RV Packing List
By the NanoPack team · Updated on · Checked against official sources
What to pack for an RV trip: the gear that keeps the rig running comes first. That means a drinking-water hose, a sewer hose with a clear elbow, a surge protector and the electrical adapters for your amperage, plus leveling blocks and wheel chocks. Then add a compact kitchen, bedding and towels sized to the RV, camp chairs and an outdoor mat, and a small tool and spares kit. Rentals rarely include hoses, kitchenware or bedding, so ask what comes with yours. Above all, work a written departure checklist every time you move: retract, unplug, secure and walk around before you drive.
RV essentials at a glance
- A drinking-water hose and a sewer hose
- A surge protector and electrical adapters
- Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
- A compact kitchen and dish kit
- Bedding, towels and a first-aid kit
- Camp chairs and an outdoor mat
- Basic tools and strong tape
- A written departure checklist
An RV is a house you drive, so you pack for two jobs, keeping the systems running and living comfortably, and the systems come first. The failures that ruin RV trips are dull ones: the wrong sewer hose, no surge protector when a campground pedestal spikes, a slide-out driven out with the awning still open. Rentals are inconsistent about what they include, so confirm the hoses, kitchen and bedding before you leave, and never move the rig without a written walk-around.
Hookups and power
- A potable drinking-water hose · white and food-safe, not a garden hose
- A water pressure regulator · campground pressure can burst RV plumbing
- A sewer hose with a clear elbow and disposable gloves
- An RV surge protector or EMS
- Electrical adapters for your amperage · the 30 and 50 amp 'dogbones'
- An inline water filter
- A short hose support to keep waste flowing
Setup and safety
- Leveling blocks and a small bubble level
- Wheel chocks
- A rubber mallet
- A headlamp and a lantern
- A fire extinguisher · confirm the rig has a charged one
- Working smoke, carbon monoxide and propane alarms
- A first-aid kit
The camp kitchen
- A compact pot and pan set
- Plates, bowls, mugs and utensils
- A sharp knife and a cutting board
- A can and bottle opener
- Dish soap, a sponge and a small wash tub
- Food storage tubs and trash bags
- A coffee maker and a lighter or matches
- Paper towels, and a broom for the small floor
Living and bedding
- Sheets sized to the RV mattress · RV beds are often odd sizes, measure first
- A duvet, blanket and pillows
- Bath towels and a bath mat
- A small fan or space heater for the season
- Toiletries and RV-safe toilet paper
- A laundry bag
Outside and comfort
- Camp chairs and a folding table
- An outdoor rug or mat · it keeps dirt out of the rig
- A portable grill and fuel
- Bug spray and citronella
- A doormat and outdoor lighting
- A levelling awning brace, if it is windy
Tools, spares and documents
- A basic tool kit and strong tape
- A tire pressure gauge, and a check of the spare
- Spare fuses and work gloves
- The rig's manual and rental paperwork
- Campground reservations and offline maps
- Cash for tolls and dump stations
What not to pack
- A garden hose for drinking water · it is not food-safe; use a white potable hose
- Plugging in with no surge protector · a miswired or spiking pedestal can fry your electronics
- Glassware and heavy ceramics · they shatter on rough roads; use plastic or enamel
- More weight than the rig is rated for · know your GVWR and do not overload
- Driving with slides out or the awning open · the classic, expensive RV mistake
Packing tips and mistakes to avoid
Rentals include less than you think
Confirm in writing whether hoses, a kitchen kit, bedding and camp chairs come with your rental, because many charge extra for 'kits' or include nothing at all. Whatever the answer, bring or rent your own drinking-water hose, sewer hose and a surge protector, since those are the parts you do not want to improvise.
A surge protector is cheap insurance
Campground power pedestals can spike or be wired wrong, and a single bad connection can damage your converter, fridge and electronics at once. An RV surge protector or EMS cuts the power before that happens. It is the last thing to skip to save money.
Level and chock before anything else
Set up on the level so the fridge runs properly and you sleep flat, and chock the wheels before you unhitch or relax. An unchocked rig on a slope is a genuine hazard, and leveling after you have already set up the inside is a miserable job.
Work a written departure checklist every move
The RV disasters everyone warns about, a driven-off slide-out, an awning left open, a sewer hose still attached, a step left down, all come from pulling away without a walk-around. Use the same written list each time and physically touch each item, even on a five-minute move.
The things people forget
- A potable, drinking-safe water hose, not a garden hose
- A surge protector before you plug into any pedestal
- The sewer hose elbow and disposable gloves
- A written departure checklist you use every single time
What people wish they had packed
- Leveling blocks for a sloped, wobbly site
- An outdoor mat that kept the inside clean
- A second set of electrical adapters
- A water pressure regulator that saved the plumbing
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to pack for an RV trip?
The running gear first: a potable water hose, a sewer hose with a clear elbow, a surge protector and electrical adapters, plus leveling blocks and wheel chocks. Then a compact kitchen, bedding sized to the RV, towels, camp chairs, an outdoor mat, tools and a first-aid kit, all checked off against a departure list.
What does an RV rental usually not include?
Often the hoses, a kitchen kit, bedding and towels, and camp chairs, and sometimes a surge protector. Rentals vary a lot, so ask exactly what is included and bring or rent the drinking-water hose, sewer hose and surge protector no matter what.
Do you need a surge protector for an RV?
Yes. Campground pedestals can spike or be miswired, and a bad connection can damage your RV's electrical system and appliances. An RV surge protector or EMS cuts power before that reaches the rig, which is why it is treated as essential rather than optional.
What size sheets fit an RV bed?
RV mattresses are frequently shorter or narrower than household sizes, with 'RV queen' and 'RV king' being smaller than the home versions. Measure your mattress before you buy sheets rather than assuming a standard size will fit.
What do people forget on an RV trip?
A potable water hose, leveling blocks, the sewer elbow and gloves, a water pressure regulator, and above all a written departure checklist. The gear that keeps the rig running is exactly what is easy to overlook until you are on site.