What to keep in the camper?

[momofmany...Christina 17]

Starting to make a list of what we will need to buy to keep in our camper. What would be on your list?

I already bought dish towels, kids plastic cups, plastic colanders, and a bottle opener. I was out looking for deals yesterday, lol.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Stock your RV with everything you normally keep in your house ... pots and pans, silverware, dishes, linens, appliances, etc. Anything to keep you from carrying back and forth!

[momofmany...Christina 17]

Stock your RV with everything you normally keep in your house ... pots and pans, silverware, dishes, linens, appliances, etc. Anything to keep you from carrying back and forth!

What appliances do you think should go in there? I was thinking a coffee pot, blender and toaster. I am wondering if I will want a crock pot or not?

[.....Gary 85]

Crock pot, electric skillet & folding table. It will help keep the unit cooler. Oh BIG cooler w/ beverages for fiend visitors! :popcorn:

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Stock your RV with everything you normally keep in your house ... pots and pans, silverware, dishes, linens, appliances, etc. Anything to keep you from carrying back and forth!

Yep.

Things I leave in my camper; extension cords, basic tools (hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, knife), a table cloth that will fit a picnic table, a bucket, rope, bungee cords, trash bags, paper products (plates, napkins, plastic silverware, cups, paper towels, TP), hand soap, a small shovel, folding chairs, and duct tape.

TCD

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Dishwashing soap, hand sanitizer, windex, some basic spices, some rubber gloves (for emptying the black and grey tanks and handling the stinky slinky)

50 ft of coax cable

Find out what fuses your unit uses and buy some spare fuses to keep.

Find out what light bulbs and get some spare light bulbs

[ftwildernessguy 778]

Consider a Magic Bullet instead of a conventional blender. Great for frozen drinks, grinding coffee, etc and takes up less room than a blender.

[ftwildernessguy 778]

I also keep a couple of portable walkie talkies and a weather radio.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

A hand operated can opener, wine corkscrew, an assortment of serving spoons and spatulas

Command adhesive hooks, great for hanging hats, belts, keys, towels, jackets

Most RVs I've seen have cabinet space and closet space, but little drawer space, plastic drawer sets of various sizes.

Zip ties!!! I buy a bag of 1000 8" zip ties and use them all the time!!

Then a a pair of wire cutters to cut the zip ties off of whatever you have used them for.

A pair of scissors

[We4mickey 6]

Don't forget rainy day stuff too, like cards, games, coloring stuff, etc.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

One of those headlamp flashlights, but keep that in your glovebox or center console, that way if you arrive at night you can unhitch and set up without actually HOLDING a flashlight.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

All are excellent suggestions! And I will add cleaning supplies. Detergent, lysol, dishwashing liquid, aluminum foil, saran wrap. etc.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

A fly swatter

[Lizzy Dorie 777 1]

Everyone has given you great ideas. The one thing I did during our first few trips was have a small notebook, because inevitably just when you think you have it all, when you go to cook you've forgotten something. When that happens, you can jot it down and get it when you get back.

[momofmany...Christina 17]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! I am compiliing a list. ;D

[LORNADUCK 261]

Sheets, blankets, pillows, and extras, towels, bath mat, bath soap, toothbrushes. I keep a extra hair brush, suntan lotion, shampoo. Grill. camping chairs. I keep some baking dishes, muffin pan. I keep my refrig on and condiment in it. That will change if we have to move and keep it in storage. I keep extra closed can goods, but we usually go away 1x a month so we use it up. I have coffee filters, coffee, sweetnlow. Sharp knifes, I do have plastic silverware, but also have a set of regular because sometime plastic doesn't do it. Also I keep a set of plastic dishes, but need something else for the microwave.

[stefa70 205]

Bug spray!

[.....Gary 85]

With all those boys, giant box of Bandaids & antiseptic cream.

[FigmentChick 0]

Someone might've already mentioned this, but we always keep a couple of utility lighters in our camper. Comes in handy for when the pilot light won't ignite on its own.

Bag of quarters!!!

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

cutting board

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

When we moved up in size from the hybrid to the bigger TT, I swore I wasn't putting anything else in the new camper that wasn't in the old. We'd done 3 weeks in the hybrid several times and managed just fine.

So far so good! This stuff stays packed all the time...

Kitchen Stuff -

1 cheap, nonstick frying pan

1 nonstick skillet that can go on the stove top or grill

1 decent sized sauce pan (2-3 qt?)

1 cheap stock pot (you never know when an impromptu lobster bake will break out!)

Electric perc coffee pot

Stove top perc coffee pot (for dry camping)

paper plates

assortment of big acrylic cups and a few favorite coffee cups

a few cheap plastic serving bowls

set of flatware (not a big fan of the plastic stuff)

1 decent chef knife and a few cheap steak knives

random spatulas, spoons, tongs and ladles - only what fits in the crock on the counter

cutting board

scissors

sewing kit

zip ties

matches

packing/electrical tape

batteries

can opener

aluminum foil

ziploc bags

garbage bags

pie iron

skewers

dog dishes

Bath -

Set of towels

Bath mat

Bath cleaner

Packets of shampoo (I grab extra samples from the hair salon)

Liquid soap (for the sink and tub)

Toothpaste

Bath cleaner

Medicine cab = tylenol, motrin, allergy, nyquil, saline solution (contacts)

Broom

Swiffer

Bedroom -

Extra set of sheets

Extra blankets (lightweight fleece work great)

Extra jacket and/or sweatshirts

Bar -

well, it's a bar... use your imagination

Dogs -

Basket of toys

No spill water bowl

Frisbees

Kongs

Extra leashes/collars

Brush (doubles as a carpet de-hairing tool)

Misc -

Movies

Jar candles

Playing cards

Dominoes

Food stuff that stays in during camping season -

coffee

pasta

sugar

tea

soup mix

small collection of all purpose seasonings

fixins' for smores

peanut butter

popcorn (microwave and jiffy pop)

crystal light (for margaritas!)

And yes - all of that fit in a 20' hybrid! :)

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Kahlua, Amaretto, and Half n Half to make Toasted Almonds. These will come in handy, especially when camping with kids. Cause if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Dave makes an excellent point.

I highly recommend you keep THIS in your camper - fully stocked at all times...

[Sunshine Camper 1]

I know you all will think I'm crazy for keeping this list but here it goes.

10- This is an extremely helpful website- http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Tips/Tips_and_Advice.htm

BEDDING & BATH (SLEEPING)

Bedding- sheets (we use sheets because it’s usually too hot for sleeping bags) -blankets- (we use old down comforters-it’s lightweight)

-Pillows!!

-Extra blankets-winter/spring months -I keep these stored in the camper in plastic Ziploc XL bags or the clear zip up kind found @ Wal-Mart in the ironing board section (store with a used dryer sheet to keep the bedding from smelling musty)

-Mattress foam thingies (looks like an egg crate) on the beds-these do make a difference.

Bath and Beach Towels- I bought the cheap Wal-Mart bath towels (keep in the trailer/RV) and we have Beach/Pool towels (Wal-Mart $6) that we keep in the trailer too.

TOILETRIES/SHOWERS: CLOTHES

1) Shampoo/conditioner

2) Deodorant

3) Hairbrush

4) Toothbrush

5) Toothpaste

6) Soap

7) Clothes –seasonal (bathing suit or jacket)

*Flip Flops for showers and pool-this prevents foot fungus

9) Toiletries bag-2 options I’ve seen the shower bags found at Bed, Bath and Beyond use a 20% off coupon they’re $7ish. See below-ladies only- (I got the men’s at Target for $4) You can use the $1 caddy baskets with handle but they are cumbersome. Gal size Ziploc bag works too.

10) Mesh bag (beach type bag or grocery-reusable) for carrying your clothes to and from your campsite to the Comfort Station/Bathroom. ***You place your towel and clothes to the showers in the mesh bag (or reusable grocery bag)-so you aren’t taking lots of cumbersome duffle bags into the bathroom. There might be a line of people to shower and this saves time. Wal-Mart’s bags are $.50-most stores have them and are usually $.99. I saw a family with a different color for each family member. Mom had a red Target bag, Dad had a Publix green bag, blue Wal-Mart for the son and the daughter had a black Publix bag.

11) Long trips-use a garbage bag to place dirty cloths in or buy a folding hamper-while unpacking the dirty laundry is gathered already

12) I suggest keeping your bath towels (wet) hooked or hung in the trailer. They should dry faster in the air conditioning vs. outside in the summer months. Pool/beach towels can be kept outside to dry in the sun.

13) I’ve never tried this (my kids are too old for this idea) but read it and thought it was a great tip for young children. Purchase a small blow up pool under $5-$10 for the kids. Place in the campground shower while the water is filling it up the kids can sit in it and wash up. It’s like a mini inexpensive tub. They aren’t on the floor of the shower they’re in the pool.

COOKING/KITCHEN- FOOD

**Do not buy kitchen tools in the camping section. Buy in the kitchen section because it’s cheaper. You can use what you have in your kitchen-we have bought what we need separately since we go so often AND we don’t want to forget something like a can opener. Cooking for camping is the same items you would need if you were cooking at home. **Once you’ve finished cooking your meal-before eating, heat up water in your kettle to do dishes (tent camping tip).

1) Cooking kettle (like a teakettle) for heating water (to do dishes) or hot chocolate

2) Plastic tools-spatula, spoons, tongs etc.-cooking utensils (you will use) TIP: TENT camping-I’ve seen campers use those plastic 5 drawer storage carts (with wheels) for storing the tools, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil etc. They keep it next to the “food prep table” in a screened porch.

3) Napkins-Paper Towels (at least 2 rolls)

4) Dish strainer for drying dishes-these are cheap

5) Skillet, & 3 size cooking pots with lids (small, medium and large)-the large is a must for us-we cook spaghetti a lot

6) Measuring cup-this has come in handy.

7) *Can opener/Scissors-a MUST (the most forgotten items camping)

*Always keep baking soda on hand-(girl scout tip)-in case of a fire use baking soda on the fire to put it out.

9) Keep baking soda in your (RV) fridge while not in use-keep it fresh smelling

10) Knives-utility, paring, chef

11) Ziploc bags in different sizes for storing -qt. and gal sizes

12) Plates, plastic ware, cups, bowls (disposable or plastic)-I bought plastic bowls, plates, plastic ware ($1 Store or after summer sale)

13) Tablecloth (for picnic table) along with clips to hold it down (Camping section Wal-Mart, the red and white checkerboard kind-it holds up better than any of the others I’ve bought-it’s like $2) - the clips keep the tablecloth from flying away. Holidays-you can use a decorated tablecloth to represent a certain holiday. TIP: I also wash the tablecloths after a trip in the washer (with the towels)-just don’t put them in the dryer.

14) Aluminum foil-non-stick Reynolds wrap for cooking-no generic-believe me the generic sticks to the grill and the food

15) Dish soap-small for cleaning dishes (refill it when I get home)

16) Sponge for dishes the ones for the grill in the camping section-Wal-Mart

17) Potholders

18) Dish towels (at least 2-3)-for drying dishes

19) Wet ones (generic) (you don’t have a sink close by-it’s great for quick hand washing) Great when you have little ones. You can also use baby wipes.

20) Clorox Wipes are great quick clean ups…like wiping down the tablecloth because it’s out with the dirt all day. *Don’t confuse Clorox wipes with wet ones.

21) Pam-non-stick spray-the grill personal gas grill

22) Mixing bowl-to mix food or use for cut up fruit or chips-etc.

23) Hand mixer-small $6-$8-Wmart (mashed potatoes)-I know not real camping

24) Coffeemaker –if you drink coffee

25) Colander-for pasta

26) Spices-salt, pepper, etc. (your favorites)-$1 @ Wal-mart in camping section-or the S/P. -note the salt will get hard if you don’t put rice in it (we live in FL).

27) Toaster-$10 at Wal-Mart

28) Peeler- for potatoes or apples

29) Cutting Board

30) **Crock-pot is great for having your dinner cook all day then come back and eat-love this! MANY campers use this-us included (Our trip to DC-I set the crock pot each day for our dinner). It was great knowing I didn’t have to cook when I got back from walking all day.)

31) *Disposable containers-Glad ware is great for storing leftovers to heat up again later. These are great for storing butter, hotdogs, etc. in coolers from getting soggy. (if you don’t have a fridge)

32) Portable grill (Coleman) for pancakes, steak, chicken, anything-we LOVE ours

33) Microwave (we had one in our pop-up)

34) RV-Tip: Narrow trashcan inside trailer-found at Wal-Mart. Use kitchen size bags.

35) RV-Tip: Cleaners-Fantastic is recommended on our counters, a small bottle of bleach for just about anything, Windex-we have glass mirrors

36) RV-Tip: Hand soap for kitchen and bathroom

37) Caddy for plates, napkins, plastic ware-this way it’s all together and you don’t have to make bunch of trips getting stuff on the table. It’s a Pampered Chef item-I have one for home and the trailer. $16.50…very useful! I refill it after every trip or if we’re on a long trip refill when needed. I just grab this and place on table for meals.

FOOD-*

***Anything you would normally eat. You can pre make meals and freeze them-saving time and money. Pack non-perishable foods in paper grocery bags or reusable-then when you empty a bag-compact the bag for more room. Freeze bottled water then place in cooler to help with keeping the food or drinks cold.

Cereal

Water-gallon for cooking-unless you have a water purifier (we buy our gallon water in a 6 pk. Box at Costco)-we store in our bathtub in the trailer-in case one leaks.

Bottled water

Fruit

Instant oatmeal

Popcorn (microwave?)

Hot chocolate mix

Tea if you’re a tea drinker

Coffee-if you’re a coffee drinker

Sandwich meats

Ketchup

Mustard

Mayo

Butter-squeeze and stick

Mac n cheese-always a favorite

Bacon/sausage

Pancakes

Creamer if you like coffee

Sugar

Salt & pepper –$1 camping section Wal-Mart

Spices-your favorites for cooking

Soup-great for camping-maybe a stew

Grill meat-steak, salmon, pork chops, chicken, ribs- to name a few

Eggs

Bread-sandwiches for lunch

Milk

Syrup

Smores -marshmallows, graham crackers, Hershey chocolate (it’s not camping without these)

Roast hot dogs

Spices

Onion

Spaghetti sauce and noodles

Salad & dressing

Baked potatoes

Baked Beans

Rice

Bagels

Cooking Spray (like Pam) and liquid too

CROCK POT

**Planning Meals- We (I who are we kidding-lol) pre-plan our meals each trip. I purchase what we need before we leave for the campgrounds. We plug in the fridge 2 days before we leave so it’s nice and cold. The day of leaving or the day before I purchase the perishables and place them into the fridge in the trailer. If we are gone on a long trip and stopping a night or 2 before arriving. I will only buy groceries for the days on the road. Then once at our destination I will get all the groceries. This is for space in fridge and in case the fridge breaks and the food doesn’t spoil for whatever reason.

GEAR/ SUPPLIES- SHELTER

1) Garbage bags (we generally use one a day for trash) 30 gallon or higher

2) Flashlights-at least one heavy duty (for the bathroom in the evenings)-it gets dark out there

3) Compactable trashcan (I got mine at camping world for $10) and love it. I hold the trash bag up with clothespins. ***Remember to keep the trash in your car at night or take it to the dumpster-the animals will find it if you forget.

4) Off spray (bug spray)-you’ll be sorry if you don’t bring this at least one bottle (Avon’s Skin So Soft works great-but expensive)

5) Off buckets for around the campsite for bugs-these are nice at least 2-found in the summer seasonal section at Wal-Mart if not garden section)

6) Firewood and charcoal for cooking and lighter fluid-*firewood found at the camp host site or the campgrounds camp store, ranger station

7) Matches or we suggest aim n flame-

Chairs folding-one for each family member at Wal-Mart or Sports Authority-Coleman brand

9) Skewers for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows over the fire camping aisle at Wal-mart (4 for $1.88)

10) Sunscreen-of course we live in FL

11) Ant spray killer (always comes in handy)-we live in FL

12) Fly swatter-we live in FL (you would be surprise how often you use this)-Bee’s & Flies

13) Batteries on hand for everything battery- D’s, AAA and AA

14) Clothespins to hang towels to dry or for hanging string lights or clipping a bag of chips.

**15) Folding table to cook on which frees up the picnic table-all sites have grills (pits) and picnic tables-our RV came with a utility table

16) Electrical cord (outdoor kind)-for plugging in a fan (yes we have a fan for summer months) or TV

17) Cooler--these aren’t cheap so I suggest Wal-Mart (COLEMAN makes a great insolated cooler $30-$45 depending on the size)-you can pack perishable food in one (if you don’t have a fridge) and drinks in another.

18) Quarters for buying ice or doing laundry-*Disney’s Ft. Wilderness-We go through $25 in a week @ Disney in the summer months. Lots of ice and wash towels at least once if staying for a week.

19) I keep laundry detergent on hand just in case something HAS to be washed. Long trips it’s needed or pool/beach towels on a week at Disney.

20) Duraflame logs (generic) -only to be used to keep warm not for cooking. We use them as a fire starter. Found in camping section at Wal-mart

21) Ponchos-disposable (Wal-Mart $.88 a piece)-especially in the summer months you’ll need them.

22) FIRST AID KIT-a given! (Wal-Mart camping section)

23) Cell Phone chargers for your cell phone

24) Adult and Kids Tylenol

25) BIKES!-to ride around the campgrounds and with a bike lock found at Wal-Mart-learned the hard way!!!!!

26) Bike helmets-goes with above (maybe a bike pump)

27) Keys (extra set to trailer)-RV

28) Tools like hammer/mallet just in case-for tent stakes and a camp shovel

29) Broom-small dust buster for cleaning trailer.

30) Rug at the door of the trailer/tent-keeps dirt out

31) Rope to hang the towels or I bought a double hook Iron rod (for hanging plants at WM then purchased these

I bought 2 -one on each hook. Beach towels go on one and swim suits on the other. Some campgrounds you aren’t allowed to tie rope or anything to trees. Camping World has the white hook thing.

32) Lights-battery Coleman (tent) lantern or propane gas on picnic table). DO NOT USE propane light in your tent-Carbon monoxide poisoning. I’ve seen people plug in a utility light as well.

33) A canopy for sitting out of the sun-enclosed (Wal-mart-EZ-Up the screen is separate) –one of the best items we’ve bought. We place the picnic table under this along with the double plant hook for drying our pool/beach towels

34) *Old towels or rags for drying the picnic table or electrical cord if it’s wet for packing up to go home.

35) Bug zapper-Lowe’s-it’s $44 and keeps the bug’s away-we hang it from our awning

Stinger

Ultra Zapper

Iem #: 69710 Model: UVB45

$45.97

36) Toilet paper (you don’t need to use the RV kind in the RV section of Wal-mart as long as what you buy is biodegradable)-we use Scotts

37) FREEZER PACKS- bought 3 of these at Wal-Mart. Cooler/camping section. I use them in our (RV) fridge to keep it extra cold especially in the summer months.

38) Shoe Rack-white found at Wal-mart in the iron/laundry section $3-$4). Keep outside trailer to hold shoes and flip flops to dry.

39) Cable cord (50 ft. or more)-for Disney to receive cable to your TV

40) propane for stoves and grills

RV-

1) Leveling blocks (Camping World)-leveling your RV-these go under your wheels if need-also use under your jacks.

2) Wheel blocks-orange (2pk) Wal-Mart-so your RV doesn’t roll away from you once detached from the car-these go at the wheels

3) Hose for water hook up-Wal-Mart too

4) Propane for cooking-Wal-Mart

5) Outside lights on the awning (optional but nice to have)

-*If you have a gray (sink and shower water) and black tank (the toilet water)-toilet paper-deodorizer for grey and blank tank-Wal-mart-liquid not powder (we’ve tried both and liquid seemed to work MUCH better than powder)-you can always use Calgon-it’s much cheaper and does the job. I pour gray liquid deodorizer down all the sinks and the tub/shower-then rinse it with hot water after tanks have been emptied.

6) Outdoor carpet/Rug found at Camping World-also a cheap green floor mat found at Wal-Mart $4-$6)-it’s great for getting the sand off your feet/shoes. Cuts down on the dirt and sand in the RV

7) Clean Machine Step mats-2 they wrap around the 2 steps into your trailer. Color to match your TT-this greatly helps keep dirt out and most importantly you don’t slip when the steps are wet.

General Info. Lessons Learned:

1) **I keep a Camping Folder (mine is a 5 pocket plastic) of all the campgrounds (maps) past and present to remember the good sites (so we get the right size site too)-shade is a must. Don’t forget to print the confirmation email for your site, maps, tickets for any theme parks etc.-keep in folder.

2) **Keep all food stored in a car locked or the RV especially at night. Raccoons will get your food and trash your site. -Ft. Desoto and Anastasia are famous for this. Not drinks-they don’t want drinks.

3) Remember once you’ve bought the camping “equipment” it’s free the second trip out. It’s an investment at first but it’s nice to know you’re taking your bed and your things on your trips.

4) Read www.disboards.com camping section for newbie camping info. “Camping Disney World”-great advice on that board-even pictures of camp set ups. A picture is truly worth a 1000 words!

5) Camp close to home first trip-see what you might need after one day-then go to Wal-mart and pick up the things you might need. Not everyone camps the same.

6) Make sure gas (propane tanks in RV) is turned off before leaving campsite.

7) Make sure wheel blocks are under the wheels on the RV before unhooking from the vehicle

Info website- http://www.rv.net/

9) The book “Next Exit” (found at Borders or Cracker Barrel) is a good book to find what’s ahead to pull your RV in for food or gas

10) Ft. Wilderness info- http://home.hiwaay.net/~jlspence/faq_fw.htm

11) Another website for good info http://home.gwi.net/~spectrum/list.html

12) Check break lights before leaving the campgrounds and home-RV

13) Make sure antenna is down before leaving-RV

14) Make sure the RV is level when you park it at the campground.

15) Make sure electrical cord is unplugged before pulling out of campsite or home-RV.

16) Always check tire pressure before leaving for a trip-helps with mileage and a blow out- RV.

17) Never keep food stored in your RV while not in use.

See I told you I was crazy....but it helps others getting started so I keep it-it helps me. :)

Enjoy your rv.

[BRDof3...Rob 40]

Not much to add to this list. When I'm gone for a week or more I take the portable air compressor, it's small enough to fit in the pass-through storage. That lets me keep the tires checked when they are truly cold.

I've learned to keep a pillow and blanket for all the kids in the camper, they never seem to remember to bring one of their own.

We keep leashes and a tie-out for the dogs, and some play toys.

An extra length of white water hose.

The tip on extra fuses is good. We also have a supply of washers for the hoses. They fall out from time to time, and without washers your water connection will drip the whole time you are hooked up.

I made a pair of sandbags from the legs of an old pair of jeans. Not too heavy, just enough to lay across the sewer hose so it doesn't blow around in the wind, or fall off the stand when the water runs through it.

Extra paper towels and t-paper stores under the front bed.

You'll build up a list as you go, don't worry about getting it all at once.