RV Checklist for Summer

This RV Checklist for summer will have you road ready in no time! Summer brings thoughts of RVers everywhere are preparing to take the ultimate vacations. But with vacation comes the unexpected. Having a checklist is the best way to avoid emergency situations and ensure you’re prepared for the summer heat wherever you are.



First and foremost, you need to check in on your rig to know the status of everything before you go anywhere with it. You should focus on looking at items in your RV that haven’t been used in a long time and check to see how well they still work. Here are a few things to check out when Summerizing your RV:

• Detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide

• Batteries: RV batteries, light fixtures,

• Tires: Beware of dry rot!

• Fire extinguishers

• Plumbing and water systems: Check for leaks prior to running a lot of water.

• Rig fixtures: Fluids, brakes, power steering, etc.,

If you’re not entirely sure what the condition of these items are, be sure to have a professional inspect your rig inside and out before taking off on a long trip. You always want to ensure your safety before hitting the road, which sometimes means letting your pride go and having a second set of eyes look over everything!



Once you check these items, you can move onto some of the extra things that you need for your vacation. Here are a few of the things I always make sure to pack in my rig to ensure the best possible (and least sweaty!) Summer on the road.

• Hydration & Cooling -- water, fans, etc.,

• Sun Protection -- hats, long sleeves, pants, sunscreen

• Fun & Appropriate Summer Gear -- swimsuits, sandals, sunglasses

• Emergency Supplies -- extra water, roadside reflectors, extra vehicle fluids, first aid kit, etc.,

If you’re not sure what you need for your rig beyond the lists above, here are a few things to think about before you get on the road for the Summer.



Pack Extra Essentials
Summer is the time when you need extras of everything. Whether that’s water, bug spray, or sunscreen, it’s always better to have more than enough than none at all. Packing extra essentials gives you peace of mind as you move from place to place. When you have enough essentials to last your entire vacation, you spend less time at the store and more time having fun, which is all we really want, right?



Here are a few essentials you should consider packing this Summer for any activity:

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Extra water (never get stranded without water!)

• Extra snacks (the hotter it is, the hungrier you get!)

• First Aid Kit

• Towels

• Anything you use frequently should be added to this list!

Plan According to Activities
Every year, many families pack up their RVs to visit new locations and try new activities. Thinking ahead ensures that you have everything you need to participate in those activities without missing out on all the fun. Whether you plan to spend your days boondocking on the beach or hiking through the mountains, you need to have the appropriate clothing and gear that can get you where you’re going.



To know what kind of gear you need, check with your local outdoor outfitter or ask questions from those in charge of your activity prior to setting off on your journey.



Water Activity Essentials:

• Towel(s)

• Umbrella

• Swimsuit(s)

• Waterproof sack for treasured items

Camping Essentials:

• Shelter of some kind (tent, tarp, etc.,)

• Appropriate shoes & clothing

• Food and appropriate food storage

• Sleeping bag or blankets

• Water and water storage

• Cooking & eating utensils

Boondocking Essentials:

• Extra batteries for battery-powered fans, chargers, and lights

• Reflectix for windows and other heat-absorbing areas

• Cooler/Food storage (in case of emergencies)

• Generator or solar panels for power regeneration

• An awning or some kind of makeshift shade

*All of the above lists should also include any and all of the essentials listed in the “Pack Extra Essentials” section above.

Related Read: Hiking Activities to Keep Kids Interested

Prepare for Emergencies
I know no one really likes to think about the worst that could happen, but it’s important to have a general plan when the unexpected happens. A flat tire can easily become a dangerous situation if you’re stranded out in the middle of nowhere with no food or water. A car wreck could cause unexpected damage to vital components of your rig, making it unable to drive the rest of the way. These are all things that happen to people every day on the road. It just doesn’t always happen to us. But with that mentality, we most likely will remain in a bad situation because we don’t know how to get out of it. Instead, you should do the following before taking your vacation:

1. Call your insurance company: Double check what your insurance company covers and what it does not. Does your policy come with roadside assistance? Be sure to ask these questions before you get into a bad spot.

2. Know who to call: If you’re stuck on the side of the road, you need to know who to call in order to be picked up in a safe and timely manner. If you have roadside assistance, you should always carry their information in your glove box or somewhere safe so that you have it on hand when emergencies occur.

3. Let someone know where you’re going and where you’ll sleep for the night: Checking in with people along your journey can make easier on you and your family. If you are out of cell service range and need help, those people should be able to identify if you have been delayed for many hours or a day without communication. This gives you a backup contact, too, in case you are injured and have other responsibilities that need to be taken care of.

Related Read: Medical Emergencies while Camping – Are You Prepared?

Always Check the Checklist
Every time you hit the road, you should check your checklist. With four seasons coming and going, there will always be some differences in your checklist throughout the year. But what really matters is that you always take the time to check in on your rig before you take a trip, no matter what time of the year. With a regular routine, you’ll feel better getting behind the wheel and having a good time without all the worries.