An RV road trip is a fun way to travel with your family or friends across the country. It is a great way to explore the outdoors with flexibility and freedom. Before you start your first RV trip, you will need to prepare for it.
Here is a list of tips that will enable you to enjoy your first RV trip.
1. Know Your RV
If you are an RV beginner with little road experience, you will need to get to know the RV. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent it for a day. It is best to try several types of RV before you make the choice.
With so many sizes and types of RVs, it is important to find one that fits your driving style. This will help maximize the fun on the road. Learn how the motorhome works. It will enable you to assess any problem that arises on your road trip and fix it.
Take time to inspect the RV. This is important when you want to have a safe road trip. Check the RV batteries. Flush the water tank and check for leaks. Check all appliances (fridge, microwave, and air conditioner) used in the RV to see if they work.
Inspect the interiors of the cabin. Spring clean the interiors and sanitize. This ensures that you have a fresh bed, blankets, and clean cabinets and shelves. Depending on the number of people traveling, you should choose a size that is right for everyone.
2. Practice Driving the RV
Driving an RV on the road is different from driving a car. Learn about the roads you plan to drive on. Take a small trip on similar terrain. When you practice driving, you will be able to ascend hills, switch lanes, and park without much of an effort.
With practice, you will be able to understand the intricacies of driving an RV. You will also be able to adjust your driving style to match the specific needs of driving an RV on the road.
Before the road trip, you can also choose to watch a few videos on how to navigate an RV. Gain knowledge about electrical hookups, sewage hookups, and water hookups. Apart from this read the RV manual on auxiliary battery, propane tank, and generator.
Understanding how these lifelines of an RV work will help you drive confidently on the road. This will enable you to understand any issues with these lifelines and troubleshoot.
3. Road Service and RV Insurance
Research road services specializing in RV. Only a limited number of road service companies will tow the trailer. Ensure that insurance covers all aspects of the RV trip.
- Does the insurance cover the trailer?
- Does the motorhome policy cover the towed vehicle?
- Do you need separate road service coverage?
4. Book the Campground and Confirm Reservations
Research the list of campgrounds on the route and confirm reservations. Pick a trailer park or campground that supports RV hookups. Most of these campgrounds get booked fast. It is best to make reservations before you start the road trip.
Research the pricing and fees charged by the campgrounds. You will have to pay the fees upfront when you book the trip. If you need anything more at the trailer park, you will have to pay extra.
5. Create a Campground or Trailer Park Checklist
As this is your first RV trip, you will not be aware of the campground routine. A checklist ensures that everything is as it should be.
- Check for obstacles on the ground.
- Locate water, electrical, and sewage hookups. Park the RV close to the hookups.
- Choke the wheels to secure the rig.
- Switch the electrical appliances on after connecting to the electrical hookup.
- Attach the sewage hose to the sewage hookups.
Gain knowledge about the different dump stations along the route you intend to take. When you are aware of the sewage dump stations, you will be able to schedule drop-offs along the way.
6. Check Weather Forecast, Road Conditions, Closures, and Construction
Visit websites that report on road conditions, closures, and construction. Check the route you will be traveling and see the current road conditions. It is frustrating if you run into road closures and construction.
Always choose a route and destination that everyone will enjoy. If you are traveling with kids, you will need to have kid’s activities on the route. This will ensure fun for all on the road trip.
There is nothing you can do about the weather. Before you start the road trip, it is advisable that you check the weather forecast. If there is rain, ice, snow, or hail, it can spoil your road trip.
When you are aware of the weather forecast, you will be able to prepare for all types of weather conditions.
7. Pack the Right Stuff
Make a packing list. Pack essentials such as first aid kit, trail shoes, headlamp, and rain-resistant clothing. Even though you can pack a lot of things in your RV, you should be careful about what you carry.
Weight distribution is important in large vehicles. As you will be carrying a lot of fuel and water, you should be careful about what else you pack. Make a list of things you will need depending on the number of people traveling in the RV.
Pack kitchen supplies, food, medications, and toiletries. If your pets are joining you on the road trip, you will also need to pack pet supplies.
8. Setting Up and Breaking Down Camp
Setting up camp is often a big challenge. This is especially true if this is your first RV road trip. After parking and leveling the RV, you will need to hook it up to all the systems. It’s now time to unpack and enjoy all the comforts of your RV.
When you break down camp, you should pack all the things carefully. Shut down all the electrical appliances. Secure all the belongings in the cabin so that they don’t fall down when you drive.
Before you leave camp, visit the dump station so that you can empty the black water. This will help you save time and travel light and easy.
9. Rent an RV and Hit the Road
Rent an RV and enjoy the experience of your first road trip. Get away from day-to-day life and enjoy a vacation with your family and friends. Don’t stress about anything and prepare yourself for an amazing experience.
The tips for your first RV road trip will help you enjoy a smooth ride on the road. A little bit of planning is all it takes to have an awesome trip with your loved ones.
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