RV Packing Tips for Beginners
06-08-2017
Author: in Education
If you are headed out on your first RV camping trip, you are probably feeling pretty excited. However, there is a good chance you are also feeling a bit overwhelmed. From learning the ins and outs of using an RV to driving a motorhome or pulling a trailer for the first time, there is a lot to think about when preparing for your first RV trip.
One of the things that tends to stress people out most is packing. Many beginners are worried they won’t pack everything they need; meanwhile, others are scared of over-packing and going over the RV’s weight limits.
Fortunately, packing an RV does not have to be as difficult as so many make it out to be. Here are a few tried-and-true tips for packing an RV.
Mentally Play Out Your Day
Begin the packing process by playing out your day-to-day activities in your head. Consider what you will need to do these things, and begin making a list. Some commonly missed items include cookware, bedding, folding chairs, and RV toilet paper.
Remember: This is not a hotel room, meaning you will need to provide everything you may need.
Include Entertainment
Another thing that many people forget is some form of entertainment. While hiking, swimming, and singing around the campfire are likely to consume most of your camping time, you will probably have a bit of downtime. Therefore, things like board games, books, and a tablet or smartphone (with charger, of course) are good to have on hand.
Grab Some Grub
Reasonably priced groceries are not always easy to come by in the smaller towns that campgrounds tend to be located near. Therefore, it is generally a good idea to fill the pantry and fridge before you go.
Additionally, it is important to turn on the refrigerator a couple of days before you plan to fill it in order to ensure it gets cold. A bottle of water stored in the fridge during those two days can help the cooling process.
Pack Evenly
Although most people are afraid of going over the RV’s weight limits, the more common problem is actually uneven loading. A trailer or motorhome that is loaded unevenly is more likely to experience a tire blowout. In order to avoid this issue, be sure to counter a heavy item on one side of the trailer with an item of similar weight on the opposite side.
Don’t Fill the Tanks
If going overweight is a real possibility, you may want to consider leaving your water tanks empty. Unless you are “dry” camping (i.e. camping without hookups) you won’t really need full tanks anyway, and a 40-gallon tank of fresh water adds about 334 lbs to your total weight.
Skip the Stress
Although it is easier said than done, try to relax in the days leading up to your trip. Even if you forget a crucial item, it is likely that you will be able to find it in a nearby store, and camping is all about roughing it anyway.
Hopefully these tips help you prepare for your upcoming trip so you can go in feeling prepared and relaxed—the right way to start a camping trip.
Related Read: Pre-Camp “Do Not Forget” Checklist
One of the things that tends to stress people out most is packing. Many beginners are worried they won’t pack everything they need; meanwhile, others are scared of over-packing and going over the RV’s weight limits.
Fortunately, packing an RV does not have to be as difficult as so many make it out to be. Here are a few tried-and-true tips for packing an RV.
Mentally Play Out Your Day
Begin the packing process by playing out your day-to-day activities in your head. Consider what you will need to do these things, and begin making a list. Some commonly missed items include cookware, bedding, folding chairs, and RV toilet paper.
Remember: This is not a hotel room, meaning you will need to provide everything you may need.
Include Entertainment
Another thing that many people forget is some form of entertainment. While hiking, swimming, and singing around the campfire are likely to consume most of your camping time, you will probably have a bit of downtime. Therefore, things like board games, books, and a tablet or smartphone (with charger, of course) are good to have on hand.
Grab Some Grub
Reasonably priced groceries are not always easy to come by in the smaller towns that campgrounds tend to be located near. Therefore, it is generally a good idea to fill the pantry and fridge before you go.
Related Read: 7 Tips for a Cleaner, Healthier RV Fridge
Additionally, it is important to turn on the refrigerator a couple of days before you plan to fill it in order to ensure it gets cold. A bottle of water stored in the fridge during those two days can help the cooling process.
Pack Evenly
Although most people are afraid of going over the RV’s weight limits, the more common problem is actually uneven loading. A trailer or motorhome that is loaded unevenly is more likely to experience a tire blowout. In order to avoid this issue, be sure to counter a heavy item on one side of the trailer with an item of similar weight on the opposite side.
Related Read: The Truth about Tire Blowouts
Don’t Fill the Tanks
If going overweight is a real possibility, you may want to consider leaving your water tanks empty. Unless you are “dry” camping (i.e. camping without hookups) you won’t really need full tanks anyway, and a 40-gallon tank of fresh water adds about 334 lbs to your total weight.
Skip the Stress
Although it is easier said than done, try to relax in the days leading up to your trip. Even if you forget a crucial item, it is likely that you will be able to find it in a nearby store, and camping is all about roughing it anyway.
Related Read: Reduce Stress by Fulltime RVing!
Hopefully these tips help you prepare for your upcoming trip so you can go in feeling prepared and relaxed—the right way to start a camping trip.
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Author: Chelsea Barron
