While we end the Canadian seasonal camping season, here are some checklists that have been helpful for us.
One of the worst thing you can do when in an RV is forget to pack something or leaving on a long trip and forgetting something so important (or expensive). You need a checklist to keep it all straight. Keep in mind... unless you are alone, there is someone else who can help you. My 7yo helps me with these tasks. You don't have to do it all on your own and get overwhelmed. I have been there! So, I have carefully compiled a working list of must haves items through much trial and error and attached them below.
Some background on us.. that is if you didn't know us. We are a mom and son duo who love to adventure; Long to spend time outdoors; Love to take our truck (2020 F150) and travel trailer (open range 241BH) with us. Pictured below but edited through an AI art generator program to look steampunk.
Currently, we only use our RV from spring to fall as winters in the Canadian rockies are pretty snowy and we have a house to live in. Also we love winter adventuring! Wouldn't live anywhere else. We have future plans on doing a cross country trip or even some exploring in the USA. With 1,066,180 km of Canadian Highways to explore there is lots of adventures to be had.
These lists are designed for long stay RVing and meant to be starting point for your family to ensure you have everything you need or want when doing long stays in your rig. Think of it like full time living part of the year.
My format is in editable excel (PC users) and numbers (Mac users) documents form so you can add what you need for your family.
Please take these files and personalize them for all the members of your family. To add a family member to the list just add a column and copy the list from either the adult or the kid examples provided. Keep in mind this is what I bring but it is just a template and it is ever changing.
Now if you have fur babies then you might want to add another column for their specific items.
Here are some items to add:
Waste disposal bags/cat litter and scoop
Pet food and treats
Food and water bowls
Favourite toys
A pet bed
A leash and harness
Pet carrier or crate (if used)
ID tags
A pet first-aid kit
Towel
Vet records (vaccine records needed to cross borders and handy if needing to make a vet visit on the road)
Helpful hint that I did for these lists. Print them double sided and laminate them! I don't have a lamination machine so I got a pack of the self sealing no-heat lamination sheets from Staples. Add a clipboard and all organized! Use a water-soluble marker to check off everything as I pack it.
I mentioned that we do spring and fall camping. The days are manageable but the nights are cold! If you are in Canada or northern USA I would suggest having some toques/beanies, gloves, warm socks, lots of extra layers, wouldn't hurt to have some extra blankets for any cold kiddos. I like to have some wool blankets on hand. They are warm and are fire resistant so you can take them by the campfire.
Now that we have everything packed let's get going!
Here is a list of steps I use to set up and tear down camp.
I hope these lists come in handy for your future RV adventures. If you see us out there come say hi or give us a few honks on the road.
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