Over the course of almost 5 years of full-time RV living, we have had a chance to find out what we really need to pack and what we can do without. The first year we seemed to take everything under the sun. Much of it just sat unused.
Every year before heading out for our 6-month long snowbird journey we go through the whole RV and pick out all the items we can do without. As I add new upgrades to the RV such as solar panels and extra batteries this fat trimming becomes more and more important. The last thing I want to do is overload the trailer and cause a safety concern, not to mention possibly voiding our insurance if in an accident.
I often get asked by new RVers “What do you pack for extended RV trips?”. With this in mind, I’ve put together our current packing lists. I’ve likely forgotten a few things and haven’t listed clothes, medicines, personal, our pet stuff or bathroom type items. Hopefully, though if you are new to the RVing world it will give you a few ideas and hints on what you may like to bring along.
Assorted Inside Items
- Computer and Camera Equipment
- Cellular Amplifier and Antenna
- WiFi Signal Amplifier and Antenna
- Spotting Scope – nice for wildlife viewing
- Paper Manuals for the fifth wheel and truck
- File Folder Box
- Small Oil Filled heater
- Small Fan Heater
- Big Buddy Radiant Propane Heater
- Step Stool
- Reflectix Insulation for the windows
- Vent Cushions
- Small Carry On Suitcase – for emergency flights if needed
- Rechargeable Handheld Vacuum
- Broom and Swifter Sweeper
- Electric Bug Zapper
- Hummingbird Feeder
- Hiking Backpacks and Poles
- Weather Station with Remote Sensor
Kitchen Stuff
- Place Setting for Four People
- Small, Medium and Large Pots w/lids
- Small and Large Frying Pans
- Cake, Bread and Roasting Pans
- Several Coffee Mugs and Assorted Plastic Glassware
- Air Tight Plastic Containers – maybe a dozen or so of various sizes for food storage
- Toaster
- Slow Cooker
- Small Blender
- Kettle
- Kitchen Knives and Block
- Mixing Bowls
- Stove Top Espresso Maker
- Cutting Board
- 2 Gallon Drinking Water Jug
- Assorted Utensils (IE. Spatula, Ice Cream Scoop, Can Opener, etc.)
Assorted Outside Items
- BBQ Grill
- Camp Stove
- Camping Chairs
- Foldable Camp Table
- Outside Mats
- Beach Umbrella
- 20 Foot Telescopic Flag Pole
- Large Tarp and Ropes
- 7 Gallon Fresh Water Jug
- Foldable Multi-Ladder
- Wheels Chocks, Tire Ramps, and Jack Pads
- Portable Gas Generator and Gas Can
- Spare Oil for Truck and Generator
- Mouse Traps and Ant Bait
- 5 Gallon Bucket
- 20′ of Coax TV Cable
Water and Sewer Hookups
- 20’ Main Sewer Hose
- 18’ Sewer Extension Hose
- Sewer Hose Support
- Clear Plastic Sewer Pipe Elbow
- 25’ Fresh Water Hose
- 50’ Water Hose and Adjustable Spray Nozzle
- 10’ Black Tank Flush Hose
- 15’ Outside Shower Quick Connect Coiled Hose
- Adjustable Water Pressure Regulator
- Water Bandit
- Fresh Water Filler Tube w/shut off valve
- Twist-On Waste Valve
- Rubber Gloves
Cleaners and Lubricants
- Simple Green and Windex
- Vinegar and Bleach
- Aerospace 303 Protectant
- Protect-All Brand – spray wax, slide out dry lube and rubber slide seal conditioner
- RV Wash Soap and Long Adjustable Pole with Soft Bristle Brush
- Silicone and White Lithium Spray Lubricants
- Grease Gun and few tubes of high temp wheel bearing grease
Tools and Maintenance Items
- Basic Mechanics Socket Set
- Special Sized Sockets to fit any large bolts on the rig (Lug Nuts, King Pin, Suspension, etc.)
- Torque Wrench
- Basic Tool Kit (Screwdrivers, Pliers, Hammer, Saw, Tape Measure, etc.)
- Cordless Drill and Bits
- Cordless Screw Gun
- Small Staple Gun
- Air Compressor
- Cordless Impact Wrench
- Multimeter
- Non-contact Voltage Tester
- Infrared Temperature Gun
- Soldering Iron, Solder and Heat Shrink Tubing
- Small Shop Vacuum
- Hydraulic Trolley Jack and Bottle Jack
- Tire Changing Ramp
- Ax and Small Spade Type Shovel
- Eternabond, Gorilla and Assorted Other Tapes
- Silicone Rubber, Goop and Dicor Lap Sealants
- Caulking Gun
- Battery Maintenance – distilled water, anti-corrosion gel, hydrometer, wire brush
- Bailing Wire and Rope
- Plumbers putty and grease plus spare faucet washers
- Water Heater Maintenance – anode rod, wrenches, flushing wand, spare electric element
- Assorted Screws, Nuts, Bolts, and Washers
- Spare Electrical Wire
- Work Gloves
- 1 – 50’ and 2 – 10’ Heavy Duty Extension Cords
Safety and Emergency Items
- 4 Fire Extinguishers – bedroom, entrance, storage and truck cab
- Emergency Road Side Reflective Triangles
- First Aid Kits for Trailer and Truck
- Portable Radio with Emergency Weather Alert
- CO, Smoke and LP Gas detectors
- CB Radio
- Portable Battery Jumper Box
- Battery Jumper Cables
Wow! When I actually sit down and list our stuff it sure adds up. It’s hard to believe it all fits in our rig, but it does. Luckily our Keystone Cougar fifth wheel has lots of storage space and a decent amount of extra cargo weight capacity. It was one of the reasons we chose it. Something to think about if you’re buying a rig for extended RV trips.
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