There’s nothing quite like an RV vacation. In many ways, they offer the best of everything; modern RVs are a far cry from the basic designs of the past – you can now travel around in something akin to a luxury hotel on wheels.
That said, getting yourself ready for your first trip can be quite complicated, and it’s common for beginners to feel a little overwhelmed by the process even though they’re excited. To help you make sure your first RV vacation goes off without a hitch, here are three key elements you’ll need to take into consideration as you start planning.
Deciding Where You Want to Go
Assuming you already have your RV, your first big challenge is deciding where to go. What sort of RV trip you want (whether you want a true barebones experience or more of a glamping style holiday) all comes down to personal preference, but for most people, it’s best to choose an RV park over staying out in the wild.
There are legal issues to consider with the latter, and given that it’s your first time doing this, you’ll want to rely on the support a proper park offers.
There are many different types of parks, each of which has been designed to suit a specific need. Having decided the sort of experience you want, call up several sites in the area to whittle down your decision.
Understanding Your RV
Naturally, one of the most important factors for a successful first RV trip is to understand the ins and outs of your vehicle.
Every RV is different, and alongside learning individual quirks and how your particular model handles, you’ll also need to understand how to hook up to utilities and manage power and water usage. While it’s undoubtedly a big book, have a thorough read of the user manual. It’ll take a while to get through, but once you know how things work, you’ll retain that information as long as you have the RV (and much of the info within will carry over to other models, too).
Packing Smart
Undoubtably the biggest challenge a first-time RV traveller has to face is organizing their packing. It’s easy to become anxious about what to take with you, especially on your first trip. It’ll feel like you need to account for every possibility to the extent you’re tempted throw half the house in your RV.
The best way to begin the packing process is with a simple, premade checklist. This way, a lot of the decision-making is taken out of your hands. If you’re taking your kids with you, it’s also important to be firm. Their idea of what needs to be taken is going to be vastly different from yours!
Check Weight Limits and Balance
RVs have specific weight limits, and exceeding them can affect both safety and performance. Be mindful of how much you’re packing and how weight is distributed throughout the vehicle. Keeping heavier items low and evenly balanced will make driving easier and help prevent unnecessary wear on your RV.
Plan Your Route Carefully
Not all roads are RV-friendly, especially for larger vehicles. Before you set off, plan a route that avoids low bridges, narrow roads, and restricted areas. Using RV-specific navigation tools can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother journey from start to finish.
Prepare for Weather Changes
Weather can change quickly, especially when traveling long distances. Check forecasts for all areas you’ll be passing through and pack accordingly. Having a plan for rain, wind, or extreme temperatures will help you stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary disruptions to your trip.
Give Yourself Extra Time
Traveling by RV is not about rushing from one destination to the next. Everything takes a little longer, from driving to setting up camp. Build extra time into your schedule so you can relax, deal with unexpected delays, and enjoy the experience without feeling pressured.
Wrapping Up
Planning your first RV trip is always going to be exciting, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t stressful aspects.
Hopefully, you’re now a little clearer about what to prioritize. Take things one step at a time and don’t rush, and everything will work out how you want it. Enjoy your vacation!
