Did you know that 80% of Americans say they want to travel in 2023? 65% of Americans already have domestic travel plans in place for the year.
Are you one of the millions of Americans planning to travel this year? If you are, you might consider taking an RV trip to see more of the country.
This guide will discuss everything you’ll need on your RV checklist before heading out. Keep reading to learn what you’ll need to bring.
You’ll Need Some RV Tools
When creating a checklist for your RV road trip, it’s important to include tools for any unexpected events. You’ll want to have the tools necessary to get you safely back on the road if your RV develops any mechanical issues. You’ll need equipment to deal with any turbulent weather too.
A generator, jumper cables, motor oil, tire pressure gauge, and a standard toolbox can help get you out of a rut. Fire extinguishers, flashlights, road flares, and solar batteries can come in handy during unexpected weather events.
The equipment you need might also depend on the type of RV you have or want to buy. View here for more information on the types of RVs you might like.
A First Aid Kit Is a Must
You should have a first aid kit on your travel checklist. You can buy a kit with all the essentials or make one with items you already have at home.
Injuries and illness can occur when you travel, so be prepared with over-the-counter medications for motion sickness, pain relief, upset stomach, and allergies. Your first aid kit should also include antibiotic cream, antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, and scissors. Bring any prescription medications you take as well.
Some Cleaning Supplies for the Road
Living in such tight quarters while on the road requires keeping your space clean and organized. Some basic supplies will help you keep the kitchen area, bathroom, and bedrooms clean throughout the trip.
Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down countertops in the kitchen. Bleach can be used to clean the toilet. Make sure to keep the area well-ventilated.
Stock up on dish soap, hand soap, and laundry detergent. You’ll need gloves, a floor cleaner, a broom, and some trash bags.
Kitchen Must-Haves
You’ll need some tools for the days you want home-cooked meals. Add kitchen appliances and utensils to your checklist before getting on the road.
You should have baking sheets, pots, pans, glasses, mugs, and a cutting board on hand. Serving dishes, Tupperware, and silverware are important too.
Don’t forget to add a coffee machine, pressure cooker, air fryer, and toaster. It might be good to have a water-filter pitcher too.
Some Food Staples
You might want to try new restaurants while on your road trip, but it’s always good to have some staple food items in your RV pantry and fridge. These can help you save money while you travel.
Make sure you have mixes for pancakes, waffles, and your favorite desserts. For sandwiches, have some bread, deli meat, cheese, peanut butter, and jelly. Canned beans, tuna, and vegetables can help you make easy meals.
Butter, cooking oil, and spices are essentials too. Add some chips and granola bars to your pantry for snack time.
Grilling Tools
You might want to do some grilling while on your RV road trip. You can use a portable grill to make bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Many RV parks and campsites have grills for you to use too. You can use these to grill some hotdogs and burgers during a summer trip.
Add a few items to your checklist so you don’t have to buy them on the road. Aluminum foil, charcoal, lighter fluid, a metal spatula, and tongs are things you might need when grilling.
Sleeping Essentials
Sleeping comfortably while on a road trip will make the experience much more enjoyable. Add some extra bedding, blankets, and pillows to your checklist so everyone has what they need for resting.
Include some inflatable mattresses and sleeping bags for when you decide to camp out during your road trip. Bringing eye masks, earplugs, and some essential oils to spray before bed can help you sleep better too.
Don’t Forget About the Bathroom
Keep all the essentials in your RV bathroom to help everyone stay clean and comfortable while on the road. Extra bath towels and washcloths are a must.
You can create a toiletries kit for each person that includes shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, a toothbrush, lotion, deodorant, and menstrual products for those who need them. Don’t forget to stock up on toilet paper.
Outdoor Necessities
You’ll likely spend a lot of time outdoors during your RV trip. Your list of outdoor equipment will vary depending on the activities you have planned but keep some of the following essentials in mind when making your checklist.
You might need some beach towels, bug spray, sunscreen, lawn chairs, life jackets, a picnic basket, fishing gear, and a tent.
Entertainment and Tech
You’ll need some entertainment for everyone during the trip. It’s good to have various options for everyone in the group. You can pack some books, word searches, puzzles, and board games to play as a family.
Make sure to pack all the electronics you’ll need and the right chargers as well. This will likely include your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, portable speaker, and some extension cords.
Add These Items to Your RV Checklist for Your Next Trip
Make sure to include the items mentioned in this guide when creating your RV checklist. It’s important to have some tools in case your RV needs any repairs. You should also have some staple food and cleaning supplies.
Check out some of the other blogs on our site for more helpful travel tips.
