10 Motorhome Camping Essentials For a Hassle-Free Trip

Monday, 16 September 2024, 10:37

From odour-free water pipes and stoves for making drinks and food, to foldable furniture around which you can enjoy them, there are a number of camping essentials that will make your next motorhome getaway pleasant and hassle free.

There are now more than 200,000 motorhome owners in the UK, a figure that was boosted by the pandemic and the need to socially distance.

As well as being a practical and cost-effective way to take a break, motorhomes are a great deal of fun. But in order to enjoy a motorhome safely and comfortably, a degree of planning and preparation is required for every trip.

The following camping packing list will help make your next motorhome camping trip memorable for all the right reasons.

First Aid Kit

Topping the camping accessories must-have list is a comprehensive first aid kit, so you can deal with any sprains, cuts, bruises, and burns during your trip. After all, spending long periods outdoors can often lead to some minor injuries.

Ensure your first aid kit includes iodine and alcohol for cleaning wounds, together with bandages and plasters, plus scissors. Ice bags can also be useful for reducing swelling.

Motorhome Maintenance Kit

It's important you are able to make minor repairs to your motorhome as you travel. Must-haves include a utility knife, duct tape, and gloves. Adhesive, cracking repair cure, and vinyl repair kits should also be added to your camping checklist.

You might even invest in a door repair kit; you'll be glad you did if something goes wrong with your entrance or toilet door. A universal motorhome fuse and bulb kit could also prove useful.

Wheel Chocks or Levellers

Levelling blocks or wheel chocks are a godsend if you are unable to find a patch of flat ground. These items raise the lower side of your motorhome, keeping everything stable. A spirit level and grip mats will also make the job much easier. Those new to motorhome ownership often neglect buying wheel chocks or levellers – but see the value soon enough!

Cooking Equipment

When it comes to what to take camping, food preparation equipment ranks highly - especially when hunger calls. Indeed, making your own meals on the road is one of the joys of motorhome ownership. Gas hobs are common in modern motorhomes, but if you don’t have them installed, you can purchase an outdoor gas stove (and gas canisters) inexpensively. Remember to bring the necessary pots, pans, plates, and cutlery. Nesting cookware items present a good way to save space – often at a premium in a motorhome.

Water and Toilet Hoses

Having access to clean water is a priority for any motorhome owner. Invest in a purpose-made potable water hose for filling up with water; it won’t have the unpleasant taste common with a regular/cheaper hose.

Equally, when it comes to dealing with the toilet situation (black and grey water tanks), it’s a good idea to invest in a sturdy sewage hose. This is one item you don’t want to scrimp on!

Shovel

A simple but incredibly useful tool, a shovel will mean you can make light work of keeping your site clean and clearing tracks. It will also be useful if you get stuck in the mud or snow. Additionally, it will be invaluable if you need to dig a latrine when out in the wilds.

Lighter, Matches, and Firelighters

If you wish to make a fire (and it’s permitted in the area), a lighter and firelighters will prove essential. A lighter/matches will also be useful for starting the hob/grill if needed.

Foldable Chairs and Tables

The humble chair is one of those essential camping accessories – and is considerably better than perching on the nearest rock or felled branch! Collapsible chairs don’t take up much space and, together with a foldable table, will make mealtimes and socialising far more pleasant.

Torches or Lamps

Keep a selection of lights so you can enjoy your time after dark. A headlamp is great for evening walks or dealing with night-time repairs. A regular high-power torch will also prove useful.

Power Sources and Cables

Your motorhome’s battery will likely suffice when it comes to your power needs. However, if you're concerned about battery drainage from lights, TV boosters, and other items, you might consider investing in a large power bank. These can be charged at home before you leave, and often have enough charge to power phones, laptops, coffee machines, and more – for several days. Such an investment will mean you worry less about draining your main vehicle battery.

And naturally, double-check you have all the right charging cables and adapters for your devices before you leave.