Are you planning to move out on your first RV tour with family or friends?
I understand what movies have done to your imagination and how campers are the new hotel rooms for modern travellers. However, what most other camper owners failed to realize is that there should be a camper checklist to help you pack the right things that will be useful for your journey.
Going out on an RV travel, without having a list of camper packing list can be a mundane task as it’ll result in you facing problems over every corner. Therefore, having a checklist of essential supplies is necessary. Therefore, I’ve curated a perfect RV camping checklist for your next travel, which you can download in your system/smartphone and print later.
Let’s segregate your RV travel into months, weeks, and days before you are ready to leave for your perfect vacay.
Camper checklist before 3-6 months of your trip
Even before you prepare your suitcases for a trip, it is essential to create a travel trailer checklist to give you the ideal travelling condition. Your RV’s condition plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and pleasant ride.
Not having your RV supplies sorted can be a nightmare for you. Having mechanical or electrical issues can keep you occupied, even on your vacations.
Listed below is a suggested travel trailer setup checklist:
- Give your RV a complete inspection, at least six months before you head for a trip. We suggest you do a quick checkup on your RV and get it repaired way before you head for a trip.
- Keep a keen eye on the moving parts inside a camper such as the latches, awnings, hooks, and tires.
- Ensure that your hitch is in proper condition.
- Do check your HVAC system and portable quiet generator.
- Keep a check on the propane or gas inside your camper and ensure that they are filled-up and there is no leakage.
- Check the lights on your vehicle and see if they are working properly. Having effective working lights is essential to make things work out for you.
Having an RV checklist is essential as it not only helps you secure a safe ride but also ensures you a convenient ride.
Camper checklist before a week of your trip
For all of us who have experienced the last moment problems with our packing, we understand the bulk planning that needs to occur. While planning is always hectic, it is essential to cross the checklist, at least a week before you start giving it a rush. The listed checklist includes:
- Plan your meals beforehand so that you don’t suffer from the dilemma of ‘what to cook’.
- Gather all your important papers of the camper, the vehicle and your documents in one place.
- If you have small passengers or furry friends on board, make sure that you have gathered all their health documents and medications, well in advance.
- Your RV supply should be stacked well in advance.
- Keep printed copies of maps and ensure that your sat nav is configured, way before you leave for a trip.
- Your RV packing list should be having laundered items of all the clothes (curtains, bedsheets, and towels) used inside the camper.
- Keep an eye on the generator fluid levels and the battery health of your RV.
- Fill up your water tank with fresh water at the preferred levels. However, remember, adding extra water means adding extra weight to your camper.
Camper checklist before leaving
Even after you have a printable RV setup checklist, there will be times when something or the other that you might miss out. Even after you have made a checklist a month or week before, there might be chances that you might lose something that is important. Remember these few RV essentials while you begin your trip:
- Your checklist should be the sum total of all RV needs to give you an idea of what is needed.
- Take a look around your RV kitchen and add something, if missing.
- Considering giving a check on the AC levels as well.
- Clear your windshield of any obstruction that lies in your way.
- One major RV must-haves includes drinking water, check the levels before leaving.
- Ensure that all the stocks are filled up, and the cupboards are filled up.
- Secure the awnings and any moving parts, do check the load on suspensions as well.
- Secure the roofs, except those for ventilation.
- Check the electricity supply inside your camper.
- Check your tanks, and valves for leakage and spillage.
- Close all internal and external doors and cabinets.
- Check that the RV brakes are working properly.
Now, we understand that most of you might not have had a previous experience with going out on your RVs to a vacation. Therefore, to help you out with the same, I have also prepared a camper checklist for first-time travelers. This reminds me of Throttlebias’ list of Camper names – please do check if you have not named your RV yet.
Since you might be a beginner, here are some of the very basics of an RV camping list, divided into Essentials, Kitchen, Food, Clothing, Personal and Camping equipment list. You can also check best cars for camping & live-in.
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RV Camping Essentials Checklist
- Wheel Levelers
- Surge protector
- Jack and lug nut wrench for changing tires
- Water pressure regulator
- Sewer kit
- Tire pressure gauge
- Electrical adapters
- Electrical and duct tape
- Heated blanket
- Wheel blocks
- Shovel
- Toilet chemicals
- RV-friendly toilet paper
- Power cords
- Extension cords
- Drinking water hose
- Fans
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Large zip-close bag for documents, including license, registration, reservations, etc.
- Fire extinguisher (reflective, safety vest, flashlight, bandages, etc.)
- Extra cotter pins
- Portable Air compressor
- Wheel chocks
- Emergency road kit
- Stabilizer jacks
- Extra motor oil and transmission fluid
- Portable generator
RV Kitchen & Cooking Checklist
- Water bottles
- Paper towels
- Food storage container
- Bag clips
- Disinfecting wipes
- Trash bags
- Napkins
- Skillets
- Bottle opener
- Frying pan
- Utensils/cutting knives
- Scissors
- Cooler
- Pots wit lids
- Cups/mugs
- Aluminim foil
- Zip close bags
- Drinking glasses
- Can opener
- Blender
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Coffee maker
- Spatula
- Potholders
- Bowls, plates and cups
- Cutting board
- Matches/lighter
- Tongs and skewers
- Dish soap
- Mixing bowls
- Dishtowels
- Camping griddle and pie iron
- Vegetable peeler
- Baking pans/sheets
- Plastic wrap
- Corkscrew
RV Grocery/Food Staples Checklist
- Canned foods
- Cereal
- Tea, coffee & etc
- Baking items (flour, cornmeal, sugar, pasta, rice, nuts, marshmallows, etc.)
- Drink mix packets
- Eggs
- Cooking spray or oil
- Snacks(crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.)
- Grill meats, like hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.
- Snacks (crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.)
- Vegetables and fruits
- Beer/wine/liquor
- Water bottles & gallons
- Batter mixes
- Condiments (salt & pepper, spices, ketchup, mustard, sauce, vinegar, peanut butter, jam & etc.)
- Soups
- Bread
- Butter or margarine
- Freeze-dried meals
- Soda/sparkling water
RV Clothing & Bedroom Checklist
- Bathing suit
- Alarm clock
- Hat/caps
- Shoes (sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc.)
- Rain gear
- Underwear
- Pants and shorts
- Sweatshirts and jackets
- Clothes hangers
- Short and long sleeve t-shirts
- Sheets and blankets
- Sewing kit
- Pillows
- Socks
- Towels
- Detergent/Stain remover
- Laundry bag
RV Personal & Toiletries Checklist
- Bug spray
- Soap
- Razor
- Floss
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Shaving gel
- First-aid kit
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Makeup
- Medications and prescriptions
- Watch
- Sunglasses
- Cash and credit cards
- Brush and comb
- Batteries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Phone chargers
- Nail clippers
- Travel map and campground directory
- Hair ties
RV Camping & Outdoor Gears Checklist
- Camera (Go Pro & etc.)
- Wood
- Camping chairs
- Hammock
- Frisbee
- Fishing gears (rods, tackle, license, etc.)
- Sports items (football, basketball, baseball, mitt, etc.)
- Toys for the kids (if any)
- Binoculars
- Books and magazines or Kindle
- Playing cards
- Puzzles games
- Radio
- Headphones
- Notepad or journal
- Laptop
- Saw or hatchet
- Flotation devices
- Guitar
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Backpack
- Bikes
These were some of the most common camper checklists that you will come across. As I said, you can save them in your device (desktop, mobile iPad, etc.) and print them according to your need. Having a printable RV setup checklist comes in handy if you are into RV businesses.
Thanks to the technology these days, you can also have an RV Checklist app to help you out with the best options in securing the perfect list to meet all your needs and ensure a sweet and lovely road trip.
Lastly, owning an RV can be a matter of great convenience for travellers. However, make sure that you keep them up and running and also give them for periodical maintenance.
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Thanks for the checklist Shailesh. It is beautifully designed. Again, thanks for the efforts.
Hi Aman, always happy to help. Keep supporting 🙂