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.

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Before leaving on our snowbird journey we go through the RV to determine the items needed and those no longer required.

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.)

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Cleaners & Lubricants

Windex

303 Aerospace Protectant

Meguires RV wash and wax

Long adjustable pole with attachments

Silicone and white lithium spray lubricants

WD-40

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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

It all fits somewhere. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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

At the Newmar Service Center in Nappanee, Indiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.

At the Newmar Service Center in Nappanee, Indiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.

At the Newmar Service Center in Nappanee, Indiana © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

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.