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RVing 101: New to RVing?
Follow These Travel Tips for a Successful Season
If you’re one of the millions of new households who have embraced RV ownership, travel, and camping, then you’re in good company. Although an RV, whether it’s motorized or towed, can provide enjoyment and relaxation, there is much to learn about it: driving, towing, packing, and setting up camp. Thankfully, seasoned RVers and campground owners are an all-around friendly bunch, most of whom are happy to offer advice or pitch in if you need help.
These tips can be considered “common sense,” yet we bring them up because sometimes things need to be practiced in order to become routine. In addition, they are reminders for us all, regardless of how adept we are at RVing, because they can make a huge difference in your camping and vacationing experience.
1. Plan ahead.
It has become more difficult to secure campground reserva- tions. The best piece of advice is to start early. If you want to camp in the summer, start booking in the winter. If you want to take a fall trip, spring is the time to make your plans. Planning ahead is particularly necessary at popular destinations, during holidays, and over weekends. You may have better luck finding a site mid-week or if you are willing to travel a short distance from campground to popular attractions. Know the cancella- tion policies of the campgrounds in case you need to alter your plans. Part of planning ahead is being prepared. Being prepared is important when considering what to pack. Carefully consider extra supplies like fuses, lightbulbs, cleaning supplies, extension cords, etc., in addition to those more obvious items.
2. Know your route.
All roads are not created equal, and it’s important to know
your route prior to leaving the driveway or campsite so that you don’t find yourself in a tough position. Tight roads, dead ends, historic towns, low underpasses, bridges, and construction detours are some of what you could encounter. Your RV’s di- mensions are integral to choosing a route, and thankfully, there are apps now that can help you figure out that route based on the size of your RV. A few examples of apps are RV Life, RV- Safe GPS, and RV Trip Wizard. Check them out and utilize them prior to and during times of travel.
3. Know your RV.
Just like a house, it can take time to get to know your RV – how to use the space, how it sounds, its little quirks. First, however, you need to understand the size of your RV and how it handles while driving, especially how it feels when you’re turning. You need to know how to hook up your RV, if it’s a towable, or how to tow a toad if you’re going to trail one behind your motor- home. Know how to back up and how much visibility you have to do so. Know how to switch power sources, open and close (and troubleshoot) slide-outs, how to hook up and clean your water tanks, etc. It’s better to undergo a little education prior to any trips so that you don’t need to learn “on the job.” There will be plenty of other things to learn at the moment.
4. Ensure your RV is in tip-top
shape for the season.
You can avoid problems and potential disappointment
by making sure your RV, tow vehicle, and toad are well- maintained. Blown-out tires, worn wheel bearings, holes in hoses, fires, water damage, and more can pretty much be
avoided if you practice preventative maintenance and regular inspection. Oil changes, battery and fluid replacements, and fluid replacements are also very important for the overall function and safety of your RV. Also, addressing small problems when they appear can prevent larger issues from appearing down the road. Just as you would have your regular vehicle examined, It may also make sense to have a professional inspect your RV prior to the start of the season or before a long trip. During the season, continue to check on tires, window seals, the roof, and fluid levels. Wax your RV on a routine basis to help protect the material from extensive sun damage.
5. Watch – and heed – the weather.
Just as a pilot would postpone a flight because of poor skies, or a boater would adjust an itinerary because of rough wa-
ter, RVers need to watch the weather and be ready to make adjustments. High winds can spell trouble when traveling on a highway; heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause low visibility and loss of traction. And if you find yourself facing snow and ice, it might be a better idea to leave before or well after the system passes. Choosing to travel in poor weather conditions is stressful and definitely just for you but also for anyone else on the road. If you must travel, slow down and travel safely.
6. Get an early start.
Preparing a day or two before you depart any location, whether it’s your home or a campground, is important for peace of mind and a relaxing departure. Do the household chores, finish the laundry, take out the trash, pack things into their appropriate bins, fill up the toad or tow vehicle. In the summer, starting earlier in the day means it’s cooler for packing as well as for driving.
7. Daylight hours are your friend.
Driving in the daylight is typically safer and you can cover more distance if you’re traveling. If you run into a problem, such as hitting an animal or breaking down on the side of the road, you can react to the emergency and be better able to find others to help. Most importantly, however, you get to the camp- ground during the daylight and have an easier time backing into and setting up camp. Even though some seasoned RVers prefer to drive at night because there is a lot less traffic and the temperature is generally cooler, which is beneficial for your RV or tow vehicle.
We hope you have a great RV season and that you reach every destination safely!
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