Whether you’re loading up the RV for a specific hunting location or you’re driving from camp to camp to make the most of the season, choosing what to bring with you can be quite the challenge. Some of us are notorious over-packers leaving little room for any excess, while the rest are infamous for not packing enough and wishing for items left behind. Regardless of which category you fall into, worry no more! These are a few RV pro tips on how to pack your RV for a hunting trip.
Tip #1: Use Storage Containers
First things first, it’s all about storage. Acknowledging how much storage space you have available and purchasing the right storage containers is key. Whether it’s storing weapons, additional clothing, or camera gear, you really need to have everything stored safely and securely to avoid it knocking around and potentially breaking while in transit. By nature, RVs are a small space, but a lot of thought is put into storage capabilities, so it’s wise to look at and utilize the storage options in the best possible way.
Tip #2: Utilize RV Storage Strategically
With a toy hauler, for example, you essentially always have a garage behind you, so it’s worth it to pause and contemplate how to pack it so that everything fits. There’s a lot of room, making it possible to store kayaks, camera gear and cases, coolers, and even an ATV. It can often feel like an intense game of Tetris, but it can be fun once you master how to effectively pack and unpack it. One of the benefits that many love about a toy hauler is it gives them closer access to where they’re hunting. Simply pull the unit up, unpack and drive out on the ATV to get close to the deer stand. The hour or so challenge of getting to the hunting site is virtually eliminated.
Tip #3: Make Sure Cords are Safely Put Away
If possible, use some of the drawers inside the unit to store all the electrical cords. Between locations, it’s not uncommon to drive over a lot of bumpy roads or off roads, so using drawers and cabinets in the kitchen will help keep loose items safe and secure. Ask any RV rookie what lesson they’ve learned the hard way and most, if not all, will have stories of leaving wine bottles or coffee containers out on the counter. It’s a scenario that always ends in a mess. Try storing those items in drawers with dish towels or mats in between them to prevent movement. Bonus tip: invest in a quality broom and mop.
Tip #4: Use Outdoor Storage Wisely
With outdoor storage, it’s smart to use these areas for anything that you don’t want stored inside the RV itself. Whether it’s equipment for the deer stands, jack stands, extra gas cans, or anything that you wouldn’t want to occupy the same space as you or your pets, outdoor storage is the solution. Outdoor compartments are perfect for storing outdoor mats and all the dirty outdoor toys. Reserve inside storage compartments, like under the bed and under the sofa/dinette area, for blankets and any additional linens.
Tip #5: Plan and Prepare Ahead of Time
The best way to maximize storage space for a hunting trip is to spend time preparing and planning effectively. It’s a tip that seems obvious but is honestly overlooked more often than not. Setting aside a dedicated amount of time to really think through your trip, what activities you’ll be doing where, and what you’ll need to do them will alleviate any stress once you arrive. As a rule of thumb, take only what you need and leave the rest at home.
Tip #6: Make a Checklist of What You Need
To piggyback off the planning and preparing phase, make a list to ensure you have all the products needed. When we say make a list, write it down. Mental checklists are hard to stick to, and physically scratching off an item on the old to-do list is unbelievably satisfying. Think of things that are necessary for the success of your RV hunting trip. Things like a generator, a cooler, a good pair of optics, clothing, food, and obviously weapons and snacks. Lots of snacks. Always make room for snacks. Making a list helps you to avoid overpacking and encourages you to pack smart.
Tip #7: Be Selective of What You Pack
Utilize designated spaces by being very selective of what you choose to pack. For hunting gear, assign a specific area to house your gear and only bring along what you know you’ll be using on this trip. Take advantage of storage boxes to keep like items together, organized, and within easy reach when you need something. Consider using one storage box for clothing, one storage box for the weapons you decide to use, and then another storage box for camera gear and so on.
Tip #8: Do Not Exceed Your RV’s Weight Limit
It’s always a good idea to know the weight limit of what your RV can carry. With a toy hauler, to use the same example as earlier, carrying an ATV can add a lot of weight. When choosing to pack and bring one along, think about what else you’ll have with you as well. Will you have a full tank of water on board or are you planning to keep it empty? Pack effectively and be mindful of how much weight you’re supposed to have on the camper as not to exceed it.
Tip #9: Check the Weather Forecast
Perhaps the most important thing that you can pack is your clothing. Pay attention to the weather and pack appropriately. If you are under dressed and you’re in the elements, you’re not going to want to be in those elements for very long. It would be tragic to arrive at your hunting site only to forfeit the experience because you didn’t have the appropriate clothing with you.
By tackling the task of what and how to pack for your next RV hunting trip, there’s nothing left to do but hit the road and enjoy yourself. Hopefully these RV pro tips are helpful and will make your next hunt the best one yet.
Make sure to check out the other Camping World RV pro tips to take your RV knowledge to the next level. Shop more hunting gear at Gander RV & Outdoors and stock up on all the essentials.
