Packing for an RV vacation or road trip can be stressful. It is hard to predict what you might need, especially if you are new to the RV lifestyle. Most experienced campers keep an RV packing list that covers all the must have items. Every family needs different things, and each person has to pack his personal items. But our RV trip packing checklist will make sure you have everything else that you need.
RV Packing Tips for Beginners
We’ll go through the specific items you should pack later in our RV packing list. For now, let’s talk about how to pack. If you are traveling with a pop-up camper, you have no choice but to store items in the lower cupboards and on the floor. But for trailer and motorhome travel, the best policy is to put things away as you pack. Hang the clothes in the closet and fold into drawers. No need for suitcases, they’ll only get in the way.
When packing the heaviest items, pack them low, on bottom shelves or in outside storage. Also, make sure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the RV. You want the RV balanced and with a low center of gravity. A top-heavy vehicle is easier to tip over.
Stay organized as you pack and put things in obvious places. Food goes into the kitchen, clothes in the bedroom closet. Allow each person to have space exclusively for their personal items. Remember where you packed things, making a note on your RV packing list if needed. You don’t want to spend 15 minutes looking for the first-aid kit in an emergency.
Pack the food away in the pantry and refrigerator with care. Think about things getting moved around during travel and pack accordingly. Put jars and breakables in the refrigerator door rack, so they are held in place. Pack raw meats in the bottom of the fridge, so you don’t have drips onto food below. Also, put heavy items on lower shelves and lighter items above.
RV Packing Ideas
Seasoned RV travelers have a few tricks they use to keep things in their place. See if these RV packing ideas work for you:
- Use tension rods in cupboards to hold items in place
- Avoid packing breakables and glass, but if you must pack items that come in glass, find a place to wedge it in snugly
- If the cupboards and drawers don’t have latches, use bungee cords strung across the fronts to hold them closed while the RV is in motion
- Pack wash and wear clothing and athletic shoes
- Bring along one nice outfit, so you are free to go out to restaurants and dressy venues
- Pack what you need, but don’t overpack. Do you really need a different pair of shoes for each night?
- Pack with your printable RV packing list on hand. Make notations on where items are stored, unless it is obvious. For example, there is no need to list that foods are in the refrigerator or the pantry, but make a note if they are stored under the bed.
RV Trip Packing Checklist
Here is our ultimate RV packing list. We’ll organize the packing list by category, beginning with camping supplies. You may not need everything on the list, depending on your own personal preferences. These items are highly recommended:
RV Camping Supplies Packing List
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Day packs for hiking
- Trekking poles
- Maps and a compass (GPS doesn’t always work in the boonies)
- Lantern, flashlights, and headlamps
- Batteries and lantern fuel
- First aid kit
- Fishing gear and license
- Rope
- Waterproof tarps
- Binoculars
- Pet supplies, as needed
- Bikes
- Campsite reservation confirmation
- RV departure checklist
- Field guides
- Night-sky identifier/ star chart
- Notebook with pen or pencil
- Sketchbook/ art supplies
Tools:
- Wrenches, pliers, and sockets. The minimum tool kit
- Special tools needed for your vehicle and RV
- RV camping checklist of set-up and take-down chores
- Hammer
- Saw and axe (for firewood)
Clothing for RV Packing List
- Sweater or light jacket (even in the summer)
- Rain gear
- Swimsuit
- Long sleeve shirt (for bugs or the sun)
- Hat
- Wash and wear clothing for the length of the trip or 1 week
- One dressy outfit for restaurants and up-scale venues
- Pajamas
- Athletic shoes and hiking boots
- Sandals or flip flops
Personal Items:
- Laptop or tablet
- Camera and extra memory card
- Medicines
- Feminine hygiene products
- Heating pad or hot water bottle
- Soaps, shampoo, comb, brush
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash and other oral care supplies
- Shaving kit
- Lotions and lip balm
- Toilet paper
- Chargers and adapters for all your electronics
- Mirror
- Hand sanitizer
- Cell phone
Kitchen Kit RV Packing List
A kitchen kit may be included in your RV rental, but may not include everything. Check the rental list against these supplies:
- Pots, frying pan, plates, cups, bowls
- Measuring cups, spatulas, serving and eating utensils
- Knives
- Oven mitts and pot holders
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Foil and plastic wrap
- Plastic bags
- Dish soap, sponge, pot scrubber
- Cleaning supplies
- Dish rack
- Cutting board
- Water bottles
- Ice
- Water filter
- Skewers for roasting marshmallows
- Matches or lighters
Food- a Very Basic RV Packing List
We won’t be giving a specific food list; everyone’s tastes are different. However, it helps to pack foods that your family likes and that have long shelf lives in the pantry or refrigerator. Of course, a lot depends on how often you plan to eat out versus cooking in the RV. Plan out your meals and make a list of the foods you will need. Examples of foods for your RV packing list that your family might enjoy:
- Bread and crackers
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Snack foods, nuts and dips
- Canned meats such as tuna, corned beef, chunk chicken
- Condiments
- Deli meats
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Cheese
- Herbs and spices
- Breakfast bars
- Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
- Marshmallows
- Cooking oil/spray
- Salt and pepper
- Instant cook foods (like ramen, mashed potatoes, hash browns, macaroni and cheese, etc.)
- Trail mix
Miscellaneous
- Bed sheets, pillows and/or sleeping bags
- Barbecue grill and gas or charcoal and lighter fluid
- Lawn chairs
- Folding table and chairs, if needed
- Small vacuum and/or broom
- Doormat
- One or two dish tubs (not necessarily for dish use, but having a tub sometimes comes in handy)
- Clotheslines and clothespins
- Sunscreen, bug spray
- Can opener, bottle opener, and corkscrew
- Cooler
- Information on geocaching and GPS
- Playing cards, games, books, music, and movies
- Water toys
- Frisbees, boomerang
- Glow sticks
- Ice cream maker and ingredients
Finding the Best Deal on an RV Rental
This RV packing guide assumes that you are traveling in an RV that has a fully equipped kitchen, bath, and beds. Most of the RVs that you will find on peer-to-peer rental sites will have the basic equipment. Some will offer luxury amenities. You will find RV rentals to fit every need and budget on these sites, all you need to do is search.
Hopefully, this RV packing list will give you ideas on what to pack and remind you of anything you might have missed. Take a few minutes to print it out. A printable RV packing list is your best organization tool.
Here’s wishing you a relaxing vacation adventure.