How to Prepare for a Long RV Trip

About 11 million households own a recreational vehicle (RV) in the United States. However, new RV owners usually don’t know how to prepare for their first long trip.

Knowing how to manage your RV, belongings, and destinations will make your trip go smoothly.

Continue reading to learn how to prepare for your next long RV trip!

Necessities

Before setting out on your first RV trip, you’ll need to get familiar with your vehicle. Doing so will help you understand how it works and what you need to upkeep throughout the trip.

You’ll need to start by equipping the RV with all its necessities. These necessities are required for the RV to function correctly.

Water hose
Extension chord
Jack stands
Sewer hose
Wheel chocks
Propane
Sewer treatment

Always ensure you have each of these essentials before leaving. Depending on your location, some of these things can be difficult to find.

Maintenace

RV maintenance is another thing that needs to be done before each trip. Doing so will keep your RV running correctly during your trip. Maintenace can include the motor, slides, appliances, etc.

Your motor needs to be your priority when doing maintenance. You’ll need to check the oil, spark plugs, etc. You can also take your RV to a local motor shop to get a complete run-through to ensure everything is working.

It’s also crucial to check your tires before your trip. Make sure they aren’t overworn and still have good tread. It’s usually a good idea to get new tires every three to five years.

Budget

Tripping in an RV can become expensive depending on your camping fees, fuel, activities, etc. Therefore, you must set a budget before your trip. Doing so will help keep you from overspending.

Start by setting a budget for necessities like fuel and campgrounds. You can average these prices with some research online. You’ll also need to set aside money for any emergencies along the way.

After all necessary expenses are taken care of, you can start budgeting for recreational activities and food. Always price admission and tickets beforehand, so you have a general idea of the costs.

Destinations

Planning your trip is essential for many reasons. Your road trip must be arranged so your RV can maneuver easily. Remember, most RVs are much taller, longer, and wider than most vehicles.

Therefore, your routes will need to be chosen for your RV’s size. Start by selecting the RV destinations you wish to visit. You’ll then need to study a map to find the best directions to take.

It’s also a good idea to choose your destinations beforehand so that you have an itinerary to follow. You can always add or remove destinations as you go. Always check to see the operating hours or availability of each of your options as well.

Packing

Going on an RV trip requires more packing than the average hotel stay. Since you’ll be living on the road during your trip, you’ll need more than clothes. However, RV storage can be small, so you’ll need to pack smartly.

Start by packing the clothes you’ll need for each of your activities. Remember, most campgrounds have laundromats so that you can reuse your clothes throughout the trip.

Next, you’ll need to equip the RV with toiletries your family will need. These toiletries should include all of your restroom and shower necessities. You’ll also need to pack bedding for each member of the family.

Lastly, you should pack all the food you plan on cooking or snacking throughout the trip. Don’t forget to pack all seasonings, cookware, cutlery, etc.

Campgrounds

You’ll need to find places to sleep each night as you travel. RV camping is easy with the many campgrounds throughout the United States.

After determining your route, you’ll need to start booking reservations. Most campgrounds allow last-minute bookings. However, you may need to book ahead during the peak seasons.

Most campgrounds are inexpensive and have a variety of amenities. You’ll often find laundromats, dumping stations, pools, etc.

Don’t worry if you can’t find a campground for an overnight stay. Most RVs have generators that allow you to run power without being plugged into electricity. Therefore, you can stop in truck stops, large parking lots, or public parking for rest.

Bring Tools

Anything can happen while traveling, meaning you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Always pack a set of tools so that you can make repairs if needed.

You’ll need tools to change a tire or fix any motor issues. Your tools will also be handy when setting up your RV for camping or dumping the sewer.

Drive Responsibly

A long road trip can be tiring, especially for the driver. It’s your job always to drive responsibly to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Before leaving on your first RV trip, you must understand how to maneuver your vehicle. Since RVs are much larger than regular vehicles, you must practice driving, backing up, and turning. Doing so will give you the necessary experience before driving on streets and highways.

Driving responsibly also means not driving after drinking alcohol or while sleepy. A second driver who can relieve you if needed is a good idea.

Preparing for a Long RV Trip

This guide should help you plan an exciting RV trip while being adequately prepared. Don’t forget to maintain your RV and set a budget before you leave!