Many Americans love to travel across the country in an RV during the summer. Gathering the family and seeing different states on a budget is easy with an RV.
Packing for an RV adventure is different than packing for a resort vacation. There are a few more items you’ll need to bring along. It’s closer to packing for a camping trip. These are five packing essential categories to familiarize yourself with for your next RV adventure.
Personal Items and Toiletries
You don’t want to be out on vacation and forget your toiletry essentials. Stopping at a convenience store while driving an RV is not easy. One of the best things about camping and traveling in an RV is that you’ll have all the amenities of your home. You’ll need to have medications, shower essentials, bathroom items, and more. You should pack the same items you’d need at a hotel. So, what are some items you shouldn’t forget?
Lotion
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Toilet paper
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hand soap
Body wash
Razors
Ponytail holders
Cotton swabs
Hairbrush
Pain medication (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin)
Prescriptions
Feminine products
Towels (beach, hand, and shower)
Sunscreen
Bug spray
This list is an excellent starting point. Of course, ensure you cater the list to your needs.
Toys, Books, and Entertainment Items
Toys, books, video games, and movies are fun things you and your family members can enjoy during downtime or traveling. You can never go wrong with packing entertainment items for an RV trip. Board and card games are always great to bring along. Does your family love gathering around the dining room table for a game of Uno? Maybe you’re more of a Monopoly family.
Movies, games, and books will give everyone something to do on rainy or bad-weather days. You can make it a habit to settle down after a long day with a family movie every night. It’s a way to decompress and relax after exploring and playing.
Bring crayons, coloring books, markers, and other crafting essentials to keep your kids preoccupied during travel days. They can easily sit and draw or color while you’re busy driving. Your kids will also enjoy the inexpensive entertainment during a rainy or relaxing day.
Don’t forget the beach toys if you’re stopping somewhere with a pool or beach. Pack goggles, beach towels, shoves, dive toys, floaties, and other water toys.
Food, Drinks, and Cooking Utensils
Most RV rentals will have all the cooking utensils and kitchen tools available and include them in the rental. But you’ll still need to bring food and beverages along for the journey. We’d suggest planning out meals and snacks to ensure you purchase and pack everything you need. Of course, if you’re going on an extended trip, say, a couple of weeks or a month, you may need to plan weekly stops at a grocery store to replenish the food supply.
If your RV rental provides cooking tools and utensils, you can decide if they offer everything you’ll need for the trip. Tell the rental company if you want to bring your own because they can clear out the cabinets and make room for yours.
Sportmans RV Rentals does provide a full kitchen, linen, and bathroom set at no additional charge. We offer various RV rental types, including fifth-wheel rentals in North Texas. You’ll discover our fifth wheels are spacious and perfect for any family camping trip. You’ll have no problem preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside or outside.
The most important food items for your RV trip are chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. After all, is it really camping if you’re not making s’mores? Don’t forget to bring along a tool to roast the marshmallows.
Bring along storage containers for any leftovers. You can also bring plastic wrap to seal items and place them in the fridge. Aluminum foil is another must-have kitchen item for RV adventures. Foil-packet meals are an easy way to cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, you can line pans or the grill with aluminum foil for quick cleanup.
Utility Items and Tools
Having a set of tools on hand is always a good idea because things break. A basic set can help you out of some sticky situations. Like the kitchen utensils, some of these items may already be on board if you’re renting the RV. The following list is perfect for a week-long trip. You may need to pack more if you plan to be gone longer.
Flashlight
Batteries
Screwdriver set (Phillips and Flathead)
Scissors
Rope
Duct tape
Tarp
Socket wrench set
WD-40
Pocket knife
Hammer
Clothing Items
You can’t go on an adventure without packing a suitcase full of clothes. An RV journey means you’ll most likely spend a lot of time outdoors. Many of the clothing items you bring will get dirty or sweaty.
Ensure you bring multiple changes of clothing for the kids. They’ll surely enjoy digging, climbing, and exploring. One outfit a day may not suffice. The same goes for bathing suits. The extra items will come in handy when stains happen. Only bring nice or fancy clothing items for sit-down meals or similar events.
Don’t forget to bring layers, even during the summertime. Summer evenings can get chilly, and having a hoodie or sweater can keep you warm during nighttime walks. Pants are a good idea to help protect your skin against bug bites.
Many RV campsites have laundromats. This tip is important to remember when you’re packing. You can wash and dry your clothes to keep your clothing packing to a minimum. Check with the RV park before the trip to ensure they have one if that’s part of your plan.
So what is a good clothing packing list? This list is perfect for one adult person for a week-long summertime RV adventure.
Hiking boots
A pair of shorts per day
Two pairs of sweatpants
One T-shirt or tank top a day
Enough underwear for the trip (plus extra)
Sandals
A sweater
A long-sleeve shirt
These RV essentials should surely be on your packing list. It will make for smooth sailing as you embark on your adventure. Don’t forget to pack the essentials for your pet if you’re bringing them along. When you’re booking your RV, ensure you double-check what items they’ll have available for you.
