I overpacked for my first RV trip. Brought two coolers, a full set of cast iron pans, camping chairs we never used, and enough clothes for three weeks. The trip was 5 days.

The RV had most of what we needed, and we barely touched half the stuff we brought.

Here’s what you actually need for an RV rental, organized by what’s usually included, what you should bring, and what you can safely skip.

What’s Usually Already In The RV

This varies between corporate rentals (Cruise America, El Monte) and peer-to-peer platforms (RVshare, Outdoorsy), but here’s the standard baseline:

Kitchen

  • Plates, bowls, cups (4-8 sets, usually mismatched)
  • Silverware
  • Basic pots and pans (cheap ones, but functional)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting boards (maybe)
  • Can opener
  • Spatula, serving spoons

RV kitchen setup showing cabinets, stove, microwave, and included cookware

Bathroom

  • Toilet (obviously)
  • Shower
  • 1 roll of RV-safe toilet paper (bring more!)
  • Small trash can

Bedroom

  • Mattresses
  • Sometimes bedding (corporate rentals often charge $50-75 for “linen packages”)
  • Some storage drawers and closets

Utilities Included

  • Fresh water hose (white or blue - for drinking water)
  • Sewer hose (black - keep these separate!)
  • 30 or 50-amp electrical cord
  • Leveling blocks (sometimes)
  • Basic tools (sometimes)

My rule: Always ask “What’s included?” when booking. Get it in writing or take photos during pickup.

What You NEED To Bring

These are non-negotiables based on 15 RV trips where I learned the hard way:

Bedding & Linens

Unless you’re paying for the rental company’s linen package:

  • Sheets for all beds (measure the mattresses - RV beds are weird sizes)
  • Pillows (RV pillows are terrible if provided at all)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags (RVs can get cold at night)
  • Bath towels (2-3 per person)
  • Kitchen towels (at least 4-5)

Kitchen Essentials

The stuff that’s never included but you’ll desperately need:

  • Sharp knife (RV knives are always dull)
  • Coffee maker (or pour-over setup) + coffee
  • Dish soap and sponge
  • Paper towels (a lot - trust me)
  • Trash bags (13-gallon size, bring 10-15)
  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
  • Ziplock bags (all sizes)
  • Dish drying rack (collapsible ones are great)
  • Salt, pepper, basic spices
  • Cooking oil or spray

Organized RV pantry with labeled containers and cooking essentials

Optional but nice:

  • Coffee filters
  • Dish gloves
  • Small cutting board (better than the RV’s worn one)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Wine opener (if the RV doesn’t have one)

Bathroom Toiletries

  • RV-safe toilet paper (Scott 1000 is my go-to - $12 for 12 rolls)
  • Regular toilet paper will clog your black tank. Don’t risk it.
  • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Extra trash bags for bathroom

Cleaning Supplies

You’ll need to clean before returning the RV:

  • Multi-surface cleaner
  • Glass cleaner (for mirrors and windows)
  • Broom and dustpan (sometimes included, but bring a small one)
  • Vacuum (if you have a small handheld one)
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Rubber gloves

Outdoor Gear

  • Camping chairs (2-4, depending on group size)
  • Outdoor rug (makes your site feel like home)
  • Headlamps or flashlights (minimum 2)
  • Lighter or matches
  • Clothesline and pins (for wet towels)
  • Leveling blocks (if not included with RV)

RV campsite setup with outdoor rug, chairs, and awning extended

Tools & Emergency Items

  • Duct tape (I’ve used this on every trip)
  • Zip ties (cabinet doors that won’t stay closed, loose items, etc.)
  • Basic tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, wrench)
  • Tire pressure gauge (critical!)
  • Jumper cables or battery jump starter
  • Fuses (ask rental company what types)
  • Extra batteries (AA, AAA, D)
  • Portable phone charger

Electronics & Entertainment

  • Phone chargers (bring 3-4 extra cables)
  • Laptop/tablet (if working remotely)
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Books, cards, board games
  • Kindle or e-reader
  • Binoculars (for wildlife)

Clothing (Don’t Overpack This!)

For a week-long trip:

  • 5 days of regular clothes (you’ll re-wear stuff)
  • 1-2 nicer outfits (if going to restaurants)
  • Rain jacket and warm layers (weather changes fast)
  • Hiking shoes or boots
  • Sandals or camp shoes
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Swimsuit

I pack 1 outfit per day + 1 extra, then do laundry if needed.

What’s Nice To Have (But Not Essential)

Comfort Items

  • Surge protector ($50-150 - protects RV electrical system)
  • Water pressure regulator ($15 - prevents high pressure damage)
  • Portable fan (if traveling in summer)
  • Space heater (if traveling in shoulder season)
  • Extra throw blankets
  • String lights for outside ambiance

Kitchen Upgrades

  • French press or AeroPress (better coffee)
  • Cast iron skillet (if you’re serious about cooking)
  • Instant Pot or air fryer (if you have 50-amp power)
  • Reusable food storage containers
  • Cooler for beverages (keeps fridge space free for food)

Outdoor Entertainment

  • Portable grill (propane or charcoal)
  • Hammock
  • Bikes and bike rack
  • Kayaks (if you have a way to transport)
  • Fishing gear
  • Hiking backpacks
  • Firewood carrier
  • S’mores supplies

Family roasting marshmallows around campfire next to RV at dusk

What You Can Skip (Seriously, Leave It Home)

I’ve learned these the hard way:

❌ Board games you’ll never play (we brought 6, played 0) ❌ Excessive cookware (RV has pots and pans) ❌ Three weeks of clothes (you’re not moving in) ❌ Fancy dishes (paper plates are your friend) ❌ Heavy books (bring a Kindle) ❌ Bulky camping gear you already have in the RV (check what’s included first!) ❌ Your entire pantry (buy groceries near your destination) ❌ More than 2 pairs of shoes per person (you’ll wear one pair 90% of the time)

Corporate Rentals vs Peer-to-Peer: What’s Different?

Cruise America / El Monte RV

Typically includes:

  • Basic kitchen supplies (minimal)
  • Bedding available for fee ($50-75)
  • Generator
  • All hoses and cords
  • Usually very little else

You’ll need to bring:

  • Almost everything on this list
  • Coffee maker (they rarely include this)
  • Most kitchen tools beyond basics

RVshare / Outdoorsy (Peer-to-Peer)

Varies wildly - I’ve seen:

  • Fully stocked kitchens (spices, coffee, everything)
  • Outdoor chairs and rugs included
  • Some owners provide bedding for free
  • Camping gear, bikes, kayaks
  • Board games, DVDs, books

Or the opposite:

  • Completely empty except required hoses
  • Not even dish soap
  • No toilet paper

Always ask the owner what’s included. Most will send you a detailed list if you ask.

Weight Limits Matter

Here’s something nobody told me: RVs have cargo weight limits (usually 1,000-2,000 lbs depending on class).

We overloaded an RV once (I’m pretty sure) with:

  • Two coolers full of ice and drinks
  • Bikes on the back
  • Overpacked duffel bags
  • Way too much food
  • Camping chairs, outdoor gear, etc.

The RV drove like crap going uphill. Gas mileage tanked. And I was probably in violation of the rental agreement.

How to avoid this:

  1. Ask the rental company the cargo weight limit
  2. Estimate your gear weight (average packed duffel = 30-40 lbs)
  3. Pack lighter than you think you need
  4. Distribute weight evenly (don’t put everything in the back)

My Actual Packing List (Used On Last 5 Trips)

This is what I actually bring now:

Kitchen Box

  • Sharp knife
  • Coffee + pour-over
  • Dish soap, sponge, towels
  • Paper towels (1 mega roll)
  • Trash bags
  • Salt, pepper, oil
  • Ziplock bags

Bathroom Bag

  • Toiletries
  • RV-safe toilet paper (12 rolls)
  • First aid kit
  • Medications

Cleaning Caddy

  • Multi-surface cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Small broom
  • Rubber gloves

Outdoor Bin

  • 4 camping chairs
  • Small outdoor rug (4x6 feet)
  • 2 headlamps
  • Lighter
  • Clothesline

Tools Bag

  • Duct tape
  • Zip ties
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries

Clothes Duffel (For 2 People, 7 Days)

  • 7 t-shirts each
  • 3 pants/shorts each
  • 7 underwear, 7 socks each
  • 1 fleece each
  • 1 rain jacket each
  • Hiking boots, sandals
  • Swimsuits

Entertainment Bag

  • 2 books
  • 1 deck of cards
  • Binoculars
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Phone chargers (x3)

Total: 7 bags/boxes for 2 people

This fits comfortably in a Class C RV with room to spare.

Food: Stock Up Before You Arrive

Don’t bring your entire pantry, but do bring basics:

From home:

  • Coffee
  • Breakfast items (cereal, oatmeal)
  • Snacks (chips, crackers, trail mix)
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)
  • Spices you use frequently

Buy near your destination:

  • Meat and fresh produce
  • Dairy products
  • Frozen items
  • Bread
  • Beverages

We typically spend $150-250 on groceries for a week-long trip for 4 people. Way cheaper than restaurants.

The Bottom Line: Pack Light, Plan Smart

The key to packing for RV rentals:

  1. Ask what’s included BEFORE you pack
  2. Bring essentials but don’t overpack
  3. You can buy forgotten items at Walmart along the way
  4. RV space is limited - use it wisely

My biggest lesson? You need way less than you think. The best trips are when you pack light, stay flexible, and remember that half the adventure is figuring things out as you go.

Quick Download: Want this packing list in printable format? Grab our free RV Road Trip Checklist PDF.

About Sarah: After 15 RV trips across 23 states (and countless overpacking mistakes), I’ve finally figured out what you actually need for RV travel. I specialize in family RV trips and budget-friendly camping strategies.