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Are you excited about your first RV trip? It’s a great way to explore the country and see some fantastic sights. But, before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. In this blog post, we will discuss five tips to help make your RV trip a success!
Plan the Travel Route
Before you embark on your RV adventure, it’s essential to take some time to plan your route. This will help you avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere! A good way to find out where all the rest stops and gas stations are is to use an online trip planner like Passport America or RV Trip Wizard. These tools will help you map your route and calculate the estimated drive time and fuel costs. We have interviewed Passport America & RV Trip Wizard. Click the links to hear more about these two companies.
Another essential thing to consider is what type of scenery you want to see along the way. Do you want to stick to the highways or take some back roads? Will you be traveling through any national parks or forests? By planning your route, you can see all the sights you want to see and avoid any stressful surprises!
An RV GPS, either a standalone version or an app, will be essential to avoid low overpasses, tight turns, and other RV disasters. Also, a paper trucker’s atlas never hurts if your technology fails. Some of the RV travelers in younger generations may not know how to read a paper atlas. In that case, find someone older and ask them to teach you.
In addition, make reservations at campgrounds along the way. Campgrounds fill up fast, so having a reservation will help you avoid having to scramble to find a place to stay in the campground is full. By taking a little time to plan, you can ensure that your RV trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Packing the RV
Packing is another critical piece of RV travel. Make a list of everything you’ll need for your trip, including food, clothing, medications, and any other essential items. This list will help you avoid packing too much or too little. Make a list a few days ahead of your trip, not while you are rushing to get the RV loaded. We keep a checklist on our phones to check things off the list as we pack them. Several items like a tool bag, sewer hoses, water hoses, propane fire pit, and kitchen pots and pans are standard for every trip, so they should be easy to remember. On your first trip, you will likely forget some items. However, as long as you remember the must-haves, you will be ahead of most.
Every RV has a cargo-carrying capacity. Make sure you do not exceed the weight limits established. It is very easy to overload and cause damage to the structure of the RV or, worse, cause you to not be able to stop in time when driving. These events will definitely ruin your trip.
Pre-Trip RV Inspection
Before you embark on your RV road trip, it’s essential to do a thorough inspection of your vehicle. This means checking all the fluid levels, tires, brakes, and lights to ensure everything is in good working order. It’s also a good idea to test your RV’s systems – like the heater, air conditioner, and water pump – to ensure they’re all in good working condition. By taking the time to do a little preventative maintenance, you can help ensure that your RV trip is fun and safe.
This inspection should also include ensuring you have water in the freshwater tank and propane for cooking and heat. By performing a quick but thorough inspection, you can confirm these two items are good to go.
Prepare for Emergencies
RV tires are susceptible to flats, and windshields are vulnerable to rocks and road debris. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to keep a spare tire, some tools in the RV, and a few bottles of water and snacks. In addition, it’s crucial to have a plan for where to stay in case of an emergency. There are many RV parks and campgrounds across the country, but it’s always a good idea to research ahead of time and have a few options in mind. By being prepared for anything, RVers can enjoy peace of mind on their travels.
By performing the pre-trip inspection, any obvious maintenance issues will stand out. If you rent an RV for the trip, ask the owners if all of the preventive maintenance has been performed. Performing preventive maintenance on schedule also helps reduce the chances of a maintenance problem or breakdown. Make sure to include some basic tools on the list of items to pack. Many things can be repaired using a cordless drill with several screwdrivers and drill bits, adjustable wrenches, a socket set, and a hammer. Also, ensure you have a few Robertson bits since these are the predominant screw heads used in RV manufacturing.
We also carry a first aid kit in the truck and RV as well as two fire extinguishers in the RV and one in a storage bay that is accessible from outside. Luckily, we have not had to use them yet. Murphy’s Law would have it that if we ever forget any of them, we would need them.
Have Fun On the RV Trip
Have fun! RV travel is one of the best ways to see the country and spend time with your loved ones. There’s something special about packing up all your belongings and hitting the open road, not knowing where you’ll end up or what adventure awaits you around the next bend. Whether you’re RVing with family or friends, there’s no better way to bond and create lasting memories than by exploring new places together.
There’s no shortage of unique places to explore in an RV. From the majestic mountains of the Rockies to the sunny beaches of California, RV travel gives you the freedom to go anywhere your heart desires. So if you’re looking for a way to see more of this beautiful country and create some cherished memories along the way, RV travel is the perfect option for you.
RVing can be a great way to see the country and experience all it offers. Make sure you research and plan to have the best trip possible. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! RVing is all about making memories and discovering new places. So get out there and explore – you never know what you’ll find!
Have any tips for RV beginners? Please share them in the comments below or send us a note through our Contact Us page!
Happy RVing!
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