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Introduction To The RV Checklist
There are many things to think about when you’re preparing for an RV trip. There’s the general checklist of supplies, but then there are also lists like departure list, set up list, and essential tools.
This blog post will provide a variety of RV checklists to help you plan your next RV trip. Along with these checklists, we’ll give you some tips and tricks that make traveling in an RV much easier!
Day of Departure RV Checklist
Table of Contents
The big day is approaching for your big RV adventure. You have thought of everything. Or have you? The rig is packed. You have your favorite sunscreen and you even remembered to make a playlist for the long road trip.
Campsite Departure Checklist 1 
Campsite Departure Checklist 2
You just aren’t sure what to look for prior to pulling the RV out onto the road. This RV departure checklist will surely assist with allaying all anxiety you feel. Print it out, follow along, and you will be on your way before you know it.
Trip RV Checklist
When you are ready to hit the road, follow this trip checklist to make sure that every detail has been accounted for. It is super important to double-check everything that way you aren’t missing anything. Sometimes it’s the small details that will cause the biggest problems on the road.
Don’t get caught up in the hustle of trying to get on the road and forget to do something as simple as closing an awning. This can be a very pricey mistake.
Essential Tools RV Checklist
This essential tool checklist will help you to feel safe and prepared for any unexpected roadside emergency. Tools for the tires, water pump, and battery are all important to keep in your RV at all times.
You never know when you will encounter an untimely emergency. Campgrounds are full of uneven and rocky surfaces. Things happen. It’s always best to be prepared.
Screwdriver
- A screwdriver is a must-have tool for any RV. You never know when you will encounter a loose screw that needs to be tightened or need to tighten something in your campground for safety reasons.
- Multi-bit screwdriver / nut driver shaft holds 8 popular tips and converts to 3 nut driver sizes
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Crowbar
- This tool is perfect for prying and loosening frozen bolts on the side of your RV, a trailer hitch, plow blade pins, and more.
- DURABLE MATERIAL - Pry bar set is made of high-quality carbon steel, and surface is sprayed with plastic to improve durability and prevent corrosion. The heat-treated crowbar is very strong and flexible, which can avoid breaking during use.
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Flashlight
- A flashlight will help in any nighttime situation when you need to find something in your RV.
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TPMS
- (tire pressure monitoring system): A TPMS will gauge your tire’s pressure as you travel down the road helping you to avoid a tire blowout.
- Package Dimensions: 23.368 H x 7.366 L x 18.542 W (centimetres)
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Hammer
- A hammer may be of assistance when your RV’s hitch needs to be removed, or you need to remove a pin during any roadside emergency.
- Durability: overstrike protection where fiberglass handles are most prone to break
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Multimeter
- A multimeter is a must-have tool for an RV owner! This device will help determine what type of electrical problem it may be so that the correct steps can be taken in resolving the issue.
- Multimeter measures up to 1000V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 40MOhms resistance plus temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, test diodes and continuity
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Level
- A level will assist you in setting up your trailer in the correct position.
- ACCURACY: Block vials of the level tool provide maximum accuracy of 0.0005-inch/ ft.. (0.5mm/M)
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Duct tape
- Duct tape will help you in many situations. It can be used to seal leaky pipes, patch holes in your roof, and tape a broken window until a replacement arrives.
- Recommended for temporary household repairs including holding, seaming, sealing and bundling
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Bucket
- A bucket will help with all sorts of cleaning tasks around the RV such as mopping up spills or collecting rainwater from your rooftop’s drain spouts.
- Heavy-duty thick wall construction.
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Pocket knife
- A pocket knife will assist you in many situations such as cutting rope or stripping wires.
- Knife with folding spring assisted opening blade and pocket clip has a simple and reliable liner-lock that is resistant to dirt and prevents unexpected closure. Equipped with the thumb studs for right and left hand use.
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Spare tire
- A spare tire is a must-have for any vehicle, and even more so if you have an RV. You never know when your current tires might give out and in order to keep going, it will be crucial that you’re able to put on the spare!
Creature Comforts
It is important to maintain a certain level of comfort even when camping. These items should be on your list to ensure that you are prepared for any weather, trip duration, or type of camping. Nothing can ruin a trip faster than being unprepared!
Clothes for every climate, day and night.
It is important to pack clothes for all types of climate. You never know when you might hit a heatwave or climb into the mountains where it can get very cold. This will ensure that you are prepared for anything!
Clothes:
– Raincoat and boots
– Swimwear/Coverups
– Hat and gloves
– Sunscreen, lotion, chapstick (lip balm)
A comfy blanket or sleeping bag.
A comfy blanket or all-weather sleeping bag is important for a good night’s sleep. Make sure to check the weather rating on the sleeping bag in context to where you are planning on visiting.
Blankets:
– Regular blankets
– Comfy fleece blanket
- Now Thicker and Warmer: Made with premium micro-fleece yarns this blanket provides a velvety feel. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the fleece blanket. In the latest iteration of Bedsure’s flannel blankets, the GSM in this blanket has been increased by 40 GSM. This subtle yet important change brings you the ultimate in comfort and warmth.
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Extra towels
If you plan on visiting the beach or using your towels for showering, you will need to bring extra to be safe.
Good pillow
A good pillow often determines how well you will sleep.
- GUSSET PILLOW PACK - Pack of 2 white pillows with a grey piping and double stitching gives these pillows a stylish look as well as proves to be long lasting
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Coffee maker
Nothing can start your day better than a good cup of coffee. Make sure to bring your coffee maker. A small and compact coffee press is a great idea and can be a fantastic space saver.
- BARISTA GRADE: Nespresso Inissia by Breville offers an impeccable single serve coffee or espresso cup every time, thanks to its automatic operation and patented extraction system which delivers up to 19 bars of pressure
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Arrival RV Checklist
This arrival checklist will help you seamlessly set up camp after a stressful day of driving and backing into your campsite (the highlight of every trip).
It is always a rush to get everything done so that you can finally relax and enjoy a campfire or glass of wine at your destination. This is why you do this after all!! Use this list and let your mind relax a bit.
Kitchen Set Up
The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is quite literally the center of many RVs as it is the main focus in most RVs. This is where you spend the majority of your time.
As such, it’s important to set up as soon as possible so that you can cook and enjoy all those yummy RV trip foods!
The kitchen should be stocked with these items:
Utensils
– There are many different types of utensils to take on your RV trip. You will need BBQ tools, eating utensils, spatula, whisk, slotted spoon and more depending on what type of cooking you decide to do. If you are a full-timer, you will need more.
Dishes
– Microwave and unbreakable dishware are best in RV’s as it won’t break as you drive down the road. It can be easily stored and works great outdoors. These wheat straw dishes come in many color options and are very affordable.
- ♻️ ECO-FRIENDLY, MICROWAVABLE, DISHWASHER AND FREEZER SAFE: Our Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set is made of natural organic wheat straw fiber and food grade PP material, and is 100% BPA free, non-toxic, odorless and environmentally friendly. No harmful chemical materials. This very healthy tableware set is dishwasher, microwavable and freezer safe and is perfect for a nice picnic or just at home use.
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Cups
– Travel mugs and cups with lids are great for traveling. Most importantly, you will need unbreakable cups and drinkware for your RV adventures. Yeti and Rtic make great, durable mugs and cups that are wonderful additions to your RV travels.
- The Rambler 10 oz Lowball is made from durable stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation to protect your hot or cold beverage at all costs
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Food
– Don’t forget to plan your meals before you leave. Food is the best part of any trip. BBQs and nights by the fire make for the best memories. Check out these articles for meal planning inspiration.
Cleaning products
– Dishes, showering, rinsing the floor, and more. You never know when you might need to clean up a little bit. Always have some cleaning supplies on hand. Camping is messy. Best to be prepared with the proper tools.
- Quick and easy Multi-Surface Spray removes stuck on dirt
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Bathroom Essentials
Be sure to bring everything you need to set up your RV bathroom appropriately. Have all of the essentials and necessities.
- soap
- shampoo/ conditioner
- deodorant
- toothpaste
- floss
- toilet paper- Make sure that you have toilet paper that is made for RVs so that you don’t end up with a black tank disaster.
- Contains 48 double rolls (6 packs of 8) = 96 regular rolls, 231 sheets per roll
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Outdoors
Set up your outdoor living space for enjoyment and a maximum camping experience. Use these outdoor items to enhance your RV trip.
- camp stove
- Make your outdoor adventures a delicious affair with Blackstone 22 tabletop griddle. This portable griddle has everything you need to whip up a smorgasbord of eggs, crunchy hash browns, crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes all at the same time.
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- grill
- chairs
- Check out this article to find the best camping chair for you.
- rug
- Breathable material wont damage grass
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- bug spray
- No: DEET, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances or dyes
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Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Trip
Here are some extra tips and tricks for a smooth trip in your RV.
-Be sure to have your current registration sticker (or stickers) on hand in case you are pulled over by law enforcement or if someone else needs some basic information.
-If you travel with pets, be sure to have all the necessary paperwork or tags on them.
-If you are traveling with children, be sure they know their full name and what to do if lost as well as how to dial 911. Children should also know where their RV is parked so that they can find it in an emergency.
-Know common Campground etiquette. Check out this article for more information.
Emergency Supplies: The RV Checklist
flares
Flares are important to keep with you on an RV trip. They can be used to signal for help in an emergency.
- ● FAMILY PACK - LED Road Flares Emergency Light with Storage Bag great for dividing up among family members; A Perfect Emergency Kit to keep in the trunk of their vehicles for Roadside emergencies and distress situations. (We recommend AAA batteries to these LED flares light | BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED).
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triangles
Road triangles should be included in your RV emergency supplies. They are helpful if you have a breakdown, need to change a tire, or pull over for any other reason.
- DOT approved! Effective REFLECTIVE!
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first aid kit
You may find that you need a first aid kit on a trip. It is important to have a kit that has the supplies you need in case of an emergency. A fully equipped first aid kit should include:
- 24/7 First Aid Multi-Purpose First Aid Kit contains 336 essential first aid supplies
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-At least two ways of stopping bleeding
-A supply of adhesive bandages in various sizes
-Aspirin or like medication for pain relief and fever reduction
-Ace Bandage
jumper cables
You should always travel with jumper cables. You never know if you will break down or someone else will. It is handy to have them with when they are needed.
- PREMIUM AUTO EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE KIT - The Highest Quality Car Survival Gear on Amazon with over 110 resources commonly found in both a car kit and a roadside emergency kit. This combination of two auto kits provides immediate help with any car situation, even if you become stranded. Comes in a durable poly-canvas duffel bag with room to add your own items if youd like.
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emergency blanket
RV trips can be unpredictable and it’s always best to plan for the unexpected. For this reason, an emergency blanket should be included in your supplies on every trip.
- ✅【FOUR PREMIUM MYLAR EMERGENCY BLANKETS】Durable and advanced aluminized dual-sided space blankets, thermal blanket, survival blanket, field tested by Ex-U.S. Army Sergeant. Made of durable insulating mylar material designed by NASA for space exploration and it retains up to 90% of your body heat. Perfect for First Aid Kit, bug out bags, go-bags, and home/auto emergency kits.
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cell phone charger
Your cell phone charger should always be kept handy during any trip. You never know when you will need to use it, and if your battery ever dies while on the road, being able to power up is essential.
roadside assistance
A reliable roadside assistance plan is recommended for any RVer. You never know when your vehicle may break down, and having extra peace of mind is priceless.
Check out this article for great RV membership information.
Conclusion
A successful RV trip starts with a well-planned departure, set up in the campground, and a day of exploration. These essential checklists will help you get it right from the start! What are some of your favorite RV trip checklists?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or reaching out to our team on social media at (insert company handle).
We’d love to hear about your latest adventures as we continue to explore life outside for work and play. Happy trails! Your perfectly optimized content goes here!
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