You’re ready to gather the family, load the camper to hit the trail for your first travel trailer camping trip – make it a fond memory.

Packing for your first-ever camping trip in an RV, tent trailer, 5th wheel, truck camper, or with a travel trailer in tow can seem stressful. Your mind is probably running through the seemingly endless list of items you’ll need for your trip. Even if it’s just a weekend trip, you’ll need food, gear, clothing, cooking supplies and more. But with some organization, preparation, and a few of these camping and packing tips for beginners, you’ll be smooth sailing on your first trip into our Provincial Parks, Family Campgrounds or a family or friends backyard. Make sure that your vehicle is also ready for a trip with these road trip tips.

1. Make a List of Necessary Items Based on Daily Activities

When figuring out the best way to pack your camping trailer, think about what your days will look like. Will you be hiking, biking, visiting family or welcoming guests into your Trailer? Make a list of the gear and clothing you’ll need for daily activities so you don’t forget the gear that would be expensive to re-purchase during the trip. Think Wilderness Essentials not whole home comfort.

Also prepare for the daily, routine activities as well. Make a list of items you’ll use in the kitchen, the bathroom, and don’t forget, bedding, chairs and other essential items you will use daily. Check out and print our free Camping Packing Checklist to help you get started.

2. Safeguard Yourself and Your Family

Use a family safety plan like Life360 family locator app used by millions of parents or the free What3Words in case you get separated out on your hike or in the provincial park which can be many kilometres of altering terrain. Being new to travel trailer camping, being among over 1000 other campers can be disorienting.  Familiarize yourself with the area, download maps, campground info, photos, and more for offline use. This makes trip planning easier and safer so you are prepared for your first big trip.

3. Bring Some Entertainment

Although you will be spending your days outdoors exploring wild places, you’ll still have down time. Make sure to bring your favourite movies and board games for the slower-paced moments.

4. Plan Your Meals and Bring Food With You

Plan your meals and make a list of the food items you’ll need for your trip. You don’t want to overpack your RV with food, but it’s a good idea to be prepared with food before the trip, so you don’t end up spending too much money at smaller grocery stores in remote areas.

5. Bring Basic Tools, But Don’t Over Do It

Although there is a pioneering spirit and DIY attitude when it comes to RVing, there’s a limit to what we can do ourselves. So don’t over do it with the tools. Bring the tools you are most likely to use (definitely duck tape) and bring those. You can leave big, bulky and heavy tools behind.

6. Dump Tanks Early and Often

Water tanks and other tanks get heavy. It’s good to keep small amounts of liquid in tanks to prevent anything sticking. Filling your water tank to the brim though or leaving your black water tank full will weigh down your RV, which can be dangerous. Unless you are boon docking/dry camping, you can plan to connect to a campgrounds water supply. And although it stinks, try to empty your black and gray water tanks often.

7. Pack Your Camper Light and Evenly

As with any travel experience, you’ll be happier toting stuff around when it’s lightweight. The same goes with your camping trailer or RV, and you’ll be more safe for it as well. Even bringing resin camping dishes, paperback books instead of hardcovers can make a difference. It all adds up.

Make sure to pack your camping trailer or RV evenly as well. If you have a heavy item on the right side of your trailer, make sure to even it out with an equally heavy item on the left side. Uneven weight in your trailer can be dangerous, so make sure to keep it light and keep it even.

When the packing is all said and done, it’s a good idea go to a weighing station to weigh your RV or camp trailer before you hit the road to make sure it isn’t overweight.

8. Leave The Breakables At Home

Bumpy roads can make your travel trailer or Motorhome RV a mini earthquake on wheels, and things can break. You don’t want to be cleaning up glass during your journey. Try out lightweight non breakable dishes and cooking bowls like melamine. There are many great cups and stemless wine glasses in the lightweight materials as well, which are perfect for camping.

9. Essential Travel Trailer Camping Tip:
Invest in Travel Trailer Coverage for Your Trip

Check your coverage! If you want to avoid any unfortunate accidents, it’s important that both you and your trailer are properly insured. With a wide range of policies, we will provide the best coverage options for your needs. Talk to our professional brokers today to inquire about our great rates and to get started on the road to safety!