It is estimated that more than 11 million US households own an RV. Disruption to foreign travel in the past few years has seen this number increase drastically. If you are thinking of taking your first RV travel, do you know how to plan?
Many people make the assumption you can simply drive off into the sunset, but a little preparation is needed. Read on as we discuss planning an RV road trip.
Get the Right Size RV
Getting the right size RV is imperative to a successful trip. Too small, and you will suffer in terms of comfort. Too big, and you lose mobility and may end up paying for unnecessary consumption of fuel, power, and maintenance.
Ideally, around 21 feet long is a good middle-ground for the RV size. This is because you can park in normal bays, avoid length restrictions, and still access slightly rugged terrain. Companies such as Leisureland RV Center (https://www.leisurelandrvcenter.com/) will be able to offer expert advice on the subject.
In addition, with a bigger RV, you get a good-sized bed and access to a bathroom. Anything under this and you are going to feel cramped. You will also be beholden to campsite facilities or the great outdoors when you need bathroom access.
Plan the Route
You may be tempted to rent an RV and go where the wind takes you. However, this romantic notion is seldom as good as it seems. You will end up spending more money and seeing very little.
This does not mean the trip has to be meticulously noted, and it does not mean you can’t veer off course. What you need is a blueprint or outline that says what you want to see, how you want to get there, and in what time frame.
Once you have this, you can look into the plan a bit further. Perhaps you could collect details of the campgrounds you may stay at along the way or places you want to eat. With so many GPS systems available, this is extremely easy and even fun to do.
Set Out a Budget
Even domestic RV road trips ideas can get expensive. By having a budget, you can ensure you don’t overspend and saddle yourself in debt, while also having enough to get you to your destination and back.
Start by costing up the journey itself. This may include RV rental or purchasing road assistance for RVs should you break down. It must also include any gas, taxes, and tolls or costs for parking.
Next, add any costs for accommodation. Sign up for Passport America and you can save money on campgrounds all around the nation.
Finally, do your budget for food, drink and leisure. Include days where you cook your own meals, and budget for eating out on the way. Leisure should include money for any sights visited with entry fees and passes.
Finding Campgrounds
One of the joys of RV vacationing is finding out where you will camp. From comfortable grounds flush with amenities to beautiful wild spots with stunning views, the US has a lot to offer the domestic traveler.
A basic campground will cost anywhere between $10 to $30 a night. This will get you a table, fire pit, and shared bathrooms. Anything over that and you can get some quite luxurious RV parks that may have pools and restaurants onsite.
If you really want to go wild, then you can take a rest in the 640 million acres of public land reserved for this purpose. You may find they are clearings in forests or spaces in deep canyons. Despite being rough and ready, they allow you to get back to nature and experience the natural wonders of the country.
Work Out What to Pack
Packing for your RV is much harder than going on a traditional holiday. There, all you need are cloths and toiletries, possibly with a few extra items included. With an RV, you are almost taking the home with you.
Start out by packing the right amount of bedding and sheets. After this, go onto essential kitchen wares. Finally, towels and toiletries should be stored away.
That leaves clothing and accessories. Clothing should be appropriate to the area you are traveling to, and if you don’t plan to do any washing, then you need a space to store the dirty clothing. When it come to accessories, try to ditch the electronics to facilitate quality time as a group.
When you rent an RV, some of the essential items may be included. Check with the rental company before you hire.
Get Insured
If you are renting an RV, then insurance may be provided, but could equally be down to you. Don’t leave it to chance. You don’t want to blow your budget by paying for damages to the vehicle, especially if they were not your fault.
Make sure you get a policy with roadside assistance for RV. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere, with no way to get the family or friends home.
Set Times
People often have the mistaken belief that travel in an RV is at a consistent speed. You may hit traffic, have to slow down for bad terrain, or just generally want to stay at a place a bit longer. To ensure you stay on track, setting a broad timeline can help.
One of the best ways to do it is by booking the larger, most popular campsites and leaving others open. This way, you will know you have to be at a specific spot by a certain time. When you are ahead, you can take some extra time and relax, or speed it up if you are lagging behind.
Planning an RV Road Trip
Planning an RV road trip takes very little effort for maximum reward. Set a budget, book campsites in advance, and plan the route. You are sure to have the time of your life.
Did you enjoy this article? We have many more to help, so check out the rest of our website. From essential sights to where to eat, we can help you plan the perfect trip this season!
