Tips for Planning an RV Trip

Are you ready to start an RV trip for the first time? Maybe you've been on an RV trip with family in the past and now it's your turn to take the lead. Either way, this is going to be an incredible experience and hopefully a lot of fun all along the way. Whether you're planning a cross-country trip, or looking for something closer to home.

RV's make travelling comfortably possible while being able to go at your own pace and relieve the need to worry about where you decide to stop each day. However, a great RV trip requires proper planning. Before you set out on your trip, Your RV Broker has put together a list of things you should think about and plan for prior to leaving on your RV trip.

Set a Destination

• Know your budget, plan your spending. Knowing how far you can travel and for how long within your budget should be one of the first things to take into account prior to going on an RV trip.
• Use Google Maps and RVRoundtable to check out where to stop, dumpstations, camping areas, and where you can be close to stores and RV repair shops along your trip.
• Reserve RV park and campgrounds spaces ahead of time to ensure you have a place to stay.
• Plan your stops around where you want to visit and what you want to see.
• Plan for sightseeing and better scenic routes. You don't have to stay on interstate highways now that you have the comfort of an RV.
• Plan out where you will stop to stretch your legs, walk around, and relax along the way.

Bring Sufficient Supplies

• Prepare clothing, equipment, and supplies that you will need for any activities that you want to participate in including:
  • hiking
  • biking
  • boating
  • fishing
  • camping
  • special events
• Plan your clothing around the different potential weather extremes that you may experience throughout your trip, especially for long distance travel.
• Don't overpack. Save space and take only what's needed. Extra baggage and equipment takes up space, weighs down your RV, kills gas mileage, and increases stress.
• Plan meals, whether the food can be stored in a fridge inside the RV, non-perishable food, or where you're going to eat out during your trip.
• Prep healthy snacks and food that can be stored and easily packaged for eating on-the-go.
• If you bring a pet, bring everything that your pet will need throughout the trip and for the extra stops depending upon the size of your pet and its needs. This can include:
  • an animal crate
  • food
  • waste bags
  • leash
  • bedding
  • toys
  • medication
• Plan for ways to stay entertained inside the RV, whether that means board games with the family, a wifi connection and laptop, books, movies, and snacks/refreshments.
• Pre-pay bills and any expenses prior to leaving for your RV trip.

Communication

• Think of how you plan to communicate your location and status with family or friends so that if you're out of cell phone range people are able to know that you're okay and safe during your travels.
• Communicate any travel changes with someone back home as well.

Prepare Your RV

• Get a regular RV roof inspection and fix any RV damages prior to beginning your trip.
• Ensure all regular RV maintenance is completed prior to solidifying your RV travel plans.
• Have roadside assistance supplies ready before leaving.
• Keep a checklist on what to inspect and keep an eye on each day before traveling in your RV.

Prepare For the Drive

• Set aside extra time for travel time between destinations to ensure you're not pushing yourself too far, too fast.
• Plan for mishaps, traffic, and weather conditions to slow you down and what you'll do if these occur.
• Stay gassed up the entire trip and stop regularly.
• Use cruise control to conserve fuel and give yourself a break while driving.