RV "Must Haves"

[Cudedog]

Good morning, Ladies!

Sitting at home here, reading the posts on the forum, looking forward to my Yellowstone adventure later this summer as I sip my coffee.

I have been compiling lists, and thinking hard, about what kind of gadgets and gizmos that I might like for the Yellowstone trip (and subsequent trips!).

I don't really need a lot - I still have all of the stuff I originaly acquired for my van-travelling days, and most of it will easily transition into the trailer. Those items that will not transfer - for example, my Coleman propane stove, and my Thetford porta-potti - I will just continue to leave in the van "just in case".

Since I pretty much have everything already, the only two main things I am thinking about adding are maybe a small food processor (for grinding fruits and veggies for my dog's menu) and, possibly, a small set of cookware. On the other hand, might just take a few pieces of my "in-house" cookware with me for a start, and maybe get something else later on.

Any suggestions for a small food processor (I have a Cuisinart that works well for home use, but it is too large and heavy for trailer travel)?

Any suggestions for anything else? Something that you, personally, find you couldn't "do without"?

Thanks, Ladies! Looking forward to hearing your responses.

Anne

[Acadianmom]

Before you go and buy a bunch of things for the RV I would bring a few things from home and see what you really need. I seldom cook except for what I can make in the microwave. Microwave cookware is a must for me. I even have a small microwave thing I can cook an egg in for breakfast. I felt the need to get an electric skillet one time and have never used it. I carried a small George Forman grill for a long time and I think I used it once.

I have one of the Magic Bullets I use sometimes at home. It's small and could be used as a food processor if you make small batches.

Something I use as much as anything are tools. Several different kinds of pliers and screw drivers. Something always needs to be tightened or undone. Someone was having a problem with something recently and one of the campers had zip ties. I think I need to add a few to my tool kit.

Martha

[JudyJB]

I agree. Take what you need from home to start, then buy what you need as you go. You do need to put together a tool box, however. Sears has canvas tool bags which are very nice because things do not rattle in them as they do in a metal toolbox.

Take along a hammer, some screwdrivers, pliers, etc, and maybe a tape measure, and some glue. Also, you might want to take along some Velcro strapping and Velcro hooks.

You will need some expansion curtain rods to put in your refrigerator to keep things from falling out. Ditto for a lot of small clear plastic boxes. I like these open top and face ones for organizing things in cabinets because you can reach in easily. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018 ... UTF8&psc=1

[Bethers]

It's so personal. I HAD lots of plastic and other types of containers for storage. I have gotten rid of most.... One just today. But must haves for me are cabinet shelving. Particularly expandable like this type: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E4B ... inet+shelf
I use them in most every cabinet. And I use the refrigerator expansion rods in the cabinets and in the fridge.

I make lots of smoothies in a cheap, small Hamilton Beach blender... Which works great for me with fruits and veggies. This one had another lid also.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00065 ... ref=plSrch

You'll need to figure out what tools you need. I don't carry many. But Robo Grips are a must for me.

[BarbaraRose]

Can you take a shorter trip before you leave for Yellowstone? That way you can get more of an idea of what things you need or don't need.

Fridge and shelf tension bars are a must-have if you don't want things to fall on your head when you open the doors!
I used a ton of command strips to hang things on the walls. I hung up a fabric shoe holder next to the bed to put things in (water bottle, meds, watch, etc). Something like this... https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honey-Can-Do ... e/17187951 . You can cut it to fit the area you want to put it. I also had a small one by the door to put flashlights, bug spray, lighters, sun block, etc.

Tap lights are another thing I used a lot. I put some in the cupboards and in places that didn't have a lot of light. They are also nice if you don't have power for some reason.

Don't forget check lists on what to do before leaving and after parking, so you don't forget anything (hooking up, unhooking, water and sewer hoses, electric cords, wheel chocks, stabilizer jacks, propane, etc. It is so easy to get distracted and forget to do something. After doing everything, I would do one more trip around the trailer just to make sure I didn't forget something (I have a bad memory so I felt I needed to do that to be sure).

And yes, robo grips are awesome!

[Redetotry]

I know they have been posted before but Barbie mentioned not to forget going over a check list on what to do before leaving and after parking in a campground. I did a search but didn't fine one does anyone have a link?

[mtngal]

A light weight, smallish plastic tray for carrying meals, drinks, etc out to the picinic table. Also, a little basket for glasses, cell phone, book etc, again, for grabbing on your way out the door.

[MelissaD]

I like to keep an extra set of old clothes and a jacket in the camper. Left the house and the weather was nice so I was not wearing my coat. (Like an old coat I don't mind if the fire pops on.) Later on it became cool. Nice to have a jacket to put on. Plus if I need to work on the camper it's nice to have some clothes I don't mind trashing.

[snowball]

because I live in my home and have for a lot of years..I can't think of individual items that are a must
have what I consider a must have Beth might laugh at as she said it is way individual...flashlights though would be important for the late night walk with fiddo (sorry don't remember your dogs name ) think of what you do typically life on the road isn't much different even though it isn't that long of a trip...do you read then plan on bringing some books and plan on picking up some up there in Yellowstone...do you bake? cook? just think of your needs at home they won't change a lot...but so go with robbing the house for the first time then I would put stuff you know you need back in the trailer so it is ready except for the perishable stuff
sheila

[MandysMom]

In addition to a flashlight or two, a LED headlamp is really handy whether walking the dog or hooking up at a late stop.
Velda

[JudyJB]

Cleaning stuff and a few rags, but a lot of paper towel.