Whether you’re a first-timer gearing up for your maiden RV voyage, or just considering the possibility of an RV road trip, we’ve got all the information you need to skip those common mistakes so you can have a successful first trip! Before you set off on your road trip, be sure to check out these great tips for your first time out RVing!
Education and Implementation
The best tip you can take advantage of applies before you even get behind the wheel, and it can be defined as the preparation phase of an RV road trip. This phase is where you learn the ins-and-outs of your RV and how it operates. Take the time to practice setting up and breaking down your rig so once you get to your campsite you aren’t completely clueless. Make a checklist of the necessary steps and stick to it so that nothing important slips your mind. Learn how to properly secure your awning, how your black tank works, and how to best handle your rig for worry-free towing.
Pack to be Prepared
While it’s true that you’re working with limited space in an RV, that doesn’t mean you need to be skimpy when packing. After all, it’s not like you’re road tripping in a Prius. If an RV provides storage space – put it to good use! If you don’t use everything you brought along, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve over-packed. It’s best to prepare for the unexpected, so even if you don’t think you’ll need that heavy-duty jacket as you venture into the sunny south, you never know when the temperatures might drop, so bring it along just in case. The peace of mind knowing of you’re prepared for whatever the journey has in store for you will help you enjoy the journey even more.
Don’t Set Plans In Stone
While it is good to have a destination in mind and an itinerary for your journey, it’s important to be able to mix spontaneity in with your set plans. Don’t think that if you sway off course or if something goes wrong that the whole trip is ruined. You’re going to need to be flexible on the open road. This means embracing the misadventures with an understanding that they might just become the most memorable part of your whole trip!
Staying Fed On The Go
Just because you’re road tripping doesn’t mean your diet needs to consist of greasy fast-food meals and processed snacks. Instead, try to frequent farmer’s markets for fresh, local, healthy ingredients and foods. One of the biggest perks of the RV lifestyle is being able to road trip with your kitchen in tow. So take advantage of your RV refrigerator and don’t just limit yourself to items with long shelf lives.
Transportation for Exploration
If your rig doesn’t require a tow vehicle, you might want to consider bringing another means of transportation so that you can explore your whereabouts without having to disassemble your rig each and every time you want to venture beyond the RV park. You can lug a vehicle along behind your motorhome, or you can bring along bikes or even a golf cart to get around more easily. The added convenience of being able to explore with lightweight transportation will lower your stress and make the overall journey more easy-going and carefree.
Hospitable Accommodations
Mishaps are almost inevitable, and they might set you back in your travels, so it’s best to have a plan B if you’re not going to make it to your overnight destination in time. Superstores like Walmart and Sam’s Club are known for accommodating RVers in their parking lots overnight. Cracker Barrel and Flying J truck stops provide other alternatives. For a more unique overnight stay, consider agritourism! In exchange for exposing you to their way of life, farms and wineries will offer you with an on-site place to park your rig. Not only is this an affordable and exciting way to road trip, it’s also a great way to meet new people too!
Comfort Matters Inside and Out
Bring items along to make the outside of your rig just as comfortable as its interior. This could mean bringing a set of fold-away chairs, an outdoor rug or carpeted mat, and decorations to make your site feel more like home. Bringing along a folding table to set up beneath your RV awning will not only do more to enhance your outdoor living space, but it will also give you an ideal workstation for preparing campfire-cooked meals.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Stay safe around your rig with these tips
- Park your RV with the entry door facing your picnic table and fire pit
- Avoid the collection of clutter by maintaining your RV’s organization
- Follow these tips for solo RV road trips
- Use RV-routed GPS’ to make navigating easier
If you took the time to read this post, that means you’re well on your way to conquering your first RV road trip! No matter how far you travel or how long you plan to stay on the road, your first RV adventure should be one you never forget! Tell us about your first RV road trip in the comments and don’t forget to share your own tips to help out other first timers!
