We recently purchased a used 2015 travel trailer. I’m anxious to start using it. However, every time I mention using it my husband will say we need something else first. The newest thing now is a cover for the back of his pickup to keep items in there that will be able to be locked up. An example would be the generator. We are also still waiting for new tires to be installed.
My sister had told me that I should plan to spend $1,000 to get my trailer ready to go. I thought she was crazy until she started listing some things I never thought about. Yes, I needed dishes and towels, a flashlight and sheets, etc. The basics. Then she mentioned the things I didn’t think about and I began to realize she was correct. So I will share with you the items that have now added up to more money than I originally planned.
Unless you started with a fully loaded travel trailer, you will be buying a lot of things. My husband refers to our trailer as a money pit. Even so, I’m excited to start using it and make it worth it. The first trip, in my opinion, will be what makes it worth it.
Even though the spaces kind of roll into one, this is how I made my list of things to buy. I did it by room.
Kitchen:
- Silverware. A great place to purchase silverware is a thrift store or a garage/estate sale. You can also purchase new, depending on your budget. I would have a minimum of 3 x the number of people that will be in your trailer. In our case, that is two x 3, which is six place settings. That way if we don’t get the dishes done because we went for a hike instead, there is still clean silverware for our next meal.
- Dishes. I used some existing Corelle dishes for my dinner plates. Target does carry some plastic plates that might be a better choice. I bought my small plates at a Thrift shop. They were on sale for 50 cents each. I took bowls from my existing stash in my house. Other existing items include my coffee mugs and drinking glasses. I was short on glasses so I did buy some tall clear plastic ones at Dollar Tree for 2 for $1.
- Corn cob holders. Since we have a lot of them, I added a few to the trailer.
- Dishwashing soap, counter/table cleaner, cleaner for the sink, pail, rags, dish drainer rack, and/or dish drying mat.
- Towel holder if there is none. I bought one that hangs over the cabinet door under the sink.
- Spatulas, whisk, large spoons, serving fork, can opener, sharp knives, vegetable peeler, etc.
- Pots and pans. You may have extra in your home. We did not. I bought a basic set at Target.
- Towels, dishcloths, trivets, and potholders. I fell in love with some at Hobby Lobby. They have a camper/trailer theme. They were on sale for 40% off so I bought what I needed.
- Garbage bags and a garbage can. I measured the space and bought a size that fits.
Pantry items:
- Paper plates, disposable cups, plastic utensils. You never know when you want to take a picnic lunch along on a hike or take a break from dishes.
- Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towels, napkins.
- Spices and salt and pepper. I bought little bottles at Hobby Lobby and labeled them. You don’t need every spice you own. Pick a few that you use regularly. This is what I have in my trailer: Accent, Cinnamon, Garlic salt, Basil, Bay Leaves, Parsley, Paprika, and Oregano. Yours will vary with the requirements of the recipes you prepare.
- Cutting board, tea kettle, paper towel holder, napkin holder.
- Small appliances. Coffee pot. We use an existing French Press Coffee Pot. Electric hand mixer. I bought a new one for my home and put the old one in the trailer. Toaster. I bought a new 2-slice toaster. We have a 4-slice one in our home.
- Placemats. If you desire. I’m personally not a placemat person.
- Toothpicks, spoon rest, measuring cups, and spoons.
- Marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars. You never know when you will want to make smores.
- Sugar, coffee, oil, rice. A few staples that will be fine if we don’t use them immediately.
- Plastic and glass containers for leftovers.
Bedroom:
- Sheets, pillows, blankets. At least enough for all beds.
- Storage containers that fit in the available space for clothing and shoe storage.
- Flashlight. This will work best for an emergency in the middle of the night.
- Bedside light for reading.
Bathroom:
- Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, and possibly something to hold them in.
- Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, etc.
- Slip prevention mat for the shower.
- Hairdryer, curling iron, etc.
- First aid kit.
- Toilet paper. You should be using septic safe toilet paper for an RV toilet.
- Laundry hamper or bag.
- Towel rack as needed.
- Cleaner for the shower and sink. Keep in mind your toilet should be cleaned with RV safe materials and chemicals.
Miscellaneous:
- Paper, pen, pencils, crayons, scissors, tape, etc.
- Decks of cards (or 2), puzzles, games, a book of sudoku or crossword puzzles, coloring books (just in case my grandkids stop by.)
- Books and magazines to read.
- Bible.
- Backpack. Just in case you go for a picnic lunch.
- Rugs for inside at entrance door, in front of the sink, in the bathroom, maybe in walkways.
- Dustpan, broom, and/or vacuum.
- Facial tissue boxes. Spread out as needed.
- The manual that came with your travel trailer. You never know when something could go wrong and it might come in handy.
- Wall clock.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Shelf liner. I used the spongy kind that will help hold my belongings in place as we travel.
- Flashlight(s). I bought a 3 pack of new ones at Costco. I store them with the batteries outside of the flashlight, just in case we have a period of time that we don’t use the trailer for a long time.
Outside:
- Mat for entrance. 24x 32 was the size we purchased from Bass Pro.
- Small Weber or similar bar-b-que.
- Charcoal, lighter fluid, and matches or lighter.
- Sticks for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows.
- Lantern.
- Lawn chairs.
- Umbrella. Just in case.
- Table cloth for the outside table.
- Rope and some clothespins. For hanging up clothing or towels to dry.
- Awning. Ours came with one but if you don’t have one attached, you will want something to give you a shady place to hang out.
- Camp Stove. Ours came with one attached, but if you want to do any cooking outside, you might need to purchase one.
- Shoe Storage. This could be a basket under your trailer, hanging shoe storage attached near your entrance, or possibly inside your doorway, if you have room there.
- Ice Chest. If you need room for more drinks than your refrigerator will hold, an ice chest may come in handy for extra storage.
- Outdoor lights. Attach these to your awning for the icing on the cake. The ones we purchased are solar so we are hoping they are visible every night.
Everything on this list is something that I found to be essential. Then again, maybe everything is not essential. You might find other things that are important to you. Because we had many items at home we ended up saving money. We also bought items at Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, Target, Costco, JC Penney, Bass Pro and what we couldn’t find local we bought from Amazon. We haven’t gone on our first trip yet, so hopefully, I haven’t forgotten anything, or I will be adding more to my list.
I hope you found this list helpful. Do you have a new travel trailer? Please let me know about anything you think I need to add to this list. And be sure to have a wonderful time seeing the country in your RV.
