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There’s nothing quite like taking a trip out on the open road. The simplicity and freedom road trips offer are just a few of the reasons why they’re increasingly popular among travelers. In fact, more and more people are opting to drive to their destinations rather than fly, and it’s clear to see why.
Road trips are easier to pack and plan for and allow you to see many more hidden gems that you would have otherwise missed. If you’re ready to plan the road trip of your dreams, we’ve got you covered.
Below, we discuss the essential items you will need to ensure this trip goes smoothly. Read on and stock up your RV for a trip you will never forget.
Vehicle Needs
To get started, we’ll take care of some of the more boring essentials. If you’re volunteering to be the designated driver for your trip, you’ll have some added responsibilities.
Prior to leaving, you need to make sure your RV is thoroughly inspected by a professional. While this may seem a hassle, it’s much better to catch a problem before you get going.
Vehicle Documents
Whether you’re taking your vehicle or a rental, you need to make sure to have all of the important documents in a spot you can easily access. These documents should include your registration, insurance, and any other state-required records.
Emergency Preparedness Kit
For those worst-case scenarios, you should invest in emergency preparedness items. This “kit” should include a spare tire (or two, depending on the conditions you will be traveling in), jumper cables, and a backup power or fuel source.
If you’re traveling in your RV, it’s best to have it equipped with EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels before your trip. This will help ensure you’re never stranded without power and have the means to stay safe and protected throughout your entire trip.
It’s also a good idea to invest in an RV generator to have installed before leaving. By preparing these important items, you can have peace of mind and focus your efforts on enjoying the trip rather than worrying about what to do in these situations.
Safety
No matter how safe of a driver you may be, it’s not always possible to escape the dangers of driving. Here are some things you should pack in case of an accident or minor injury.
Dash Cam
Investing in a good dash cam is in your best interest for a long trip. This is insurance for you and your vehicle and can help protect you down the line in case an accident were to happen.
You can even keep the camera up and running when you settle in for the night by utilizing an EcoFlow Portable Power Station. This added level of security is reason enough to invest in one of these cameras, which will help make your adventure as safe as possible.
First Aid Kit
Though we hope you won’t have to use it, a first aid kit is a must on any road trip. Keep bandaids, nausea relief, and pain relief medication at the ready for anyone who may need them.
Food Essentials
Snacks are an absolute necessity for any good road trip. But what about when you pull over and set up camp for the night and need an actual meal? These are some great things to pack to ensure you remain nourished and hydrated at all points of your trip.
Cookware
A hot meal after a long day of driving is always welcomed. With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations, you can set up your portable grill or crockpot and make a nice, home-cooked meal for all of your travelers to enjoy.
Food Storage
Are you worried about fresh food spoiling? We’ve got you covered. The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator is designed to keep your food fresh and will ensure that your produce lasts for the length of the trip. You can also keep a steady supply of water and hydration cooled and ready for your enjoyment.
Comfort
Comfort is key when you’re traveling for long stretches. Here are some things you should ensure are packed and ready to go.
Air Conditioning or Heating
When you pull off the road for the evening, the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC will take over. This unit will help keep your space at the perfect temperature while you catch up on some rest before continuing your journey.
Bedding
Getting good rest at the end of your long days of driving is essential and will help to ensure you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the day ahead. Pack your comfiest bedding and pillows, and prioritize getting good sleep each night after you’ve reached your stopping point.
Personal Items
Staying clean and maintaining personal hygiene is incredibly important and will keep you feeling your absolute best throughout your entire trip. Stock up on all the personal items you need and ensure you have access to them even when driving.
Electronic Gear
No matter where your road trip may take you, you’re bound to need some electronics to help you find your way. Navigating the open road with a paper map is no longer a reality, and we’re lucky to have some very helpful electronic tools to keep us connected and on the right route.
Navigation System
While your phone may get the job done, investing in a solid navigation system will help you avoid any issues that may arise from spotty cell service on those lesser-traversed roads. You can install these helpful systems into your RV or even mount them on the dashboard for easy viewing.
Power Station
Staying connected while on the road is a must, both for safety and practicality. Solar generators are a great way to keep your devices powered up even if you can’t plug into a traditional power source.
Power Adapter
While many modern RVs come with some level of adapter, you should still have a designated power adapter with you. Investing in the proper power station will save you space and ensure all your devices have a power source to connect to.
Something that goes hand in hand with having a power adapter is making sure you pack all the chords and charging cables you need for your devices. Write out a checklist and run through it a couple of times before you leave to ensure you don’t need to make any unnecessary stops once you have set out on your journey.
Entertainment and Relaxation Needs
Are you concerned about getting tired of staring at the open road for what seems like an eternity? It’s a valid concern. Road trips can be a bit tedious, especially if you’re embarking on a lengthy stint.
Long days and nights on the road call for some added entertainment to keep things exciting and ensure your spirits remain high throughout your expedition. Whether you’re committing to hours and hours of driving or settling in for the night at your chosen stop, road trips are meant to be fun and enjoyable.
Everyone likes to let down after a long day on the road in their own way. You may like to take this time to read a book. Or, you may want to strum on the guitar for a bit. No matter what your relaxation method may be, make sure you add these items to your packing list.
Music or Audio Books
For those long hours of driving, make sure you are set up and connected to some streaming service. Download your favorite albums or audiobooks before getting on the road, and have them ready when you need a little pick-me-up.
Television or Video Games
Once you’ve stopped and set up camp for the evening, there’s nothing quite like settling in for a good movie or video game. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Solar Generator is perfect for RV living and can keep your devices powered up long after the sun has gone down.
If you have little ones traveling with you, you can even have some smaller screens installed in the back to keep them occupied on those longer stretches of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Packing for a road trip is easy if you take the time to plan. The best place to start is to make sure you’re prepped and ready with all the safety, food, electronics, entertainment, and personal essentials you may need.
Making a road trip comfortable will depend on the journey you’re planning. If you’re setting out on a particularly lengthy trip, you should focus your efforts on having the proper road trip clothes that you can spend hours in comfortably. Always make sure to pack a jacket or blanket and dress in layers so you’re prepared no matter what the conditions may be.
Every traveler needs to have a solid plan in case of emergency. Though road trips are generally safe, it’s always best to prepare for worst-case scenarios if something does happen. Ensure you have a stocked emergency kit and learn the basics of vehicle care in case your RV requires attention.
Take the time to do your research before you set out on the open road. Being prepared is the best thing you can do before you start driving. Study the routes you plan on taking and make plans for where you would like to stop to rest along the way. It’s a surefire way to set yourself up for a successful road trip.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the country on the road is one of the most enjoyable ways to do it. There are so many hidden gems along each route, and there will never be a shortage of sights to see. Reading through this list of road trip essentials makes you one step closer to setting out on an enjoyable and successful adventure.
Stay connected and prepare for your journey on the road with EcoFlow’s Portable Power Stations, which are perfect for lengthy road trips off the beaten path.