Top Gear for Your RV Trips this Summer

Summer is one of the most popular times of year for RV
travel. The balmy months of June through August beckon you to jump behind the
wheel and venture into parts unknown. But before you head out on your
excursions, make sure that you’ve packed the most essential summer RV gear:

First Aid Kit

During the summer months you’ll have to modify your first
aid kit a bit. In addition to the traditional necessities, be sure to include
these summer related items:

• Tweezers: For tick bites,
• Jellyfish sting treatment: Vinegar is highly
  effective at decontamination.
• Instant ice packs
• Water: For dehydration, coconut water (for
  electrolyte replenishment)
• Hydrocortisone cream: For bug bites
• Water-proof band-aids: Stock in addition to
  regular band-aids
• Needle: To remove splinters
• Poison Ivy/Oak treatment
• Bug spray: This is essential for warding off
  mosquitoes that swarm during the warmer months
• Aloe Vera gel: To soothe burns, blisters, and
  sunburns
• Sunscreen: Even when you’re driving, you should
  make a habit of applying sunscreen.
• Ear plugs: Stock up on ear plugs for sleeping
  and swimming. Aqua ear plugs help prevent swimmer’s ear, while ear plugs
  designed for sleeping are great for blocking out outside noises (especially for
  interim destinations that can be noisy).

RV Aid Kit

You’re RV may need some maintenance along the way. Packing
these items will ensure that you’re not left stranded:

• Tire repair kit
• Tire pressure gauge
• Jumper Cables
• Motor oil
• Windshield washer fluid
• Fire extinguisher: Use a B.C. rated extinguisher
  located at least 24” from the main exit.
• Road flares
• Tool Kit- Include a small hammer, wrenches, and
  screwdrivers
• Floor jack
• Gas powered generator
• Batteries

Lighting

• Flashlight
• Matches
• Lighter fluid
• Lantern

Adhesives

• Sealant: You’ll be surprised how handy this
  substance can be! Sealants are great for patching leaks, filling cracks that
  allow insects to get in,  and repairing holes. RV by LIFE’s Life Seal sealants
  are fantastic adhesives, specifically made for RVs. This silicone/polyurethane
  blend forms a watertight seal that works on a variety of surfaces including:
  metal, glass, wood, Lexan, and ABS. It also comes in a variety of colors such
  as clear, white, black, cameo and aluminum for all your sealant needs.
• Duct Tape
• Electrical tape

Sewage Essentials

• Sewer kit: Your sewer kit should include sewer
  fittings, a sewer hose, sewer hose fittings and adapters, and a hose to clean
  out the holding tank (some campgrounds provide these).
• Portable waste storage tank: These are essential
  if you don’t have a full hookup, but can also come in handy at a campground
  with a dump station. Cody Smith discusses
  in Camping Life that it can be cumbersome to pack up everything and drive to
  the dump station once you have everything unloaded and set up, and suggests using
  a portable sewage tank to avoid this hassle.
• RV toilet paper: This paper disintegrates
  rapidly and helps prevent clogging in your sewage tank.
• Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer and tank sanitizer are
  important. If you don’t properly take care of your sewage tank, you’ll end up
  with costly problems later on.

Water Accessories

• Filter: It’s recommended that you use a water
  filter even if you are accessing potable water.
• Water pressure regulator: This will bring the
  water pressure down to a safe level so it doesn’t damage your plumbing
  fixtures.
• White hose (w/ attachments): These hoses are
  specifically designed for potable water transportation. Garden hoses should not
  be used because the materials inside can flake off and contaminate your water
  supply.

Electrical Cords and Adapters

• Extension cord: Great for reaching a distant
  power supply!
• Electrical cord adapter
• Voltage converter

Binding

Make sure you have rope and bungee cords in various lengths
and sizes. These tools can be used for a variety of purposes including hanging
your clothing to dry, tying down cargo, and securing equipment.

Guides

When you’re packing up your RV for your next trip don’t
forget these handy guides:

• Campground navigation: This will help navigate
  you directly to the RV area.
• Map: GPS can fail at times. It’s always good to
  have a navigational backup.
• Wildlife guide: Are there bears, mountain lions,
  or bobcats where you’re venturing? Many wildlife fatalities are preventable if
  you know how to react. A wildlife guide will tell you what bears to make eye
  contact with, which ones to hold your ground with, and other wildlife best
  practices.

Towels

Towels might seem like a no-brainer but during the
summertime, you’ll need more towels than you think. Be sure to pack bath, beach,
dish, and cleaning towels for your trip.

What are your summer RV essentials? Please let us know in
the comments section. Also don’t forget to grab a tube of RV by LIFE’s Life Seal sealants
today!