RVing has been a popular way to explore the country for decades, but since the pandemic, the number of people engaging in this type of travel has skyrocketed. Now, solo travelers, couples, and families are leaving behind the world of home ownership and rentals to live full-time in comfy RVs like a bushwhacker trailer.
Whether you’re a permanent camper or heading out on a short-term travel adventure, follow these 5 tips to make the most of your time on the road.
1. Get Your RV Road-Ready
No matter what kind of RV you’re using, never take it on the road until you’ve had it — and the vehicle you’re traveling with — inspected for road-readiness. Most states have individual laws about how to pull your trailer, including the braking systems. When you work with a company that knows the ins and outs of RVing, you can ensure your RV and whatever you’re pulling it with are in compliance across the country.
You’ll also feel confident that as you head out on your adventure, your vehicles are in good shape. Always have spare tires on hand for your RV and your car or truck. Get your brakes, transmission fluid, and other integral systems checked before you leave!
2. Plan How to Pack
Once your vehicles are in tip-top shape, it’s time to start packing! But this isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are entire social media groups and Reddit threads dedicated to helping new RVers pack strategically.
The first thing to consider is any essentials that you’ll need to adjust the layout of your RV around, such as disabilities or pets. Will you or anyone in your RV require extra ramps, handrails, wider spaces, or a stable place for an oxygen tank? Do you have pets that you’ll need to work around, like finding a place to store a cat litter box?
Take care of the vital parts first, then you can fill the leftover spaces with your other necessities. It’s helpful to use a checklist and break it down room by room (or RV storage area by storage area). Keep in mind how accessible you need each item. If it will only be used once in a while, try to store it above or below you. Anything you’ll need frequently should go in easy-to-access cupboards or near the floor.
Be cautious of heavy items and breakables, as while you’re driving, things may shift and fall out of the cabinets. Storing the heaviest things lower to the ground ensures your RV is more stable when in motion.
3. Plan Your Stops in Advance
This step is important. Yes, you might want to be spontaneous and drive until you find a place that interests you. But as an RVer, balancing that spontaneity with planning is vital. Each campground has its own rules, and those rules are typically in place based on the facilities offered.
For instance, if you have an extra-long RV, you can’t assume a campground has a site available that will fit your camper. Even more crucial, if you don’t call ahead to find out the route, you could put yourself and your passengers in danger. Not all roads are suitable for campers or trailers. The campground staff will let you know when you call or go online to book whether your camper is safe and whether the hook-ups are the right size for your RV’s needs.
4. Be Aware of Overnight Parking Rules
Finding a place to pull off the road and catch a few Z’s isn’t as easy to do when you have an RV. Research the area you’ll be driving through and look for potential options.
Some large parking lots, like Walmart stores, are open to RVers needing to rest overnight. However, not all interstate rest areas permit overnight parking. Truck stops like Flying J and Pilot cater to semi-drivers and, by extension, RVers.
5. Sign Up for RV Reward Programs
Traveling by RV can be cheaper than many other adventures, but finding lodging, food, and fuel still costs money. Check your Facebook groups for advice on other RVers’ favorite rewards programs, like gas stations, free WiFi hotspots, and RV parking lot-friendly and discounted meals.
You’ll need to find places where you can dump your RV sewage, which costs money, too. Rewards programs often offer discounts for that at certain locations.
Connecting with other long-term RVers and doing your research before you hit the road is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your adventure!
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