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RV Essentials Packing List
The hookup gear, safety items and campsite basics to load before your RV leaves the driveway.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
Saved in this browser. Send it to Clear to keep it on your phone.
Four sources shaped this list: RVC Outdoors, Campland, Carefree of Colorado and a full-time RVer's blog. Every one names a surge protector. All four also list leveling blocks. Most add tire pressure tools and a fire extinguisher. The list covers gear for a trip in a motorhome or camper, plus basic kitchen, sleep and outdoor items. Clothing, pet supplies, towing hardware and anything specific to your destination stay off it.
Why these items are on the list
- Surge protector. Named by all four sources. Campland says it guards against power spikes.
- Water pressure regulator. At campground hookups, Campland says it protects plumbing from high pressure.
- Drinking-water safe hose. Carefree of Colorado says hoses and filters should be designed for drinking water.
- Sewer hose kit and connectors. Campland suggests one with a clear connector, so you can see the flow.
- Disposable gloves. For sewer work, Carefree and the full-time RVer both say not to forget them.
- Electrical adapters, extension cord. For campground power, RVC Outdoors and Carefree both list them.
- Leveling blocks. On uneven ground, Campland says they keep the RV stable. All four sources list them.
- Wheel chocks. RVC Outdoors, Campland and Carefree pair them with leveling blocks.
- Tire pressure gauge. Regular checks help avoid blowouts, says Campland.
- Basic tool kit. Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and duct tape, per RVC Outdoors and Campland.
- Duct tape and zip ties. For quick repairs that get you to a mechanic, RVC Outdoors lists them.
- Replacement fuses and bulbs. On RVC Outdoors' maintenance and repair list.
- Fire extinguisher. RVC Outdoors, Campland and Carefree list one. Campland says keep it easily accessible.
- Smoke and CO detectors. RVC Outdoors says if not already installed, and bring spare batteries.
- First aid kit. On the safety lists of RVC Outdoors, Campland and Carefree.
- Roadside emergency kit. Flares, reflective triangle and vest, per RVC Outdoors; Carefree adds jumper cables.
- Flashlights and headlamps. Campland says bring extra batteries or rechargeable options.
- Registration, insurance, owner's manual. RVC Outdoors lists these under basic RV essentials.
- Spare tire and tools. RVC Outdoors includes them under maintenance and repair.
- Nesting pots and pans. For compact kitchens, Campland and Carefree both suggest space-saving cookware.
- Portable grill or stove. Carefree says to check campsite rules and fire restrictions before using one.
- Food storage containers. Campland says airtight containers keep dry goods fresh and guard against pests.
- Dish soap and sponge. Campland suggests biodegradable dish soap, gentle on the environment and safe for campground use.
- Bedding and pillows. Campland says choose by season; extra blankets help on cold nights.
- Folding chairs and table. RVC Outdoors, Campland and Carefree list them; Campland notes most campgrounds provide picnic tables.
- Outdoor mat or rug. Campland and Carefree say it keeps dirt out of the RV.
- Awning or canopy. For sun or light rain, RVC Outdoors and Campland list shade.
- RV-friendly toilet paper. RVC Outdoors and Carefree both list it.
Tap each item as it goes into the rig, and reuse the list for every trip. Share it with a travel partner and you can see who has loaded the hookup gear and who has the kitchen.
When to use it
Run it the week before any RV trip, and again whenever you are packing a rig that has been sitting for a while.