We all know the feeling. You’ve been planning your family road trip for months, and the day is finally here. The kids are excited, the dog is ready to go and you’re behind the wheel of your rented RV, heading out into the great wide open.
But even if this is your first time driving an RV, there’s no need to worry. With a little preparation and some common sense, you’ll be cruising down the highway like a pro in no time. Here are a few tips to get you started:
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Decide on your route and make sure to take into account stops for food, gas, and bathroom breaks
The first step in any road trip is deciding on your route. But when you’re driving an RV, there are a few extra things you need to take into account. First, RVs can be gas guzzlers, so you’ll want to make sure you know where all the gas stations are along your route. Second, RVs can be tough to park, so you’ll want to avoid crowded areas and look for rest stops with plenty of space. And finally, RVs don’t have the best turning radius, so you’ll want to stick to highways and avoid tight city streets.
Once you’ve mapped out your route, make sure to factor in some additional time for food and bathroom breaks. When you’re driving an RV, it’s important to take your time and avoid rushing. Not only will this help you stay safe on the road, but it will also help you enjoy the trip more.
Get to know your RV before hitting the road
If you’re renting an RV, make sure to spend some time getting to know the vehicle before hitting the road. This means familiarizing yourself with all the controls, from turning on the lights to operating the water pump. It’s also a good idea to walk around the outside of the RV and check things like the tire pressure and the level of propane in the tank.
If you’re borrowing an RV from a friend or family member, make sure to ask for a tutorial on how everything works. And if you’re driving your own RV, take some time to review the owner’s manual before hitting the road.
Map out your destinations and make reservations if necessary
One of the best parts about taking an RV road trip is that you have the freedom to change your plans on a whim. But if you’re visiting popular tourist destinations or camping in popular areas, it’s a good idea to map out your destinations and make reservations in advance. This will help you avoid crowds and ensure that you have a spot to stay.
When making reservations, be sure to ask about hookups for water and electricity. And if you’re planning on doing any cooking on the road, make sure to ask about fire restrictions at your campsite.
Pack snacks and drinks for the drive – you’ll save money by not stopping at restaurants along the way road trip is all about the snacks. From chips and dip to trail mix and candy, there are endless options for satisfying your hunger on the go. And while it’s tempting to stop at every fast food restaurant along the way, you’ll save time and money by packing your own snacks and drinks for the drive.
Just remember to pack enough for everyone in the RV – including the driver! – and to keep an eye on expiration dates. Nothing ruins a road trip like a case of food poisoning.
Bring along some activities for the kids (and adults!) to enjoy on the drive
No one wants to hear “are we there yet?” every five minutes on a road trip. So be sure to bring along some activities to keep everyone entertained on the drive. For the kids, this might mean packing a few favorite toys or bringing along a portable DVD player. For adults, this might mean downloading some audiobooks or putting together a road trip playlist.
And don’t forget about the games! A classic game of car bingo can help pass the time, or you can try one of the many new road trip apps that are available.
Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for camping, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies
If you’re planning on camping on your RV road trip, make sure you have all the necessary equipment before hitting the road. Top RV accessories include things like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies. If you’re renting an RV, some of this equipment may be included, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. And if you’re borrowing an RV from a friend or family member, make sure to ask about what’s included in the loan.
It’s also a good idea to bring along some basic camping gear, even if you’re not planning on spending any nights under the stars. Things like flashlights, bug spray, and first-aid supplies can come in handy, no matter where you end up camping.
Plan some fun activities for the whole family to enjoy during down time
Even if you’re not camping on your trip, there will be times when you’re just hanging out at the campsite or parked at a rest stop. So it’s important to have some activities planned for this down time. For the kids, this might mean bringing along a few favorite toys or packing a portable DVD player. For adults, this might mean downloading some audiobooks or putting together a road trip playlist.
And don’t forget about the games! A classic game of car bingo can help pass the time, or you can try one of the many new road trip apps that are available.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance
Before hitting the road, be sure to have all the necessary documents in order. This includes things like your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you’re renting an RV, you may also need to provide a credit card for a damage deposit. And if you’re crossing international borders, you’ll need to have your passport handy.
It’s also a good idea to make copies of all your important documents, just in case you lose the originals on the road. And be sure to keep them in a safe place, like a locked glove box or storage container.
Relax and have fun! The memories you make will be worth all the effort
After all the planning and preparation, it’s finally time to hit the road! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. The memories you make will be worth all the effort.
Happy travels!
