RV Travel Checklist for Beginners

Veterans of RV life will tell you that it’s important to craft a good RV travel checklist. When you’re new to manning a motorhome, that RV rental can seem a bit intimidating. Whether you’re going camping with friends or taking the kids on a road trip, it’s easy for things to get lost in the shuffle. To make your next Houston rental RV trip easier on you, we’ve assembled this handy RV travel checklist.  

From the basics to more luxurious options, our RV checklists can help you get ready for your next TX RV Adventure!

RV Travel Checklist – The Essentials 

When you’re traveling in your RV, you need to be prepared. Whether you’re going camping or hitting the road for an extended trip, it’s important to be ready for an emergency. These suggestions will help to ensure you’re never taken by surprise in your travels. 

• Battery jumper cables
• Emergency road kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Drinking water hose
• Leveling blocks
• Tire pressure gauge
• Surge protector
• Electrical adapters
• Flashlight
• Fire extinguisher
• Large zip-close bag for documents, including license, registration, reservations, etc.

Kitchen Supplies 

As you put together your RV travel checklist, it’s important to remember that your rental RV comes equipped with a kitchen. While you’re on the road, you might tire of roadside diners and fast food.

Having a well-stocked kitchen on an RV camping trip will give you more options and save your budget. Consider packing the below so that you’re ready to prepare your own meals when those pancakes lose their appeal. Hard to imagine, right?

• Garbage bags
• Plastic wrap
• Zip close bags 
• Water bottles
• Cutting board
• Utensils/cutting knives
• Can opener
• Skillets
• Disinfecting wipes
• Matches and lighter
• Food storage container
• Cooler 
• Dish soap
• Camping griddle and pie iron
• Bowls, plates, and cups
• Paper towels

RV Travel Checklist – Bring Food Staples 

Speaking of meals, you’ll need to bring some food along with you to ensure that your RV rental is fully stocked. Depending on your destination, you may not have immediate access to food when you need it. Having an equipped kitchen with a full cabinet will keep your stomach full and ensure you never lack the energy needed for your trip. 

• Vegetables and fruits
• Butter or margarine
• Cereal
• Batter mixes
• Peanut butter and jelly 
• Snacks, including crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
• Cooking spray or oil
• Soups
• Bread
• Baking items, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, etc.
• Canned foods
• Drink mix packets
• Eggs
• S’more ingredients
• Freeze-dried meals
• Salt, pepper, herbs, and spices
• Condiments, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, etc.
• Grill meats, like hot dogs, burgers, brats, etc.

Clothing & Bedding 

Your destinations will determine the clothing you need, and it’s important to be ready. Pack comfortable and functional clothes that suit where you’re heading. As for the bedroom, bringing the comforts of home with you can make your RV rental experience all the more comfortable. Pick and choose from the below to ensure you’re ready to maximize the fun. 

• Bathing suit
• Sweatshirts and jackets
• Socks
• Hat
• Underwear
• Pants and shorts
• Rain gear
• Shoes, including sneakers, hiking boots, sandals, etc.
• Short and long sleeve t-shirts
• Clothes hangers
• Towels
• Sheets and blankets
• Pillows
• Alarm clock
• Sewing kit

Toiletries & Personal Items 

Your RV travel checklist should include everything you need to stay healthy and hygienic. You wouldn’t skip the toiletries if you were staying in a hotel, so why wouldn’t you bring them to an RV rental? 

• Watch
• Medications and prescriptions
• Phone chargers
• Cash and credit cards
• Reservation confirmations
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Batteries
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Sunglasses
• Travel map and campground directory
• Soap
• Lotion
• Makeup
• Razor
• Shaving gel
• Nail clippers
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Brush and comb
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Hair ties