10 Essential RV Prepping Tips For a Bug Out

Preparing your RV for a bug out situation may be daunting, but there are steps you can take to make the process simpler.

One of the most essential tips is maximizing storage space. Doing this will reduce food waste while making cooking less chaotic, saving both time and money in the process.

1. Clean Your RV

Cleaning your RV before taking a trip can be one of the most essential steps you take before hitting the road. Not only will this remove any dust and grime that has collected over time, but it will also allow you to inspect for any damages or wear that requires immediate attention.

Rinse down your RV by working in five foot by five foot sections so that any dirt doesn’t run down over areas you have already cleaned.

Use this opportunity to clean your tires and wheels as well as any other parts of your RV that require attention. Don’t forget about air vents either; they often become covered in food crumbs, dust clumps and other unwanted contaminants that will make the trip less enjoyable.

2. Prepare Your Food

RVers traveling full-time or on extended journeys need a healthy diet in order to remain at peak performance during their travels. Prepping meals ahead of time can save time, money, and stress on long trips.

To optimize meal prep, choose recipes with ingredients that can be easily used in multiple ways. For instance, if one recipe calls for minced garlic and another calls for chopped onions, prepare both ahead of time and store in sealed containers – this will reduce food waste, ensure ingredients don’t spoil, and ultimately cut back your grocery bills.

Add cooking supplies to your RV kitchen, such as heavy-duty aluminum foil and plastic storage containers. Furthermore, invest in tension rods which can be used for various tasks, such as hanging pots and pans from them to free up space on limited countertops in your RV. Also consider investing in stackable nesting sets which could save even more space!

3. Prepare Your Tools

As a new RVer, there are certain tools you should keep on hand in order to assist with maintenance and repair of your RV. A torque wrench allows you to check and adjust tire tension with ease – an essential tool both towable and motorized RVs need!

Other useful tools for road travel may include duct tape and electrical tape as well as a multimeter that will help troubleshoot problems on the go. You could also purchase an effective tool bag like this one featuring plenty of pockets and an easy carry handle – perfect for easy transport!

Bring along a hand saw for cutting down low-hanging branches or clearing away debris. A small level is also beneficial in ensuring that the RV is parked at an appropriate angle.

4. Prepare Your Gear

RV traveling involves maintaining your own home away from home, so a variety of tools will come in handy for various projects. This could include scissors, duct tape, light bulbs, batteries, glue, bungee cords and extension cords – as well as considering purchasing a toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, lightweight drill and socket set for extra support.

If you’re looking for rv owner gifts, zip ties can be indispensable tools, from bundling wires and temporarily wrapping hoses, to charging your batteries properly and caulking any leaks in your rig. Make sure these tools are kept protected against the elements by keeping them all together in an attractive tool bag with multiple pockets and handles; soft-sided bags with multiple zippered compartments will do.

5. Prepare Your Vehicle

No matter the vehicle – an RV or another form – make sure that its wheels are in tip-top shape to help get to your bug out destination as quickly as possible while also reducing risks such as breakdowns on the road.

As well as inspecting your engine, it’s also wise to inspect both tires on both your RV and tow vehicle regularly to reduce the chance of tire blowout while on the move, which could prove potentially hazardous and even life-threatening.

Do not forget to pack enough supplies for safe and comfortable travel when traveling abroad. Slippers and hand warmer packets could prove indispensable in an emergency, while it may also be wise to carry self-defense tools like pepper spray or even firearms for added peace of mind.

6. Prepare Your Toiletries

RVing requires a different mindset. Since you won’t have much room for material possessions, make sure any non-essentials are stored away or put into storage. Also be sure to have emergency supplies on hand – including toilet paper designed to dissolve quickly in your sewage system.

Before setting off on your journey, conduct one final check-in of your RV to make sure all items are secure and everything is ready for travel. Be sure to double-check that all external doors and cabinets are closed and locked properly.

Be sure to pack tire chocks in case of having to park on an inclined surface, and also consider investing in RV-specific tools so as to be able to conduct regular maintenance of the vehicle.

7. Prepare Your Electronics

If you plan on keeping your RV stored for an extended period, it is wise to remove its batteries so as to prevent draining or freezing over. This will protect against draining or freezing which could occur otherwise.

Be sure to inspect battery-powered safety devices such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors regularly – installing fresh batteries where necessary and testing out to make sure they work as expected.

At your campsite, locate and mark down all water, electric and sewer hookups – including their length – before parking your RV there. Whenever possible, it’s also best to find the levelest spot where possible; investing in a leveling mat such as this could prevent dirt from getting tracked into your RV and cause disruptions.

8. Prepare Your Water

Ice-clogged RV water or sewage lines can make any trip an ordeal; so take measures to avoid this problem and save yourself the discomfort of frozen pipes during your travels.

Start by refilling your freshwater tank, cleaning and sanitizing both grey and black tanks, and considering adding Unique RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment which helps break down waste while keeping it from leaking into other parts of your RV.

Use different colored hose for your freshwater tank to avoid confusion with sewage lines (yuck!). Additionally, heat tape should be wrapped around any external valves to keep them from freezing in cold climates – this tip could prove especially helpful!

9. Prepare Your Food

Food preparation is essential to a successful RV trip. Not only does it ensure healthy meals that accommodate for any food allergies, but it can save money compared with dining out.

Plan your meal menu, taking into account how many meals and snacks per day are necessary, along with selecting recipes that can easily be prepared, cooked and reheated in an RV kitchen.

Purchase food storage containers that are stackable, microwaveable and easy to clean. Mason jars work well for dry foods like flour and sugar while ziplock bags work great for meals like granola bars and soup. Airtight containers will help protect against pests while also keeping food fresher longer.

10. Prepare Your Toiletries

RV camping can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family, but getting everyone prepared takes considerable planning. Proper toiletries are key for an enjoyable road trip experience – Elements toilet paper breaks down quickly so as to reduce clogs in your RV’s plumbing system and ensure a better journey overall.

An additional must is bringing along a water pressure regulator and high-quality fresh water hose. As many campgrounds feature low pressure systems, this tool can alleviate many discomforts while on the road.

Bungee cords are essential components of RV life. Not only can they secure items during travel or create makeshift partitions in storage areas, they’re also great for securing tarps or creating outdoor living areas at campsites.