Packing the Essentials for Travel

1. Determine the amount of weight you can add (Gross vehicle weight rating minus wet weight (RV empty save for water and propane)), which equals the amount you can add without overloading the RV and risking tire blowout
2. Pack things where its easy to get to them and put them away. Use containers of various sizes for various uses. Get inserts for drawers and shelves to organize the available space. In the refrigerator, use plastic bags instead of bowls to save space.
3. Take items which might have a dual purpose. Be sure things will fit where you wish to put them. Adding a removable shower rod is good for drying clothes.
4. Pack all your items tightly. Line cabinets with rubber mats to avoid shifting during trips. Resizable shower rods work well in cabinets and refrigerator to keep things from falling out. Use plastic kitchenware to avoid breakage.
5. Minimize packing and unpacking between trips. If possible, stock the RV, so that you don't have to pack and unpack these items. Items which would be affected during storage can be placed in Tupperware containers or baskets to be stored in-house between trips.

What to stock in the RV

Kitchen: Paper plates, paper cups, napkins, paper towels, plastic forks, spoons, knives, carving knife, serving spoons, spatula, serving bowls, pots & pans, coffee/tea mugs, no-tip cups, straws, plastic wrap, double strength foil, spices, instant mixes and canned foods, dish towels, dish scrubbers, can/bottle opener, corkscrew, pot holders, plastic storage containers, plastic baggies, non-slip placemats, Bar-B-Q tools, marshmellow roasting sticks,

Clothing: Spare Jackets/sweaters/windbreakers, hats, gloves, umbrella, waterproof boots, pants, shirts, socks, underwear, watersafe sandals, sneakers, shorts, swimsuits, wide-brimmed hat (to protect from sun)

Medicine Cabinet: Sunscreen, insect repellent, first aid kit, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo & rinse, bio-degradable toilet paper, hand lotion, chapstick, toothbrushes, hairbrush & comb, ponytail holders, tampons/pads, deodorant, Q-tips, anti-bacterial soap, nailfile & clippers, soap, Kleenex

Linens: Outdoor tablecloth, towels, washcloths, blankets, pillowcases, sheets,

Cleaning Supplies: dish soap, laundry soap, sponges, doormats (indoor & out), insect spray/citronella candles,

Misc.: Sewing kit, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, map books, folding chairs & table, portable Bar-B-Q, games, playing cards, spare change, pencils/markers & paper, pet dishes, mats for pets, leashes & collars, sunglasses, disposable camera, Pre-flight Checklist

Tools: Surge protectors, water pressure regulators, stock tools & spares