Snowbird Checklist

What Do I Bring in My RV?

Make the long trek south for winter in your RV seem less overwhelming with our handy checklist just for snowbirds. It's got great preparation tips that will help you figure out what to pack and how much to pack.

Educating yourself with these essentials will ensure you'll be well-equipped for a wonderful winter getaway.

1. Give Your RV a Checkup (W.E.S.T.)

We recommend following W.E.S.T. as the first item to attend to on your snowbird checklist when preparing to complete an RV inspection. This simple acronym for water, electrical, sewage, and tires will help ensure you're not missing any major items during your inspection.

Water

Bring two lengths of fresh water hoses (white only) fitted with the necessary connectors. You can also consider taking an in-line water filter for an extra purification and filtration step to your water.

Avoid potential damage to the plumbing in your RV with a water pressure regulator. Water pressure tends to vary between RV parks, and regulators can help ensure excess water pressure doesn't cause major damage.

Electrical

Check the electrical cord connector to access incoming power from the RV park. Make sure you have an extension cord in case you're unable to park close enough to the power source. You'll want to also bring any power or voltage adapters that you may need.

Sewage

Stock a full sewage disposal kit including the proper hoses, fittings, flushing connections, a sewer ring, rubber gloves, a sewer hose support. These tools will help with draining the black water tank, as well as any sewage tank additives for your RV's septic tank.

Include a length of green garden hose and a tank-cleaning wand to clean the sewage holding tanks. You'll also want to make sure you have rapid-disintegration toilet paper designed specifically for RV use.

Tires

The average life span of an RV tire is about six years, but there are many factors that can affect when tires should be replaced. Tire inflation, sun damage, ozone pollutants, driving speeds and frequency of use are just a few causes that can affect the life span of your tires.

Since 2000, tire manufacturers have branding the sidewall of new tires produced. The first two numbers identify the week of production, and the second two digits identify the year. This should help aid in the decision of when new RV tires are needed.

2. First Aid/Medicine

Always have a first aid kit handy and well stocked. Some must-have items include a first aid book, bandages (assorted sizes), alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, gauze pads, adhesive tape, tweezers, thermometer, and hot/cold packs.

You'll also want to include a list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and physicians phone numbers for each traveler. Our handy first aid infographic has a great list of items to include in your kit.

3. Cooking Supplies/Food Items

Include everything you would use to prepare meals with items such as pots and pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, mixing bowls, measuring cups, dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, coffee maker or teapot, mugs, oven mitts, and hand towels.

When stocking your RV, plan to shop for primarily non-perishable items. This can include things like pre-packaged or boxed snacks, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, boxed pasta and jars of sauce.

4. RV Housewares/Toiletries

Take any day-to-day items that you may need. Staples can include garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper (rapid disintegration), cleaning supplies, food storage bags, flashlights, fire extinguisher, batteries and basic tools.

Make sure you also include personal items like soaps, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, bed linens, and towels.

5. Clothing to Pack

Make a general list of the types of clothing you'll need. Pack items like sleepwear, bathing suits, beach cover-ups, hats, jackets, shorts, pants, long and short sleeved shirts, sweaters or sweatshirts, evening wear, sandals, hiking boots and any other clothing for specific needs or special occasions.

6. Entertainment Options

This list may include modern-day favorites like tablets and laptops, as well as classics such as books or other reading material, games, and puzzles. You can also include recreational items like fishing poles, golf clubs, exercise gear, and hiking gear.

When you're making your lists, make sure to include the essential items that you use every day, followed by items that you would like to bring. Try not to stress too much over this; any items you forget can be purchased or replaced.

We hope this RV checklist helps you as you plan for your next snowbird trip. If you loved these RV packing tips, do us a favor and share them on social media to help others. Travel safely and enjoy your upcoming winter escape!

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