The ultimate goal with stocking your RV is to have everything you need and nothing you don’t. When we first started RVing, we hauled many of our regular household items out to the RV for each and every trip, and then we hauled those same items back into the house.
Of course, this process got tiresome after a bit. However, it helped us figure out which items we used the most, and those went to the top of our packing list. Over time, we bought dedicated gear that stayed in the RV and continued to use a checklist to repack items as needed.
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You, too, will learn which items you can’t live without and which ones you never touch. Then, you can develop and refine your own personalized RV packing list.
Here’s an overview of some of our essential recommendations:
- RV Tools and Safety Gear
- Camp Furniture and Outdoor Gear
- RV Kitchen
- RV Bathroom
- RV Bedroom and Closets
- Pet Camping Gear
RV Tools And Safety Gear
Tools and safety gear are less fun to purchase than camping décor; however, these items ensure your safety and security while on the road or in a campground. Be sure to put these necessities at the top of your list.
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Camp Furniture And Outdoor Gear
Once you’ve safely set up your rig, now comes the fun part: turning your campsite into a pleasant outside living space. You can always start with relatively cheap versions of these items and then upgrade over time. After years of traveling, we’ve become camp chair connoisseurs, with each family member having a favorite style, but trust me, we didn’t start that way.
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Stocking Your RV Kitchen (Indoor And Outdoor)
Some people use camping as a chance to take a break from their culinary duties, while others take pride in becoming the consummate camp chef. No matter which one of these is your goal, you’ll likely need some RV kitchen essentials.
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Stocking Your RV Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the places you’ll want to have well-stocked in your RV.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush
- Shaving cream and razors
- Hand soap and sanitizer
- First-aid kit
- Towels, hand towels, and washcloths
Stocking Your RV Bedroom And Closets
Have dedicated bedding for all of the beds in your rig. Bonus points if you have pillows and blankets you can leave in your RV because they’re the biggest pain to haul in and out. Whether you buy new or choose to use spares you already have, here are just a few of the main items you’ll need for your beds (and bodies):
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Laundry hamper
- Jackets and rain gear
- If you have old shoes and spare clothes that can “live” in the RV, it’s nice to leave them packed in case you forget to pack something.
Gear For Camping With Your Pet
And if you travel with a pet, don’t forget supplies for your furry friend on the road:
- Food and water bowls
- Leash and collar
- Food and food storage containers
- Medicine
- Crate and/or bed
- Seatbelt or car seat
- Tie-ups
- Waste bags
- Monitoring system
RELATED: Tips for Pet Owners at Campgrounds
Remember, you don’t have to pack everything on this list. Start small, and add only the gear you think you’ll use. Once you have a handful of trips under your belt, you’ll have a good idea of your own perfect RV stock-up list.
