Owning a campervan, RV or class B motorhome offers the freedom to pick up and explore on short notice and have guaranteed transportation and lodging all in one!
Many motorhome owners love the spontaneity associated with road trips. Rather than going through the stressful process of purchasing plane tickets, making hotel reservations and using up precious vacation time, owners of a class B motorhome or campervan know that traveling to a new destination is a much simpler and stress-free process.
That being said, it’s never fun to leave for a trip completely unprepared. Having a system in place, along with a list of motorhome essentials, will make the process of your next weekend getaway that much faster… and easier!
Campervan Packing Tips & Advice
Efficiently packing your RV or campervan can save you loads of time and space! Nobody wants to be crammed for hours on the road when you could be using that space for playing games, stretching out, and conversing with friends and family members.
Fortunately, most class B motorhomes have ingenious storage systems. Using soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks can help better utilize your space by making it easier to stack or fit around other bulkier items.
Most campervans are built with secure latch systems for cupboards and other storage spaces. Double-check all of these doors prior to taking off! When you hit a speed bump or come to an abrupt stop, it’s never fun to have something fall out and break or land on your head!
Packing food items? Ziploc bags and efficient Tupperware containers can help prevent unnecessary spills and messy clean ups.
Bungee cords and tie downs are also essential in order to assure you don’t lose anything you may be placing on your roof.
Campervan Trip Prep
Planning ahead versus throwing everything in your motorhome or RV the night before is always a good idea. Take some of the following steps to help avoid forgetting anything important or creating an avoidable mess:
Step 1: Make lists
Making separate lists for kitchenware, basic housekeeping items, personal items, entertainment and tech accessories can prevent your from leaving something at home and making any unnecessary purchases on the road.
Step 2: Plan meals
Decide what you and your family or friends will want to eat on your trip. Then create a menu that is simple but delicious!
Step 3: Turn on the fridge
A day or so before you leave for your trip turn on the refrigerator. This will help you make sure the temperature is safe for food storage.
Step 4: Pack smart
Place items you will be using more in a convenient, easy to reach places.
What to Bring in Your Motorhome
Owning a motorhome means you have the luxury of taking some of your favorite items from home on the road with you. Buying smaller or less fragile versions of everyday essentials can help you pack more and enjoy your trip in comfort.
For the Kitchen:
- Miniature kitchen items (Check out your local sporting goods store, such as Dicks Sporting Goods and Camping World, for nifty camping gadgets that are perfect for keeping handy in your motorhome. For example: miniature pots, pans, colanders, tea kettles, coffee pots and other kitchen items.)
- Swiss army knife
- Dish sponge and microfiber towels
- Sharp, multipurpose knife
- Container for Cutlery
- Salt and pepper shakers
- Plastic wine glasses
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Matches
- Coffee/tea mugs
- Surface cleaner
- Dish soap
- Aluminum foil
- Small lightweight cutting board
General Camping Car Items:
- Small plastic trash can
- Camping floor tarp
- Folding Chairs
- 14-liter cool box with 12-volt connection
- First aid kit
- Lantern, fuel
- Camera, GPS
- Fire extinguisher
- Toilet paper, paper towel
- Duct tape, gorilla glue
- Bedding, pillows, sheets, sleeping bags
- Insect deterrent
- Small broom & dustpan
- Batteries
- Small tool set
Personal Items, Clothing and Toiletries:
- Hand soap
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Makeup and beauty items
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- RV toilet solution (blue liquid)
- Hairbrush
- Warm clothing layers (rain jacket, sweatshirts, thermals, etc.)
- Pajamas
- Comfortable shoes, water resistant shoes
- Swim suit
- Hat
- Earbuds
- Sunscreen
Entertainment Items:
- Books
- Outdoor games (like bag toss, horse shoes, badminton, croquet, etc.)
- Kids games
- Coloring books and crayons
- Board games (such as Jenga, Clue, Pictionary, Apples to Apples, Trivial Pursuit, etc.)
- Sporting goods (like basketball, football, baseball, tennis racket and mitt)
- Puzzles
- Fishing gear
- Volleyball
- Surfboards, boogie boards
- Kite
Tech Items:
- Camera
- GPS
- Cell phone
- Chargers
- Portable music device
- Power board
- Country specific adaptors if leaving the U.S.
- Extra USB chords
- Laptop/IPAD for spots with Wi-Fi available
What Items to Leave at Home
NOT bringing certain items can be just as important as what you end up packing. Items such as jewelry, any valuables, too much bottled water and excessive firewood are better left at home. Some of these items may seem like a good idea when setting off, but usually end up not being used or weighing your vehicle down.
Begin Your Next Campervan Adventure!
Looking for a campervan or motorhome to plan your next adventure in? Classic Vans, located in the San Francisco Bay Area, has the nation’s largest selection of quality new and used campervans and conversion vans perfect for the open road.
For thirty years, we have been family-owned and operated, helping find our customers the vehicle of their dreams. Browse our site or call (866) 370-8222 to speak with our friendly conversion van specialists.
Don’t live in California? No problem. Ask about low-cost nationwide van delivery.