what to bring?

[mwilliamsmd]

Question - Is there a list of "essential" or "recommended" items to bring when camping? I'm looking to get my first AS, but have not done a lot of camping since youth. Does anyone know of a good list of GOTTA HAVES?

[sinjin]

***EVERYTHING***

No really, it depends on how long you're traveling. In no particular order:

1) sewer hook up stuff including gloves, fresh water hose, sewer flush hose
2) small tool kit
3) small first aid kit
4) Dishes and flatware for 4, dish soap
5) Pots and pans and a strainer, some simple bakeware if you're into it.
6) TP, septic chemicals etc
7) Portable grill if you're into
8) towels and toiletries
9) A mattress topper, the airstream beds are way harsh.
10) wheel chocks and leveling blocks
11) A level
12) Sense of humor and a smidge of patience

[HighPlainAS]

A book we have found to be really helpful is "The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming" by Rich Luhr.

It can answer most questions. It provides you with checklists and explanations on maintenance, towing, repairs, all systems, and daily procedures plus camping tips.

Having actual lists.. in black and white ..on what you need to travel and be safe in your Airstream is invaluable.
The departure checklist and campsite arrival checklist,both inside and outside, have been really helpful. This way nothing is left to chance....or memory. We don't have enough experience to be experts.
But, we are gaining knowledge.
We are very appreciative of all the knowledge sharing, by everyone, on the Airstream Forums.

[Rich W]

Can opener
Coffee Pot, coffee
Paper plates, napkins, sporks
Trash bags
Fuse assortment
All owners manuals

[Protagonist]

A set of replacement fuses. Preferably several in each amperage. Blowing a fuse on one of the 12v circuits when you've got no spares can bring the fun to a halt depending on what the fuse was for. On my very first camping trip in my brand-new Airstream, I blew the same fuse twice before I figured out what I was doing wrong.

Equipping any RV is an ongoing process, not a do-it-once-and-you're-done process. Start out with sinjin's list, add fuses.
Add lawn chairs so you can sit outside and enjoy the campfire.
Add clothing, unless you're a naturist. Hospital scrubs make good all-purpose clothing. You can use scrubs as pajamas, lounge wear around the campfire, coveralls for messy jobs. They're lightweight, comfortable, dry quickly when wet, and who cares if they get wrinkled?
Add a few days' worth of food unless you're fasting.
Add a generator if you're boondocking for more than a few days.
Add insect repellent, DEET for your skin, permethrin for your clothing and bedding. Being bitten by tiny vermin takes the fun out of anything.
Add a camera so you can post pictures to the Forums. That's the item I forget most often.
Add a notepad and something to write with, so you can take notes and add to your, "I think I should have brought _____" list. And trust me, you WILL have such a list.

You'll also eventually have a "Why on Earth did I bring _____" list of things to leave at home next time. Anything you bring but never use— except safety equipment that you hope you'll never use but need to have anyway— can come out of your Airstream. But don't get rid of it altogether, because it may go back on your "I think I should have brought _____" list someday.

[dkottum]

It's too easy to be overwhelmed with Gotta Haves. The experienced camper knows what he can do without. Get the basic essentials and be very careful what you add to them.

There's a concurrent thread today started by someone who asked for a simple coffee maker recommendation five years ago. They have a couple hundred recommendations so far, and some suggesting carrying several coffee makers.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f484...ler-48811.html

It can get out of hand quickly. You'll be looking for a bigger Airstream to carry it all and a bigger truck to pull it.

[AtomicNo13]

I said in a different post....
More stuff = stuff to stuff somewhere!

[daveswenson]

Beer