Motorhome Must Haves

Whether it’s ensuring you have all the tools in case of an emergency, or simply remembering to pack a charger, choosing what items to pack can mean a whole world of difference when you’re out on the road.

Everyone’s packing list is going to be different. So, to give you some inspiration, we’ve come up with a variety of essential motorhome necessities that you should pack before you hit the road.

For Your Comfort & Peace Of Mind

Documents & Money

You’ll always need to have your driver’s license and money on you. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance, activity/accommodation reservations, and a physical list of phone numbers (in case you don’t have service and your phone is flat).

Maps/GPS

Make sure you have a physical copy of your itinerary as well as paper maps. Your GPS will be a great travel companion for the most part, but you might not always be able to rely on it.

First Aid Kid

Make sure you have a personalised first aid kit in your motorhome at all times. This kit will vary depending on your needs (allergies, asthma, medications), but generally everyone needs painkiller, bug bite spray/cream, antiseptic cream and bandaids. You might want to throw in some stomach antacid or some form of electrolyte for good measure.

Clothes

This is a broad topic, depending on who you are and where you’re going this is going to change between each trip. If you’re travelling in winter you might need extra warm clothing, if it’s a summer trip you won’t want to forget your swimmers. Also, if you’re going to be doing a lot of hiking you’ll need good shoes.

This is a space where it’s easy to overpack, so be ruthless with yourself and take only what you need.

Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, and everything you’ll need in the shower. There are a lot of necessities here, so it can be helpful to pack your toiletries into a bag a day before you go on your holiday to see if you have everything you need or if you’re reaching into the cupboards for other things.

Also, sunscreen and toilet paper are must haves!

Electronics

Make sure you’ve packed your chargers for phones, laptops, tablets, or cameras – forgetting these things is always frustrating, especially if you can’t buy a replacement. Speaking of cameras, you might need extra SD cards. If you need WiFi between campsites, you might also want to invest in a WiFi dongle.

A torch is also another necessity, especially for those treks out to the camp bathroom at night if you’re trying to maximise the time between cleaning your blackwater tank.

Stationary

It’s amazing how frustrating things get when you need a pen, piece of paper, scissors, or glue when they’re nowhere to be found.

Entertainment & Activities

Whether you’re travelling alone or with others, it’s a good idea to bring along something to entertain everyone. This includes relaxing entertainment like movies, board games and books, as well as outdoor activities like fishing rods and bikes.

Things For Your Motorhome

Bedding

Whether you’re the type of person who washes everything and puts it away, or whether you put it back on the bed so it’s ready to go for your next holiday, don’t forgetting your bedding! Blankets, pillows, and sheets are all must-haves!

Another thing to pack for your own comfort: Earplugs! Just in case you have some bad neighbours.

Cleaning Supplies

Both for emergencies and general cleanliness. You’ll need to clean yourself, your clothes, your dishes, and your motorhome, so pack what you need.

Some important things to pack include: Disposable gloves, disinfectant, cleaning chemicals (for inside and outside your motorhome), buckets, cloths, broom/dustpan, pegs and clothesline wire.

Cooking Equipment

Pots, pans, and cutlery and all the ingredients you’ll need to cook up a storm in your motorhome kitchen! Don’t forget the gas bottles either.

On that note, make sure your fire alarm is working and that you have a fire extinguisher or blanket on board.

Tools

You can’t go wrong with a selection of screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, jumper cables, socket set, or a hammer. Anything you might need for an emergency repair is a necessity – especially if you’re in the outback and help is a few hours away!

Any decent repairman knows that you can get a lot done with some tape and cable ties.

Outdoor necessities

Including camping chairs, tables, and everything you need to make sure your awning is going to stay put.

Other Useful Things To Have

• Superglue or sugru (a mouldable glue that turns into rubber) will be your best friend if something breaks.
• Blu tac, magnetic strips, and museum wax are your best friends for sticking things down and preventing them from sliding around whilst you’re driving.
• Mosquito repellent and citronella candles (whilst citronella doesn’t do a great job of actually repelling hungry mosquitoes, it does mask your scent so they’ll have a harder time finding you).
• Windbreakers, or something you can use to hide yourself from your neighbours if you need extra privacy when you’re sitting outside your motorhome.
• Levelling chocks, not an essential but nice to have if you’re staying at a campsite that’s on an awkward angle. This little gadget will keep your motorhome at a comfortable angle so you’re not rolling into your partner all throughout the night.
• One tiny little thing that can cause big problems is a bottle stopper! If you’re travelling Australia you’re most definitely going to come across a winery, so bring a bottle stopper along.

Are You Ready To Start Packing?

Buying a motorhome for the first time can lead to a lot of additional purchases on the side, like bedding, kitchen necessities, and everything else you want to make your motorhome feel comfortable. But, the good thing is, you only have to buy these things once and then you’re done! Make a list for yourself to prevent going overboard and buying things that will only take up unnecessary space in your cupboards.

If you hire from Cruisin’ Motorhomes or GoCheap Campervans a lot of these things will already be packed for you and ready to go! Organise a rental by calling our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485. You’ll want to check out our Cruisin’ Motorhomes and GoCheap Campervans vehicle pages to see what motorhomes are available to hire at our branches.

Or, if you’re ready to invest in a motorhome of your very own, check out the used campervans and motorhomes for sale on our website. If you don’t see the type of vehicle you’re interested in, go ahead and submit an enquiry form or give us a ring on 1300 124 329.