Checklist: Initial equipment for caravans & motorhomes

Have you bought a caravan or motorhome and would like to set off with it straight away? Or do you still have to be patient and want to sweeten the waiting time for your dream vehicle with a little shopping spree? Then we have the perfect checklist for your initial outfitting!

Together with our expert Jan Kuckertz, himself a long-time camper and trained specialist in caravan technology, we have compiled this list for you and refined it again and again over the years to make it as easy as possible for you to get started as a camper.

Initial camping equipment checklist

The following equipment is designed for a two- to four-week trip in a caravan or motorhome. The rather extensive initial equipment is only suitable to a limited extent for panel vans, smaller camping vehicles, weekend trips or minimalist adventurers, as we have calculated a little generously in some areas - after all, it should also be a little comfortable. If you want to, you are of course welcome to slim down a little!

Basic equipment

• Gas cylinder(s)

• For caravans: Drawbar lock + ball (as anti-theft device)

• For caravans: Drawbar hood

• Cable reel (25 m - H07RN-F 3G2.5) possibly with extension cable

• 2x adapter cable (CEE 1.5 m - H07RN-F 3G2.5)

• 4x wooden boards or shims for the supports | For motorhomes: wheel chocks

• Waste water tank or bucket

• Waste water hose 3 m

• Folding canister or normal canister 10 - 20l / watering can / PET bottles 8l + funnel

• Toilet fluid ortabs (we use the environmentally friendly Awiwa or Ammovit sanitary additives)

• Drinking water sterilization

• Handheld vacuum cleaner (possibly 12 V), we swear by the Dyson V8

• Dustpan + broom

• Clothesline + clips

• Washing-up bowl + washing-up liquid

• Dishwashing sponge / dishwashing brush + dishcloths

• Folding table

• Campingchairs/loungers

• Gas barbecue + possibly a small to medium-sized gas cylinder

• Rubber mallet or carpenter's hammer + pegs (the pegs can be easily removed with the carpenter's hammer!)

• Awning / Awning / Awning

• Storm band(related video)

• Small standard toolbox with screw assortment

• Doormat / rubber mat

• Step

• Organizer boxes in various sizes - foldable fabric boxes are particularly practical

• Foldable laundry basket

• Folding draining rack

• Headlamp/ torch/ lantern or multifunctional lamp

• And please do not forget: Comforters + pillows!!!

Kitchen utensils (for 2 to 4 people)

• Camping crockery (e.g. made of enamel)

• 4x large flat plates

• 4x small flat plates

• 4x deep plates and/or 4x cereal bowls

• 4x cups (preferably stainless steel)

• 4x juice glasses | If required: 4x wine glasses

• 4x forks

• 4x knives

• 4x tablespoon

• 4x teaspoon

• 1x kitchen knife

• 1x bread knife

• 1x cutting board

• 1x pair of scissors

• 1x lighter + gas for refilling

• 1x can opener | If required: 1x corkscrew and/or 1x bottle opener

• 1x peeler

• 1x spatula

• 1x barbecue tongs

• 1x soup ladle

• 1x pan

• 2x pots (small and large)

• Foldable sieve

• Reusable plastic bags (e.g. freezer bags)

• Cling clips

• Food storage containers with lids

• Kettle/ coffee maker (+ coffee can)

• Salad bowl/cutlery

• Kitchen roll

• Bin liners

Bath utensils (for 2 to 4 people)

• 2-4x bath towels

• 2-4x small towels

• Soap

• Toothbrushes (recommendation: bamboo toothbrush, protects the environment)

• Toothpaste

• Shampoo + shower gel/soap

• Plastic slippers (flip-flops or similar)

• Toilet paper

• Disinfectant spray

• Detergent / Travel wash paste

• Sun cream

• Mosquito repellent spray (e.g. Nobite, Autan, Anti-Brumm)

• Travel first-aid kit (see also our article Travel first-aid kit for Europe)

• Hair dryer

• Toiletry bag to hang up

• If required: feminine hygiene products (tampons, sanitary towels, etc.)

• If required: children's hygiene articles (diapers, wet wipes, etc.)

Other useful little things

• Voltage converter 12V > 230V - it is best to choose a pure sine wave inverter here

• Multiple socket outlet

• AUX connection cable

• Outdoor accessories:

  • Compass

  • Binoculars

  • Rain jackets

  • Picnic blanket

  • Umbrella(s)

• For repairs and maintenance: Armored tape, insulating tape, cable ties, wire, penetrating oil

• Candles / tea lights

• Writing pad & ballpoint pen

• Cooling bag or box/ cooling rucksack

• Batteries / rechargeable batteries (6x AAA + 4x AA)

• Chargers for various cell phones, e-readers, etc., practical for shore power

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Checklist: © CamperStyle