Recreational Vehicle Vacation Checklist

Recreational Vehicle Vacation Checklist

In all the excitement of an upcoming RV trip or vacation it is easy to forget a few items that you really wanted to bring. You can purchase others on the road or do without. It is always a good idea to write down a list of the things you want to take ahead of time and check it off before you leave. We have compiled a list of items that most campers bring. You can print out this list and add additional items of your own. For you convenience, there are product suggestion links for ordering any camping gear you need. The printable version does not have product links. Print the text version to check off each item as you prepare for your next trip.

We can not to this all alone. We appreciate your help. Please email and suggestions or additions to this list to the Editor.

Camping Gear

FOOD PREPARATION

*__Fuel for grills and other outdoor appliance.
*__Butane lighters ( We prefer the longer ones for starting fireplaces )
    We recommend : Olympian Gas Match-10 Lighter
*__A small propane or charcoal grill with charcoal and starting fluid or propane tank.
    Product suggestion : Olympian Portable Super Gas Grill
*__Storage containers, aluminum foil, napkins, paper towels and plastic zip lock bags.
    Product Suggestion : Adjustable Paper Towel Holder
    Product Suggestion : Stainless Steel Napkin Dispenser
    Product Suggestion : Stainless Steel Dish Drainer
*__Cutting board, knife and knife sharpener
    Product Suggestion : Bamboo Stove Topper & Cutting Board
    Product Suggestion : Knife Safe
    Product Suggestion : Oak Finish Hardwood Countertop Extension
*__Cooking utensils and cookware
    Product suggestion : Stainless Steel Cooking Utensils
    Product Suggestion : 15-Piece Cookware Set
    Product Suggestion : Ramblin' Road Platter
    Product Suggestion : Three-Piece Compact Baking Set
*__Dishes ( We prefer the heavy plastic or disposable ones that you can discard after a couple of outings ) and silverware.
    Product suggestion : Melacore Dinnerware
*__Cooking linens ( napkins, pot holders, tablecloth, kitchen towels )
    Product Suggestion : Festive Springtime Dish Towels
*__Coffee and or teapot, filters, tea and coffee
    Product Suggestion : 12-Volt 5-cup Coffee Maker
    Product suggestion : “Smart” 12-volt Car Pot
*__Cleaning items ( soap, sponge, paper towels, kitchen brushes and cleaners )
*__Also a few gallons of bottled water or a good water filter.

OUTDOOR RELAXATION

*__Lanterns and fuel for outdoor lighting
    Product Suggestion : Patio Fun Lights
    Product Suggestion : Outdoor Lighting and Decorations
*__Outdoor furniture ( Stools. folding chairs, stackable chairs, etc. )
    Product Suggestion : Stars & Stripes Tablecloth
    Product Suggestion : Folding Sport Table and Bench Set
    Product Suggestion : Big Wide Recliner
*__Outdoor sleeping gear (Air mattress, ground cloth or moisture barrier, sleeping bags.)
    Product Suggestion : Camping Gear
*__A good supply of batteries for all items requiring them.
    Product Suggestion : Batteries
*__Battery powered radio ( One with weather bands is an excellent choice )

NAVIGATION AND SAFETY
*__Be sure to have a recently serviced fire extinguisher
*__A well stocked first aid kit
*__All necessary personal medications ( general pain relievers, creams and prescription medications ).
*__Ropes, tarps, bungee straps, tapes ( electrical, duct, etc. ) and other items necessary to secure any gear.
*__All necessary maps and also a compass.
*__Emergency signaling device ( flashlight, flares, roadside emergency triangle markers, battery red warning lights ).
    Product Suggestion : Coleman® Compact 3-LED Flashlight
    Product Suggestion : Tuff Brite™ Lantern
    Product Suggestion : Warning Triangle Set with Case
*__Accurate tire pressure gauge.

PERSONAL Items
*__Cameras and film or extra digital image storage.
*__Old shoes and clothes in case emergency maintenance work is required.
*__Inclement weather clothing ( coat, windbreaker, raincoat, boots etc. ),
*__Stationery and stamps
*__Address book with telephone list or an extra telephone book
*__Pet necessities
    Product Suggestion : Pet Supplies
*__ Bed linens
    Product Suggestion : E-Z Maid 100% Cotton RV Bed Linens
    Product Suggestion : Travasak Sleep System®
    Product Suggestion : Custom Embroidery Sheets

CAMPSITE MAINTENANCE
*__Tools ( to enable some repairs in case of an emergency ).
*__Small shovel, ax, level and small pails.
*__Wood blocks and levelers to assist in leveling your recreational vehicle.
    Product Suggestion : Chocks and Levelers Stabilizing Jacks Levels PU Camper Tie Downs
*__Broom, mop and dust pan.
*__An ample supply of toilet paper and tissue.
    Product Suggestion: Thetford Quick-Dissolve RV/Marine Tissue
*__A good camping manual ( if new and unfamiliar to necessary campground procedures ).
    Product Suggestion : Directories, Books & Games
*__A portable generator ( if dry camping is anticipated ).
    Product Suggestion : Generators

Recreational Vehicle Pre-Trip Checklist

Outside the Recreational Vehicle

Disconnect and Stow
a. Shore Power Cord
Product Suggestion : Electrical Power Cords and Replacement Parts
b. City Water Connection Hose
Product Suggestion : Products for Maintaining Freshwater Systems
c. Sewer Hose
Product Suggestion : Products for Maintaining Sanitation Systems

Check all exterior lights for operation and damage

Check wheel lugs for tightness

Check tires for correct air pressure

Check and lock all exterior compartments and filler doors

Check and secure all items stored on the exterior of the coach
Check the areas around, below and above the coach for obstacles to move or avoid when driving away
Product Suggestion : Backup Safety Systems
Product Suggestion : Mirrors

Turn main LP gas valve OFF

Check awnings for lock position

Check that the leveling jacks have fully retracted or removed
Product Suggestion : Chocks and Levelers

Check that the TV antenna is fully retracted

Check that the awning (s) are up and secured

If auxiliary power is necessary, start generator and check 120V system ( Pre-Trip inspection )

Inside the Recreational Vehicle

Lock the entrance door

Close all windows and vents

Clear and stow all loose articles from counters, range, sinks and shelves

Check that no heavy items are stowed in overhead cabinets. Store large or heavy objects in lower cabinets

Close and secure the bathroom door, shower door, all cabinet doors and all drawers
Turn off all interior lights

Check that the entrance step has retracted

Check refrigerator for proper settings and door is securely fastened

Operate refrigerator on gas and look at burner to see if flame is blue. If not, have repairs performed. ( Pre-Trip Inspection )

When packing the refrigerator, do not pack so tightly as to shut off internal air flow.
Product Suggestion : Fridge Alarm

Check that the fire extinguisher is fully charged ( Pre-Trip Inspection )

Check smoke detector battery ( Pre-Trip Inspection )

Check that air conditioning switch is off before travel.
On pre-trip inspection check the air conditioner for:
a. Check air filters and clean if necessary. Look to see if cooling unit coils are clean and free of debris
b. Check to see that condensing unit is clean, free of obstructions, and there is nothing blocking air flow.
c. Check voltage at outside panel. Most air conditioning systems are designed to operate at 120 volts plus or minus 10% (108-132 volts). A small volt meter is required.

Turn off the water pump switch

Close windows and vents

Tow Vehicle Checklist

Check that all fluid levels are normal; oil, coolants, power steering, batteries, transmission, windshield, washer, etc.

Check oil level and coolant level

Check operation of turn signals, emergency flashers and tail lights

Check that headlight high and low beam operate

Check horn operation

Start engine and check all gauges for proper operation

Check fuel levels

Check operation of special equipments such as; C. B. radio, rear monitor etc.

Check for proper operation of foot brake and parking brake.