Don't Leave Home Without It - Must Haves on Your Next RV Trip

When you set out on the open road there are some things that are just common sense to take along with you. But sometimes there are really handy things that you may not have thought of before you left home. Particularly if this is your first or second time renting an RV, we bring you some tips from the seasoned RV’ers that will ensure you have what you need for your next RV adventure!

Just in case you haven’t thought of these – here are some quick tips to remember:

1. Bring a good book to read or several if you will be traveling a long time.

2. Pack some of your favorite snacks and drinks in your cooler to take along in the RV with you plus shop for everything you may want to stock in your RV’s fridge.

3. Pack extra clothing, for different weather conditions, but still keep it light - it's good to be prepared for anything! But remember storage space is limited in an RV.

4. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies before you leave, like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and matches. Your RV dealer will also have provided all the usual necessities but bring along your favorite shampoos, conditioners, etc.

6. Check the weather forecast beforehand so that you can pack accordingly if there will be inclement weather along your route.

And here are some more specific and detailed tips from seasoned RV’ers that you may want to take to heart:

Kitchen Items

Since most RVs come equipped with a full kitchen, many RV’ers plan to cook most of their own meals. This means that you will need to pack all the items that are required for cooking. Here is a basic list of the most common items needed to cook and eat most meals. Note: check with your RV rental dealer before you pack, as many of these items may be provided by them.

• cups and mugs

• plates

• bowls

• utensils (forks/knives/spoons)

• napkins

• paper towels

• cooking utensils (tongs, big spoons, ladles, etc.)

• can opener

• frying pan

• large pot

• sheet pan

• potholders

• dish towels

• sponge

• dish soap

• plastic wrap

• aluminum foil

• Ziploc bags (quart & gallon)

• cleaning wipes

• Tupperware containers

• matches and/or lighter

Food

Cooking most of your own meals also means bringing along the ingredients needed. You will also want to bring along plenty of snacks and easy things to eat while driving. This list will differ depending on what you plan to have on the menu for your trip, but this list is a great place to start:

• cereal

• milk

• salt, pepper, spices

• condiments (mustard, mayo, ketchup, relish, BBQ sauce, salad dressing)

• cooking oils

• meats (chicken, hot dogs, brats, burgers, etc.)

• fruits & vegetables

• pancake mix

• peanut butter & jelly

• lunchmeat & cheese

• bread

• canned foods

• s’mores ingredients

• eggs 

• oatmeal 

• coffee & tea

• baking essentials (flour, sugar, baking soda, etc.)

• snacks (chips, cookies, trail mix, granola bars, beef jerky, popcorn, etc.)

Toiletries

Packing a small bag of toiletries for a flight still looks much different than stocking a small bathroom for an RV trip. Keep in mind that you will want to bring along first aid essentials, all your medicines, and supplies for showers for the whole family. Here is a short list to get you started.

• first-aid kit

• peroxide, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel

• pain relief medications 

• Dramamine for motion sickness

• any other medications you may need

• hand soap

• face wash

• body wash

• loofah and/or washcloths

• shampoo

• conditioner

• razors

• shaving cream

• hairbrush / comb

• hairdryer

• hair gel /styling products

• moisturizer

• lotion

• toothpaste

• tooth brushes

• floss

• mouthwash

• nail clippers

• tweezers

• hair ties / clips

• makeup

• cotton balls / Qtips

• sunscreen

• bug spray

Clothing

This is another list that will vary from person to person. Some people may plan to go out to sightsee more, while others plan to relax by the pool or go hiking. Regardless, this list is a good place to start when packing your clothing for your next RV trip.

• long sleeve shirts

• short sleeve shirts

• jacket/sweatshirt

• pants

• shorts

• bathing suit

• socks & underwear

• shoes (sneakers, sandals, hiking boots, etc.)

• rain gear

• hats

Outdoor Gear

When RV camping, one of the biggest things many look forward to is getting outside. Whether going for a hike, a picnic, a scenic drive, or a swim, heading outdoors is fun for the whole family. Bringing along the gear to support these activities is a must! This list will look different for everyone, depending on what you plan to do on your vacation and what gear you have.

• wood for fires

• hammock

• camp chairs / table

• binoculars

• backpack

• fishing rod(s) & tackle

• sports equipment (football, baseball & bat, etc.)

• water bottle

• bikes

• canoe or kayaks, paddles, life jackets

• inner tubes

• hiking poles

Miscellaneous Items

This list is for all the random items without any other specific category. Some of these items would be great for a rainy day indoors, while others are just basic essentials.

• pillows & pillow cases

• sheets

• bedding

• towels

• alarm clock

• extra blankets

• pet supplies (food, bowls, toys, treats, leash & collar, bed, vaccination records)

• sewing kit

• phone chargers

• laptop & laptop charger

• DVDs

• watch

• cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, bathroom/tub cleaner, wipes, window cleaner)

• laundry detergent & dryer sheets

• broom/dustpan, vacuum, mop

• cash

• reservation confirmations

• playing cards

• board games

• books

• puzzles

• speaker/radio/CD player and CD’s

We suggest that you check with your RV rental dealer before packing anything to see what they provide before you start bringing everything but the kitchen sink!

And, be sure to check with your local El Monte RV Rental location for any tips or questions before you go.