how to stock a camper trailer

How do I organize my camper trailer?

24 Easy RV Organization Tips#1 – Install an under-cabinet paper plate dispenser. ... #2 – Install an over-the-cabinet-door trash can. ... #3 – Try this homemade PVC-under-RV storage solution. ... #4 – Store your cutting board under a cabinet with magnets. ... #5 – Spend a few bucks on a compact 24-bottle pull-out spice drawer.More items...•Apr 20, 2015

How do you stock a camper pantry?

DinnerCooking oil.Butter*Barbeque sauce.Cooking spices.Rice.Taco kit.Croutons.Canned veggies (tomatoes, artichokes, mushrooms, green beans, variety mix)More items...•Feb 26, 2019

Is a camper a good investment?

Like many other vehicles, most RVs are depreciating assets. Many factors such as age, mileage, and wear can increase the rate of depreciation, and while there are some rare instances, RVs are overall not an investment if you are looking to get your money back or even make money.Jun 14, 2021

What should you not pack in your RV?

What Not To Pack For Your RV VacationCanned food. Seriously, you'll never eat all the emergency supplies you're tempted to hoard in your RV. ... Electronic items. This includes laptops, tablets and video game consoles. ... Kitchen appliances. Keep your meals simple. ... Fresh water. ... Firewood.

What can I put in my RV pantry?

RV Kitchen Must-HavesPaper Plates (if you use them)Paper Bowls.Plastic Utensils (good to have on hand)Coffee Travel Mugs w/ lids.Napkins.Paper towels.Trash Bags.Grocery Plastic Bags.Feb 14, 2019

What food can you leave in a camper?

10 Foods You Should Store In Your RV And WhyOlive oil. Photo by Artizone. ... Canned beans. Every long-term food storage box should include canned beans. ... Pasta and sauce. Photo by Circe Denyer. ... Powdered milk. Photo by Nestle/Nido. ... Canned tuna. Photo by Wild Planet. ... Tasty Bite. ... Boxed soup. ... Rice.More items...•Nov 4, 2018

What do I need to know about owning a travel trailer?

10 Pieces of Advice From RV Experts When Buying a Travel TrailerDecide on Size. ... Make Sure You Have Enough Storage. ... Look for Damage Before Buying (Aesthetic) ... Look for Damage Before Buying (Mechanical) ... Choose a Travel Trailer Based on Your Lifestyle. ... Check How The Drain System Works. ... Match Your Towing Vehicle to Your RV.More items...•Apr 10, 2020

Why are campers so expensive right now?

What is this? The demand for self-sustaining travel kicked the RV market into high gear in 2020, with record numbers of travelers buying or renting an RV. Pandemic-induced shutdowns included the RV industry, which led to supply shortages and price increases. As a result, the price of RVing was high in 2021.Feb 1, 2022

How much do travel trailers depreciate?

20%According to J.D. Power, depreciation rates vary based on several factors from RV type to the specific brand. In general, however, you can expect to lose 20% the moment you drive your RV off the dealer's lot.Oct 15, 2020

Can you keep fish in an RV?

Small animals that live in tanks or cages–like hamsters, fish, turtles and frogs– can travel with you as long as their living quarters are secure while you're in motion, and that may take some troubleshooting before you hit the road.

How do I stop Overpacking camping?

Another way to avoid overpacking is to give yourself the time you need to pack. (The alternative is to wait until the last minute.) This can cause you to feel rushed and tempted to just throw everything in and sort it out at camp. The other risk with this is that you can — and will — forget key items.Oct 2, 2020

What toilet paper is safe for RV?

If you wish to stay with an RV-approved toilet paper, Thetford Quick Dissolve, Camco RV, Thetford Aqua-Soft and Scott's Rapidly Dissolving (with claims that it breaks down 4X faster than other brands) are well-known for dissolving and moving quickly through the RV black tank.

RV Tools and Safety Gear

Tools and safety gear are less fun to purchase than the cute or kitschy camping décor many of us covet; however, these items ensure your safety and security while on the road or in a campground. Put these necessities at the top of your list—or else!

Camp Furniture and Outdoor Gear

Once you’ve safely set up your rig, now comes the fun part of turning your campsite into a pleasant outside living space. You can always start with relatively cheap versions of these items and then upgrade over time.

Kitchen (Indoor & Outdoor)

Ah, the kitchen. Some people use camping as a chance to take a break from their culinary duties, while others take pride in becoming the consummate camp chef. No matter which one of these is your goal, you’ll likely need some kitchen essentials.

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the places you’ll want to have well stocked. Health and hygiene are pretty essential! Take care of those with these items:

Bedroom & Closets

We highly recommend having dedicated bedding for all of the beds in your rig. Bonus points if you have pillows and blankets you can leave in it—those are the biggest pain to haul in and out! Whether you buy new or choose to use spares you already have, here are just a few of the main items you’ll need for your beds and bodies:

What is the first rule of stocking an RV?

The first rule of stocking your RV is “less is more.”. Keep in mind your space limitations and load capacity, and start with the basics. If you purchased an RV from a dealer, it might have come with an RV starter kit, complete with RV everything you need to get set up on your first day of camping. If building your own starter kit, you’ll need ...

What to put in RV bedroom?

You should be able to stock your RV bedroom without ever going to the store by bringing these items from your home: Sheets, pillows, and blankets. Clothes hamper. Clothes hangers. Clothes you can leave in the camper.

How to cook in an RV?

Pack an electric hot water pot; this is handy for a quick cup when you don't want to fire up the stove. Add a spatula, vegetable peeler, bottle and/or can opener, plastic cutting board and serving spoons. If your RV has an oven, pack a baking pan. Use unbreakable plates and cutlery.

What to store in RV storage?

Most RVs have storage compartments on the outside of the rigs. Some of the items stocked in these areas include the sewer hose, sewer hose fittings and gloves. Surgical gloves work best because you can toss them after emptying the tank. All of these items must be kept separate from your freshwater hose, preferably in another storage compartment. Other items you should carry include wheel chocks and leveling blocks -- both used when the RV is parked -- spare fuses, extra bulbs and a tool kit. If you have the space, store fold-up patio furniture, a patio mat and outdoor cooking gear.

How to make a long trip more relaxing?

It's OK to have a few elaborate meals planned, but easily prepared items that don't require extra appliances will make your trip more relaxing.

Do you have to pack an RV before?

If you've never packed an RV before, it might seem like the rig has an endless supply of cupboards, shelves and closets for all your gear. When you start to load your stuff, however, you'll probably find that space is at more of a premium than you'd imagined.

Can you get close to a Class A motor home?

If you have a Class A motor home or large trailer, you could get close, but even these RVs have space limitations. To get around the space issues, carry multipurpose cooking equipment. For example, if you have a frying pan and a cooking pan that use the same size lid, pack one for both.

How to save money on RV?

1. Buy duplicates of necessities. It’s tempting to try to save money by using your home items in your RV. This is great, until you’re lugging pillows, skillets, and camping chairs in and out of the house for every trip. If at all possible, buy extras of the things you’ll use most, and leave them in the RV.

How long should I pack for a campground?

Instead of packing your whole wardrobe, pack enough for a few days or a week. Most campgrounds have laundry facilities, making it easy to do a few loads (even several at once!) while you’re enjoying the campground amenities.

Can you take everything with you on an RV trip?

However, packing all of this into your rig can get tiresome. You don’t have to take everything with you for every trip. Focus on the items you’ll use most.

Can you use a roof vent on an RV?

If your RV doesn’t have one already, you will want to consider installing at least one roof vent fan. This will allow you to get air moving through the RV without turning on the A/C. Adding a MaxxAir vent cover will allow you to use your roof vent even in rainy weather, making it even more useful.

Can you use propane for a furnace in an RV?

For this reason, we recommend a small, indoor portable propane heater. Just be sure to place it near a cracked window for safety reasons.

What does it mean to leave stuff in an RV?

If you have to reward yourself with take-out or pizza, then do it. Trust us. Leaving stuff in the RV means you are likely to forget it’s out there. Also, when you go to pack up for your next trip, it is no fun to find a mess from the last trip. Get all hands on deck, and get it done.

How to make packing go smoothly?

One of the easiest ways to make packing go more smoothly is to divide and conquer the chores involved. Now, this may involve some give and take. It may involve some grumbling and eye rolling. But, strive to have a division of labor that feels fair and works for everyone in your family.

Can you store your gear in an RV?

One of the amazing things about owning an RV is that you can store your gear in it between trips. We highly recommend keeping as much dedicated camping gear in your rig as you possibly can. Hauling coffee makers and blankets and pillows back and forth between the house and the RV gets old fast.