The Ultimate RV Camping Checklist for Your First Year RVing
Checklist For Your First RV Trip:
Towing mirrors | Helps you see around the bulk of your trailer for safer towing Trailer wheel chocks or motorhome wheel chocks | Prevents your wheels from rolling Camper leveler | Helps properly level your camper, which you'll need to do each time you park it Leveling blocks or wooden blocks | Necessary to properly level the camper SnapPads or wooden planks for jack | Prevents jack legs from sinking into the ground Coupler lock | Helps prevent towaway theft
Sewer hose | Required for dumping waste tanks Fresh/potable water hose | Necessary if you'll be filling your fresh water tank (not required if only using campsite water hookup) Water pressure regulator | Campground water pressure varies; use a regulator to avoid damage to your plumbing system Water filter | If drinking or cooking with anything but bottled water, invest in a water filter to remove bacteria, bad odor, chlorine, etc. RV toilet paper | Built to degrade and prevent clogs in RV plumbing system Septic tank treatment | Helps manage your sewer system to break down solids and prevent odors Sink strainer | RV pipes are narrower than the pipes in your house; ideally, you should allow only water down the kitchen sink. A sink strainer is a simple, affordable way to prevent food from accidentally slipping down your drain.
Fuel | For generator, propane tanks, etc. Power adapter | Lets you plug your 30-amp or 50-amp RV power cord into any campground power pedestal Surge protector (30 or 50 amp) | Protects your camper from electrical surges from campground power pedestals Generator | Highly recommended if camping without electrical hookups
Checklist to Pick Up During Your First Year RVing:
Thicker sewer hose | Most stock RV sewer hoses are quite thin and prone to getting pinholes. Consider upgrading to a thicker hose (23-24 Mil thick) for better protection. Holding Tank Rinser | Flush out waste tanks to prevent buildup after dumping. Sewer hose extension | Helpful if the dump station is a stretch from your RV.
Propane tank lock | Protect that propane tank. Propane leak detector | Notifies you of any dangerous propane leaks in your RV. Trailer coupler lock | Protect your investment with a sturdy lock for your travel trailer coupler.
RV battery charger/management system | If you plan on boondocking (camping without hookups), you'll want one of these to monitor and charge your battery bank. Power cord extension | Helpful to reach faraway power pedestals at campsites. Solar panels | Solar panels aren't right for everyone, but if you plan on camping off the grid, they might be right for you. If you're curious about solar, we recommend starting here.
New tires | Stock RV tires are notorious for being...well, not great. Consider a hearty trailer tire from a well-trusted brand like Goodyear. Tire Pressure Monitoring System | Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) help keep an eye on your tires and warn you about irregular pressure or temperatures. This helps prevent tire blowouts, so you don't end up stranded.
Outdoor grill | For BBQ and good times. Refrigerator bars | Help keep your the contents of your fridge where they are when your RV is in motion. Camping Lights | To liven up your outdoor kitchen area.
Storage cover | You'll want to pick one of these up before you store your RV for the winter. Check out our article here for help picking the perfect cover. Antifreeze or blowout plug with compressor | You'll need to winterize your RV to prevent the pipes from bursting from the cold. Check out our how-to guide on the process here. Small solar battery charger | For maintaining your rig's battery while it's in storage.
Magnetic door holders | For holding your compartment doors open while you load and unload. Night lights | Sometimes you just need a little light to illuminate the way to the bathroom at 4 am.
Checklist for Daily RV Living:
Toothbrush/paste Shower curtain Bath towels & wash cloths Shampoo Soap Razor Deodorant First aid kit
Paper plates, cups, and utensils Compact, non-breakable dishes Cookware Drinkware Silverware Pots & pans Food & snacks Bottled water to drink Coffee, beer, juice, etc. Cooking oil Condiments & spices Sponge Cutting board Can opener Paper towels Dish towels Dish soap Aluminum foil Trash bags Coffee percolator
Blankets & sheets Pillows Sleeping bags
Phone/charger Camera/charger Portable device power bank ID Cash or credit card Headphones/ear buds Shirts, pants, shorts Jacket or hoodie Underwear Shoes/hiking boots Pajamas Socks Swimwear Rain jacket Hats Gloves Sunglasses Hand sanitizer Medication or other personal health items Medication or other personal health items Feminine products Off-line content (movies, books, podcasts) for entertainment in case you lose cell service Dry bag/trash bag for wet/dirty clothes Flip flops (if you plan on using the public showers) Makeup/skincare products Crucial info saved on phone/offline (map, directions, checklists, etc)
Clorox wipes Rubber gloves (for dumping) 12V vacuum Mop and/or broom Outdoor rugs | Prevent dirt being tracked into your camper. Laundry detergent Clothes racks/lines for drying
Screwdrivers Wrench Allen wrench Duct tape Hammer Scissors Zip ties Extra batteries
Portable fire pit (propane, charcoal, or pellet burning work best) Bikes Bike rack Bike locks Hiking backpacks Wireless speakers Rechargeable flashlight or lantern Insect control Outdoor Chairs Sunscreen Matches/lighter Hatchet for chopping firewood
Internet antenna or cell phone booster Laptop or tablet Extra computer monitors Noise-canceling headphones
Tablets, video games, or entertainment devices & their chargers Night light Protective mattress cover Bunk safety net Camping games DVDs/DVD player (especially if streaming services won't be available) Diapers, pull-ups, etc.
Pet food Collapsible, spill-proof food and water bowls Waste bags Pet bed Pet toys Vehicle pet barriers Leash or harness Pet medication Flea and tick preventative
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