GO CAMPING CHECKLIST
We are sharing our camping checklist for those who wish to use it. This comes from 40+ years of trial and error. Our experience comes from owning 16 campers (over 40 years) of various sizes from pop-ups, travel trailers, a Class C motorhome, a Class A motorhome, to our current fifth wheel. Our children were raised going camping and now our grandchildren are campers also. Of course, this list is what we have found to be helpful and may not be complete for everyone. So, please feel free to use it as a starting point and add to it based on your needs.
HAPPY CAMPING!- Gary & Debbie Reischer
Presented by Gary & Debbie Reischer for Stoltzfus RV’s & Marine
GO CAMPING CHECKLIST
Essential Items
- Water Pressure Regulator
- Fresh Water Hose
- In-Line Water Filter
- Sewer Hose
- Sewer Hose Fittings
- Extension Cords
- Electrical Adapters
- Garden Hose (12’ should be sufficient)
- Wheel Chocks
- Leveling Blocks
- Level or Stick-On Levelers
- Extra Fuses
- Fuse Puller
- Extra Bulbs
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit
- Black Water Chemicals
- RV Toilet Paper
- Rags
- Disposable Rubber Gloves
- Non-Slip Cabinet Linings
- Flashlight
- Matches
- Tools
- Clear tote for sewer hoses and connections
- Nice-to-Have Items
- Cable for site to rig connection
- Folding Shovel
- Axe
- Sewer Hose Support
- Awning Tie-Downs
- Duct Tape
- Electrical Tape
- Bungee Cords
- Outside Trash bag holder
- Electrical Tester
- WD40
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Broom and Dustpan
- Ant Spray and Ant Traps
- Rope and/or String
- Awning carpet
Initial Inventory
- Coffee Pot
- Toaster
- Plates (large and small)
- Silverware (regular and plastic)
- Can opener
- Kitchen gadgets (spatula, knives, tongs)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Potholders
- Tablecloth
- Water glasses or drinking cups
- Coffee cups
- Pots and pans
- Propane grill and grill brush
- Small propane bottles (for grill)
- Tissues
- Mixing/serving bowls
- Dish Sponge
- Dish drainer
- Cutting board
- Aspirin and medications
- Bug spray
- Bed spread
- Sheets
- Pillows
- Pillowcases
- Blankets
- Paper plates
- Towels/washcloths
- Beach towels
- Kitchen towels
- Travel clock
- Paper towels
- Napkins
- Ziploc bags
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Trash bags (large and trash can size)
- Bar soap
- Dish washing detergent
- Cleaning supplies (SOS pads, Pine-Sol)
- Toiletries
- Folding camp chairs
- Playing cards/games
BEFORE TRAVEL
Packing Up Before Travel –Outside the RV
- Disconnect water and electric lines. Remove and stow cable for TV
- Dump tanks (gray and black water)
- Retract REAR landing gear
- Put the steps up and secure handrail
- Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments
- After hook-up, double check landing gear to be sure they are fully retracted
- Put on extended back-up mirrors if needed
- Hook up and double check hitch connection
- Make all necessary connections to tow vehicle
- Double check to make sure all connections are secure
- Check under RV for loose items
- Pull off site, then go back and check the site for trash: “Leave no trace”
- Rinse sewer hose with garden hose (not white drinking hose). Disconnect and stow sewer hose
- Check tire pressure and lugs on wheels
- Check brake
Packing Up Before Travel -Inside the RV
- Stow all loose items, including: coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cups, etc
- Put away alarm clock and other items on tabletops
- Stow away counters that can slide off during travel
- Disconnect and stow any electrical cords
- Switch refrigerator to gas operation
- Install safety straps on TVs
- Check roof TV antenna (switch to travel position)
- Shut off all gas pilot lights
- Shut off all lights, radios and electrical items
- Check refrigerator: cover anything that may spill
- Lock refrigerator door (safety pin or latch)
- Turn off water pump
- Turn off electric water heater
- Secure/latch bathroom shower door
- Close and/or secure all other doors (pass thru, bathroom door, etc)
- Lower range top cover
- Close windows and raise/secure blinds
- Turn off air conditioner and furnace
- Put cutting board in sink or stow in cabinet
- Retract Slideouts
- Stow and secure all bathroom items
- Double check items in cabinets to make sure they won’t fall over
- Stow and secure any stand-alone tables, chairs and other objects
- Close roof vents
- Close and secure all cabinets, doors and drawers
- Retract awning
ADVICE FROM OUR 40+ YEARS OF CAMPING EXPERIENCE
- Passenger should help when driver is backing up. Get out of the passenger seat and be the second set of eyes. Warn of obstacles, both on the ground and at top of trailer.
- Both spouses (or significant others) should be familiar with all aspects of trailer operation, both inside and out. If an emergency arises while traveling, you may need to pack up/hook up alone. Be prepared.
- Review the rules of courteous camping: kids, pets, radios, outside televisions should not disrupt your neighbor and cutting through someone’s campsite without asking is not acceptable.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: During hook-up, if someone/something interrupts you during this process, START OVER. Mentally go through your hook up process to be sure you haven’t missed anything