RV trip planning is pretty easy and straightforward if you use reliable resources from good websites and apps. Before heading out on the road, there are some important things you should make sure you account for. Some of the more obvious questions are how long you plan to travel, where you’ll go, and what you’ll need on your journey. Planning stops, troubleshooting your RV for basic issues, and budgeting for gas and accommodation are also important, especially for the first timer.
There’s no better way to see the country then on the open road. When traveling in an RV, you have all you need with you, letting you enjoy the best of both worlds. Here are five important things to think about before you head out on your first RV trip.
1. Plan Your Route
While the more spontaneous may hit the road with no plan or destination, RV trip planning can make a route that is both efficient and enjoyable. Planning will help you include gas stops, convenient rest breaks, and entertaining roadside attractions that are RV-friendly. They have bigger parking lots and pull through spaces. This can make a world of different if this is hour first time driving an RV. Planning ahead of time also allows you to consider any low bridges, tunnels, or difficult, narrow roads on your route. If so, make sure you can look for alternative routes.
Most US highways will easily accommodate RVs of any size, but it helps to check. You can also avoid routes with tolls, heavy traffic, or weather and road conditions. There are great apps and tools to help your RV trip planning, including stop for gas, rest, and attractions.
2. Create a Timeline
Whether you are an itinerary-oriented traveler or prefer leave plenty of room for spontaneous stops, it’s a great idea to waypoint your journey, and plan certain aspects of your trip. For example, if you book any accommodations, you plan to book out a specific campground during your trip, you will need to stick to a driving schedule. This becomes absolutely necessary when traveling to large, popular parks in America, such as the Grand Canyon or other high-demand sites. That way you can plan and estimate driving times, especially if you’re traveling with only one driver. Furthermore, planning long hauls ahead of time makes sure drivers get appropriate rest and avoid too many long, late-night drives.
3. Budget
Your RV trip planning may heavily depend on your budget. RV rental costs, hotels or campsites, and gas costs will all affect your budget. If you own an RV, your costs may start a lot lower, but make sure you consider campsite fees and gas for the time you plan to be on the road. Planning out a route can give you an accurate estimate of how much it will cost you. Multiply your approximate driving miles by your RV’s average miles per gallon cost. Research average fuel costs in the areas you will be traveling. Some ares may have as much as a $2 difference in prices. Gas and diesel rates can also change depending on the season you are planning to travel.
4. Know Your RV
Whether you are renting an RV for the trip or have your own, make sure you are aware of use all its features and dimensions. There’s no worse way to start and RV trip than an slightly too low overhang or a blown circuit. If it’s your first time on an RV trip, familiarize yourself with some important first-timer tips. RV size and weight are two of the most important things to understand in order to recognize clearances and weight limits on the road. RVs usually feature 30-amp circuits for campsites where electric hookups are available. Usually, that means you can’t use all the appliances in your RV at the same time. If you are using a small generator, know take precautions to avoid overloading your circuit.
5. Packing
Some RV travelers may take only what’s necessary and get what they need along the way. Others may need to go down a checklist to make sure they got everything they need. In either case, begin with what’s most important first, such as clothing, medications, toiletries, and personal items. Then collect all other household items like cookware, bedding, laptops, and books to make your RV feel like home. If you are renting an RV, your host will likely provide some key items, so check to see what’s included. While it’s great to be prepared, overpacking isn’t recommended on an RV trip. This adds weight and takes up the precious space in your RV. If planning ahead and making checklists aren’t your strong suit, just make use of tools and resources to help.
Hitting the Road
Even a little bit of RV trip planning can help you streamline and optimize your vacation. That way you can focus on the fun aspects of your trip. Having a plan, whether it’s a loose outline or a down to the minute play by play, will help avoid setbacks on the road. Nothing ruins a great road trip more than tiring long haul drives, last minute searches for gas stations, or looking for a campground reservation late in the day. RV trip planning goes a long way toward keeping you on track and prepared for the trip ahead. That way all you have to think about is where you want to stop for dinner.