“What Should You Not Bring In An RV?” (9 Things + What To Bring Instead)

Going on an RV trip is a great way to explore the outdoors and get away from it all. But there’s one thing you have to remember: what you bring in your RV can make or break your trip (and there’s limited space to work with).

There are certain items that should be avoided, as they can quickly bog down your journey or take up much-needed space. Read on as I answer the question, “what should you not bring in an RV?”

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“What Should You Not Bring In An RV?”

1. Too Much Canned Food

Stocking up on canned goods is a great idea for the average kitchen, but when it comes to bringing these items in an RV, there are several drawbacks. For one, they will add weight to your RV and also take up precious space.

Finally, while canned food may seem convenient, more nutritious and fresh options are available if you plan ahead and prepare meals with ingredients you pick up along your route.

2. 1 Dimensional Kitchen Appliances

Leave your waffle irons at home. When packing for an RV trip, multi-functional appliances can save you a lot of space and hassle. Instead of bringing multiple items like a coffee maker, slow cooker, toaster oven, and air fryer, you can bring one or two that can do it all (I love my Ninja Speedi!)

With limited counter space, they will occupy much less room than traditional kitchen appliances and can be used for many different tasks such as toasting bread and baking cakes.

Investing in quality multi-functional appliances will help make your next RV adventure easier and more enjoyable!

3. Every Piece Of Entertainment

Packing up your RV for a road trip can be an exciting experience, but be sure to leave the unnecessary entertainment at home. Bringing too many board games, paperback books or other forms of entertainment can quickly become a burden.

Additionally, they make the RV heavier and add to the list of items that need unpacking and packing again every time you move campsites. Instead of bringing all of these items along with you, simply pick one or two favourites.

Embrace the RV lifestyle and enjoy the fact that you’re in the great outdoors! Get the family outside instead (we love to leave technology at home when we head out!) These multi-game sets are the perfect way to have fun and stay active while saving on space.

4. Bulky Or Heavy Items

When packing for a camping trip, it’s important to remember that space is limited. Bringing large or bulky items such as heavy chairs, inflatable pools, and extra luggage can take up a lot of valuable room and make the interior of the RV feel cluttered.

Additionally, these extra items add more weight to your vehicle which can put more wear and tear on your vehicle. Before packing anything heavy or bulky I always ask myself “will I actually use this and do I really need it?”

5. Too Much Extra Bedding

How many times do you think you’re going to change your bedding when you’re on the road? An extra set of sheets and pillow cases (in case there’s an accident) and a few extra blankets are all you need.

Consider what type of weather you’ll be experiencing during your trip and pack accordingly. For example, if you will be camping near the beach during the summer months, bringing extra heavy blankets may not be necessary.

Additionally, I like to use blankets that are specifically made for camping like sleeping bags. They’re often lightweight, packable and super cozy. My Rumpl blanket is one of our favourites!

6. Your Own Firewood

Now I know what you’re thinking, “but firewood is expensive to buy!” I agree, it is. And that’s why we will quite often bring our own (plus, we want to bring our favourite firewood.) But there are a few things to consider as to why you might not want to.

First of all, it will add weight to your vehicle so only bring as much as you think you will use. Secondly, consider where you are going to be camping. If there is a risk of bringing an invasive species to a new territory, don’t bring it. But if you will be camping locally (and there is no risk of spreading disease) then feel free to bring it.

As a side note, it is important to keep in mind that most National Parks will not allow you to bring in your own wood. A portable wood-free firepit is also a great option for these instances.

7. Work Stuff

I think this one goes without saying but unless you absolutely must work while you’re on the road, leave all things related to your work at home!

You want to make sure that your time away allows you to relax and recharge so that when you do return back to work, you are prepared and energized. Use this time instead to focus solely on exploring the sights and sounds of nature and enjoying the (uninterrupted) time with your loved ones.

8. Too Many Extra Clothes And Toiletries

As a woman, I get it. I also like to have options but it’s important to plan out what items you really need and pack accordingly for your next RV vacation. Bring only the essentials (such as the proper toilet paper), as space and storage are usually limited in an RV.

Pack light and make sure that everything you bring fits in the allotted space. I love to use storage enhancers as they allow me to pack more into small spaces.

Travel-size toiletries are also your best friend when it comes to RVing (unless you’re going to be gone for a long time). I like to buy them once and then refill them at home as I need to (you’re welcome for the planet and cost-saving tip!)

9. Glass Anything!

We avoid glass at all costs in our RV for obvious reasons. Glass objects can be easily broken and present a dangerous hazard, especially while on the road.

Instead look for plastic, stainless steel or other unbreakable materials when choosing dinnerware and cups etc. We love this versatile set that is made with wheat straw. I try to avoid paper plates and one-use cutlery as they produce too much waste.

If you must use glass, then make sure that all items are secured before travelling.

In Conclusion

Your next RV trip can be enjoyable and stress-free if you plan ahead and pack light. It is important to consider what items are necessary (like a camping griddle) and avoid overpacking.

Remember that most RVs have limited space, so it is important to think carefully about which items you need to bring and which items can remain at home (I love to have an RV packing list). With careful planning, you can ensure that your next RV trip is comfortable, safe, and fun!

Now that we know what not to bring, how about we learn about how to make your RV cozier?