Road Trip Checklist

Exploring the country by car makes for a versatile adventure: you can get away for a couple days or embark on a multiweek trek, all while exploring a seemingly endless number of new-to-you trails, campsites, coastlines, towns and roadside greasy spoons.

But a road adventure isn’t complete without a few essentials and comfort items. That’s why we created a checklist of the things you’ll need (spare tire, jumper cables, a sleeping pad) and things you might want (a solid coffee setup, options for entertainment, a packable hammock), so your next outing runs as smoothly as a rig pre-300,000 miles. Of course, this is a comprehensive list, and we don't expect you to bring along every item—though we won't judge you if you do!

Peruse the checklist, then crack your windows, rip open the snack bag and crank the tunes. You’re ready to hit the road.

Always adhere to state and local guidelines when traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may mean staying home, or postponing your plans. For the most up-to-date travel guidance, check the CDC FAQ page. For information about outdoor activities wherever you go (close to home is best), read Recreate Responsibly: An Activity-Specific Guide.

Before You Hit the Road:

• Check to see whether you need an oil change. If you plan to log thousands of miles in a single trip, it may be best to change your oil just before you leave.
• Ensure you don’t need vehicle maintenance by double checking your engine lights.
• Top off all fluids, including oil, windshield fluid, brake fluids and coolant.
• Check your tire pressure (including your spare!). Check the tread on your tires.
• Check your brake pads and rotors.
• Make sure your headlights and turn signals work properly.
• Tell someone where you’re going. If possible, provide them your route, dates and destination.
   

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Car Safety

   

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•  Full-size spare or donut
•  Jumpstart battery or jumper cables 
•  Tire chains (this can vary by vehicle and road conditions) 
•  Extra wiper fluid 
•  Flares or emergency triangle 
•  Tools for changing a tire (car jack, lug wrench, wheel lock key)
•  Tire repair kit, tire plug kit or sealant and 12v tire inflator
•  Tire pressure gauge
•  Vehicle height (for driving through tunnels or under bridges).
•  Extra straps or bungee cord
• Safety kit (this can include items like a GPS device, emergency supply of food and medical kit)
•  Road atlas
•  Extra water
•  Simple toolkit with screwdriver, socket wrench set, adjustable wrench, zip ties, WD-40, flashlight, work gloves and tow rope
•  Umbrella

•  Mileage log book (to make it easier to gauge when you'll need an oil change
•  Small bag of cleaning supplies for your vehicle's interior
•  Small broom to collect dirt
•  Lint roller (if traveling with a furry friend)

•  Rechargeable string lights for your vehicle's interior (to save your car battery in the evenings)
•  Window coverings (if you plan on sleeping in your vehicle)
•  Summer or winter tires, depending on the weather
•  Reusble bags for stowing dirty gear

Campsite

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These are important items for your campsite, if you choose to sleep outside of your vehicle.

 

Kitchen

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Many campgrounds have drinkable water. If not, bring your own, or be prepared to treat water if there’s a water source. Also, for even more ideas and food suggestions, see our separate Camp Kitchen Checklist.

 

Optional:

Campsite Extras

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Most of the following items are optional, though depending on how remote your campsite is, navigation tools such as a map, compass and/or GPS may be required (for more info, read about the Ten Essentials).

 

Clothing & Footwear

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Additional items for rainy and/or cold weather:

Optional:

Health & Hygiene

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Sun and bug protection:

Optional:

Personal Items

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Self-Care

 

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