Permanent Packing List
Documents & Admin — Kept in Trailer
These never leave the RV. Keep physical copies in a labeled folder in the glove box or a dedicated document pouch.
Safety Gear — Non-Negotiable
Check these monthly. CO is odorless. A failing propane detector has killed people. This gear costs less than one campsite.
Electronics
Kitchen
Bedding
Bathroom Staples
Tools & Maintenance
Power Tools Worth Packing
These items seem like overkill until you need them. The impact driver alone saves you from a miserable roadside tire change in 90°F heat. The leaf blower prevents hundreds of dollars in slide seal damage in 2 minutes.
Emergency Gear
The 3am Problem
Full black tank. Campground bathrooms closed. Dump station 10 miles away. Happens to every RV owner eventually. The $25 emergency toilet pays for itself the first time you need it.
Hookup Gear — Always in the Trailer
These stay permanently. You'll need them at every campsite. Never leave home without them.
Outdoor Living
Kids' Gear — Permanent in Trailer
Food — Permanent Pantry Staples
Restock after every trip. These should always be in the trailer so you're never starting from zero.
Week of Trip Prep
Confirm the Trip
Home Prep — Before You Leave
Food & Supplies
Clothing & Personal Gear
Pack per person, per trip. These don't live in the trailer.
Personal Care & Health
Electronics & Devices
Kids' Trip Gear
Trip Documents
Bring these — they don't live in the trailer.
Hitch & Go Safety
Run this checklist every single trip. Most trailer failures happen in the first few miles — because a step was skipped. This sequence is in the correct order. Do not skip ahead.
Step 1 — Tow Vehicle Checks
Step 2 — Safety Devices Check
Do This Before Every Trip
These devices save lives. None take more than 30 seconds to check. Make it a habit.
Step 3 — Hitching Sequence (Do in This Exact Order)
Safety Chain Rule
Chains must cross in an X-pattern so they cradle the coupler if it separates. Too long = drag on pavement. Too short = bind when turning. Correct: a J-curve when hitched, just clearing the ground.
Step 4 — Weight Distribution & Sway Control
Why It Matters
Too little tongue weight causes dangerous trailer sway. Too much overloads your tow vehicle's rear axle. 10–15% is the safe zone for single-axle trailers.
Step 5 — 7-Pin Connector & Lights
Step 6 — Trailer Tire & Wheel Checks
Check the Trailer Sticker, Not the Sidewall
Trailer tire pressure is often different from your tow vehicle's. The correct spec is on a sticker inside your trailer's door frame — not on the tire sidewall.
Step 7 — Trailer Interior & Exterior
⚠ TV Antenna — Check Every Single Trip
The most common cause of costly overhead clearance damage. A highway overpass or drive-through clearance bar will shear it off and potentially peel back your roof.
⚠ Pets in the Trailer
NEVER travel with pets inside the trailer while towing. No climate control, temperatures can exceed 130°F in summer, carbon monoxide risk from exhaust, and they're trapped if something goes wrong. All pets ride in the tow vehicle with you.
Step 8 — Final Road Check
The 1/4-Mile Stop
This is the single most important step beginners skip. Drive 1/4 mile, pull over safely, walk around the trailer. Loose lug nuts, lights that stopped working, chains that shifted — this stop catches all of it.
Campsite Arrival & Setup
Do steps in order. Hooking up water before leveling, or extending slides before checking clearance, are among the most common first-trip mistakes.
Step 1 — Scout the Site Before Parking
First-Timer Tip
Request a pull-through site for your first few trips — no backing required. You can practice backing skills once you've mastered the setup sequence.
Step 2 — Level Side-to-Side (While Still Hitched)
Why First
Leveling must happen before you unhitch, before hookups, before slideouts. An unlevel trailer means the fridge won't cool properly, doors won't stay open or closed, and sleep is uncomfortable.
Step 3 — Chock Wheels (Before Unhitching)
Step 4 — Unhitch from Tow Vehicle
Step 5 — Front-to-Back Level (Tongue Jack)
Why This Step Is Separate
Front-to-back leveling can only be done after unhitching because the hitch controls tongue height while attached. Adjust the tongue jack now, not before.
Step 6 — Stabilizer Jacks
Step 7 — Shore Power
EMS Surge Protector — Non-Negotiable
Campground power is notoriously unreliable. Faulty pedestals can send voltage spikes that fry every appliance in your trailer. The EMS protects everything. Never plug in without it.
Step 8 — Water Hookup
Step 9 — Sewer Hookup (Full Hookup Sites Only)
⚠ Never Leave Black Valve Open
Leaving the black tank valve open lets liquids drain continuously but leaves solids behind. They dry out and create a "poop pyramid" that requires professional service to remove. Always dump black when 2/3 full.
Step 10 — Slideouts & Awning
Step 11 — Interior Setup
Remote Work Setup
The two things that make or break remote work on the road
1. Reliable internet that isn't campground WiFi. 2. Enough power to run your setup. Get these two right first. Everything else is comfort.
Internet — Pick Your Setup
| Option | Best For | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Roam | Remote areas, mountains, forests, national parks | $50–165/mo + $249 Mini device | Best for serious remote workers. Works anywhere with sky view. |
| Cellular Hotspot | Areas with good cell coverage. Faster upload = better video calls. | $30–70/mo + device | Essential backup even with Starlink. Buy 2 different carriers. |
| Campground WiFi | Light browsing only | Included with site | Never use for work. Emergency fallback only. |
Connectivity Checklist
Power — Know Your Numbers
Quick Power Math
Laptop: 45–95W. Hotspot: 10–20W. Starlink Mini: ~30W. Ring light: 15–40W. Total typical work setup: 100–185W. A 1000Wh power station runs that for 5–8 hours without recharging.
Video Call Setup
Why This Matters
RV interiors are dark and echoey. Without a proper setup, you look and sound unprofessional on every call. These four items fix the problem completely.
Ergonomics — The Problem No One Talks About
The Dinette Problem
The RV dinette is your default workspace. The bench seating will give you lower back pain within 2 hours. This is not dramatic — it's physics. Fix it before your first work trip.
Schedule & Communication
Connectivity Backup Plan
Breaking Camp
Step 1 — Before You Start Breaking Camp
Step 2 — Secure the Interior
Interior First
Secure everything inside before you start disconnecting outside. Once you start hitching up, you'll be moving and can't keep running back in.
Step 3 — Slides & Awning Prep (Critical Order)
Leaf Blower Step
Before retracting any slide, spend 2 minutes with a leaf blower on the slide roof. Pine needles, leaves, and dirt on top of the slide get dragged into the seal and mechanism when retracted. This is the single most preventable source of slide seal damage.
Step 4 — Waste & Utilities Disconnect
Dump Before You Drive
If you're more than 2/3 full on black or gray, dump before leaving. See the Water Dump Procedure for full instructions.
Step 5 — Hitch Up
Use the Hitch & Go Safety list for the full hitch sequence. The most common departure mistakes: wheel chocks not removed, tongue jack not fully retracted, breakaway cable not connected.
Step 6 — Final Site Walk (Leave No Trace)
Walk the Full Site — Twice. First pass: collect everything yours. Second pass: verify the site is clean for the next camper. Most often left behind: camping chairs, door mats, kids' toys under the trailer, items behind fire ring, and cord adapters at the pedestal.
Step 7 — Pre-Departure Safety Check
Stand at the back of the trailer and do one full visual pass. You're looking for anything moving, hanging, or not where it should be.
Water Dump Procedure
The only rule that matters
Always dump black tank before gray tank. Gray water acts as a final rinse through your sewer hose. Reverse the order and your hose stays dirty.
Before You Drive to the Dump Station
Tank Monitor Reality Check
Most built-in monitors read wrong after a few uses — sensors get coated and read "full" when they're not. Use the monitor as a rough guide. When in doubt, dump if you've been there 2–3 days.
Step 1 — Gear Up
Step 2 — Connect to Sewer
Slope Matters
Hose must run downhill from trailer to dump inlet with no sags. Sags trap solids and cause backup, odors, and clogs.
Step 3 — Dump Black Tank First
The Clear Elbow Is Worth $8
You can't see through an opaque sewer hose. The clear 45° elbow shows you exactly when the black tank is empty and when flush water runs clean. Always in the kit.
Step 4 — Dump Gray Tank Second
Why Gray Goes Second
Gray water from your sinks and shower is relatively clean compared to black tank waste. Running it last sends a final rinse through the entire sewer hose before you disconnect.
Step 5 — Disconnect & Rinse
Step 6 — Treat & Refill Black Tank
Always Leave Treatment in the Tank
Empty tanks = odors. Enzymatic treatment needs water to activate and coat the tank walls. Don't leave the black tank completely dry — always add treatment + a gallon of water.
Step 7 — Clean Up
Tank Level Reference Guide
| Tank | Typical Capacity | When to Dump |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 20–40 gallons | At 2/3 to 3/4 full — or after 2–3 days |
| Gray | 30–50 gallons | After black — fills faster; monitor daily on long trips |
| Fresh Water (travel) | Fill to 1/4 or less | Trailers NOT designed to travel with full fresh water tanks |
When Things Go Wrong
Winterization
⚠ Strong Recommendation: Have a Professional Do This
Winterization involves draining your water system, bypassing your water heater, and running antifreeze through every plumbing line. Done incorrectly it causes burst pipes, water heater damage, and lines left unprotected — all expensive repairs.
Most RV dealers and service centers winterize for $75–150 in under one hour. If you are new to your trailer, have been advised by others to use a professional, or are not fully comfortable with your plumbing system — book the service appointment. Do not guess.
This checklist exists so you understand exactly what is being done and can verify the job was completed. It is not a requirement that you do it yourself.
How to use this list even if a pro does the work
Read through before your service appointment. It tells you every step that should be completed, what supplies the tech is using, and what to ask about when you pick up your trailer.
Supplies — Order 2–3 Weeks Before Your Appointment
| Item | Qty Needed | Price | Top Pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV Non-Toxic Antifreeze (PINK only) | 2–4 gal small; 4–6 gal large | $4–6/gal | Camco or Star Brite RV Antifreeze | NEVER automotive antifreeze — it is toxic and contaminates water lines. Pink only. |
| Water Pump Bypass Kit | 1 (if not installed) | $10–20 | Camco 36543 | Lets you winterize without filling water heater with antifreeze — saves 2 gallons. |
| Water Heater Anode Rod | 1 | $10–18 | Match brand: Suburban or Atwood | Inspect yearly. Replace if 50%+ consumed or steel core wire visible. |
| RV Roof Lap Sealant | 1–2 tubes | $8–12/tube | Dicor 501LSW (flat) / 501LSB (vertical) | Check all roof penetrations annually. Non-negotiable maintenance. |
| Roof Seal Conditioner | 1 bottle | $10–15 | Protect-All or Dicor Rubber Roof Cleaner | Prevents rubber roof from drying and cracking during storage. |
| Tire Covers (4) | 1 set | $25–60 | Classic Accessories PolyPRO 3 | UV destroys tire sidewalls over winter. Cover all 4 if stored outside. |
| Battery Maintainer / Tender | 1 | $25–60 | NOCO GENIUS2 | Prevents battery dying in storage. Required if not removing battery. |
| Rodent Repellent Pouches | 6–12 | $8–15 | Grandpa Gus's Repellent Pouches | Mice will find your stored trailer. Block every vent and entry point. |
| Moisture Absorber | 2–4 containers | $5–12 each | DampRid Hanging Bag | Prevents mold and musty smell during storage. |
Step 1 — Dump & Flush All Tanks First (30–45 min)
Do This Before Everything Else
Never winterize with full or partial tanks. Follow the Water Dump Procedure in full, then add a double dose of black tank enzyme treatment.
Step 2 — Drain the Fresh Water System (20–30 min)
Water Heater Bypass — Saves 2 Gallons
Before adding antifreeze, engage water heater bypass valves to isolate the heater from the plumbing circuit. If not already installed, add the Camco bypass kit ($10–20).
Step 3 — Add Antifreeze to Plumbing (30–45 min)
⚠ Pink RV Antifreeze Only
Never use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — it is toxic and will contaminate your water lines. RV antifreeze is propylene glycol. It looks pink. Anything else is wrong.
Step 4 — Battery & Electrical (15 min)
Battery Left Uncharged in Winter = Permanent Damage
A 12V lead-acid battery left discharged in freezing temps suffers permanent capacity loss in as little as one winter. A $30 smart maintainer pays for itself in avoided replacements.
Step 5 — Exterior Inspection & Seals (30–45 min)
80% of RV Water Damage Enters Through Failed Seals
Five minutes of lap sealant in the fall prevents thousands in delamination and mold remediation in the spring. Walk the entire roof and every seam.
Step 6 — Tires, Wheels & Security (15 min)
Tires Develop Flat Spots After 30 Days Stationary
Place trailer on leveling blocks or tire cradles for storage longer than 30 days. Move the trailer a few inches every month if possible.
Step 7 — Pest & Moisture Prevention (15–20 min)
Mice Will Find Your Trailer
A stored trailer is a perfect winter home for rodents. They enter through gaps as small as a dime and nest in insulation, chew wiring, and destroy soft goods. Skip this step once and you may spend 8 hours cleaning in spring.
Step 8 — Final Lockdown (10 min)
Spring Startup & De-Winterization
⏱ Plan this for the day before your first trip, not the morning of. The water sanitation soak takes 4–8 hours unattended. Start early, let it soak through the day, flush in the evening. First trip the next day.
Supplies to Have on Hand
| Item | Qty Needed | Price | Top Pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Unscented Bleach | ¼ cup per 15 gal of tank capacity | $3–5 | Clorox Regular or Kirkland unscented | Plain only. Must say 6–8.25% sodium hypochlorite. No splashless, no scented, no color-safe. |
| Water Heater Anode Rod | 1 (if overdue) | $10–18 | Match your heater brand: Suburban or Atwood | Inspect during spring startup. Replace if 50%+ consumed or steel wire visible. |
| Replacement Water Filter Cartridges | 1–2 | $10–25 | Camco TastePURE KDF | Do not reinstall old filters from last season. Always install fresh. |
| Food-Grade Water Hose (white) | 1 | $15–30 | Camco TastePURE 25 ft | White hose only for fresh water. Never the gray sewer hose. |
| Black Tank Enzyme Treatment | 1 bottle | $10–20 | Happy Campers or Thetford Aqua-Kem | Add to black tank before first use of the season. |
Step 1 — Exterior & Interior Inspection (30 min)
Step 2 — Battery & Systems Restart (15 min)
Step 3 — Flush Antifreeze from Water System (30 min)
⚠ Flush All Antifreeze Before Sanitizing
Antifreeze and bleach together can produce chlorine gas. Flush antifreeze out completely before adding any bleach solution. Don't rush this step.
Step 4 — Water Heater: Drain, Anode Rod, Refill (30 min)
Anode Rod: Inspect Every Spring — Replace Every 1–3 Years: The anode rod is a sacrificial magnesium rod that corrodes so your water heater tank doesn't. When it's 50% gone or the steel core wire is exposed, replace it now. Cost: $10–18.
Step 5 — Bleach Sanitation: Fresh Water System (20 min active + 4–8 hr soak)
Bleach Formula
Use PLAIN unscented household bleach (sodium hypochlorite, 6–8.25%). Ratio: ¼ cup of bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity. Always pre-dilute in a gallon of water before adding to tank — never pour bleach directly in.
⏱ Soak: 4–8 Hours Minimum — Overnight Is Better. Let the bleach solution sit in the full system for at least 4 hours. Do not use any water during the soak. Set a timer and walk away.
Step 6 — Flush Bleach & Rinse (30–45 min, possibly next morning)
Expect 2–3 Full Tank Flushes to Clear the Bleach. The water must smell and taste neutral before it is safe to drink.
Step 7 — Final Spring Startup Checks (15 min)
Fresh Water System Sanitation
Run this procedure at least every 6 months. Also run it any time you notice an off smell or taste in your water, after purchasing a used trailer, after using a questionable water source, or after the trailer sits unused for 2+ months.
⏱ Most of the time is the bleach soak (4–8 hours unattended). Start in the morning, soak all day, flush in the evening.
When You Need This
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months (minimum) | Full sanitation — run this checklist |
| Odor or off-taste in water | Run immediately — don't wait for the scheduled cycle |
| Purchased a used trailer | Sanitize before first use — no exceptions |
| Questionable water source used | Sanitize + replace filter cartridge |
| Trailer unused for 2+ months | Sanitize before drinking water from system |
| After spring de-winterization | Already done — skip until fall or 6-month mark |
Supplies
| Item | Qty Needed | Price | Top Pick | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Unscented Household Bleach | ¼ cup per 15 gal of tank capacity | $3–5 | Clorox Regular or Kirkland unscented | Plain only. Must say 6–8.25% sodium hypochlorite. No splashless, no scented, no color-safe. |
| Food-Grade Water Hose (white) | 1 | $15–30 | Camco TastePURE 25 ft | White hose only for fresh water. Never the gray sewer hose. |
| Replacement Water Filter Cartridges | 1–2 | $10–25 | Camco TastePURE KDF | Remove old filters before sanitation. Install fresh filters after flushing. |
Step 1 — Prep (10 min)
Step 2 — Mix & Add Bleach Solution (10 min)
The Formula
¼ cup of plain bleach per 15 gallons of fresh tank capacity. Pre-dilute in 1 gallon of water before adding to tank. Never pour undiluted bleach directly in. Examples: 30-gal tank = ½ cup bleach · 45-gal = ¾ cup · 60-gal = 1 cup
Step 3 — Distribute Through System (15 min)
⏱ Soak: 4–8 Hours Minimum. Leave the bleach in the system for at least 4 hours. Overnight (8–12 hours) is better. Do not use any water during the soak. Set a reminder and walk away.
Step 4 — Flush & Rinse (30–45 min)
Clear the Bleach Fully Before Drinking. You may need 2–3 full tank flushes. The water is not ready to drink until it smells and tastes completely neutral.
Step 5 — Finish (10 min)
Troubleshooting
Eggy or Sulfur Smell — But Only in Hot Water? Your water heater anode rod is the culprit — not the tank. Replace the rod (see Spring Startup Step 4 for full procedure) and the smell typically clears within 1–2 uses.
Annual Maintenance Calendar
| When | Task | Time Required | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Winterize plumbing system | 2–3 hrs active | Winterization checklist |
| Fall | Dump & treat tanks for winter | 30–45 min | Water Dump + Winterization Step 1 |
| Spring | De-winterize + flush antifreeze | 5–7 hrs (3 active) | Spring Startup checklist |
| Spring | Fresh water sanitation — bleach cycle | Included in Spring Startup | Spring Startup Steps 5–6 |
| Every 6 months or if odor | Fresh water sanitation | 5–6 hrs (1 active) | This checklist |
| Annually at spring startup | Inspect / replace water heater anode rod | 30 min | Spring Startup Step 4 |
| Annually in fall | Roof and window seal inspection + sealant | 30–45 min | Winterization Step 5 |
| Every trip | Dump black and gray tanks | 30–45 min | Water Dump checklist |
| Every trip | Hitch & pre-departure safety check | 10–15 min | Hitch & Go Safety checklist |