• When packing for a travel trailer trip, everyone focuses on what to take along. However, an important question is what not to bring. It's easy to bring too many things on an RV or travel trailer trip. Too many things makes it hard to stow and find things during the trip. It can even affect the mileage because the more your trailer carries, the more gas it uses. Create your list. Eliminate anything on the list that is not a necessity. Then check the list again.
  
  

Tools

• Tools will be used for camping and for trailer maintenance. Pack a hammer, two or three sizes of screwdrivers, including regular and Phillips blades, pliers, several wrenches, an extra hose and three or four leveling blocks.
  
  

Clothing

• Even for a long trip, five days of clothing is the most you should bring because you will stop and do laundry along the way. Consider casual, easy-to-wash items such as jeans or shorts and T-shirts. Include a swimsuit, underwear, socks and pajamas, along with two pairs of comfortable, worn-in shoes. You may also want a pair of flip-flops. If you are visiting a dressy location, include one or two sets of fancier clothes. Depending on the time of year, you may need outerwear such as a jacket, gloves and a hat. During the summer, a light jacket or sweater may suffice. Don't forget a laundry bag.
  
  

Linens

• Include one set of bedding--sheets, blankets and pillowcases or a sleeping bag--for each person or bed, along with one or two towels and washcloths. If you will be at the beach, you may want to include a beach towel for each person.
  
  

Meals

• Plan meals around a menu to organize your food packing. Avoid food items that come in glass because of potential breakage and because glass is heavy. In addition to regular meal items, include staples such as iced tea or lemonade mix, batter mix, dried soup, coffee, dried fruit, crackers and nuts. If you do not wash dishes, bring paper plates and plastic cups and silverware. Depending on your menu, you will need two or three pots and a frying pan, along with hot mitts, cooking utensils and knives. Coffee drinkers will want a coffee pot. Also include paper towels, foil, plastic wrap and plastic bags for leftovers and sandwiches.
  
  

Health and Medical

• Your travel trailer should include a first-aid kit, aspirin or other pain reliever, soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, facial tissue and toilet paper. If anyone takes prescription medications, bring enough to last the whole trip.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• For cleaning, include toilet bowl cleaner, disinfecting wipes, liquid or spray cleaner, a sponge, several rags and a broom and dustpan. Also pack batteries, a radio, insect repellent, maps and a clothesline and clothespins. For evening and quiet times, include several board games and a few books.