The Ultimate RV Camping Packing List

RVing is one of the best ways to explore the world. You can wake up right in the middle of the night, and drive to a new city, while simultaneously being at home. Yet, there are certain things you should never hit the road without. This applies to even when bouts of adventure hit you unexpectedly.

We compiled an RV packing list, so you don’t start your next adventure without the essentials. We’ve divided it into different sections for easier shopping

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RV Equipment and Tools Checklist

RV campers can take on harsh road conditions but that doesn’t mean they don’t need maintenance. If you want your RV to take you on more trips across the world you will need to add the following to your RV camping list:

1. RV Repair Toolkit

An RV camper is your home on wheels, but at its core, it’s still a car. With that said, you’re going to need a fully-functional repair kit. Your RV repair kit should always contain the following:

• Battery jumper cables
• Portable air compressor
•  Hydraulic jack
• Tire pressure gauge
• Extra motor oil
• Coolant
• Fuel filter
• Transmission fluid
• Adjustable wrench set
• Pliers
• Roof sealant
• Electrical multimeter
• Wire cutter
• Hose repair kit
• Duct tape
•  Road flares and triangles
• Glue

Most RV repair toolkits don’t feature all the items above. In that light, you may have to buy most of the tools individually to create the ultimate toolkit.

2. RV Leveling Blocks

The beauty of RVing is the control and flexibility it offers over your adventures. You can travel all day and camp in the next town for the next few days, and you can change direction on a whim. That means you’ll find yourself on uneven terrain a lot of times. This is especially if you’re traveling off-road. Or if you get to campsites late when the good parking spots are taken.

Having leveling ramps will eliminate the need to compete for parking spots. They’ll keep your RV leveled, and comfortable to sleep in even when on a rocky, or sloping camping spot. While you may DIY your RV leveling blocks, it’s best to invest in a professional-grade option. The Camco 44510 heavy-duty RV blocks are a particularly superb choice. 

The Camco leveling blocks spot a bright yellow color.  That means unless you’re running away from something, you won’t forget leveling blocks at camp again.

They ship as a pack of ten, interlocking blocks. That accrues you two perks; they’re easy to set up because you only need to stack them like Legos. And their stackability means you can control the height at which you level your RV.

These blocks feature a tough, patented UV-resistant resin. So whether you plan to have your RV leveled for a week, or a month straight, they won’t be sun-damaged. Each block is 1-inch thick, with an 8.5inch square base. As a result, they are pretty solid and can accommodate RV trailers up to 9000-pound heavy even on soft soil. And they are multi-functional too. You can use them to provide additional support when you’re changing your wheels.

3. Dump Hose

See all the hot showers, and flushable toilet sessions you’ll enjoy are part of what makes an RV feel like home. But, you get these in exchange for one, not-so-pleasing task; dumping all the wastewater you create in the process.

While it’s not a tad enjoyable, investing in a good dump hose will make the task bearable. I recommend the Camco RhinoExtreme sewer hose. It ships as two-ten foot hoses which means it’s compatible with RV drains on the side and those at the center.

 

If your RV drain is on the side, then things will be even easier as you only need to use one of the hoses. This is instead of having to contend with the extra 5 or 10 feet of a hose a typical 15 to 2-feet hoses would leave you struggling with.

This sewer hose features a durable TPE technology for superior crush, and abrasion resistance. It’s compatible with 3-inch to 4inch sewer connections meaning it’s compatible with most dump stations you’ll find along the way.

The Camco drain hose comes with quality lug fittings and a swivel bayonet for a leak-proof seal with dump station connections. Even better, it’s transparent so you can see when the job is done. The best part? It has storage caps for each end and is collapsible for easy storage.

4. Water Pressure Regulator

An RV water pressure regulator does precisely what its name implies: to regulate the pressure of the water you use in the RV.

It may not seem essential, but it’s necessary unless you want your RV PEX lines to burst, and flood your precious camper. Of course, nobody wants that which is why you should consider the Valterra water regulator.

It keeps water pressure between 50 and 55psi to ensure you get a desirable flow without bursting your RV plumbing. It has a safe, rust-resistant, and lead-free brass construction, and it’s compatible with standard RVs, campers, and trailers.

5. Portable Generator

Even with a reliable inverter and solar power, you never know when you’ll run out of power when RVing. You may also find yourself camping in a spot with no electrical hookups. That’s why a reliable, portable generator is a must-have on your RV camping list. It’ll power all your appliances when there are no available electric hookups, conversely enabling you to preserve your RVs power.

As with everything else, there are plenty of options in the market, but the Champion 4250 inverter generator is an excellent buy.  It runs on propane or gas meaning you can use propane when gas prices go crazy.

The inverter has a 4-gallon fuel tank which can power you up for up to 22 hours on a quarter load of gasoline, and up to 21 hours on a quarter load of propane. Plus, it features an economy mode to reduce fuel consumption.

6. Trailer Hitch Lock

The last thing you want is to come back to a campsite to find your RV trailer gone. Thankfully, you can keep it safe by getting a reputable hitch lock like the Master Lock 398 DAT coupler lock. It’s one of the most popular locks in RV circles and for a good reason. To begin with, it is a universal lock meaning it works with most couplers.

Source: Master Lock

Each lock features a key specially designed for it, so no master key can ever pick it. Plus, it has an advanced locking mechanism. This keeps thieves from even trying to pick it because it just won’t give way. Don’t believe it’s that reliable? The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. They also guarantee a full refund should you ever find your lock picked, and your trailer gone. It has a rust, and corrosion resistant chrome finish, and a durable steel build to enhance security.

Other key RV equipment to add to your checking list include:

1.  Extra cotter pins
2.  Heated water hose
3. Towing mirrors
4.  Wheel chocks
5. Emergency light kit
6.   Tire plug kit
7. Slide cleaner
8. Utility knife
9. Spare electrical wire
10. Bungee cords
11.  Zip ties
12. Caulking gun
13. Step stool

Essential RV Camping Packing List Items to Make Your Camper Feel Like home

The marquee advantage of RVing over any other form of traveling is that you get to take your home with you. But to enjoy and make every trip memorable you need to make your RV feel as comfortable as home. So, whether you are planning a weekend trip, or half-the-globe tour, here are absolute RV must-haves in different categories:

RV Kitchen Checklist

Cooking while RVing is a uniquely different experience. Plus, it saves you tons of money over eating in hotels. Besides food, snacks, and spices here are the kitchen essentials you’ll need to make RV mealtimes a breeze:

Portable Kitchen Appliances

RV cooking is fun, but you’ll be swamped for space. Thankfully, we live in an era of incredibly compact appliances perfect when you’re working with limited space.

The appliances I’ll list in this section can perform multiple kitchen functions. That means they’ll replace most of the kitchen supplies and accessories that take up space in an RV.

1. An Air fryer is One Such Appliance

Air fryers have been having a major buzz over the past year and for good reasons. They’re portable and cook healthier because they air fry. That means you get to enjoy the spicy wings you love minus the oil and calories.

And they cook almost anything, from air fried, baked, grilled, broiled to roasted dishes, and some have enough capacity to make enough food for ten. And the reason I fancy them most? They have a cooking basket, and a convection oven designed to hold food directly. So if you’re looking to pack light, an air fryer is a perfect accessory. You won’t need to pack pans, and cooking ware especially if you’ll only be a few lads on that trip.

It’s this portability, versatility, and functionality that makes them a must-have RV kitchen accessory.  They’re plenty of models out there but I’d recommend the Instant Vortex 5.7-quart air fryer.

Source: Instant Home

Besides air frying, it can bake, roast, and even reheat your food. It’s particularly good with reheating thanks to its high, yet adjustable temperature range (120⁰ F to 400⁰F).

With 5.7 quarts’ capacity, the Instant Vortex air fryer has enough room to broil, roast, or oven-bake an entire chicken. And the best part? It’s pretty compact on the outside and has a sleek, customizable, one-touch smart screen. Plus it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Other essential RV appliances I’d recommend not leaving behind include:

1.   A Coffee maker
2.  Toaster
3.   Blender
4.    Electric kettle
5.  Cooler

Dinnerware

With most of the cooking done in your air fryer, you may not need cookware. But, you will need dinner, and drinkware as well as related accessories to comfortably serve the food. So ensure you pack the following:

1. Drinking mugs and glasses
2.   Plates and bowls
3. Silverware
4. Spoons, forks, and eating knives
5. Measuring cups
6.  Chopping board and knives
7. Cooking oils
8.  Wine key 
9. Can opener
10.   Pizza cutter
11. Scissors
12. Veggie peeler
13. Mixing bowls and measuring spoons
14. Whisk
15. Food storage containers
16. Ziploc bags
17. Foil and plastic wrap
18. Reusable water bottles
19. Dish towels and washcloths
20. Napkins or paper towels

Cleaning Supplies

You will also need cleaning supplies such as:

1. Bleach
2. Carpet cleaner
3.   Cleaning sponge
4.  Dishwashing soap and detergents
5.  Dish rack
6. Dish towels and washcloths
7.  Fabric cleaner
8.  Gloves
9. Sink and countertop cleaners
10. Broom and dustpan
11. Stain remover
12. Cloth line
13. Toilet cleaning brush

RV Bedroom Packing List

For a comfy, relaxing, and invigorating night of slumber in an RV, you will need:

1.  A good RV mattress

I say RV mattresses because regular mattresses won’t cut it in an RV. Some RV campers have oddly shaped sleeping spaces that need specially-shaped mattresses. And some may fold up for easier packing.

If you’re weighing your options, consider getting the Dream foam essential mattress.

Source: RV Mattresses by Brooklyn Bedding

Depending on the height you want, you have two-to-three layers of foam, a supportive poly-foam layer, and a cooling gel memory foam layer to keep you comfortably cool while sleeping. It comes in ten RV-specific layers, and you can have the manufacturer customize it to specifically fit your RV.

Other essential items to add to your RV bedroom checklist include:

1. Beddings and extra blankets
2.  Pajamas
3.   Pillows
4. RV sheets
5. Sleeping bags
6. Blackout blinds or RV curtains
7. A packable tent just in case you want to sleep outside or have an extra RV camping buddy
8. Slippers

Personal, and RV Bathroom Essentials

Personal, and bathroom essentials are easy to overlook because most people tend to assume you can just get them on the way. But having your RV ready with everything you need before you start the trip keeps you within budget, and eliminates chances of being stuck. With that said, check out the absolute must-haves when it comes to personal items, and bathroom essentials:

1. Air freshener
2. Bath towels, beach towels, face cloths, hand towels, and washcloths
3. Bathing soap and shower gels
4. Deodorant and body lotions
5.  Feminine hygiene products
6.  RV-safe toilet paper, wet wipes, makeup wipes (for makeup users), cotton balls
7. Floss, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
8.  Hair brushes
9. Nail clippers
10.  First aid kit
11. Sewing kit
12. Shampoo, and conditioner
13. Sunscreen
14. Quick dry towels
15. Storage containers
16. Closed bag for essential documents

Organizational Accessories

Modern RV campers can be outfitted to include more space but generally, you’ll always need to be well organized for a comfortable RVing experience. Here are some must-have RV organizational accessories that’ll help you make the most of the available RV space.

1. Packing cubes
2. Hangers
3. Collapsible drying rack
4. Collapsible food containers
5. Small laundry baskets

General Must-have Accessories in Your RV Camping List for a Comfortable RVing Experience

For ultimate comfort, and a generally enjoyable RVing experience, you can’t afford to miss the following items on your RV camping list:

1.   Bug spray
2. Motion sickness patch
3. Cell signal booster
4. Hammocks
5. Fan
6. Folding or lawn chairs
7. Portable chargers
8. Power cords
9. Headlamps or a quality flashlight and extra batteries
10. Surge protector power strip
11.  Electrical adapters
12. Wi-Fi signal booster
13.  Mirror
14. Electrical space heater
15.  Fun and gaming accessories such as a deck of cards, board games, bikes, or fishing gear
16.  Umbrella
17. Rugs and mats
18. String lights
19.  A small folding shovel
20. Fire extinguisher

RV Camping Checklist with Kids

Tagging your little ones along? You cannot afford not to have the following supplies on your RV camping list:

1.  Car seats
2. Lots, lots, and lots of snacks
3. Glow-in-the-dark accessories
4. Children toys
5. Comfortable clothing
6. Book basket
7. Plenty of games and outdoor toys
8. First aid kit
9. Collapsible playpen
10.  Swaddle, and Special sleep blankies
11. Bug spray
12. Allergy and pain relief medication (little ones tend to wander and may accidentally come across invasive, allergy-triggering plants like poison ivy)
13. A small backpack full of personal items for each kid for daily excursions
14.  Safety whistles
15.  Activity floor mat

RV Camping List with Pets

And when you have pets instead of kids, you will need to add the following to your checklist:

1.  A leash
2. Collar or name tag with your contact details
3. Plenty of pet food
4. Lots of treats
5. Pet crates for pets with anxiety
6. Pet bed
7. Anxiety reducing spray
8. Lint roller
9. Set up a temperature monitoring system
10. Indoor security camera for when you leave the pet inside the camper
11. Pet hammock
12. Litter box
13. Poop bags for when you’re strolling outdoors, and far from the litter box
14. Seatbelt harness
15. Ramps 
16. Pet blanket
17. Scratching pad or post
18. Travel bowls
19. Lots of freshwater (this you can replenish along the way)
20. Flea & tick shampoo
21. Portable water bottle
22. Collapsible food bowls (for when you’re hiking)
23. Grooming tools such as fur brush
24. Pet gate
25. Vaccination records