in an off-grid accident.
- Bring extra food and water. The easier way to make sure you stay safe is to overpack water. Bring an external collapsible water jug to make sure you and your family will stay hydrated even if your trip goes longer than expected.
- Personal safety items. Be familiar with firearm laws in every state, Mexico, and Canada if you plan on brining one on your RV trip. Invest in other non-lethal personal protection devices like flashlights, bear spray, air horn, etc.
- Trust your gut. You learn to do this quickly once you start life on the road. If you don’t have a good feeling about the area or your neighbors, pack up and leave. This has only happened to us twice in over 2 years of RV life, but we are so glad we listened to our guts when it did. Our YouTube goes over some tips specific to boondocking and neighbors for more safety tips:
Pets – RV Supplies Checklist
This part of the RV supplies checklist is geared towards dogs, but it can apply to cats and other furry pets as well! Your dog’s size and temperament will determine how much you need each item, but in our opinion… you can never be too safe when it comes to your pets!
Bring all the gear you need to make sure your pet stays safe and identifiable. This includes a leash, collar, ID tags, food and water bowls, and plenty of food and water. You should also bring a first aid kit for your pet in case of any emergencies. Remember, you’re in nature so you may experience rattle snakes, bee stings, bear encounters, and birds of prey (a big concern for small dogs).
Other pet tips:
-Research the area you’re visiting for pet restrictions. Some places (especially high end RV parks) have leash laws, breed bans, or other rules in place. Be sure to follow them!
-Pack everything your pet will need for the trip, including food, water, bowls, bedding, toys, and any medications they take. It’s also a good idea to bring along copies of their medical records.
-Make sure your pet is comfortable traveling in the car. If they get car sick or anxious, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them relax before hitting the road.
For more RV pet safety tips, check out our YouTube:
Cleaning supplies for your camping trip
Cleaning in an RV is a never-ending job because of dust and nature when camping, but it is really easy to clean a rig compared to a house with just a few items in the RV supplies checklist!
- all purpose cleaner
- disinfectant spray
- microfiber cloths
- windex
- baking soda
- rags & hand towels
- hand broom
- dustpan
- scrubbing brush (our favorite is the Scrub Daddy)
- hand vacuum
- BioKleen (for pet messes)
RV dirty jobs
Dumping your tanks:
This is everyone’s least favorite RV job, but you’ll have to do it eventually! The first step is to hook up your RV to the sewer connection at the campground or dump station. Once you have a good seal, open the black water valve and let the tank empty. You may need to dump extra water in your toilet or use your flushing system if your black tank isn’t draining. Once the black tank is empty, close the valve, and connect your sewer hose to your gray tank. Follow the same tips for your gray tank, close the valve, and disconnect from your RV. Before putting your sewer hose away, flush your hose with water (usually provided nearby) to clean out any remaining junk from your sewer hose.
Washing the RV:
The best way to wash your RV is to go to a high clearance car wash that’s often used by boaters. You’ll usually pay per minute of washing, and we recommend washing it twice to ensure everything is clean on your exterior. Removing dirt and salt if you’ve been by the ocean or in snowy climates is critical to prevent rusting of your rig.
Some RV parks also offer washing as a service for an extra fee. In the US, this service is really expensive, but it’s affordable when RVing in Mexico!
Power supplies & electronics
Your power needs will 100% depend on your need for electronics and where you’re located (boondocking vs full hookups & sunny vs cloudy). If you work remotely in your RV, this will likely be your biggest investment into your rig. If you enjoy off-grid camping with no services, this will likely be the least of your concerns. Here’s what we always have on hand in the RV:
- portable solar panels
- inverter
- portable battery pack
- charging cords
- charging blocks
- Bluetooth speaker
- computer
- tablet
- noise cancelling headphones
- head lamps
- camping lantern
- flashlights (plural!)
- batteries for flashlights
- generator
- portable power bank (like Jackery or Bluetti)
How to use the RV checklist
When you download the ultimate RV packing checklist, you can use it in a few different ways. It’s a comprehensive list that will ensure you have an amazing, comfortable time in your RV. You may not need all the items. You may want even more than what’s on the list. Either way, you can use it in a couple of different ways to prepare for your next RV trip:
As a shopping list
How to use:
The RV checklist is a great tool to help you make sure you have everything you need for your trip. It can be used as a packing list, to help you remember what to bring, or as a way of making sure you have everything set up before you leave.
Research the items you want
The best way to find the items is to go online at Amazon, Walmart, Bass Pro Shop, REI, and other outdoorsy retailers that sell this type of gear. There are many smaller websites that sell specific RV parts and accessories as well.
What to look for in the items:
When you’re looking for items, you want to make sure that they are of good quality (built for the outdoors) and that they meet your RV’s specifications (size, weight, etc.).
Reminder for long-haul trips
Packing for a weekend is different for long-haul trips, and this checklist was designed with long-haul trips in mind. Whether you’re starting RV life or just going on an extended trip, the RV packing checklist will be a great list for making sure you have the necessities.
When to pack for your RV trip
There is no set time to start packing for your RV trip. However, it is important to give yourself enough time to gather all of the supplies you will need. Packing too close to your departure date can lead to forgotten items and unnecessary stress (lots of unnecessary stress).
The only thing that is pretty specific to packing is your groceries and drinks. We recommend turning on your RV fridge at least the night before to get it to food-safe temperatures. To help it cool down more efficiently, put some ice packs in the fridge and freezer components of your fridge.
We often choose to do grocery pick up through Walmart when leaving for our trip. We easily pull into the Walmart parking lot and employees bring your purchased items to you, making it easy to load into your rig and easy to load your fridge with pre-cooled items. This option may not be the best for you if your fridge is inaccessible with your slide outs in.
To make your fridge and/or cooler the most efficient they can be, pre-cool everything before putting it in your fridge/cooler. That means making sure you either cool down beer or soda beforehand or buying it cold in the store. It takes a lot of energy to cool down room-temperature items, which can cause issues with your fridge on travel days.
The best RV accessories and add-ons
When shopping for the best RV accessories and add-ons, it is important to consider function above all else before going for the aesthetic appeal. For us, electrical components and sleep items are the most important add ons. For you, it could be kitchen appliances like an InstantPot or ice maker. Here are some factors to consider when making these add-on purchases:
-Ease of installation: Some RV accessories and add-ons can be quite complex to install. Make sure to choose products that come with clear instructions or that can be plan for them to be installed by a professional. You have limited resources on the road, so some add-ons may be better installed in a house environment.
-Quality: It is important to choose products that are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. This will ensure that they last longer and stand up to the rigors of travel. It’s inevitable that you’ll leave something out in the rain and you don’t want to invest in a fun add-on that gets destroyed after an unexpected storm.
-Price: While it is important to find products that fit your budget, remember that cheaper does not always mean better (a hard lesson for me to learn). In many cases, it’s worth investing in higher quality items that will last longer and provide greater value in the long run, especially as you launch RV life. Add ons are an extra purchase, so you’ll want to make sure they last!
How to save money on RV supplies
1. Shop around for the best prices on RV supplies; the exact same product can be $100s cheaper at a different store.
2. Compare prices online and in store. Use Amazon’s barcode scanner when shopping in store to see if you can score a lower price.
3. Sign up for email lists at stores with high-ticket items. You’ll often receive discount codes after signing up that save you 10-20%!
4. Use Rakuten when shopping online. This is my favorite way to easily save money at all online stores… I’ve actually received over $620 cashback since I first started using Rakuten!
5. Check out used or refurbished items when possible. Amazon Warehouse is a great option for open box items that are brand new but offered at a discount because packaging is damaged in some way.
Planning a long-distance trip in your RV can be daunting. By taking the time to go through the RV packing checklist, you’ll get everything you need to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From supplies for personal hygiene and cleaning to kitchen essentials and entertainment, it’s all there. And if there are any items that aren’t listed, be sure to check our YouTube channel for more advice. Getting a look into what it’s really like on the road will reduce your fear of the unknown while on your road trip and ensure a safe and fun experience.
If you have any tips or suggestions of your own, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Safe travels!
