In an RV, the food you bring is almost as important as the company you keep and RVs & Boats For Less wants your next open road adventure to be as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. To accomplish this we’ve put together a few tips and suggestions to make sure mealtime while you’re travelling isn’t a headache or a choice, but something fun everyone can do together. Be sure to visit our dealership in Pocatello, Idaho, near Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls for more advice on how to prepare for your next RV vacation!
Kitchen Appliances
Most modern travel trailers and fifth wheels boast near full-size kitchens, usually with premium features like granite countertops, dishwashers, even full-size appliances like refrigerators and ovens. If you’re going to be spending any amount of time on the road, a small bread maker and slow cooker (crockpot) might just be a lifesaver. Between those two appliances you can make dozens of hearty and satisfying meals. Just make sure you also bring cooking utensils, pots, pans, sharp knives, a cutting board, etc., so you’ve got what you need while you’re on the road. Putting together a meal plan before you leave just might save you from digging around for the spatula you left at home.
Cooking with Propane and Propane Accessories
It’s very likely that the stovetop in your fifth wheel or travel trailer will run on propane, not electricity. You should be aware then, that while gas will heat up much faster than an electric range, it won’t cook as evenly. You may even want to practice on a gas range (if you can) before hitting the road. Also, most stovetops in an RV are smaller, so you’ll need to have pots and pans that fit. In some more modern RVs even the refrigerator is powered with propane, so definitely plan ahead and make sure your tanks are full before you leave. Having enough propane for your appliances will keep any perishable foods from spoiling and make sure you don’t run out of juice before your food is fully cooked.
Prepare Ahead of Time
There are a few meals you can prepare before you even leave for your vacation. Soups, stews, anything made from a mix, etc., all of them can be prepared at home, stored carefully, and then reheated once you’re on the road. And, if you’re looking to save space but still want to do a little baking, you can measure any dry ingredients you’ll need ahead of time and store them in separate plastic bags. So, things like waffle or pancake mix, flour, anything else with a dry mix, can be prepared ahead of time and then mixed on fly. If you’re going to marinate any meats or veggies, why not transport them in the marinade in their own container? Make sure it’s secured before you leave, but otherwise you’ll save time and have more room later once they’ve been cooked.
Don’t Bring Home Appliances
Because appliances in a travel trailer or fifth wheel are usually made to withstand the rigors of the road, it’s not a great idea to bring appliances from home with you. You might think that cheap microwave will be fine, but stop too abruptly or turn too sharp and now that cheap microwave has become a hazard. It could even become a fire hazard if it takes too much damage. There are RV microwaves that have been built specifically use in your fifth wheel or travel trailer, some can even be installed into built in areas in the galley. Otherwise, just make sure your RV microwave has been secured before you depart.
Try New Cooking Methods
Exploring in a travel trailer or fifth wheel is a great time to explore some new cooking methods! Especially if you’re going to be camping. Cooking with a campfire can elevate mealtime from a simple chore to a quality family-time activity, and we’re not talking about hot dogs and s’mores. Try your hand at dutch oven cooking, prepare foil packet meals and cook them over the coals, remember those veggies you were marinating, make kebabs over an open flame. And if you’re a little impatient, make sure you bring along some crackers, fruit, or even dry cereals to snack on between meals, this way everyone is happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Remember, bring the right cooking utensils, pots, and pans, plan your meals ahead of time so you’ll know what you need, and don’t be afraid to try new recipes and new methods of cooking! However you decide to spend your meals while you’re travelling, know that RVs & Boats For Less wants you to stay safe and have fun! Follow our suggestions above and everyone will love the hot meals and happy tummies they’re left with. Visit our dealership near Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah, for more on-the-road tips!
