Nothing beats hitting the road in an RV and soaking up all the outdoor adventure that Alabama has to offer! From spending time at the beach to spending time exploring Little River Canyon National Preserve, you have tons of fantastic choices that the whole family will love.

It all starts by renting an RV from Outdoorsy in Birmingham. Then, you have to figure out how to pack for your trip. Vacationing in an RV is a lot different than flying in a plane and staying in a hotel!

Here are a few packing tips that will ensure you’re comfortable on your next Alabama RV adventure.

Bring the Right Camping Gear

It is so important to make sure you bring the right camping gear. A lot of people who are new to RVs think about them more like a hotel on wheels instead of roughing it out in the woods. Although that’s somewhat true, there are certain things you should bring along, even if you don’t plan on sleeping in a tent.

A few things that first-time RVers often forget, but are important to pack, include:

• Flashlights and headlamps
• Pocket knives
• Water filters
• Compasses
• Maps

Pack the Kitchen with the Right Stuff

The biggest benefit of traveling in an RV is the fact that you have your own portable kitchen! However, packing an RV kitchen is different than packing your kitchen at home.

Focus on packing items with a long shelf life, like canned vegetables, peanut butter, and beef jerky.

When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, consider purchasing that at a local grocery store when you make it to your vacation spot. That way you’ll reduce the chances of being stuck with a bunch of rotten strawberries.

Consider Personal Items Very Carefully

When you think of personal items to pack, what comes to mind? Clothing and toiletries are an obvious choice, but your cell phone and other electronic devices probably come to mind too.

Be extremely mindful when packing electronic devices. Spending too much time looking at a screen can have detrimental effects on your overall experience.

Consider leaving your phone at home, or at least turn it off. The laptop can be left behind, and make a commitment to bring a tablet that is used for vacation research only.

Be Mindful of How You Pack the RV

The stuff you bring with you on your trip is important, but so is how you pack that stuff. If you don’t balance the vehicle properly, it could topple over.

Make sure you know how much weight each axle can carry. Pack heavy items low and spread them out along the bottom of the RV. If you’re worried about your RV’s weight, have it weighed as soon as you hit the road.

Packing takes a lot of forethought, but making a list and checking it twice will ensure you and your entire family are comfortable for the duration of your trip.