Traveling in an RV (or recreational vehicle) is a great way to explore your country and enjoy a relaxing vacation. This is because they have a homely feel that allows you to relax instantly!
But the truth is that it’s easy to overpack when going on an RV trip. When traveling in one of these vehicles, you don’t need to pack everything but the kitchen sink.
Instead, you should only bring essential items you will need during your journey.
If you’re looking to take a camping adventure in the great outdoors, make sure that you are following these safety tips for camping. Read these articles to learn more about planning a camping trip and what it will cost to go camping.
So to ensure that you only bring what you need, we’ve created a list of the things you should pack for an RV trip.
Read on to find out more!
What Should You Pack On An RV Trip?
To help you keep on top of all the equipment that you need, we have broken down the things that you need to pack into different categories:
1. Cooking Equipment
Firstly, you will need to bring sufficient cooking equipment to prepare some delicious meals in your RV. We suggest that you bring the following items with you:
- Drinking receptacles, such as glasses and mugs
- Roasting trays
- A kettle
- Knives, forks, and spoons
- Plates and bowls
- Pots and pans
- A pizza cutter
- A chopping board
- A sharp knife
- A spatula and wooden spoon
- A can opener
- A frying pan
2. Clothes
Having enough clothes for your vacation is important, especially if you won’t be able to wash them. The longer your trip, the more clothes you will need to bring.
You must consider the weather conditions and time of year when planning what clothes you will bring. Other items, such as underwear, belts, and shoes, will be necessary regardless of the season.
In the spring, the weather will likely be relatively warm, though it’s still a good idea to bring a few waterproof items. You may also need extra layers of clothing, such as jumpers and hoodies, in case the weather gets cold. Aside from this, you will need t-shirts and long pants.
In the summer, short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts are the best clothes to bring. Yet, it can’t hurt to pack a few additional layers.
During the fall and winter, it’s advised that you bring thicker clothes and waterproof clothing to protect you from the weather. You may also want to pack a hat, scarf, and a pair of gloves.
If you are going on an RV trip to a formal occasion, you should also remember to pack your formal attire.
3. Bedding
If you are sleeping in your RV, you must bring bedding such as pillows and blankets. You must also bring bed sheets. Furthermore, if you are going on a long vacation, it’s best to bring some extra bedding. This is especially important if you are traveling with a potty-training toddler.
4. Toiletries And Bathroom Essentials
It’s important to remember toiletries. Otherwise, you will end up smelling bad, especially if you go on a long trip. Some of the equipment that you will need for the bathroom include:
- Towels
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shower gel
- Hand wash
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet roll
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Tissues
- Nail clippers
- A razor and shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medication
5. Entertainment
If you are going on a trip for a long time, you will start to get bored. With only your fellow travelers for company, you may start to go crazy. So to prevent this boredom, the best thing you can do is pack some things to keep you entertained.
Of course, everyone will be entertained by different activities. Yet, here are some of the best tools that you can use to fend off boredom:
- A pack of playing cards
- A book or comic book
- Board games
- Coloring books
- Magazines
- A game console
Use our Printable Travel Games for Kids to help your family survive a road trip or travel with kids. This activity pack will entertain the children on your next RV road trip.
6. Electronics
You may also require access to bring electronics, such as:
- A laptop
- A phone or tablet
- A video camera
- A portable speaker
- Chargers for your various devices
- A flashlight
7. Camping Gear
Camping is a great way to explore nature. It’s a great idea to pack camping gear for your journey, as you may decide to camp outside if the weather is nice.
Alternatively, if you have numerous guests, there may not be enough room for everyone to sleep in the RV. Therefore, we advise that you pack a sleeping bag and tent.
8. Food
Lastly, you will need to bring food on your RV trip. If not, you are likely to get a little peckish. Choosing the right food can be tough, as you will have to consider things such as storage space. For instance, if your RV only has a small fridge, you will be rather limited.
Moreover, you must think about how long the food will last. If you are going for a long trip, it’s a good idea to stock up on some non-perishable essentials. These kid-friendly travel snacks are great for an RV trip.
Finally, it’s recommended that you consider what cooking equipment you have access to. If you have limited cooking equipment, it’s best to opt for some rather basic meals. We recommend that you pack the following:
- Pasta
- Rice
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee granules and tea bags
- Milk
- Bread
- Cheese
- Meat
- Ice
- Soft drinks
- Canned food
Of course, you should bring ingredients to make whatever meals you fancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should You Not Pack On Your RV Trip?
Now that you know what objects are essential for your RV trip, you should also consider the equipment you must avoid.
Here are some of the items that we recommend that you refrain from including in your camping backpack:
- Valuables, as these could get stolen
- Firewood
- Food that you won’t eat
- Formal clothing that will become creased
Is It Comfortable To Sleep In An RV?
An RV is often not the most comfortable place to sleep. Fortunately, there are a few steps that you can take to increase your comfort when sleeping in an RV.
Firstly, get blackout curtains to prevent light from streaming through the windows. Next, get a more comfortable mattress, as standard RV mattresses tend to be uncomfortable.
Lastly, choose a good spot to park your RV for the night so that you can have a peaceful sleep.
Final Thoughts
Though packing for an RV trip can be daunting because there are lots of things that you will need to bring, it’s nonetheless important to be organized. If not, you can end up leaving behind something important.
With any luck, this guide will ensure that you are perfectly prepared for your amazing RV trip!
For more about family travel, check out these posts:
Multi-Generational Travel Ideas For Families
How To Plan A Camping Trip
Is Camping Safe?
River Tubing with Kids
How To Pack A Backpack for Traveling
How Much Does Camping Cost?
