For those who are about to embark on their first RV travel trip awareness of the necessary knowledge is very useful. While venturing into new terrain can be an exciting part of the experience, it can also be daunting. Because of this, preparation is key when it comes to campers.
We have compiled a guide with our top RV travel tips to ensure that you are prepared for all situations and you get the most out of your experience.
Educate Yourself On The Basics Of RV Traveling
It is important to ensure that you are fully informed on the basics of RV traveling, e.g loading and hitching your vehicle and setting up once you have arrived at your destination. Understanding the elements and processes involved will help you to overcome any potential issues that may arise during your vacation.
Assess The Vehicle
Before you set off on your road trip it is important to check your vehicle to ensure that it is safe. Assess the state of the tires and turn off the LPG gas. Ensure that all the doors and cupboards inside are closed to prevent a risk of any belongings flying out and becoming damaged and make sure that all of the windows and roof vents are shut. It is also helpful to invest in RV-specific breakdown cover so that there is help on hand if required.
Use Your RV Kitchen
Eating out every day can become an expensive habit, because of this, try to cook from the comfort of your RV when possible. Grocery shopping is more cost-effective than eating out at a restaurant regularly and you are also in control of what goes into your food.
Drive For A Sensible Amount Of Time
You must drive for a sensible amount of time because driving while you are tired doesn’t only put yourself and your passengers at risk but other road users too. Planning your daily schedule allows you to allocate certain hours to driving, sleeping, and enjoying daily activities.
Record Details Of Your Vehicle’s Height And Weight
The length and height of your vehicle will influence the routes that you can follow. Heavy-duty RVs will not be suitable for tight mountain roads where there may be low bridges. Some parks also have restrictions when it comes to vehicles of particular heights and weights. Make note of these details so that you have them to hand and can assess the practicality of certain routes.
Do Not Overload Your Vehicle
Overloading your RV can result in wear and tear. Consider how much you need to take with you on your journey. If you are only traveling for a few days you aren’t going to require the same amount of things as you would need for a long trip.
Ensure That You Pack All Of The Essentials That You Need
Aside from your personal belongings, you will need to pack other necessities such as cookware and a toolkit. This will ensure that you have all of the utensils needed for a smooth cooking experience and you have tools available for any repairs.
Arrive At Your Location Before It Gets Dark
Plan your trip so that you arrive at your parking spot before it gets dark. This may be your destination or an overnight spot at an RV park. Driving in the dark can make it extremely difficult to see your surroundings and also ensures that you are only driving in safe conditions.
Camping Apps Can Be Helpful
Camping apps provide you with recommendations of the best spots to visit on your journey. They also advise you on nearby RV suitable amenities and the best route to follow to arrive at your location.
Take Naps When You Need Too
Taking naps when you need to is very important when driving an RV. There may be many occasions when you are driving where you feel as though you could benefit from taking a nap. Driving when you are tired can be dangerous. On your route, you will find several locations where you can stop to take a nap and refuel.
Fill Up The Freshwater Tanks When Needed
Carrying freshwater tanks can increase the rate at which the vehicle burns through the gas. Because of this, you should only fill up the tanks when it is necessary.
Train Your Co-Pilot To Drive
It can be helpful to train up your co-pilot so you can alternate the task of driving the vehicle. Placing the responsibility of driving on one individual can be rather tiresome so two drivers are preferable particularly for longer journeys. Invest your time in training your co-pilot and familiarize them with the roads.
Carry Multiple Gas Bottles
If possible you should carry two gas bottles. This means that you have a spare available for when the current gas bottle runs out. Ensure that this gas bottle is safely stored so that it is not at risk of falling over as you drive the vehicle.
Empty The Toilet
It is important to empty your RV toilet for hygiene purposes and to eliminate the presence of odors. To do so you will need to remove the toilet canister and pour the contents into the black water drain at your campsite before rinsing it and adding disinfectant. Then you will need to shake it and empty it again. Once you have done so you must secure the canister back in place.