Every discussion of RV travel will begin and end with the weight limitations of your RV. The amount of stuff you can take with you on a trip will depend on the weight limitations of your RV, but with some creativity you will be able to take along what you need (though maybe not everything you want).

Approach the packing of your RV in a logical manner. Think about the things you need and want to do while on your trip. Remember that your RV is there to provide the basic items you need for a safe and enjoyable trip. If you pack based on your basic needs, you will find life much easier.

What are your basic needs while traveling? You will need:

• Shelter

• Food

• Water

• Sleep

• Cleanliness

• Clothing

You do not need to take along or duplicate the entire contents of your kitchen or your closets. Always remember that you are on vacation and probably will be doing a lot of cooking. Think about what you'll be doing and what you will be seeing. What kind of clothing will you need? If you will be doing a lot of sightseeing, you'll need comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Plan your meals and then do your shopping. Remember that you have limited space for food in both cabinets and in your small RV refrigerator. You will not often find that you are far from a place to buy food. Plan on shopping for food along the road and be flexible with your meal plans to take advantage of regional foods or specialties you find along the way. Look for food products that can be reconstituted with water when needed. Dried beans and peas weigh much less than their canned or frozen equivalents.

If you will be staying at an RV park with full hookups, carry only a small amount of water while you are traveling. Water is very heavy; a full freshwater tank may put you very near to your weight limits. Plan on using public restrooms while traveling to minimize the use of water (remember that the waste water goes along with you in the black and gray water tanks).