Stocking Your RV

While keeping an RV (or camp kit) well-stocked is essential to maintain its readiness as a disaster recovery vehicle and having it available for spontaneous outings, care must be taken to avoid accumulating too much stuff. There is a tendency to just keep adding to the contents. In fact, it is good practice to make a list of things you wish you had but didn't on each trip and update your supplies. But it is also a good practice to periodically go through your unit and remove unused items or try to find items that can serve multiple purposes and eliminate individual components. RVs do have limited carrying capacities and you want to make sure you use your allocation wisely for things you really need and use. Most of the following suggestions can also be applied to bins and tubs of tent camping supplies.  I will focus on stocking your tent camping kit in another post.  Keeping your inventory under control will reduce weight (and perhaps increase mpg) and make what you do have more readily accessible.  That being said, what should you keep stocked in your RV or camp kit?

FOOD: store only non-perishable foods and focus on basic ingredients that can be used for different meals.  Add perishable items as needed for each trip.  For emergency purposes, the MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) used by the military and by hunters are convenient and have a long shelf life but are quite pricey, may take up quite a bit of room, and are not the best source of nutrition. They may also be susceptible to rodent damage, even in their sealed foil packages.  We found an entire case of MREs had been partially eaten by rodents when stored in an outside shed at our local fire station when I was a volunteer fireman.  Canned goods are stable, but heavy, so use them sparingly.  You may also find it convenient to keep a box or two of less stable items in a convenient location in your house so you can quickly supplement your trip provisions and emergency food supplies for a spontaneous outing or disaster.  Re-package basic ingredients like flour and sugar in small containers instead of bringing along the whole bag. Plastic containers are sturdier, will reduce spills, and prevent insects from getting in better than the original paper bags and bringing only what you need will conserve weight and space. Metal containers, like canisters or recycled cookie tins, might work, but they usually don't have as much of an air tight seal as Tupperware style devices and they are susceptible to getting bent if dropped or bounced around on bump roads.  Be sure to check them regularly as any infestations that might have been present in the original container may have started to mature.  Some things, like salt and sugar, last a long time, but things like flour and baking mixes are subject to mold and insect infestations which can and do grow even inside tightly closed containers.  I read that some baking mixes can develop a deadly mold.

First Aid Supplies: have a well-stocked first aid kit easily accessible in your RV (not being able to quickly access first aid supplies effectively takes the "first" out of first aid!) -- and make sure you know proper first aid procedures.   Keep prescription medications where you can grab them and move them to your RV before a trip. Check the contents of your first aid kit regularly. Replace items that have been depleted and check expiration dates. Medications may be of little use and some even become dangerous after their useful lifetimes. However, one report I've heard says the US military found that most medications are still viable up to 15 years after their expiration dates, so in an emergency I wouldn't hesitate to use slightly outdated medications. Things like adhesive tape and Bandaids may deteriorate over time and will not be of any help if they no longer stick! If anyone in your group has allergies to bee and insect stings, contact your family doctor to get an "epi-pen" for emergency treatment. You may also want to store splints and duct tape for emergency immobilization of broken bones. Unless you are a qualified physician or medic, don't try to "set" broken bones, just immobilize them to prevent further injury during transport to emergency medical care. First aid classes are available in most communities by contacting the Red Cross. While you're at it, get certified in CPR. These techniques can and do save lives. Most CPR courses also teach the Heimlich Maneuver, which is used to treat someone who is choking (usually on food that has gone down the wrong tube!). Avoid choking in the first place by taking reasonably sized bites and chewing your food well. The average size piece of meat ejected during the Heimlich Maneuver is 1" x 3" and obviously not well chewed!  If you have occasion to use CPR, realize that the success rate is WAY below what you see dramatized on TV.  You can deliver the absolute best CPR possible and still lose the patient.  Also be aware that even professionally administered CPR may result in broken bones in the victim's chest.

Hopefully you will seldom need to utilize your first aid skills, but having done quite a bit of remote camping myself, I have found them helpful on several occasions. Sometimes they mostly added to the comfort of the injured party -- like removing numerous cactus spines from the arm of rider who crashed into a pile of the prickly stuff. But I have also had to splint broken bones and assist in transporting more seriously injured riders to the emergency room. In such cases, proper first aid prevents additional trauma, makes the patient more comfortable, and can even save lives.  It is important to keep your first aid skills up to date.  Unless you are an up to date medical professional you need to re-certify your first aid training every year or two to maintain status and to keep up with developing techniques.

When stocking your personal first aid kits, think about what over the counter medications your typically find helpful at home. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, carry allergy medication. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are useful for headaches and other pains, such as sprains and muscle aches. Antacids may be advisable if people in your group are susceptible to stomach problems. Anti-diarrheal tablets may be in order and can help avoid extremely uncomfortable and unpleasant situations in remote locations. Digestive problems are very common during camping activities where our eating habits are radically changed for a few days. In all cases, read and follow the instructions and dosages for all medications closely. Not doing so may not only negate any benefits but could also result in significant undesirable results. Know if any our your traveling companions are allergic to any medications so you can avoid complications and provide important information to emergency medical personnel if your injured companion is unable to talk. Keep in mind, an injured person may go into shock and may be unconscious or not be thinking clearly so it is important that those around them can provide relevant information to emergency medical personnel. If someone is injured, note the time and make mental notes of how the injury occurred. How an injury occurred is important to medical personnel in evaluating the injuries and deciding on a course of treatment. This information will be requested by emergency medical personnel and my be important factors in ensuring proper and timely treatment.

Cleaning supplies. I like to keep a complete set of cleaning supplies in my RV at all times. That way, I have whatever I need to keep it clean and tidy throughout each trip. Some things to bring along include glass cleaner, dish soap, cleanser (you might need a soft scrub for delicate RV fixtures), furniture polish, carpet spot cleaner, and WD-40. If you have a stainless steel sink and/or appliances, you may want to include stainless steel polish. Some really fine ("0000") steel wool may help you keep stainless steel sinks and appliances looking good, but don't rub too hard.   Some liquid cleaners are said to loose effectiveness after about a year so test them from time to time and replace them as needed.  Some are seriously affected by the extreme temperatures our RVs experience in storage.  Aerosol cleaners are the most convenient to use and won't spill if they get tipped over in travel.  But over time they may tend to clog or loose propellant, so be sure to check them regularly.  Pre-moistened wipes are available for a variety of surfaces (leather, glass, wood, countertops, etc) but even the re-sealable packages allow them to dry out over time.  For those that open on the front, store them face down.  It helps keep the flap sealed and gravity makes the next wipe you use well moistened.  Pre-moistened wipes take up little room and are easy to use and won't spill like liquid cleaners.

Linens. RV beds are usually not the same size as our residential beds so you will probably have a separate set of sheets. Keep your RV stocked with dish towels, hand towels, bath towels, and wash clothes. If you're planning a fancy dinner for special occasion, you might want to add cloth napkins (for most camping trips you'll want to use disposable paper napkins).

Camping tools: you'll almost always find a use for an axe or hatchet and a shovel in camp. You should also have a good knife. Survival experts recommend a 4-5" fixed blade knife. Pocket knives are less sturdy and the folding blade can be dangerous and bigger "hacking" Rambo survival knives are not well suited to most camp tasks, like carving and whittling.  A popular saying among adventurers is "a knifeless man is a lifeless man".  A good knife has many uses when camping or in a wilderness survival situation.

Hand Tools: having a well-stocked tool box -- and knowing how to make emergency repairs -- can mean the difference between surviving an inconvenient situation and a mechanical disaster. Since tools tend to be heavy, it is especially helpful to find tools that can serve more than one purpose. RV and camping stores offer many types of "multi-tools". Choose those that are right for you -- that are applicable to your vehicle and equipment and that you understand and either know or can learn how to use. Some basic tools that you may find useful include adjustable pliers, screwdrivers (both flat and Phillips tips), one or more adjustable wrenches, and a hammer. If you have sufficient carrying capacity you may want to include wrench sets and socket sets but make sure they are the right ones for your vehicle. Many RVs use screws that have a square head drive or Torx heads or Allen-heads. Check your unit to see what types of fasteners you have and purchase appropriate drivers. Often simply keeping all fasteners tight will avoid leaks and further and possibly expensive damage so it is worth a few $ to add these specialty drivers to your tool box.

Pots and Pans and Utensils: some people transfer pots and pans and utensils from their homes to their RVs for each trip. For convenience and for rapid emergency use, keeping a basic set in the RV can be a good idea. There are special cook sets designed for camping that store within themselves so they don't take up a lot of room. Usually these sets follow the multi-use principal and a fry pan will double as lid for a large pot. Usually the handles are removable and store inside the stacked pots. And make sure you have a can opener on board. I had a heck of time with canned chili on one outing when I didn't have a can opener. The little pocket P-38 or P-51 military can openers take up little room but are adequate for opening most cans. They can be found in military surplus stores, boy scout suppliers, and some camping stores. I carry a "church key" type can and bottle opener as well. Although most bottled beverages today have twist tops, there are still a few that don't and, believe me, you don't want to try opening a crimp-cap with a pocket knife! Good way to create an opportunity for someone to use their first aid skills, but not pleasant on the fingers if the blade collapses ! Disposable cups and plates and plastic flatware are convenient but they do take up room and have to be regularly replenished. Light weight camping plates, cups, bowls, and flatware are a popular choice. Avoid glass and porcelain (stoneware) as they are heavy and easily damaged. Metal camping plates are another popular choice because of their durability, but the weight adds up rather quickly. The old fashioned blue porcelain "specklewear" plates, cups, and bowls (usually dark blue porcelain flecked with white on steel) lend a Western flare. They are durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean, making them popular with many RVers. But you do need to guard against chipping the porcelain coating. Be careful when you are using them and store them so they won't crash down and get damaged when you open the cabinets. Some folks store them in cloth bags for extra safety.

Entertainment options may include music CDs, books, magazines, and, if you have the equipment for it, DVD or VHS movies. Paperback books are usually smaller and lighter than hardbound version. Limit the number of movies you bring along. I'm sure you'll want to have a choice, but, unless the weather turns bad, you'll probably not be spending that much time in front of the boob tube. I like to try to bring along movies that are relevant to the activity.

Clothing. You may find it convenient to keep some extra casual clothes and work clothes in your RV. You never know when you'll need to crawl around under your vehicle for emergency repairs or just need a change of clothing after a sudden summer rain or suffering some accident that spoils or soils your clothes. Given the fickle nature of weather and the extreme temperature changes often found in places we go camping, consider keeping a sweater and a jacket on board. Gloves are always good to have for cool weather and for a variety of tasks around camp. I hung on to an old pair of snow boots that now serve as "desert slippers" to keep my feet warm on chilly nights around camp. They are warm and comfortable, light weight, and easy to clean.

Bedding. If you're going to be staying in your RV for more than a few days, you'll want some clean linen. If you're using sleeping bags, having sleeping bag liners is good idea so you can change them out and wash them as needed.  Hang sleeping bags out every morning for a few hours so they can dry and be refreshed by sunlight (which kills bacteria) and fresh air.

Automotive/vehicle supplies. A few quarts of oil, some brake fluid, and some antifreeze can help keep your motorhome or tow vehicle going. A spare fan belt and spare radiator and heater hoses or mending kits may also be needed and could save an expensive service call. Even if you don't have the mechanical skills to install them, another camper might. But if you have no replacements for your rig your only option is calling a tow truck and hope you have Emergency Road Service or plenty of money in the bank to cover towing your RV.

Stocking all the items you might need can be an expensive proposition if you do it all at once, so watch for and take advantage of timely sales and spread your purchases out. Perhaps add one item to  your regular shopping each week.  Even if you ultimately spend the same amount, it is usually easier if you do it a little at a time. And getting things on sale can save a lot of $$$. Year end clearances often deliver savings up to 50%, sometimes even more.  Dollar stores are an excellent source of many cleaning supplies, sundries, OTC medications, and utensils for camping to help keep your costs down yet provide you with excellent products to meet your needs on the road.  Look for bargains on online sites like ebay and cragislist and check out thrift stores and garage sales for durable items.

Stock up!