Motorhome Packing List: Everything for Your Camping Holiday

5 min. reading time

So nothing is missing: Our packing list covers all important areas – from vehicle & technology to kitchen, clothing and hygiene, to outdoor equipment and documents.

Tom
As a camping expert, Tom creates practical checklists and explains technical topics.

Inhalt

Often forgotten
FAQ

Smart packing for relaxed travel Good preparation is the first step towards a relaxed journey. If you pack in a structured way before you head off, you’ll save time, avoid unnecessary stress and start your holiday with peace of mind. The Carado packing list keeps everything in view – from technical equipment and kitchen essentials to clothing, toiletries and important travel documents. Whether this is your first trip in a motorhome or you already have lots of miles behind you – this checklist gives you guidance, reassurance and helpful support for everyday travel. Plus, you’ll find useful packing tips, important tips for proper loading and the full checklist ready to download as a handy PDF.

What do you need for a motorhome holiday?

Less is more: What you really need when camping When it comes to packing for your motorhome trip, the golden rule is: only as much as necessary, as little as possible. Every single item should serve a clear purpose – from basic must-haves to comfort-enhancing extras. To keep things simple, your gear can be divided into three categories:

Essential equipment
These are the legally required and safety-relevant items – like a warning triangle, high-visibility vests, first aid kit, spare bulbs and your valid gas safety certificate.
Comfort equipment
Everything that makes your holiday feel even better – from a comfy camping chair to your favourite coffee pot.
Technical gear & accessories
Items like adapter cables, levelling chocks, water canisters, tools, cleaning supplies and more.

Smart packing tip: Pack methodically from the inside out. Start with the storage area, then move on to cupboards, drawers and finally the cab. This way, you’ll stay organised and won’t leave anything behind. Tip from seasoned campers: A small “first night box” has proven especially useful. Pack it with bed linen, snacks, a torch and your toothbrush – so you arrive at your destination relaxed and can settle in without rummaging through boxes.

Smart packing for smooth travels The key to a relaxed holiday starts long before you hit the road. Packing in a structured way before departure not only saves time but also reduces stress and lets you start your adventure with peace of mind. The Carado packing list helps you keep track of everything – from technical gear and kitchen utensils to clothing, toiletries and important documents.

Whether you’re heading out on your first motorhome trip or you’ve covered many miles already – this checklist offers guidance, reassurance and everyday support for your travels. You'll also find handy tips on how to pack properly, essential advice on loading your motorhome the right way and a complete checklist available as a downloadable PDF.

Always make sure to stay within your vehicle's permissible gross weight when packing. For more details, check out our Weight & Loading Checklist.

Mandatory Equipment

Vehicle registration certificate

Driving licence

High-visibility vests

Warning triangle

First-aid kit

Gas inspection certificate

Spare bulbs

Technology & Accessories

Levelling ramps

Cable reel

Adapter cable (CEE)

Extension cable

Water canister or hose

Watering can / Funnel

Tool kit

Screwdriver, pliers, multi-tool

Spare fuses

Jump leads

Cleaning products for windows & exterior surfaces

Dustpan and brush set
Basic Equipment

Pots and pans

Plates and bowls

Cutlery

Glasses and cups

Cutting boards

Knives

Cooking spoons and spatulas

Can opener and corkscrew

Dishcloths and sponges

Washing-up liquid

Bin liners

Kitchen roll

Non-slip mats

Groceries

Dry goods (pasta, rice, coffee, tea, etc.)

Oil, spices, salt

Fresh food for your first day
Everyday clothing

Warm clothing (even in summer)

Rain jacket

Sturdy shoes

Slippers

Functional clothing

Underwear & socks

Sleepwear

Swimwear

Hat / headgear

Gloves (season-dependent)
Towels

Toiletry bag

Toothbrush, toothpaste

Shampoo, soap

Brush / comb

Razor

Travel first-aid kit

Plasters, disinfectant

Wet wipes

Toilet paper

Sunscreen

Insect repellent
Camping chairs

Camping table

Awning accessories

Clothesline and pegs

Tensioning straps

Barbecue or camping stove

Gas lighter / matches

Lantern, headlamp or flashlight

Picnic blanket

Outdoor games
ID card or passport

Driving licence

Vehicle registration document

Insurance documents

Gas inspection certificate

International insurance card

(Green Card – for international travel)

Toll documents

Emergency numbers
Power bank

Charging cable

Spare batteries

Smartphone holder

Notebook & pen

Maps / travel guide

Small "first night box" (toothbrush, snacks, bed linen)

Cash reserve

Umbrella
Spare clothes

Rain gear and sturdy shoes

Sleepwear, cuddly blanket, pillow

Night light

Children’s dishes

Water bottles, bibs

Snacks for the journey

Child seat or infant carrier

Emergency card with contact details

Books, audio stories

Colouring book and crayons

Toys

Nappies, wet wipes, changing mat

Travel cot or bed rail
Short & flexible leash

Harness or collar

Bowls

Dog food and treats

Dog blanket or bed

Towel for paws

Poop bags

Transport box or safety harness

Paw care

Tick remover

EU pet passport

Water bottle for on the go

Cooling mat or dog coat depending on the season

Toys

Download Your Checklist Now

How much can I take with me?

The maximum authorised weight of your motorhome must not be exceeded. It’s not just about what you pack – it’s also about where you stow it. Heavy items should always be stored low down and as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible. This keeps your motorhome stable, reduces vibrations while driving and improves safety for everyone on board.

Smart tips for packing and storage

A well-packed motorhome means more than just staying organised – it ensures safety, clarity and comfort.

Smart Loading: How to Distribute Weight Correctly

Heavy items belong at the bottom, lighter ones go higher up. This keeps your motorhome stable and reduces vibrations while driving.
Kitchen solutions that work

Store dry goods first and add fresh groceries just before departure. Secure dishes with non-slip mats or cloths.
Check gas and electrical systems

Before setting off, check all connections – especially gas cylinder valves and cable plugs.
Natürlich! Bitte gib mir den deutschen Ausgangstext an, den ich nach en-DE (Englisch für den deutschen Markt) übersetzen soll.

In summer, mosquito repellent, sun protection, and lightweight clothing are essential – in winter, extra blankets, a fan heater or snow chains make all the difference.

Often forgotten – these essentials are easily overlooked

Even with the best planning, some small essentials can easily slip through the cracks. These classic items are at the top of the “most forgotten” list for many campers:

Replacement batteries, power bank and charging cable

Natürlich! Bitte gib mir den deutschen Ausgangstext, den ich gemäß den Carado-Richtlinien ins Englische übersetzen soll.
Lighter or gas igniter

Natürlich! Bitte gib mir den deutschen Ausgangstext, den du ins Englische (en-DE) für Carado übersetzt haben möchtest.
Tensioning straps, clothesline and pegs

Certainly! Please provide the German source text you would like me to translate.
Bin bags, sponge and dish towel

Certainly! Please provide the German text that you'd like me to translate according to the Carado brand guidelines.
Power adapter plug for electric hook-up

Natürlich. Bitte gib mir den deutschen Ausgangstext an, den ich ins Englische (en-DE) übersetzen soll.
First aid kit and travel medical supplies

Certainly! Please provide the German source text you would like me to translate into en-DE (UK English for the Carado context).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Packing List

The essentials are already on board: safety equipment, vehicle documents, kitchen and hygiene items, clothing and personal belongings. We also recommend packing a basic tool kit and a set of spare fuses.
Must-haves before you set off: driving licence, vehicle registration document, insurance papers and gas safety certificate. Heading abroad? Don’t forget your ID, the international insurance card (green card), and any required toll or environmental badges.
Essential kitchen companions Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, and chopping boards are must-haves in any motorhome kitchen. Don’t forget everyday essentials like a corkscrew, washing-up liquid, sponge, and bin bags – they should always be on board.
Plan your packing based on the climate and trip duration. For a week-long journey, five outfits plus weatherproof clothing are usually enough. Functional fabrics are a great choice – they dry quickly and save valuable space.
Essential travel companions: gas adapters, an extension cable reel, levelling ramps, high-visibility vests, a first-aid kit and all relevant documents. Also handy to have on board: wet wipes, matches and a small amount of cash.