RV Gear

Did you know that the longest road in the world is over 18,600 miles?

If you dream of cruising along the open roads, having the ultimate road trip packing list can help you make the most out of your next vacation.

Are you ready to embark on your greatest adventure yet? Keep reading to learn all of the essentials you should pack.

1. Snacks, Drinks, and a Cooler

Tasty, nutritious snacks and drinks are road trip essentials. There’s nothing worse than relying on fast food or needing to stop for gas station supplies often. If you’re driving a vehicle like an RV with a refrigerator, you can pack all kinds of filling goodies like sandwiches and fresh fruit.  If you prefer not to get in your fridge while driving, there are plenty of non-perishable snacks that can be made ahead and stored in a ‘snack bag’.

2. Important Documents

Important documents are other road trip must-haves because you should always be prepared for emergencies. If you ever get into an accident or pulled over by the police, you’ll need to make sure you have your license, registration, and proof of insurance.  It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your medical insurance card, a list of any medical conditions a doctor might need to know, and who to call in case of an emergency.  While most of these precautions are rarely needed, you’ll feel better knowing you are well prepared.

3. A Car Charger and Phone Mount

Cell phone supplies are important items to bring on a road trip so you can stay connected no matter where you go. Having a car mount will make it much easier and safer to navigate when you use GPS services. Bringing a charger and/or adapter can also ensure you never run out of power. A lot of RVs now have USB ports, so you’ll want to think about how to make sure everyone on the trip has a place to charge their device.

4. Weather-Appropriate Clothes

If you’re wondering what to pack for a road trip, it’s always best to have plenty of weather-appropriate clothes with you. Sunglasses, a rain jacket, and clothing that’s made out of fast-drying materials can help protect you from the elements when you’re outside. Check the weather in advance to make sure you are properly prepared.  For example, if you love to hike and rain doesn’t bother you, make sure you bring hiking boots that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. And many RVers like to have a shoe tray, or mat, near the door to put their dirty shoes on so they are not tracking and bits of dirt, mulch, or gravel into the living area of their RV.

5. Clean Up Supplies

As you’re eating and spending more time in your vehicle, you’ll want to have easy access to items that help with clean up. Baby wipes, tissues, and napkins are all great ways to facilitate a quick clean up! So having these items on your road trip checklist is always a good plan.  If you keep some supplies up front, the driver can always keep their area neat and clean without having to stand up or pull over.

6. Make A Day Bag

Are you planning on hiking or going on day trips where you’ll be away from your vehicle? If so, having a day bag that’s filled with a few extra clothes, a couple of extra snacks, and extra hand-sanitizer or wipes will make you feel more secure when you leave your vehicle behind.

For parents of young children, including some boredom busters in case of a long wait at a local restaurant can also be helpful. Think of easy items that are space saving, like a Rubix Cube, or pipe-cleaners that can be used creatively, and even a few printable coloring pages+ baggie with crayons can save the day!

7. Emergency Kit

Nobody likes to imagine worst-case scenarios, but accidents can happen to anybody. This is why being prepared is essential. Having an emergency kit with first aid supplies, flashlights, blankets, and a small radio can keep you and your loved ones safe during your travels. As an RV owner, you will also want to have an emergency kit for your RV.  Check out this video of what basics you’ll want to include.

You’re Ready With This Road Trip Packing List

If you follow this road trip packing list, you can enjoy the scenic ride and surprising adventures knowing that you are better prepared for the unexpected.

Are you ready to go on a road trip in style? If so, buying or renting an RV is the best way to keep you and your passengers comfortable. Check out our monthly specials to learn how we can help you have an unforgettable experience.

Over 25 million Americans take a vacation in an RV every year. And the Holiday season is one of the busiest times for road trips and RV travel.

Want to join the RV ranks? Before you take off, you’ll want to make sure you have enough food for the trip.

We’ve put together this guide to help you learn some of the best tips & techniques to pack your RV fridge.

So let’s get started!

Plan Your Meals Ahead

Spend some time planning your meals in advance. This might take a little time, but it will let you know exactly what you need. You won’t waste space by packing things you won’t use.

It can also be a good idea to plan to buy some food once you arrive at your destination. This can make it easier to travel, can help maximize your storage space, and will allow you to take advantage of local, or seasonal, produce along the way.

Take the Food out of Its Original Packaging

The original packaging often takes up a lot more space than the food product itself. You’ll be able to fit a lot more in your RV fridge if you take everything out of the packaging.

You should also condense things like condiments into travel-sized bottles. If you know you won’t finish everything in a container, put what you will use into a smaller container. Some people even save their delivery condiments just for this purpose because they come in single-use packaging that can be thrown away as it’s used & therefore freeing up space as meals are eaten on the road.

Taking smaller condiment containers, or single use condiments will help free up space for other items.

Use Square Containers

You’ll be able to fit more square containers in your RV fridge than round containers. They’re also easier to stack. There are many options to choose from, whether you prefer plastic or glass.  we also recommend using the square storage containers in your pantry and cupboards. You can label them if you like- although most are see-through to allow easy identification of what’s inside.

Of course you will want air-tight lids in case the stack get’s a little off-balance and takes a topple.  And if you have little hands getting in and out of your fridge & pantry you may want to consider the size and whether or not handles would be helpful.

Make More Space with Storage Baskets

Struggling to pack everything in your RV fridge?

You can use storage baskets to create more space. Try stacking these baskets on top of each other and next to each other like makeshift shelves. some even work on slides to create extra drawers inside the fridge. This will allow you to use much more of the space than you would have been able to otherwise.

Put Heavy Items on the Bottom

This might sound obvious, but it’s even more important for RV fridges. As you drive, the contents in your fridge might shift or move around.

Think of the inside of your fridge like a mini-trailer with it’s own internal cargo. Always stack heavier and solid items on the bottom to provide a solid base for the lighter items up top.

Make Sure the Door Closes All the Way

Once you get all your food in the fridge, make sure it closes all the way. Many RVs have safety-latches that will lock the door during travel.  Be sure to make sure your safety-latch will engage properly if your fridge has one.

Also, If the door doesn’t make an airtight seal, the cold air will leak out into the rest of your RV.  This little leak can decrease the coldness of the interior of the fridge and possibly impact how long the food will last. If your fridge doesn’t have a safety-latch, or if your RV has a residential fridge installed, you can always create your own locking system with a few simple items.

Learning How to Pack Your RV fridge the Right Way

Packing your RV fridge takes a bit more planning than a traditional fridge. But it’s really easy once your understand a few simple techniques. If you plan your meals in advance and separate everything into travel-size portions, you should be well on your way to making the most of your RV fridge and meals on the road.

Want some more tips for your first RV trip? Make sure you check out this helpful planning guide!