Of course, every trip you take in your RV is going to have different packing needs. These are the lists that we use to set-up and take down our RV, as well as the original packing list we compiled before our first trip. We spent a lot of time at the Colorado and Phoenix Camping World getting supplies, and Kohl’s and Costco were our best friends when it came to getting the necessary kitchen items and bulk-food and beverages. These lists don’t really have food items for each trip on them, as they are more a generic-every day trip kind of lists. Some things were specific to us, but they should be a good base-line for setting up and getting started in your RV. A few things you may see crossed out, as they changed from our first trip (one with the-on board water heater) to our second trip (once we installed an on-demand water heater). More on upgrades in a different post, as they may make your RV life easier, or sometimes more difficult.
One fun item to note. We have a travel log we keep in the RV. We note the milage when we leave, and the mileage upon our arrival to our destination. We log where we left from and where we stopped for the night. If we have multiple stops, we log the mileage for those places, too. Why? Well, it is cool to see how far we’ve traveled and where we have gone. The biggest reason we do this is because maintenance is a huge part of the RV experience. We know what kind of maintenance needs to be done based on our actual mileage, and can always keep track of things like checking the tire pressure, the seals in and on the RV, the lug-nuts on the tires, or just basic maintenance to the hoses and other items in our RV. We use just a basic finance ledger with simple entry points, but a spiral notebook would do the trick as well.
Hopefully these lists will be a bit of help to those of you who are just beginning your RV adventures.
List #1 Check In and Check Out (Reverse the list for check out / and change wording to work with connect or disconnect)
RV Check In (at the camp site)
Check in
Get Access and Wifi codes and other (ie. Pool codes…)
RV park layout (where are showers, bathrooms, etc.)
Walk site
Look for obstructions, etc.
Unload motorcycle (if applicable)
Back into site / drive into site
Check location of sewer connection / water connection / electrical / etc.
Note mileage and record in mileage book
Set Parking Brake
Level trailer (left to right)
Use blocks
Use wheel chocks
Unhook trailer
Put pad underneath jack
Disconnect Break Line
Disconnect Power
Disconnect Trailer
Store sway-hitch items in back of truck or trailer compartments
Drive away from trailer
Put lock on trailer hitch so no one steals it
Level trailer (front to back)
Level with jack
Engage 4 stabilizers
Use blocks under stabilizers
Deploy steps
Connect power / test power
Surge Protector
Surge Protector Locking Clasp
Loop cables
Turn on propane
Inside Stuff
Turn on radio and outside speakers
Turn on inside fans / AC / heater
Raise antenna
Turn on fridge (set to A/C)
Store bags / clothes
Connect sewer line (use gloves)
Use sewer line support
Stow container in storage
Connect water line
Spray water nozzle with Lysol and wipe clean
Connect Y adaptor
Connect pressure regulator
Connect white hose
Connect filter
Run water through hose to clean out filter
Fill up on board water tank?
Connect filter / hose to water inlet
Connect other hose to Y adaptor (may elect not to do this)
These items are no longer applicable:
Turn off hot water heater bypass (will adjust after on demand heater is in place)
Turn on hot water faucet to fill hot water heater (will adjust after on demand heater is in place)
Turn on hot water heater
Run sink faucet and dissolve gray water chemical pack
Flush toilet once or twice and add toilet chemical pack
Stow container(s) in storage
Connect TV Cable (if applicable)
Deploy satellite (not for Grand Teton trip)
Connect TV
Search channels and tune as appropriate
Setup Hulu / Netflix (On the Roku)
Deploy Awning
Put up lights
Put up shade (if applicable)
Put up sign (need to get a sign)
Hang up outdoor sensor for temp / humidity
Outside stuff
Put out the rug
Put out chairs / table / grill
Unload cooler into fridge / freezer (if applicable)
Store containers
Prep fire ring (if applicable)
Have a beer (or three)
List #2 What You May Need to Get Started In Your RV
Sanitation stuff
Sewer line
Clear sewer line connector
Gloves
Black tank chemical pods
Gray tank chemical pods
Toilet Paper – RV Tank Friendly
Matches (Keep away from the propane–for unpleasant bathroom odors)
Also need an empty Altoids can for the burnt ones
Water items
White water hose
Pressure regulator
Filter
Y connector
Lysol can
Regular water hose
Hose nozzles, etc.
Electrical
Surge protector (30 amp)
Surge protector locking clasp
Lock for clasp
Extension cord (30 amp)
Dog bone connectors (50 to 30 and a 20 to 30)
Outside stuff
Carpenter Level
Wheel chocks
Levelers
Tongue jack pad
Cooler
Yeti Cooler
Small cooler for the car ride
Chairs and table (Camping Style chairs)
Reclining Chairs
Hammock (in event near place with trees)??
Straps for trees??
Bug net?
Rain cover?
Outdoor rug (All-weather)
Rugs for metal steps
Outdoor rug to wipe feet and one for the inside of the camper
Awning shade
Awning light / shade track
Awning light
Grill & charcoal
BBQ tools
Grill brush
Spatula
Tongs
Flag? (These are to personalize your camp site)
Sign?
Inside stuff
Charge cables (USB connection and wall connection)
Temperature system (inside / outside) plus batteries and hook to hang outside sensor
Temp gage for fridge / freezer
WIFI hot spot
Ice maker???
Cleaning stuff
Broom & dustpan
Vacuum (Small up-right)
Wipes (Clorox / Lysol wipes)
Toilet Brush (Expect to get this in Phoenix)
Foam mattress topper
Small safe
Kitchen stuff
Paper Towels x 2
Dish sponge
Dish soap
Bottle opener
Wine bottle opener
Spatula
Tongs
Pizza stone to fit in the stove (to distribute the heat in the oven)
Baking dish
Pot to boil stuff in with strainer lid
Skillet
Electric Skillet
Kitchen towels x 2 (or 3)
Plates
Cups
Coffee mugs
Utensils
Seasoning
Lawry’s season salt
Other
Coffee pot for stovetop (Percolator style)
Coffee
Coffee filters
Cutting Board
Measuring spoons
Utility knife
Beer coozies (long neck and can)
Workout stuff
Of course, there are a LOT more items you may need for your trip, and we add to our list every time we go. Like movies, and games, or books and outdoor activities. RV adventures are some of the best adventures-so have fun, and don’t stress while you plan your trip!
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