New to camping? Need a list that shows you what you need? Want reminders on the everyday stuff too? This is your complete guide to camping supplies plus much more…. don’t forget the bug spray 😉
Electrical:
Surge Protector
Electrical adapters: 30 to 50, 50 to 30, 110 Adapter, and Generator Adapter (If needed)
Extension Cords (Match Campers Amperage) 50 ft. or less Recommended
Fuses (10, 15, 30)
Battery jumper cables
Never Plug Camper into 220 Outlets this will Fry the Convertor, For Example: Dryer Plug or Welding Plug are 220 and Should Not Be Used
Sewer/Black Tank Supplies:
Sewer Kit: Sewer Hoses and 90 Degree Clear Elbow w/Adapter to Fit Campground Sewer Inlets, 20 ft of Hose or More Recommended
Toilet Chemicals
RV-friendly toilet paper
Garden Hose for Rinsing Black Tank
Portable Waste Tank For Extended Stays
Disposable Gloves
Do Not Leave Tank Valve Open when Hooked Up to Sewer (This would cause liquids to drain but solids to build up)
Fresh Water Supplies:
Water Pressure Regulator (40-50 psi)
90 Degree Hose Saver
Drinking Water Hose (25 ft. or larger)
Water Filter
Water Freshener for Bringing Potable Water
Fill Water Heater Tank w/Water, DO NOT Turn on the Water Heater Until Water is in Tank, This will be different if you have a Tankless Water Heater
Leveling/Stabilization:
Leveling Blocks or Curved Levelers
Trailer Jack Block or Wood Block
Wheel Chocks/X-Chocks
Stick on Levels/Floor Level
Jack Cranks/Manual Override Cranks
Awning Hook for Manual Awnings
Scissor Jack Drill Adapter for Non-Power Jacks
Do Not Lift your Camper with the “Corner Stabilizing Jacks” (These Stabilize only and will Brake/Bend when used to Support the Weight of the Camper) however “Auto Leveling Jacks” will support the camper and can lift the Weight as Intended
Keep Camper Level for proper Function of Appliances, Slides, and Water Runoff
Hitching Systems/Towing Necessities:
Weight Distribution Hitch/Sway Control
Fifth Wheel Hitching System
Lube Plate for FW’s
Hitch Lock/Pin
Mirror Extensions for Towing
Brake Control System
Before Leaving:
Check Propane is Full in Tanks
Check Battery Charge/Voltage
Check Tire Pressure w/Tire Pressure Gauge and Fill According to the Label on the Front Drivers Side of the Campers Exterior
Check Safety Brake Cable
Check Brake Controller for Proper Function
Check Running Lights, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights
Check all Cabinets and Drawers to ensure they are Closed
Check that all Loose Furniture is Secure
Large zip close bag for documents including; License, Registration, Reservations, Roadside Assistance Phone Number, and Insurance Information
Check Entry Doors and Compartment Doors are Locked
If Slideout has Been Out, Check Roof for Debris/Sticks and Clean Before Bringing it Back In, Also Check inside for Open Doors, Chairs, or Random Items that could get caught in Slide before Moving it In or Out
Check that Appliances all Start and Run
Get Refrigerator On and to Temperature the Day Before your Trip
If Camper has an On Board Gas Tank (Toy Haulers) Check if Full
Check that your Hitch is locked and Set up Correctly
If the Camper has Hydraulic Slides or Leveling Check that the Hydraulic Reservoir has the Correct Amount of Fluid in it.
Check that your Power Cord is Unplugged and Secured Inside Camper
Outdoor Cooking Gear:
Cast Iron Cookware, Tri-Pod for Over Fire, Grilling Utensils, Hot Dog Sticks/Marshmallow Sticks, Grill, Charcoal or Propane for a Grill
Emergency Supplies:
Emergency Road Kit
First Aid Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Phone and Electronic Chargers
Flashlights
Extra Set of Keys
Cash/Credit Cards
All Camper/Appliance Manuals, Download those from Internet Beforehand
Road Flares
Jack/Lug Nut Wrench to Change A Flat
Utility Items:
Extra cotter pins
Shovel
Bucket
Electrical and duct tape
Toolbox: Impact Drill, Axe, Lug Wrench, Hydraulic Jack to Change Tires, Screwdriver; Phillips and Flat Head, Hammer, Screws, and Nails
WD-40
Pocketknife
Zip Ties
Bungee Cords
Compass
Rope
Pop-Up Trash Can
Garbage Bags
Step Stool
Telescoping Ladder (if camper does not have a ladder)
Cooler
Firewood
Fan(s)
Small Space Heater
Matches or a Lighter to Start a Fire/Grill
Sharpie, Pens, Paper
Extra Batteries for Remotes and Flashlights
Cleaning Supplies:
Vacuum Cleaner/Broom
Cleaner for Exterior of Camper
Bathroom Cleaner/Toilet Brush
Kitchen Disinfectant
Dish Soap
Rags/Scrub Brushes
Laundry Detergent
Degreaser for Grill
Clothes and Linens:
Clothes, Shoes, Socks, Under Garments, and Hats
Swimsuits, Sandals, Floaties, Flip Flops, and Life Vest
Towels: Kitchen, Bath, and Beach
Sleeping Bags, Blankets, Sheets, and Pillows
Folding/Collapsible Hamper
Shower Shoes
Umbrellas/Ponchos
Reading Glasses/Contacts
Coats and Gloves for Colder Weather
Personal Hygiene:
Deodorant, Soap, Shampoo, and Conditioner, Toothpaste and Brush, Hair Brush, Mouthwash, Sunscreen, Bug Spray, and Kleenex
Shower Caddy
Swim Ear/Ear Plugs
Medicine:
Pain Relief (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Ect), Ice Packs, Itch Cream, Neosporin, Band Aids, Calamine Lotion, Tums, Pepto, Imodium, Icy Hot, Heating Pad, Epi-Pen (if needed), Prescribed Medicines
Kitchen Items:
Utensils, Plates, Bowls, Cups, Cookware, Paper Towels, Napkins, Wet Wipes, Dish Soap, Scissors, Aluminum Foil, Plastic Wrap, Zip Lock Bags, Minnie Dish Drainer, Sponge, and Toothpicks
Ice
Food, Drinks, Alcohol
Bottled Water
Outdoor or Beach:
Camping Rug, Step Rugs, and Door Mat
Camping Chairs
Folding Tables
Picnic Table Cover
Picnic Blanket
Table Cloth Clamps
Silverware/Napkin Caddy
Flotation Devices
Life Jackets
Fishing Gear or Hiking Gear
Bikes
Kayaks and Paddles
Beach Umbrella
Hammock
Entertainment:
Games, Movies and DVD player, Books, Cards, Art Supplies, Laptop/Tablets, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Balls, Frisbee, and Tennis/Badminton Rackets & Ball or Birdy
Misc/Suggested:
Camera/Binoculars
Camper Cover for Storage
Tire Covers
Ground Steaks for Rugs/Awnings
Awning Clips to Hang Lights
Holiday Decorations
Garmin/GPS System For RV’ing, Maps, Compass
Back Up Camera/Side Marker Cameras
Camera For Inside Toy Hauler Garage
Campground Directory Apps to Find Locations Near You
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Satellite for TV
Antennas for Wifi Extending or On Board Wifi w/Service Plan
Decorative Lighting
Extra Propane Tank for Extended Stays/Cold Weather
Tri Pod for FW Stabilization
Strong Arms for TT Stabilization
Bike Rack
Generator
Solar Panels with Additional Battery, Inverter & Charge Controller
Battery Jump Box
Portable Air Compressor
Heated Water Hose For Below Freezing Temps
Vent Covers
Slideout Awnings/Covers
Expandable Sewer Hose Support
Rear Cargo Trays
Jack Pads
Pets:
Pet Food, Pet Dishes, Leashes & Harnesses, Crates, Medicines, Toys, Blankets, Potty Training Pads, Litter/Litter Boxes, Treats, Grooming Supplies, Portable Fencing, Vaccination/Rabies Certificate (Some campgrounds require this), Pet stairs
Babies:
Highchair, Diapers, Pack and Play, Baby Bottles, Formula, Bibs, Baby Monitor
Winterization:
Winterizing Kit (Hose & Adapter) and Antifreeze or Blow Out Plug
Remember to Empty Water Heater Tank (When Applicable)
Maintenance:
Use Seal Conditioner to Keep Seals Pliable
Slideout Lubrication
Check Roof Seals and around Windows, Doors, Clearance Lights, Ect… (Every 90 Days) use Lap Sealant Self-Leveling for the Roof and Non-Sag for areas where drippage can occur
Use a Dehumidifier, Damp Rid, and/or Charcoal for Use During Storage
Always Leave Refrigerator Doors Open During Storage and Remove all Food and Ice Build Up to Prevent Trapped Moisture/Smells/ and Mold
Mouse Traps/Rodent & Insect Repellent
Black and Grey Tank Cleaning Chemicals
Change Batteries in Smoke Alarm Every 6 Months
Replace Smoke, CO, and LP detectors every 5-7 Years or on Expiration Date
Check Camper Fire Extinguisher Once a Year and Replace when Expired
Do Not Leave Battery out in Cold Weather, Move to Room Temperature and Trickle Charge if Possible, and Top off your Batteries with Distilled Water
Clean Roof, Camper Walls, and Awning at least a Couple Times a Year
Allow Awning to Dry Before Storage, Roll Up When Not in Use, And Do Not Leave out in Wind, Rain, or when you are Away from the Camper/Asleep
Check Tires for Deterioration/Cracking, Replace when Needed
Check Propane Hoses for Cracking/Leaks w/Propane Leak Detector
Grease Wheel Bearings every 10,000 to 12,000 miles
Lug Nuts on the wheel should be checked after the first 100 Miles. After that at least once a year. Properly Torque according to your Owner’s Manual
Run your generator at least 2-hours each month and Follow Owner’s Manual Recommended Maintenance
Check & Replace Cracked Vent Lids, Caps, and Skylights as Needed
Check & Lubricate Locks, Leveling Jacks, and Step Hinges
Deep Clean Inside your Camper
Remove all Food, Bedding, or Liquids before Storing or Keep Anything left in Camper in Sealed Tight Totes
Clean and Check all Serviceable Areas Outside Remove Vent Covers and Clean any Debris/Bugs/Nests ect…
Clean or Replace Air Conditioner Filters and Clean Coils Regularly
Check Refrigerator Manual for Defrost Guides (some fridges need defrosted others do not)
Check Spare Tire
Motorhomes:
All basic Motor Upkeep and Maintenance like your Car. Oil Changes, Filters Changed, Fluids Checked and Filled as Needed. Check Hoses and Clamps. Windsheild Wipers Replaced as Needed. Have Brakes Checked Regularly
Pop-Up Campers:
Always Air Dry Canvas before Storing to Prevent Mold
Check Cables that Allow Camper to Raise and Lower Regularly
Patch Holes in Canvas and Screens For Holes and Patch as Needed
Waterproof the Canvas and Hard Sides of the Pop-Up.
