How to Pack Your RV for a Camping Trip
If it’s your first time camping in an RV, you might be wondering what you should or shouldn’t, bring on your trip. RV camping is pretty different from tent camping and can require a number of different items. Once you’ve read our article you should have a solid grasp on what you’ll need in your RV, and what needs to be left at home. If you’re curious about RV camping or are interested in purchasing an RV, feel free to stop by our dealership in Rogers, Minnesota, and ask our experienced staff any questions you may have!
Emergency Items
Something campers often don’t think about when heading out on their trips is documentation. Your driver's license and maybe your campground reservations are generally all you need. However, if you have an RV you’ll also need your vehicle’s registration papers, and you’ll want to have roadside assistance information handy as well.
You’ll also need a first aid kit and an emergency kit in your RV for accidents and injuries. You can buy a first aid kit at most stores with the necessary items included. If you’d like to create your own kit we advise having items such as gauze and bandages, antiseptic ointment or spray, and hot and cold compresses.
Emergency kits are a bit different from first aid kits but can include some of the same items. As with a first aid kit, most emergency kits can be bought at a store with all of the necessary components. However, we advise adding in a number of tools in case your RV breaks down. It’s also advised to have your kit include clean distilled water, a whistle or flare, and rope.
Essentials
Thankfully, packing food in an RV is pretty simple. Whatever’s in your cabinets at home can easily be placed in your RV’s cupboards. Generally, these are canned or non-perishable items, as well as utensils like plates, forks, and cups. If your RV has a fridge be sure to pack it lightly, as it needs more ventilation than your cooler at home. Be sure there is some kind of locking mechanism in place, as quick turns can open a fridge door and allow food to spill out.
When packing clothes it’s important to prepare for any kind of weather. Make sure you have a few items for rainy or cold weather, as well as extremely hot temperatures. It’s also wise to bring a few different pairs of shoes, in case you run into muddy or wet areas. Lastly, don’t forget you’ll also need essentials such as bedding and towels while you’re on your trip.
Electronics
A lot of the time people head out on camping trips to get away from technology. That being said, while your phone may be off during your trip, we don’t advise you to leave it at home. Phones can act as flashlights, and make important calls in an emergency situation. They’re also helpful for taking photos or providing entertainment. No matter what you decide to do with your phone, we advise you to keep it in an easily accessible place in your RV with a full charge. Before leaving home ensure that you not only have your phone charger but a compatible outlet in your camper. For electronics that don’t require an outlet, such as flashlights, we advise changing the batteries before leaving on your trip and bringing a small package with you as well.
We hope that this short guide has been helpful in introducing you to some of the essentials of RV camping. Your camper likely has quite a bit of room left in it, even after packing these essentials. We encourage you to fill it with items that will make your trip even more pleasurable! If you’re in need of an RV and are located in either of the Twin Cities, we encourage you to stop by our dealership and take a look at our cast inventory.