The Ultimate RV Checklist: X Essentials for a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip

Embarking on an RV adventure is fun, relaxing, and exciting, all rolled into one. It allows you to explore the adventure of the open road but with all the comforts of home. 

However, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride requires some preparation. Our ultimate RV checklist covers all the essential items you must pack before you hit the road. From safety gear to cooking essentials and creature comforts, these must-haves will help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your RV experience. 

Let’s dive into the essentials for a satisfying trip.

What Do I Need for an RV Trip?

You want your RV trip to be relaxing and enjoyable. So, preparing for your trip, whether it’s your first voyage or you are a seasoned traveler, requires some forethought and planning. That way, you won’t spend your first few days running into town every time you remember something else you forgot. And if you are dry camping off-grid, that is not even an option.

So, to make it easy for you, here is a list of all the essentials you should consider when packing for your next adventure.

RV Essentials

• Sewer hose for emptying waste at the campground or in RV dump sites.
• RV-friendly toilet paper that breaks down to prevent clogging the septic system.
• Water pressure regulator to prevent damage to your water system from variable campground water pressure. 
• Drinking water hose to fill up your freshwater tank.
• Leveling blocks and wheel chocks to level and secure the RV when parked. 
• RV power options are crucial to consider. The EcoFlow 5kVA Power Kit is designed specifically for simplicity and space saving in your RV. It’s easy to install, has enough power to run your RV AC, recharges faster, and cuts power loss by 20% with its DC integration. The best part is that you can recharge it using solar panels, so there is no need to drain your 12V batteries or pack a smelly gas generator to charge it. 
• EcoFlow 100W Flexible Solar Panels can be mounted on your RV’s roof. Flexible solar panels for RVs are a perfect power solution, allowing you to generate power anytime the sun shines. Solar panels are especially important when boondocking or dry camping when you can’t access shore power. They can recharge your power kit, portable power station, or any portable appliances with solar integration.
• Cash and credit cards, confirmations of campground reservations, travel maps, and campground directories. 
• A sink strainer prevents food from going down the kitchen sink and plugging it.
• A power adapter plugs your 30-amp or 50-amp RV power cord into any campground power pedestal/shore power.

Safety & Security

• An emergency road kit should include jumper cables, flares, reflective triangles, a tire inflator and sealant, an ice scraper, etc.
• Spare motor oil, coolant, and transmission fluids are always good to pack with you, especially if traveling off-grid. 
• Flashlight for night-time and emergencies. 
• A small fire extinguisher should be mounted to the kitchen wall for easy access. 
• A first aid kit is also essential and should be complete with bandages, gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment, triangle bandages, splints, etc. 
• Padlocks to secure any outdoor cargo containers.

Electronics

• Surge protectors for plugging electronic devices will protect them from damage from shore power fluctuations. 
• Spare batteries to fit all essential battery-powered devices. 
• Phones, tablets, headphones, and laptops, all with chargers.
• EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC is ideal for traveling in comfort. It is very quiet and will lower the temperature by 18℉ in just 5 minutes. Unlike most ACs, it also works as a heater for cool nights. Because it holds a charge for up to 8 hours, you can use it in your outdoor living space. 
• Grounded extension cords for using appliances and devices outdoors. 
• Electrical tape, marretts, and spare fuses, in case repairs are needed. 
• Bluetooth speakers for outdoor fun; be sure to get a waterproof model.

Kitchen & Cooking

• Water bottles for each member traveling with you. 
• Cutting boards and kitchen knives.
• Cooking utensils include flippers, stirring spoons, spatula, and tongs.
• A camping or standard kitchen can opener. 
• Corkscrew opener with a bottle opener attachment for beverages.
• Skillets are best made of cast iron or stainless steel, so they can also be used on a campfire if you want to cook outdoors. 
• Pots of 2-3 sizes that all fit nicely inside of each other to save space. 
• Spoons, forks, and butter knives for each person with a couple of spares. 
• Bowls, plates, and cups for each person with some spares.
• Matches or lighters for propane stoves and campfire cooking.
• Zip top bags and reusable plastic containers for leftovers. 
• Potholders for use indoors or outdoors. 
• EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator. Even if you have an RV fridge, this is great for outdoor living spaces, trips to the beach, etc. Pack this instead of a cooler because you won’t have to buy ice. It has a fridge and freezer compartment and will even make ice cubes for ice-cold beverages.
• An outdoor propane grill so you won’t have to cook indoors all the time; alternatively, bring a metal grill to put over a fire pit.
• Aluminum foil is used to make baked potatoes and other items on the campfire.
• Coffee percolator for coffee drinkers who don’t like instant coffee. 

Food & Drink

• Fresh vegetables and fruits (about a 3-4 day supply).
• Butter or margarine.
• Bread, tortillas, pita breads, and cereals.
• Milk, cheese, and butter or margarine. 
• Meats like hot dogs, burgers, sausages, etc.
• Ice cream and freezies for kids and adults.
• Condiments, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.
• Spices including salt, pepper, herbs, etc. 
• Eggs, ideally in a rigid camping container so they don’t break if they get jostled around. 
• Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows are used to make S’mores. 
• Dry snacks, including chips, crackers, pretzels, etc. 
• Canned goods, including tuna, soups, vegetables, fruits, etc. 
• Peanut butter and jelly. Hint: the all-in-one kind will save additional space.
• Cooking oil for skillets. 
• Pre-mixed batter mixes or baking items: flour, baking powder, sugar, etc. 
• Drink mixes, coffee, and teas. 
• Beer, cider, or wine for the grown-ups.

Clothing

• Hats suitable for sun and rain.
• Rain gear, including jackets and pants. 
• Shoes, including sneakers, hiking boots, rubber boots, sandals, etc., according to the season and destination.
• Bathing suits and swimming shorts.
• Sweatshirts and jackets for cool nights. 
• Socks suitable for the weather. 
• Underwear
• Pants and shorts
• Short and long sleeve t-shirts for a variety of conditions. 
• Clothes hangers, ideally multi-level ones, to save additional space.
• A sewing kit with thread, needles, and buttons for minor repairs. 

Sleeping

• Sheets and pillowcases.
• Blankets that are appropriate for the climate or season, with an extra one in case you get cold or wet.
• Pillows for each traveler.

Toiletries

• Sunscreen, preferably SPF 30+.
• Bug repellant – spray-on types are the easiest to apply.
• Any essential medications and prescriptions.
• Glasses or contact lenses, sunglasses.
• Hand soap: if using a liquid, attach the bottle to the counter with velcro. 
• Shampoo and conditioner.
• Brush and comb.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
• Deodorant
• Hair ties
• Skin lotions
• Makeup (optional)
• Shaving cream or gel.
• Razors
• Nail clippers
• Face cloths 
• Bath towels that are also suitable for use on the beach.

Cleaning & Organization

• Toilet enzymes and bacteria help break down waste and reduce odors.
• Dish soap and all-purpose cleaners.
• Dishcloths and towels. 
• Plastic storage container for food, toiletries, etc. 
• Velcro is used to attach items that remain left out to the counters.
• Broom and dustpan, opting for small and compact.
• Paper towels for cleaning up messes. 
• Garbage bags (can double as an emergency rain poncho).
• Disinfectant wipes are used when water is not accessible. 

Camping Gear

• Folding lightweight camping chairs for use outdoors.
• Pop-up shelter with screen sides and waterproof roof for creating an outdoor living space.
• Tarp or outdoor rug for outdoor living space to keep the area clean.
• Hammock
• Saw or hatchet for cutting firewood.
• Flotation devices for pools, lakes, etc. 
• Fishing gear, including rods, tackle, fishing licenses, etc.
• Sports and games, including football, basketball, baseball, mitt, frisbee, horseshoes, and hula hoops.
• Field guides for local plants, birds, amphibians, etc. 
• Spare tarps for rainy days to keep outdoor gear dry. 
• Camping shovel that is compact or folds up.
• Duct tape is an essential all-purpose camping repair tool. 

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for your RV adventure doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow this essential checklist and add any personal comfort items you want. Make sure you pack enough clothes for every traveler in any weather you encounter, and bring a range of perishable and non-perishable foods, so you don’t have to run into town every day. 

Also, remember those critical RV essentials, like your sewage hose, power adapter, and water regulator. Be sure to pack your EcoFlow Flexible Solar Panels to recharge your EcoFlow Power Kits using clean, green energy from the sun. Even if you stay in campgrounds, knowing you are doing your part to combat climate change will help make for a more enjoyable experience.