Chef Susie’s RV Trip Packing Menu

As a private chef, my husband Doug (an avid bowhunter) and I love the flexibility we have to hit the open road, enjoy the weather, and explore great American destinations with our three dogs in our RV. From my experience, packing right and being well prepared cuts down on shopping while on the road, which allows us to fully enjoy each destination.

We have the packing process down since we have gone on countless RV and camping trips. My list is comprised of all of the on-the-road household items, and Doug takes charge of the big items, safety equipment, toys and pups.

First, Doug gets his list together and stages the items to pack.

Doug’s Packing List:

• A small generator with extra gas​ for backup in case we don’t have a hook up while on the road
• Flashlights – fresh batteries – camping tip – put a little piece of painters or masking tape on the side of the battery with the date of when you last replaced.
• Matches / Fireplace lighter
• Charcoal
• Kindling for fire pit
• ToolBox kit

First Aid / Cleaning Box:

• Pain reliever – large container
• First-Aid kit – we replenish every trip
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• Wet wipes
• Laundry detergent – small container
• Dishwash Soap
• Sponge – Multiple

Chef Susie’s Mobile Kitchen Supplies, Equipment and Box:

• Small hibachi grill
• 2 cutting boards (one for raw meats)
• Coolers with plenty of ice.
• Drinking Water – Three – 5 gallon refillable bottles – we also have our personal refillable water bottles to cut down on waste.
• Portable folding table
• 4 folding chairs
• French Press for our morning breakfasts
• Saucepan and small saute pan
• Paella Pan – I love to cook Paella and share with fellow RVers. We know most RVers enjoy their privacy, and so do we. But once in awhile when we are feeling social, this is a great way to break the ice.
• Utensil Box: a good sharp knife, wooden spoons, slotted spoons and long/short tongs
• Chef’s Knife Bag: a zester, different spatulas, wine opener, peeler, and small knife sharpener
• Plastic wine glasses

When planning our meals for the trip I will break them out by meal and cross check for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ingredients. Dry goods and pantry items are organized and packed in labeled bins.

Here is my go-to list for Pantry Items:

• House Blend Spices – I love to cook with so many different spices, so I create a house-blend that I pre-package at home in reusable re-sealable bags. See video for how to toast spices. I will include the recipe in my next article.
• General spices include: cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic salt, chipotle powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
• EVOO also known as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and balsamic vinegar
• Black beans
• Diced green chili – small cans
• Sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder(plastic bags or canisters), just in case I have a top chef challenge on the road
• Coffee – ground
• Jars or cans – green and black olives, pepperoncinis, cornichons, chutney, crackers, Italian breadsticks for my fireside charcuterie plate.
• Corn/Flour Tortillas
• Popcorn – raw or popped
• Root vegetable chips, pretzels, and dried vegetables
• Meal Bars
• Trail Mix – pre-bagged
• Jerky – homemade or pre-packed
• Bubbles (sparkling wine)

Then I pack a ‘Disposable Goods’ Box:

• Paper plates, bowls, napkins, utensils – I always replenish this box when I return from a trip. I want to grab on go for the next adventure.
• Campsite garbage bags
• Industrial trash bags – as a caterer you can never have enough of these on hand
• Paper towels
• Window cleaner – you can clean anything with it
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper – pack more that you think you need

Perishable Ingredient Packing List for Cooler:

• Eggs – depending on where we headed, sometimes we can find farm fresh eggs on the road
• Cheese – goat, fresh mozzarella, triple cream bleu, and a couple bags of shredded
• Fresh Herb/root: ginger cilantro, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme
• Fresh Vegetables: carrots, arugula, iceberg lettuce
• Prepared Rice: Brown or White packaged in meal size servings
• Bell Peppers – Red and Green
• Onions – Yellow, Red, and White
• Protein: Wild game, chicken, or beef

Planning is key. Try to create your cooking needs around easy and fast meal ideas so you can eat and go. ​​

Meal Planning

• Breakfast
  • Egg Burritos Wraps
  • Muffins – prepared
  • Meal Bars
  • Coffee
  • Trail Mix
  • Fireside Charcuterie – includes dried salumi, cheese, and pantry items
  • Root vegetable chips, pretzels

  We can’t forget about the pooches! So we have a packing bin just for these three: Gunner (10), Angus (9), and the new addition Zeek (4 months). We love our boys and they make our trips so much fun.

  

  Pooches Box of Essentials:

  • Dry Food for the seniors
  • Dry Food for Seek
  • Medicine – Prescriptions and shot records
  • Tennis Balls & Toys
  • Treats
  • Beds
  • Kennel Crate
  • Water Bowl
  • Feeding Bowls
  • Collapsible travel water bowl
  • Poop bags 🙂

  What a list! And that is just so we can eat and keep the pups safe and comfortable. After all our exploring, our comfy outdoor chairs make each campsite a slice of heaven where we enjoy the scenery and a good book. Stay tuned for social shares of us settling in and some recipes we enjoy from the road.

  You can find Susie’s Packing Menu Here.