5 RV Essentials You Need to Get Before You Hit the Road
There aren't many activities that compare to going camping in an RV. You get to choose your destination, how long you want to stay there, and what exactly you want to do – all that with the independence your vehicle gives you. But if you want it to remain so throughout the journey, you need to take care of some prerequisites.
It would be best to start with all the necessary maintenance to make sure your RV is up and running. Whether you are a weekend camper, a family going on a trip, or a business traveler, it's essential to ensure your RV is in good condition before taking it on the road.
While this is not a priority for some, it is also necessary to check your RV paint and ensure it is still in good condition. If you find any scratches, use touch-up paint to cover them up, so they aren't noticeable. If you want to be extra careful and avoid any damage, use a paint pen to mark the scratches so you can get them fixed before you leave.
And then, gear up with tools and equipment you may need when you get there. Some cutlery and cleaning supplies are certainly a must, but other things may come in handy: water filters, portable generators, or even a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Below you will find some RV essentials you cannot do without when RV camping. So, make sure that you check it out before you hit the road!
Essential Supplies
You will need food, water, and other supplies, whether you go on an RV trip or decide to rent a car and go on a long journey. But further, less obvious things are just as important in the case of RV trips. Kitchen towels, for example, can be handy when doing dishes. If you want to relax by the fire, bring some plates, cups and roasting sticks.
When looking for plates and cutlery, look for ones made out of recyclable materials. Alternatively, you can go for the reusable option – it is more expensive, but it will serve you longer. When it comes to cleaning supplies, make sure they are eco-friendly too. You don't want to spoil the place you have come to enjoy and negatively impact the environment there.
Power Generator
Camping out in the wild is a lot of fun and, more importantly, allows you to stay away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city. But as many people rely significantly on their smartphones – not only for entertainment but also for navigation, checking maps, and communicating with others – power is an essential aspect of RV camping.
Depending on the equipment in your RV, you may need a generator for the electric stove, fridge, air conditioner, and so on. It is only natural that you want to be able to use all those things; otherwise, you would have gone camping in a tent or a cabin. That's only one reason you should have a portable generator when you camp in the wild.
Safety Equipment
As the law requires, you most probably have a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your RV. However, you may want to pack extra supplies to ensure that you are well-prepared to deal with any emergencies on your RV trip.
Some of the things you may want to take with you are medical supplies such as painkillers, sprays for insect bites, antihistamine-based medicines, bandages and plasters, ointments, and creams. Think about your and your family's health conditions and adjust the supplies you take accordingly.
You should also have some supplies to deal with the most common mechanical emergencies. Make sure you have a reliable flashlight, a hammer, some blankets, a set of jumper cables, tire filler foam – the list can go on and on. But don't forget about safety sensors such as LPG and carbon monoxide detectors. Just as at home, they can save you a lot of trouble.
RV Accessories
An RV should also be equipped with accessories that will help you feel at home in the wild. One of the most important things you need to have is awnings and screens that help you protect yourself from the sun, wind, and rain. Any experienced traveler will tell you that your RV may get hot during the day, and covering the windows is the best way to keep it cool.
As the name suggests, a water-saving showerhead will help you save water. A handheld vacuum cleaner comes in very handy when you have to clean the RV after dinner or when you want to get the dirt off your shoes before you go inside. Many RV owners also use solar panels to charge their gadgets and other equipment and a large generator for special occasions.
Entertainment
Of course, you can go camping and not use your smartphone at all. Instead, you can spend the nights around the campfire, chatting with your friends and family. To spend some quality time together, you can bring playing cards, chess, or other types of games. If you plan to camp somewhere known for its beauty, you may want to take some binoculars for bird watching or to look at the stars at night.
If you want to watch TV or a movie when you get back to the RV, you are in luck. Modern portable projectors are not far from what the TV offers in image clarity and resolution. You can watch movies outside without sacrificing too much on the quality. Grab a foldable screen (or use the side of your RV), set up the first row, and enjoy a movie night!
Final Thoughts
RVing is a great way to relax and enjoy time with your family and friends. The best thing is that you have freedom in choosing where to go and what to do there. But what makes RVing so attractive to many people is that it allows you to bring almost everything you need. And that's why, before you hit the road, you need to make sure you have all the right equipment.
As listed above, there is much more to RV camping than just food and water. It is essential to make sure your RV is up and running and that you have all the necessary maintenance tools with you. You should also be equipped with special equipment like a power generator, safety sensors, and a mobile projector. With this list of RV essentials, you are now ready for your next RV trip!
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