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Travel trailer necessities

Ejraste
Explorer
Explorer
Hello,

We purchased out first travel trailer and will begin to use it this summer. I am just gathering a list of everything that is needed. we will not be doing any boondocking, just full hookups at sites. Thanks for any help.
48 REPLIES 48

Veebyes
Explorer II
Explorer II
The most important necessity is a pad of paper & pencil to write down the necessity as you find out what you need. For the first few trips be sure to camp near a Lowes & a Walmart.

Pink flamingoes are not a necessity. This is a necessity. First setup & last taken down at the campsite.


Click For Full-Size Image.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter

2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel

Ham Radio: VP9KL, IRLP node 7995

DavidandDayle
Explorer
Explorer
I haven't seen a flashlight in any of the lists.
I like the ones that fit over your head and point where you're looking. Sometime in the trip you'll have to go outside and check a propane supply or the circuit breaker or ...

A cheap set of a lot of screwdriver bits.If you wear one out, you can replace it with something sturdier.
Electrical converters (doglegs) you only need the ones that your RV will plug in to.
David and Dayle

Timmo_
Explorer II
Explorer II
Expansion tank connected to the fresh water supply. You can flush the toilet, wash your hands and tidy up before the rat-a-tat-tat water pump turns on, especially in the middle of the night.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2-gal-Thermal-Expansion-Tank-EF-TET-2T/304207414

And retractable clothesline cord installed in shower. Bathing suits, towels, etc.



https://www.amazon.com/Mrrainbow-Retractable-Clothesline-Stainless-Adjustable/dp/B07GWPC7L4/ref=sr_1...
Tim & Sue
Hershey (Sheltie)
2005 F150 4x4 Lariat 5.4L 3.73 Please buy a Hybrid...I need your gas for my 35.7 gallon tank!
2000 Nash 19B...comfortably pimped with a real Queen Size Bed

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
Just some food and clothes. I like to acquire things as we travel along the journey. This creates unique memories of where you have been instead of the same old stuff from the local Walmart. Try to wait until you need something three times before you actually get it. Camping is about a change in routine so embrace the journey and the struggle.

Reader1
Explorer
Explorer
Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Sjm9911 wrote:
Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Best ever advise I got starting RVing.

Don't ever bring the wife to buy the necessities.

You'll end having two plastic pink flamingo insisting it's a necessity.


You got off cheap......


To my regret, I should have done that.

I asked my wife to buy camping plates and utensils and she went to Norsdrom and bought China set with gold piping and trims.

And she did not talk to me for 2 months (I consider that heaven) when I sarcastically asked if there is a wedding we will be going soon and showing her what a lightweight non breakable plate looks like.


Ha!! When we purchase a new 5th wheel, or TT, about every 12-14 years, there is always a ruckus! I insist on buying new dishes (plastic, until this year I got Corelle instead), towels, glasses (plastic) because what we have do not match the new RV. DH sees no reason for these purchases. In one ear and out the other. 🙂

Reader1
Explorer
Explorer
We stock the TT so that when we want to take it out we only need to add food and clothing. Kitchen - set of plastic (use to be called melmack) plates, bowls, small plates, silverware, knives, spatulas, towels, washcloths, pots, pans, storage containers with lids, paper products. Bathroom - hair dryer, curling iron, hair products, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, suntan lotion, first aid kit, towels, drop in's for toilet. (after dumping water, add water to toilet, flush and add drop ins, never let the tank stay dry.)
Outside - chairs, hatchet, grill, hot dog sticks, games you like. I know I am missing things.
Hiking boots stay there all summer, rain gear, flashlights

ams1130
Explorer
Explorer
haste maker wrote:
When I had my TT "Andersen Camper Wheel Chock and Leveler" was one of the best items I brought.


These little devices have allowed us to leave a lot of lumber at home that we used to use for levelling the trailer. A very nice piece of equipment.
Ford F150
2014 KZ Sportsmen S242SBH

afidel
Explorer II
Explorer II
I consider a multimeter essential, it's helped me 4 or 5 times already. A few basic tools and a mechanics set to have the various sizes sockets and screwdriver styles. One thing I've learned is that you're almost never THAT far from somewhere to buy tools if you need something your basic setup lacks (offer not valid in the SW).
2019 Dutchman Kodiak 293RLSL
2015 GMC 1500 Sierra 4x4 5.3 3.42 full bed
Equalizer 10k WDH

Ejraste
Explorer
Explorer
Thank you all for the suggestions. definitely gave me a good head start.

tomman58
Explorer
Explorer
I think the basics have been listed. Put a coup;e oz. of bleach in your fresh water tank, fill it up and run some through all your stuff from the sinks to the toilet. Not needed to go through your hot water tank. rinse and then put in a few gallons of fresh water . No need to fill tank but good to have some water for potty stops while traveling. If it is hard winter at home we just carry a couple of gallons in jugs till we get south. One other thing rain gear, a hat a set of those lights that go on the hat and a good flashlight.
2015 GMC D/A, CC 4x4/ Z71 ,3.73,IBC SLT+
2018 Jayco 338RETS
2 Trek bikes
Honda EU2000i
It must be time to go, the suns out and I've got a full tank of diesel!
We have a granite fireplace hearth! Love to be a little different.

haste_maker
Explorer II
Explorer II
When I had my TT "Andersen Camper Wheel Chock and Leveler" was one of the best items I brought.
Retried Teamster
2007 Allergo

Yosemite_Sam1
Explorer
Explorer
Sjm9911 wrote:
Yosemite Sam1 wrote:
Best ever advise I got starting RVing.

Don't ever bring the wife to buy the necessities.

You'll end having two plastic pink flamingo insisting it's a necessity.


You got off cheap......


To my regret, I should have done that.

I asked my wife to buy camping plates and utensils and she went to Norsdrom and bought China set with gold piping and trims.

And she did not talk to me for 2 months (I consider that heaven) when I sarcastically asked if there is a wedding we will be going soon and showing her what a lightweight non breakable plate looks like.

Yosemite_Sam1
Explorer
Explorer
Diamond c wrote:
Pink flamingos are a must especially if it sings “ It’s 5 o’ clock somewhere.


Asking for a friend.

Is it justifiable self-defense if you blast a pink flamingo from the neighboring campsite quacking that song at 5 am?:W

CharlesinGA
Explorer
Explorer
Every imaginable electric dogbone you could use.

I carry a spare plug for the shore cord (parks with bad plugs can arc and burn your plug) and I carry a spare 30 amp receptacle also. Pedestal may be bad, and they are cheap, campground can install it if you got it, they will otherwise not want to help. (and know how it is supposed to be wired too!)



However realize that it needs to be installed with the ground pin up.

Charles
'03 Ram 2500 CTD, 5.9HO six speed, PacBrake Exh Brake, std cab, long bed, Leer top and 2008 Bigfoot 25B21RB.. previously (both gone) 2008 Thor/Dutchman Freedom Spirit 180 & 2007 Winnebago View 23H Motorhome.

Oasisbob
Explorer
Explorer
Lots of good suggestions. Did I miss fresh water pressure regulator? IMHO fortget the toilot chemicals. Bad for the envirnment and if you smell sewer gas it is probley a seal leak or leaking air vent tube. Go to an empty lot and practice backing and turning.
Oasis Bob
Wonderful wife 3 of 4 kids at home. 1 proudly serving in USAF
2018 Ford Explorer
2001 Bantam Trail Lite B-19

HAPPY TRAILS:)