Over the course of 22 years of our snowbird RV lifestyle, we have learned what we really need to pack and what we can do without. Our list of “essentials” has changed over the years based on changing needs and available storage space.
Before leaving on our snowbird journey we go through the RV to determine the items needed and those no longer required.
Following is a list of the items we currently pack into our RV for our snowbird travels to the U.S. Sunbelt. It should be noted that the majority of these items are never removed from the RV.
Hopefully, if you are new to the snowbird lifestyle the following list will provide some assistance on the essentials required when planning an extended RV trip.
Inside Items
- Laptop computer, printer, camera, lens, and camera bag
- Manuals for the motorhome and toad
- Atlases and maps
- Campground directories (Good Sam and Big Rigs)
- Office supplies
Kitchen Stuff
- Place setting for four people
- Eating utensils
- Coffee mugs and assorted glassware
- Placemats
- Small, medium, and large pots w/lids
- Electric fry pan
- Salad spinner
- Roasting pans
- Air tight plastic containers of various sizes for food storage
- Toaster oven
- Slow cooker
- Kettle
- Kitchen knives
- Mixing bowls
- Coffee maker
- Cutting boards
- Assorted utensils (spatula, ice cream scoop, can opener, measuring spoons, peeler, etc.)
Outside Items
- Camping chairs
- Folding tables
- Outside mat
- Tire covers
- Tarp
- Jack pads
- RV Leveling Blocks (plastic stacking blocks in carrying case)
- 5 gallon bucket
Utility Hookups
- Fresh water hoses
- Water pressure regulators
- Sewer hoses, connections including clear plastic elbow, and support
- Disposable plastic gloves
- Coaxial TV cable
- Progressive Industries Electric Management System
- 30-amp extension cord
Cleaners & Lubricants
- Windex
- 303 Aerospace Protectant
- Meguires RV wash and wax
- Long adjustable pole with attachments
- Silicone and white lithium spray lubricants
- WD-40
Tools & Maintenance Items
- Basic tool kit (Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammer, tape measure, etc.)
- Assorted screws, nuts, bolts, and washers
- Heavy duty tire pressure gauge
- Folding shovel
- Duct and Gorilla Tape
- Spare oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid for motorhome
- Distilled water
- Funnels
- Work gloves
- Portable collapsible ladder
- Heavy duty clippers with extendable handles
Safety & Emergency Items
- 4 fire extinguishers—bedroom, entrance, storage, and toad
- Emergency road side reflective triangles
- First aid kit
- Spare batteries for LED flashlights, CO, smoke, and LP gas detectors
- Battery jumper cables
Wow! When I actually sat down and listed our stuff and it sure adds up. It’s hard to believe it all fits in our rig, but it does. Fortunately, our Dutch Star diesel pusher’s ample storage space and a decent amount of extra cargo weight capacity.
Along with the reliability of Newmar motorhomes and the quality service provided by our dealer—Midtown RV in Penticton, British Columbia—the ample cargo carrying capacity was one of the reasons we chose it. Something to think about if you’re buying a rig for extended RV trips.
Worth Pondering…
No matter where we go in our motorhome, that sense of independence is satisfying. We have our own facilities, from comfortable bed to a fridge full of our favorite foods. We set the thermostat the way we like it and go to bed and get up in our usual routine.