Packing is the hardest part of RVing. So, here is a FREE RV packing list, the must-have packing categories, and 3 great options for an RV checklist app.
When you're hitting the open road in your RV, it's important to be prepared. That's why you need a well-crafted RV packing list!
In this blog post, we'll discuss why you need a list, what should be on it, and the different apps that can help you make your own.
Plus, you can download a FREE printable RV checklist pdf by signing up for our newsletter that provides free perks, discounts and RV travel tips.
If you are reading this because you are already on our email list, you should have already been sent this checklist.
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Get My FREE Printable RV Packing Checklist
If you prefer to make your own, the following list of categories and items will help you get organized. Combined with the helpful RV checklist apps, you'll be well on your way.
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Why You Need an RV Packing List
It doesn't matter how many RV trips you've been on; you're bound to forget something without a list. There's just too much to remember when you're packing for a trip.
You need to think about what clothes you'll need, what food and drinks you'll want to bring, and all of the other practical items you need for a great adventure. Not to mention tools, entertainment, and all the little things you don't remember until it's too late.
The Ultimate RV Checklist (7 Categories)
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With so much to pack, you might be wondering what needs to go on your RV packing list. Well, it's a lot.
Some of it you'll keep in your RV year-round, but you still need to check those items in case they need restocked. Others you'll need to pack for every trip.
We break our list into 7 categories, as follows.
1. Cleaning & Hygiene
Cleaning & hygiene is at the top of ultimate RV packing list for obvious reasons. We don't mind getting dirty in the great outdoors, but we like to get clean, too!
And, of course, we like to keep our RV as clean as possible. We even have an entire Amazon List for this! Explore our RV Cleaning and Maintenance list here.
Some of the cleaning & hygiene items include:
- Broom & dustpan
- RV toilet cleaner
- Sponges & scrub brushes
- Dish soap
- Paper products
2. Clothes, Towels & Bedding
The next category on our RV checklist is clothes, towels, and bedding. You'll need to pack for the weather and activities you have planned.
And, of course, you want to be comfortable while you're on the road.
Some items in this category include:
- Hats & sunglasses
- Jacket or coat
- Sweatpants & sweatshirts
- Shorts & T-shirts
- Sheets & blankets
- Various towels
Helpful articles:
3. Food & Drinks
Next we have food and supplies. This includes both food for cooking and food for snacking.
Some items in this category include:
- Bread & buns
- Eggs
- Cooking oil
- Condiments
- Coffee (inc. filters, coffee maker, etc.)
- Favorite spices
- and lots more…
For some ideas of what food to pack, check out the following articles:
- 10 Best crockpot Recipes According to Fellow RVers
- 10 Easy Campfire Snacks & Treats
- Various RV Recipes
4. Dishes & Utensils
Next, you need to make sure your RV kitchen is properly stocked. This includes dishes, utensils, and cookware.
Some items in this category include:
- Pots & pans
- Dishes (plates, bowls, cups, etc.)
- Silverware
- Cooking utensils (spatulas, wooden spoons, etc.)
- Sharp knives
- Can opener
- etc.
Here are some helpful articles for this category:
- Complete Sink Setup For Your RV Kitchen (Shopping List)
- 7 Great RV Kitchen Gadgets to Save Space
- 7 Best RV Kitchen Gadgets for Beverages
- 13 Best Coffee Makers for RV Travel
- 10 Best Campfire Accessories to Keep in Your RV
5. Games & Entertainment
This category is important for those rainy days, long drives, and lounging.
You'll want to make sure you have enough to keep everyone occupied.
Some items in this category include:
- Books
- Movies
- Camping Puzzles
- Board games
- Camera
- Headphones
- Chargers
- etc.
Here are some helpful articles for this category:
- 13 Best Road Trip Movies for RVers and Camping
- 10 Best Books to Read While Camping
- Stargazing for Campers Kit (10 Must-Have Items)
- 13 Best Travel Crafts & Activity Books for Adults
- 7 Best Outdoor Camping Games for Your RV
- 19 Best Card Games for Camping
6. First Aid
This is a very important category that RV owners often forget. First aid (including restocking) should be on all of your RV checklists. Our RV Safety Essentials Amazon list might help!
You never know when you'll need it.
Some items in this category include:
- First aid kit
- Antibiotic ointment
- Pain reliever
- Allergy medication
- Thermometer
- etc.
7. Tools & Misc. Supplies
This category is important for those inevitable RV maintenance tasks and roadside emergencies.
You'll want to make sure you're prepared for anything!
Some items in this category include:
- Jumper cables
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Flashlight & batteries
- Multi-purpose tool (e.g. Swiss army knife)
- Duct tape
- Rope/twine
- etc.
For more specifics, check out the following articles:
- Basics for the RV Toolbox
- 10 Top Tools Every RVer Needs to Carry
- 5 Emergency Roadside Kit & Products for Your RV
- Why RVers Need RV Roadside Assistance Coverage (5 Reasons)
Get Your Free RV Packing List
Do you want all of the above checklist items and more consolidated in a 1-page RV checklist? A free checklist, I might add.
If you are reading this because you are on our email list – you should already have this checklist.
If you're reading this from a search – Just click here to join our list, and I'll send it right out to you.
Get My FREE Printable RV Packing Checklist
Best RV Checklist App Options
If you want to customize your own ultimate RV checklist, you can download a helpful app. They really do have apps for everything these days!
Here are some of the best ultimate RV checklist app options…
RV Life Pro
We love RV Life Pro for many reasons! It is the ultimate app suite for planning entire RV trips. You can read why we say RV Life Pro Is Worth It.
The RV Life Trip Wizard app is very helpful on its own. However, I recommend opting for RV Life Pro instead.
RV Life Pro is a 4-in-1 membership that includes:
- RV LIFE Trip Wizard
- RV LIFE Campground Reviews
- RV LIFE App (RV-Safe GPS)
- RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker
RV Life Pro provides a ton of resources, including checklists.
Jennifer and I have used RV Life Pro for many years now and continuously find more value in it than it costs. So much so that we became partners so our readers can save on membership.
This is important – if you want to enjoy using all the RV Life Pro tools just add this coupon code: RVLIFESTYLE which gives you 25% off the price! If you already use RV Life Pro – your cost is already low and locked in.
–> Note that discount codes must be entered on a computer – if you try to sign up with the mobile app, there is no place to put the coupon code. <–
Packr (Apple)
Packr is a very comprehensive packing list app. You can use it for travel in general, not just RVing.
There are many different trip types already inputted that you can choose from (e.g., camping, business trip, beach vacation). Then you simply check off the items you need to pack.
Best of all, it's a weather-driven packing list apps. When you input your destination(s) and date of travel, it gets the 8-day weather forecast and generates a packing list accordingly.
So, this app is most useful for packing clothing for your RV camping trips.
Packr is available on the Apple App Store for free or $2.99 for the premium version.
PackTeo (Android)
PackTeo is one of the most comprehensive packing list apps for Android.
Like Packr, it's a weather-driven packing list app. You simply input your destination and dates of travel and it gets the weather forecast to generate a packing list. It also has a general RV camping packing list that you can use as is or customize.
You can share your packing lists with others and even add notes to items on the list.
PackTeo is free on the Google Play Store with optional in-app purchases.
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We cover a variety of areas in this guide, from sugar-sand beaches along the coast, inland to Florida’s magnificent first-magnitude springs, to the largest lake in the state and the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades.
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