If you are planning to spend your holidays in a motorhome, you might be wondering what to buy and pack before you hit the road. Whether you own or rent a motorhome, there are some essential items that you should have on board to make your trip comfortable, safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips on how to do your pre-holiday shopping in the motorhome.
Motorhome essentials
Before you start loading up your motorhome with food, clothes and entertainment, make sure you have the basic equipment and supplies that you need for your vehicle. These include:
- A **motorhome departure checklist** that covers all the pre-trip checks and departure checks that you need to do before and on the day of departure. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises or accidents on the road.
- A **tool kit** with basic tools such as a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, duct tape, zip ties and spare fuses. You never know when you might need to fix something in your motorhome or deal with a minor breakdown.
- A **first aid kit** with bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, allergy medication, insect repellent and sunscreen. You should also have any prescription medication that you or your travel companions need.
- A **fire extinguisher** and a **smoke detector** for safety reasons. Make sure they are working properly and within easy reach.
- A **water hose** and a **water filter** for filling up your fresh water tank. You should also have some water purification tablets or drops in case you need to use water from an unreliable source.
- A **sewer hose** and a **sewer hose support** for emptying your black water tank. You should also have some disposable gloves and sanitizing wipes for hygiene purposes.
- A **leveling system** such as blocks, jacks or chocks for leveling your motorhome on uneven ground. This will prevent any damage to your appliances or plumbing system due to improper drainage.
- A **surge protector** and an **extension cord** for plugging into shore power at campgrounds or RV parks. This will protect your electrical system from power surges or fluctuations.
Motorhome extras
Once you have the essentials covered, you can think about adding some extra items that will make your motorhome more comfortable, convenient and fun. These include:
- A **GPS device** or a **road atlas** for navigation purposes. You should also have some offline maps or apps on your smartphone or tablet in case you lose signal or internet connection.
- A **backup camera** or a **dash cam** for easier driving and parking. These devices can also record any incidents or accidents that might occur on the road.
- A **portable generator**, a **solar panel**, an **inverter**, a battery charger**, batteries**, 12V appliances**, LED lights**, etc., if you plan to boondock (camp without hookups) for long periods of time. These items will help you conserve power and extend your battery life.
- An awning**, outdoor chairs**, outdoor table**, outdoor rug**, etc., if you plan to spend time outside of your motorhome. These items will provide shade, comfort and style to your outdoor living space.
- A grill**, stove**, oven**, microwave**, refrigerator**, freezer**, coffee maker**, toaster**, blender**, etc., if you plan to cook in your motorhome. These appliances will allow you to prepare delicious meals without relying on restaurants or takeout food.
- Dishes*, cutlery*, pots*, pans*, utensils*, cups*, mugs*, etc., if
you plan to eat in your motorhome. These items will enable
you to serve and enjoy your food without creating too much waste.
Motorhome personal
Finally, you can pack your personal belongings such as clothes, shoes, accessories, toiletries, bedding, towels, etc., according to your preferences and needs.
However, here are some general tips on how to pack smartly for your motorhome holiday:
- Choose versatile, comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing that can be mixed and matched easily.
- Pack light and use space-saving bags, containers or organizers to store your items efficiently.
- Bring only what you need and avoid bringing duplicates, unnecessary gadgets or bulky items.
- Label everything clearly and keep similar items together