When you’re heading out for a weekend trip, stocking up on food is no big deal. RV refrigerators are big enough to hold 3 or 4 days’ worth of food, while dry goods for the weekend will easily fit in the pantry. On top of all that, many campgrounds have stores offering basic necessities, so even if something does run out, there’s nothing to worry about.

Because of all this, the typical RVer is all set and ready to go when it comes to food storage.

However, not everyone camps the same way. Some take longer trips, and many enjoy camping in the middle of nowhere, far from any store. Often, those who like to venture off the beaten path for extended periods of time will find they have trouble grocery shopping before a trip. After all, they need food and can’t very well drive into town every time they run out of something, but in a small RV kitchen, space is at a premium so strategic shopping is a must.

What’s a camper to do when they find themselves in this situation? Plan ahead, of course! Here are our top seven tips for stocking up on food before a long journey.

#1: Pick Canned Produce

We all know that fruits and veggies are an important part of our diet. Unfortunately, if you plan to be out for a week or more, it isn’t likely you will be able to keep fresh produce good for your entire trip.

In these cases, go with canned fruits and vegetables. While they’re not quite as nutritious as fresh versions, they will do in a pinch.

#2: Hang a Fruit Basket

Even if you can’t stock up on produce for your entire trip, you will need a place to store the fruits and vegetables you can consume before they go bad. A hanging fruit basket is the ideal solution. It hangs up and out of the way while adding storage space to your tiny home.

#3: Go Meatless

Because meat must be refrigerated or frozen, it is more difficult to store than some other foods. Therefore, you may want to consider eating some meatless meals during your trip.

Can’t stand to be without meat? Try using canned meats in place of fresh for a few meals. This will allow you to hold onto some of your precious fridge space while still giving you the protein kick you crave.

#4: Choose Boxed Milk

Milk is a very space-consuming product. For this reason, you will want to either cut milk from your diet during your trip or find another way to store it.

One of the best options for those who want to continue drinking milk is to purchase boxed milk. The boxes can be stored at room temperature, and the milk stays good for quite some time.

#5: Consider Dehydrated Foods

Removing the water from foods makes them both smaller and lighter. That said, many dehydrated foods are not exactly gourmet fare. Still, if you’re willing to eat subpar food on occasion, dehydrated meals can be a great way to save space and keep things lightweight.

#6: Use an Ice Chest

Are you running out of fridge space even after using the tips above? Consider using an ice chest to store some cold food items. A Grizzly cooler will hold ice for 7–10 days. This is plenty long enough to keep things cold in the beginning of your adventure. You can then move items over to the fridge as space is freed up.

#7: Think Outside the Box

While fridge space is the most common issue when it comes to food storage, there are some who run out of pantry space. If this happens to you, you’ll need to think outside the box. Food can be stored in any open nook, and a plastic tub will help keep it all together and organized. Consider placing your tub in a storage bay, or just put it on the floor during travel and then outside once you set up camp.

Remember, if you choose to keep food outside, make sure it’s well sealed with a locking lid to keep critters out.

With these food storage tips, you shouldn’t have any trouble at all during your pre-trip grocery shopping. Stock up and have fun!

About the Author:

Chelsea has the amazing opportunity to take part in full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe. She homeschools her five-year-old son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. A group of total Disney fanatics, Chelsea and her family often find themselves in the Orlando area in order to visit the Disney parks, but they have also visited over 25 of the 50 states with plans to see many more along the way. No matter where her travels take her, Chelsea enjoys riding bikes, gazing at beautiful sunsets, finding new coffee shops, Irish dancing, and sitting around a campfire with her family.

You can join her adventures through her blog, Wonder Wherever We Wander.

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