RVnGO Travel Trailer Camping Checklist
When it comes to camping, a travel trailer can be a great choice for those looking to save on an RV rental and use their vehicle. Unlike a Class A, B, or C recreational vehicle, a travel trailer can be a wide range of sizes and is not motorized. You will need to hook it up to another vehicle to transport it. While this may seem cumbersome if you do not own a vehicle that can tow the trailer, it is very cost-effective if you do own a truck capable of towing the vehicle. Also, driving with a travel trailer is typically easier, there are various sizes of travel trailers, and damage protection costs are typically lower. If you want to save but still get the advantages of having a recreational vehicle, then a travel trailer may be a perfect choice. At RVnGO, you can reserve a travel trailer rental for camping and being planning your RV camping trip today.
What Do You Need for Travel Trailer Camping?
With your RVnGO rental, you can stay at numerous states and national parks throughout the US. Before deciding on which park to take your vacation to, you should make sure you have all the equipment, resources, and supplies you’ll need for the great outdoors. Some of the most common things you’ll need for RV camping include:
- Water storage and additional drinking water
- Sewer kit
- Generator
- Electrical adapters
- Pressure gauge
- Road kit
- Emergency Kits
- Flashlights and batteries
- Additional engine and transmission oil
- Fire extinguisher
- Extra tire for towing vehicle
- Jumper cables and car jack
- Battery charger
- Wheel block
- Duct tape
- Gloves
- Extra hitch pin
- Small shovel
These common RV camping gear are essential to having a smooth trip and camping experience. In an emergency, it is always better to be prepared. You should also consider bringing backup batteries for your devices and extra sleeping gear in case anything is damaged.
Towing Vehicle
Of course, the main thing you will need to go camping with a travel trailer is a vehicle to tow it. There is a range of SUVs, trucks, and even sedans that can tow trailers (depending on the weight). Sedans can typically pull between 1,000 to 4,000 lbs. However, many will only pull around 1,750 lbs maximum. So, if you are considering towing with a sedan, you will be limited to smaller campers rather than full-sized travel trailers. Some lightweight campers can weigh below 1000 lbs. However, other sedans like the 2016 Volvo S60, can pull a max of 3,500 lbs!
Trucks and SUVs have a much higher towing capability and often come with tow hitches already installed. This makes it extremely easy to hitch your trailer to the back of a truck. Trucks and SUVs also have a much higher towing capacity, with some, like the Ram 3500, being able to tow some massive fifth-wheel trailers. In the end, the only way to make sure your vehicle can tow a particular travel trailer is to research your vehicle’s towing capabilities and the travel trailer of your choice. Keep in mind that the maximum carrying weight and weight of the vehicle aren’t all you have to factor for. The weight of your supplies and passengers also matters.
Travel Trailer Camping Gear
Once you’re out at your campsite, it can be difficult to get supplies so making sure you have the right camping gear is vital. There is a lot to plan for so you should make sure you have the most common things such as clothes, sleeping bags, tents, and tarps. You should also bring plenty of towels, pillows, and blankets. Toiletries are not to be forgotten. Toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant, etc. should be some of the first things you ready. If you are going to be cooking, then you should at least bring:
- Cutting Boards
- Utensils
- Soap
- Coolers and insulated bags
- Matches and lighters
- Skillets
- Dish Towels
- Garbage Bags
- Paper Towels
- Can Opener
- Camping griddle
- Potholders
- Food containers
- Sponges and scrub brush
- Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer
You should also bring equipment for starting a fire beyond just a lighter. Some campsites provide firewood, but it would be wise to bring your own. A Firestarter kit is also a good idea. However, if you do not want to spend a lot on a kit, some tinder, a striker, and stormproof matches are the minimum you will need. You should consider bringing a campfire ring if cooking outdoors. A ring with a grill will make it easier to cook and contain your campfire while protecting it from the wind. Some campsites may have rings installed at campsites. With that, you have a lot of the basic things necessary to camp outdoors with a travel trailer.
Reserve an RV Rental with RVnGO Today!
Looking to go RV camping at an affordable price? At RVnGO, we make it easy to find the right RV rental near you. Whether you are looking for a fifth wheel, camper, or class A RV, we can help you find the right RV for your trip. At RVnGO, we connect you with hosts across the US. You can create a free RVnGO account today and start planning your RV adventure. Make sure to reserve your camping spots and RV rentals as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the trip of dreams!