Traveling in a recreational vehicle is fun, but there is some work involved. You can’t just grab your toothbrush and hop in the driving cab. You’re going to need to spend some time carefully stocking your RV with all the supplies you’ll need and ensuring everyone in your traveling group has their clothing, toiletries, devices and other essentials packed and ready to go. Packing for such a trip can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time.
Meridian RV, with locations in Port Coquitlam and 100 Mile House, BC, is proud to be your local RV dealer. Here is the ultimate packing list for all of your summer RV travels!
General RV Gear
Your RV should always contain certain items on board that you’ll want to replenish or restock every so often. This includes linens, pillows and blankets for every bed (launder after each trip), bath and kitchen towels, holding tank hoses, surge protector, a tool kit, a first-aid kit, an emergency radio, leveling blocks and fire extinguishers. Check these items if it’s been a while to make sure everything is up-to-date and replace any old ointments or medications or expired equipment.
Kitchen Necessities
You’ll need a place setting of dishes (plate, cup, bowl, fork, knife, spoon) for each camper, as well as a cast-iron pan, a few pots, a mixing bowl, a coffee maker, a toaster, a few spatulas and stirring spoons and some tupperware for storing leftovers. Don’t forget items like aluminum foil, paper towels, cleaning products, sponges, trash bags, plastic baggies and a cutting board.
Stock your pantry with staple goods like a few commonly used spices (salt, pepper, hot sauce, olive oil, et cetera) and grains in glass or plastic airtight containers (oatmeal, flour, beans, rice, quinoa and so on). Canned foods are good, but don’t go overboard packing more than you plan to use for the trip. A little extra non-perishable food is smart to bring in case you become stranded somewhere.
Bathroom Items
Stock your bathroom with hand soap, Q-tips, cotton balls and cleaning supplies such as gloves, paper towels and spray cleaner. You may wish to have everyone use economy-sized bottles of body wash, shampoo and conditioner rather than each person packing their own tiny bottles. You’ll also need loofahs or washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, hair brushes or combs and lotion. If you’ve got space in or around your bathroom, you can stock sunscreen, aloe vera, bug spray, calamine lotion and prescription medications here.
Clothing
Everyone will need to pack the right clothing for the activities you plan to do. If you know you’ll be near a laundromat, your campsite has laundry services or your RV has a washer and dryer, then you can pack less clothing and wash items more instead. If not, you’ll just need to pack garments that can be worn more than once. Bear in mind that younger children will need additional changes of clothes for accidents and messes that will inevitably happen, while teens and adults can create a capsule wardrobe of items to mix and match, along with the necessary rain gear and hiking clothes.
A Taste of Home
This is of greater importance when traveling with little ones. Try to include some soothing items from home in your RV to help your toddlers and young children acclimate to the new living environment and feel safe. Pictures of friends and family, throw blankets and plush toys are a few items you may want to put in your RV living room so that children feel like they’re at home.
Also, let children select some of their favorite snacks, crafts and games to bring with them, along with a few favorite outfits and their most-loved pair of shoes. You’ll definitely want to have some road-friendly amusements for the drive to your destination, such as travel board games, learning apps on devices, coloring and picture books.
We hope this guide helps you in your quest to pack for your upcoming RV trips. Searching for camping trailers in British Columbia? Browse our website to see the new and used RVs for sale at our 100 Mile House and Port Coquitlam, BC, dealership locations. Meridian RV proudly serves Kamloops and Vancouver, BC.
