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The Ultimate RV Packing List for the US

Feb. 15 2022 RVs Accessories By Sophia James

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If you are going on a motorhome trip for the first time, you are faced with the question of what you have to take with you, what makes sense, and what doesn't. You have to buy an Rv from RV Dealer Mississippi. Therefore, in this article, we will tell you my ultimate RV packing list for the US. Happy packing!

 

US RV Packing List: Luggage

In a mobile home, there is a relatively large amount of storage space in the form of cupboards and drawers. Nevertheless, it would be best if you did not unnecessarily block it with bulky suitcases. Therefore, We recommend a backpack or travel bag as luggage for the journey, which can be reduced to a fraction of its actual size when empty. A daypack for excursions and hikes is also indispensable. For anyone who would like to avoid the chaos in their backpack or travel bag, We also recommend practical panniers. We use it for all my trips and now I don't want to be without it anymore!

 

  • Large backpack or holdall

  • Tagesrucksack

  • Panniers *

 

shoes

My RV packing list for the US includes 3 pairs of shoes. A pair of waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots for all outdoor activities and for dry feet when the weather is not so nice (good shoes can withstand snow and cold). I also recommend lighter sneakers for travel days and any activity that requires less sturdy footwear. On top of that, a pair of slippers or flip-flops, which you can use for showering in the public washrooms when visiting a hot spring (e.g. in Jasper or Banff), as slippers in the mobile home and in warm weather.   

 

  • Trekking shoes/ hiking boots for her * or for him *

  • sneakers

  • Slippers/ flip-flops for her * or for him *

 

dress

In the US, you have to be prepared for anything weather-wise. On our trip, in May we had everything from 25 degrees and sunshine to minus degrees and snow. In any case, We recommend a good rain jacket, which in combination with a fleece jacket underneath defies cooler temperatures. There are also some t-shirts or tops that you can wear together with one (or more, if necessary) light sweaters in a layered look. In addition, 2 pairs of long trousers and, depending on the season, 1-2 short trousers and, in my opinion, very important: comfortable (jogging) trousers for travel days and cozy evenings in the mobile home. In addition to (hiking) socks (depending on how much you want to hike) underwear also belongs in your luggage. Since campgrounds in the US sometimes have swimming pools and some places (like Banff and Jasper) have hot springs, swimwear is also a good idea. Whether towels have to be brought depends on whether they are available in the mobile home.

 

  • 1x rain jacket

  • 1x fleece jacket for her * or for him *

  • T-shirts and light sweaters that you can wear in a layered look

  • Big plus against buzz: insect-repellent shirts (for him * and her *) or long-sleeved t-shirts for him * and her *

  • 2x long pants

  • 1-2x short pants (depending on the season)

  • 1x jogging pants / comfortable pants

  • (hiking) socks

  • underwear

  • bikini/swimming trunks

  • quick-drying travel towel *

 

Clothing when travelling in the off-season

If, like us, you travel in the off-season (mid-April to mid-June and October to the end of November), you should also take the following with you:

 

  • Warm jacket

  • 1x thermal underwear with wool for her * and for him *

  • 1x warmer Pullover

  • 1-2 pairs of warm socks

  • hat, gloves and scarf

 

US RV Packing List: Practicality & Protection

My absolute must-have for a motorhome trip is a headlamp. Always and everywhere light and at the same time both hands-free - what more could you want. Since drinking water in the US is bought in large canisters at best, a drinking bottle is essential. A collapsible drinking bottle is particularly practical, as it hardly takes up any space when empty. As already mentioned in the article "Practical tips for preparing a tour of US" To elaborate, in fact, most of the danger in the US comes from movement with wild animals, especially when they have young. Therefore, you should think about the purchase of "bear bells" and bear spray in advance. Even if the US is not considered a classic sun destination, you should pack sunglasses and sunscreen. A good mosquito spray is essential in the summer months. As on every trip, I recommend a small first-aid kit for a trip to US. In my opinion, a hand wash and a travel clothesline also belong in your luggage.

 

  • headlamp *

  • (Foldable) drinking bottle *

  • Bear bells * and/or bear spray (buy locally from outdoor shops if required, may not be imported)

  • sunglasses

  • suncream

  • Effective insect repellent *

  • umbrella

  • Small first-aid kit * and possibly medication

  • hand detergent *

  • travel clothesline *

 

entertainment and navigation

Both on the flight and at night when you sleep with the heater (it rattles quite a bit) earplugs are sometimes the saviour in need. Add a neck pillow and - if you like - a sleeping mask and there's nothing standing in the way of a nap on the flight or on the go. Game fans should take a deck of cards with them for the evenings. If like me, you like to write down the memories of your trip, you should also pack a travel diary. A navigation device is particularly useful in larger cities. Alternatively, I can also recommend the offline maps from the "Here we go" and "Maps me" apps.

 

  • earplugs *

  • sleeping mask (who needs)

  • Neck pillow *

  • Card game etc. for the evening

  • Travel diary for US *

  • Travel Guide US *

  • Navigation devise and/or app "Here we go" or "Maps. me"

 

Electronic

Since, as I have already explained in the article "Tips for US with a motorhome for beginners ", the sockets in the motorhome only work if it is connected to electricity, it is worth getting a USB plug (goes into the cigarette lighter) to which you can charge mobile phones and the like while driving. To use the Canadian sockets you need an adapter, a so-called "USA plug". In addition, of course, you should take a camera with you, with several SD cards and a removable battery.

 

  • USB charging cable * for the camper

  • Socket adapter ("USA plug") *

  • Camera & Charger

  • Multiple SD cards * for the camera

  • batteries

 

RV Packing List for the US: Documents

Don't forget these important documents! German citizens are required to have a passport that is valid during the trip to enter the US. For stays of up to 6 months, German citizens are exempt from the visa requirement for the US but must obtain an electronic travel authorization, called "eTA" (electronic travel authorization), in order to be able to enter the country by air. Depending on the type of mobile home, a normal driver's license is sufficient to rent a mobile home. A credit card in the name of the main driver must be presented to collect the motorhome.

  • passport

  • Visa: eTA confirmation

  • driver's license

  • Credit card

  • Possibly vaccination pass

  • proof of health insurance

  • flight tickets

  • Documents for campers, hotel, reservations etc.

 

Well, could I help you a little further with my RV packing list for the US? I wish you a great time in the USA!