Getting ready for an RV trip can be exhausting. It’s important to have the RV in tip-top condition, and to think ahead about all the clothes and other supplies we will need for all kinds of weather. (Usually, we will run into both snow and scorching heat before returning home.) There have been times when we have thought, “Oh, the heck with it—let’s stay home and enjoy California.” Fortunately, we always have continued with our plans.
During several trips, we’ve assembled a list of tasks and things to take, which stays on the laptop computer. Other RVers, especially those who are novices at the game, may find it useful:
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Tasks
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Notes
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Before packing, take care of maintenance and repairs, and fill the propane and water tanks. Clean the RV interior and exterior thoroughly, using an insect-rejecting material on the exterior.
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Starting out with a clean slate makes the trip much easier and more enjoyable.
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Organize everything, use labels, etc.
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This seems obsessive (unless you’re naturally more organized than we are), but being able to find things on the road is vital.
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Check weather and road conditions as needed.
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Have medical prescriptions filled.
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If possible, get 90-day supplies. Filling prescriptions away from home can be time-consuming, even if you use a nationwide pharmacy.
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Return library books and other borrowed items. Set water heater on vacation setting. Notify utilities about vacation.
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Don’t waste money by paying for unneeded services or acquiring library fines!
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Have mail held or forwarded.
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Mail-forwarding services work well if you can predict when you will be at a certain city and can find the post office.
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Be sure you have insurance, including coverage for Mexico and Canada if needed.
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Notify neighbors or police about absence; arrange for plant care.
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Things to Take
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Notes
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RV-life clothes: hiking boots, jeans, daypacks, parkas, sun hats, swimsuits, etc.
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Get high-quality items at REI or a similar source; don’t assume you can find them en route. Lots of tee shirts will fit in a small space, especially if rolled.
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One or two decent outfits.
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For the occasional restaurant, visit to the in-laws, or other occasion.
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Comfortable shoes and sandals.
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Plan to do lots of walking. You will be on your feet more than you expect.
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Lots of underwear.
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You can postpone laundry stops if you have plenty of clean underwear.
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Medical supplies: all prescriptions, over-the-counter needs (Pepto-Bismol, aspirin or other analgesic, sunscreen, calamine lotion, etc.), spare glasses, orthotics, or other necessities.
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Forgetting any of this stuff can ruin a trip. Common OTC supplies may be easy to find at home, but you may not be able to buy them at a campground or on the road.
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Well-stocked toilet kit (preferably one that can hang on a hook in a campground shower).
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Travel-size bottles and jars of cosmetics and toiletries are usually big enough.
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Camera, rechargeable batteries, battery charger.
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Being environmentalists, we make space for a battery charger.
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Laptop computer, tablet, cell phone, or other electronic device.
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You probably can’t bear to leave home without some of this junk. Be careful not to crush the laptop with the slide if you store it there!
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Address book.
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Even if addresses are on a computer, a printed address book may be needed. (Especially if you crush the laptop with the slide.)
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Basic kitchen utensils: small teakettle, saucepan, frying pan; can opener, spatula, sandwich spreader with serrated edge; coffee maker or tea ball; and so on. A few plates, bowls, cups, glasses, tableware.
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Look through your home kitchen. What do you really need? What things can serve two purposes? Galley space is very limited in most rigs. Pack all dishes in dish towels or terry cloths to protect them during travel.
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Matches, aluminum foil, dishpan, sponges, dish towels, pot holders, coffee filters.
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Some of these things are essential, some can be eliminated. It depends on your individual needs.
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Camper’s Swiss Army knife.
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If only for the corkscrew.
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Dust cloth, small broom, dustpan.
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Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths (all as small as possible)
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Color-code these to minimize laundry.
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Toilet deodorizer and toilet paper (made for RV use), toilet brush
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Small bottle of all-purpose liquid cleaner.
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Laundry bag and crushable tote bags.
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Color-coded bags can help keep things organized.
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Camper’s log, atlas, travel books.
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These add weight, but do take any you will need.
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Passports or birth certificates.
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Postage stamps for post cards.
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These are never available for sale when you need them.
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Books, games.
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For rainy days, especially.
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Nature guides for birds and wildflowers.
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Even if you have no interest in natural history, you will see some mysterious plant or animal and want to identify it.
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Outdoor chairs, plastic tablecloth for picnic table, other outdoor needs.
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Leave the pink flamingos home, please.
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Leveling blocks if needed.
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Few campsites are flat, and your fridge needs to be level.
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This is only a partial list, of course. I hope it may be a starting point for some RVers who are overpowered by planning.
