Would you like to go for an RV trip, but you’re afraid, because you’ve never tried it before? That’s why we have prepared this beginner’s guide to traveling in an RV!
RV sales have been steadily rising for some time now, and the popularity is only expected to grow. And it’s no wonder, as it is a wonderful way of traveling, allowing you to remain fully in control of what you want to see, where you want to stay, and so on.
While it might seem changeling to pick the right vehicle, plan the route and pack all the necessities, it certainly gets easier if you follow some rules. Websites such as https://campaddict.com/ offer an ongoing help regarding RVing, but we have also prepared this short guide to help you get started.
Read on to learn more about traveling in an RV and plan your future adventure.
Plan the Route
One of the first decisions you need to make is where you want to go. Do you want to drive around the country, or perhaps you would prefer a long trip that will take you to the coast?
While it may seem like a simple decision, it’s important to consider the time you’ll have to spend on the road. In other words, if you drive from New York to California, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll spend at least two weeks in an RV. If you’re not prepared for this, it won’t be easy to complete the journey. Use this helpful guide to get your RV ready for the road trip
Find Good Spots
While you’re planning the route, it’s also worth considering where you will stay for each night. After all, you don’t want to run out of fuel and be stranded in the middle of nowhere! As such, it might be a good idea to plan in advance where you can get water, electricity and charge your batteries.
There are plenty of places you can stay at night, including campgrounds and RV parks, but if you want to explore further away, then hostels, Airbnb and hotels are a great option as well.
Know What You Have
Once you know where you want to go, you will need to prepare your vehicle for the trip. This means having a good understanding of the RV and its components. After all, if you don’t know how everything works, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to fix anything that goes wrong.
An excellent way to familiarize yourself with your vehicle is to read the manual and take it for some test rides. There are many such manuals available online, as well as many YouTube videos explaining how everything works. A quick search should be enough to answer most of your questions.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
Even though it may sound obvious, it’s worth mentioning that this is a long-term journey. As such, you need to keep track of everything that goes on with your RV and perform regular maintenance checks. The good news is that most of this can be done relatively easily. For example, checking the oil level or tire pressure is a simple task for anyone who knows how to follow instructions. That’s why it’s recommended to learn some basic mechanics before embarking on your journey or stay close to towns and cities on your way.
Although not the most important during your journey, having a high quality camper cover is of the utmost importance. Covering your camper or any type of RV for that matter when not in use will dramatically prolong the life of your vehicle. Ensuring your vehicle has a long life lets you know you’ll be able to take many road trips with your RV.
Plan for Emergencies
Unfortunately, there is always a chance that something will go wrong. And while many things can be fixed along the way, there are situations when the only thing that can help is having some emergency supplies in your vehicle.
Therefore, one of the most important things you need to bring is a first aid kit, especially if there are kids in the group. A few bandages and some tape should be enough for the most common situations. It might also be a good idea to share the route and contact details with your family or friends in the city.
Label Everything
One of the things that many RVers forget is labeling their belongings. You don’t want to end up searching for something for hours, trying to figure out where you put it. Use bright colored tape or stickers and add arrows or writing to point out where they should be stored. This way, nothing will get lost, and you won’t waste time searching for it. It’s more crucial considering RVs offer very limited space, and you don’t want to make a mess while looking for a spoon or your toothbrush.
Secure Everything Else
Just like with labeling, securing every item is another crucial step that many RVers forget. If your vehicle is parked unattended for a while, make sure it’s locked up properly. Otherwise, thieves will break in and steal some of your valuables or even your vehicle itself. Additionally, use a strong cable lock to tie down any unsecured items. Use a cable padlock inside as well, so that no one can enter from the outside. And finally, don’t leave tools and sharp objects lying around – keep them in locked storage compartments or cabinets. Even if you don’t think they might be stolen, someone might get hurt while handling them carelessly.
Have Fun!
Traveling in an RV is a great way to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about the usual hassles. From planning the route to taking care of the vehicle, you’ll have a lot to do before actually getting on the road. Still, if you follow our guide and consider all the important aspects, such as the route, charging options, and good spots to stay at night, then traveling in an RV should be no problem for you.
Once you’ve prepared everything, it’s time to go on an adventure. Once again – have fun! Enjoy every moment of your journey and never forget to take lots of pictures.
