RV vacations are an increasingly popular way to explore new places and enjoy the company of family or friends. But, before you take off on your first adventure, make sure you have a few essentials for your RV vacation checklist.
Starting with the basics like food and water, this list has everything that will help ensure that your trip is safe and memorable.
To help you carry the things you need without eating up a lot of space for family members or friends, you should have your own hitch installation set up. Here, you can bring all the clothes and supplies you need for the trip.
While there are many things to consider when preparing to travel in an RV, it’s important not to get overwhelmed by all the details. The checklist below can provide some guidance for what you’ll need to bring along with you on your journey — no matter where life takes you next.
1. Plan your itinerary
Before you start packing your RV for a big trip, it’s essential to choose your destination and map out the route that will get you there. If you’re renting an RV, make sure to coordinate with your rental company on pick-up times so they can recommend places to stop along the way.
2. Pack an emergency kit
Make sure to pack some essentials like a first aid kit, flashlight with batteries, extra cash, and snacks. If you plan on spending time in the wilderness or traveling through high-crime areas, it’s also important to bring insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, bottled water, and fire starter kits.
3. Pack food supplies
You don’t need to pack a year’s food supply, but make sure you have enough to cover at least a few days. In addition to your regular pantry items, it’s also essential to bring along some snacks for the road and make sure you have plenty of water if there is an emergency or mechanical failure.
4. Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changes in temperature and precipitation
The weather is one of the most unpredictable elements when planning for an RV vacation. You should always be prepared for changing conditions, no matter what time of year you’re traveling. Make sure to bring along plenty of ponchos and umbrellas just in case there’s bad weather on your route.
5. Bring cash
Cash can be handy on an RV trip if there are no ATMs or credit card machines at your campground, like when you’re staying in a rural area. Make sure to bring enough cash to cover all of your expenses and keep it separate from the rest of your money so that there is no confusion about what funds are available for spending
6. Make sure that every family member has their own set of keys
You don’t want to spend your vacation searching for lost keys, so make sure that everyone has their own set. Some families use a keychain lanyard with velcro that can be cut off if you lose it or run into trouble with local authorities.
7. Bring extra batteries, chargers, and communication devices.
One of the first things you should do on any trip is to charge your electronic devices. Make sure that every device has a full power supply before heading out, and pack extra batteries for anything that might not have as long battery life as you need. In addition, it’s essential to plan how you will communicate if there are problems. In addition to your cell phone, you should bring along a CB radio or other communication device that can help keep you in touch with the outside world.
8. Set up a physical meeting location
In some situations, it might be helpful to establish an agreed-upon place to meet if someone gets separated from the group at your destination. Make sure to choose an easily recognized location that is clear of any hazards.
9. Follow all local laws, rules, and regulations
It’s essential to follow the instructions of any authorities during your trip. If you don’t know the rules, make sure to read up on them before leaving so you can stay out of trouble while driving through.
10. Make sure to have fun
The most important rule is to make sure you enjoy yourself, which is the whole point of taking a vacation! Even if something goes wrong, it’s always better to explore your problems before they ruin your trip.
The Takeaway
Adventure comes in many forms — sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s terrible. For some, it’s living on the edge of danger. For others, it’s simply dusting off an old way that might bring them back to life. Whatever your reason for going on an RV adventure, make sure to make it memorable and unique.
