How to Make an RV Roadtrip Checklist
A successful RV trip happens when you can forget about the work of camping and simply enjoy yourself. The best way to ensure that happens is to put some work into preparation before you leave, and to have a comprehensive packing list. The more elements you can account for before you leave, the easier it will be to kick back and unwind. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important items to keep on your packing list for road trips. Everyone’s list will differ, so feel free to add or leave behind any items you see fit. And since your pre-roadtrip preparations should always include a maintenance check on your RV, stop by The Outpost RV! We’re located in Middlebury, Indiana, near Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, and Fort Wayne. Our knowledgeable team will make sure you get everything you need to succeed!
The Kitchen
Unless you plan on eating out for every meal, you’ll need to have a fully stocked kitchen. The kitchen is an important space for the family, but it’s also one of the areas where it’s easiest to get the packing list wrong. It always seems like you don’t need half the things you think you might need, and you forget half the things you do need. Luckily, a few simple items and techniques will make your life much easier.
It’s good to have one decent chef’s knife for your general use, and at least two cutting boards to use with it. (You should keep one for raw meats and one for everything else to avoid potential cross contamination.) A large cast iron pan and a dutch oven will provide the rugged versatility you need for everything from making a pan of biscuits to making a delicious stir fry. Mixing bowls are helpful, but larger tupperware is even better because it serves the same purpose and also gives you the ability to easily store the leftovers. Don’t forget a roll of tinfoil, too! Foil is one of those products that has a million uses, and it hardly takes up any space at all.
Personal Supplies
Only you know what you need to bring to be happy on a roadtrip, but most people share a few needs that you don’t want to miss. You’ll obviously need some basic toiletries and hygiene supplies. The rugged outdoors smell is fine if you’re camping alone, but being locked in a trailer with someone who refuses to shower is borderline tortuous. You’ll also need to pack all the things you’d pack for any trip: clothing for work and leisure, that’s suited for the climate where you’re going to camp. It’s helpful to also bring a few books, music, or movies to watch, too. You might want to avoid bringing along laptops, tablets, jewelry and other valuables, as RVs can be popular targets for burglars.
Outdoor Supplies
If you’re going to be camping, you better bring along everything you need for hanging out outside! You might also consider bringing a shade tent or awning, a small grill, and even bicycles for the family. Outdoor games like frisbee and football are fun to bring along and keep the kids busy for hours outside the RV. A fishing pole or two is another good item to bring, even if you aren’t sure there will be good fishing where you’re heading.
The Don’t-Forgets
In addition to all the things you want to bring, there are some things that will always make life much harder if you don’t bring them. A can opener and bottle opener are two items that are easy to forget, but extremely handy. As any experienced camper knows, the family will always fight for the most comfortable camp chair, so why not bring along only the best? Sunglasses always come in handy, and a simple deck of cards can offer major entertainment.
Road trips are lots of fun, and they’re even better when you are correctly prepared. Make sure to bring all of your essentials by using this checklist! When you need parts and maintenance on your RV, stop by The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana. We serve Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, and we’ll make sure you’re prepared for your next road trip!