Travel Essentials

When you RV with the family, a lot of the fun comes from rolling down the open road and camping in your own self-contained world. For maximum enjoyment, make sure your world is well-stocked before you leave. Working from a thorough checklist, you can equip your recreational vehicle with everything you need to be safe, prepared, and relaxed.

First things first. You need a comprehensive checklist. Several weeks before your departure, start the list. As additional items occur to you, add them to the list, find or acquire them, and put them in a dedicated location that won't be in the way. If you own the RV, stash items there. You want to corral everything for easy packing.

Be sure to take the list on your trip, refining it as you learn what you don't really need and what will come in handy for your next RV excursion. Consult with fellow RVers, as well, to find out what they can't live without. After a trip or two, you'll have your list finalized enough to laminate it. Post it somewhere in your home or your RV and check it whenever you embark on a new adventure.