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Travel Planning

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RV travel has been a popular choice for vacations in recent years, providing travelers with the freedom to explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home. However, choosing the right RV for your trip can be a daunting task, especially for first-time renters. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect RV for your next adventure.

Types of RVs

There are several types of RVs to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, offering spacious living areas and amenities such as full kitchens and bathrooms. Those of class B campervans are smaller and more agile, making them a great choice for travelers who want to explore cities and national parks. Lastly, class C motorhomes are a mid-size option that combines the features of both Class A and Class B RVs. Travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers are towable RVs that can be attached to a pickup truck or SUV, providing travelers with the flexibility to detach and explore once they reach their destination.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an RV

When choosing an RV, there are several factors to consider. Size and sleeping capacity are important, as you’ll want to ensure that everyone in your group has a comfortable place to sleep. Amenities such as kitchens and bathrooms can also be important, depending on the length of your trip and your preferred level of comfort. Budget is also a key consideration, as RV rental prices can vary widely depending on the type of RV and the rental company.

Another important factor to consider is driving experience and comfort level. If you’re not used to driving a large vehicle, a Class A motorhome may not be the best choice. It’s important to choose an RV that you feel comfortable driving and that you can safely maneuver on the roads. Additionally, campground restrictions and accessibility should be taken into account. Some campgrounds have size restrictions and may not be able to accommodate larger RVs.

Renting an RV

Renting an RV can be a great way to try out RV travel without committing to purchasing an RV. There are many advantages to renting. This would include the ability to choose the perfect RV for your trip, the ability to upgrade or downgrade as needed, and the flexibility to plan your trip around your rental period. When renting an RV, it’s important to choose a reliable rental company. Read reviews and check the company’s policies to ensure that they have a good reputation and that they offer the services and amenities that you need.

Preparing for Your Trip

Once you’ve chosen the perfect RV and rental company, it’s important to prepare for your trip. Packing essentials for an RV trip may include bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear such as chairs and a grill. Safety tips for driving and camping in an RV should also be taken into consideration. RVs require a different driving approach than regular vehicles, and it’s important to practice safety on the road. Additionally, campground safety tips such as setting up camp in a level spot and ensuring that your RV is properly secured should be followed.

Planning your route and itinerary is also an important step in preparing for your trip. Consider the length of your trip, the destinations that you want to visit, and any activities that you want to participate in. Make sure that you have a rough itinerary planned, but leave room for flexibility and spontaneity.

Conclusion

Finding the right RV for your trip is an important step in ensuring a successful and enjoyable RV vacation. Take the time to research the different types of RVs and rental companies in your area to find the perfect match for your needs. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have a fantastic RV adventure that you’ll never forget. Once you’re done choosing the RV to rent out, the next thing you need to figure out is how to prepare for emergencies.

While preparations for your next RV trip can be an exciting exercise, many (like myself), feel somewhat overwhelmed at the prospect of planning out stays and activities for a family of five in a home on wheels.

My mind seems to always go to the worst-case scenarios (which drive my husband and kids absolutely bonkers) as I admittedly have an inherent need for a thorough plan in place for every scenario.

Eventually, thankfully, I get through it, and once the planning process is over, I can focus on having actual FUN!

The benefit for you – fellow reader – is that I’ve come up with the bones of a good emergency preparedness for RVer that you can use on your next RV adventure.

Step1:  Roadside Assistance

The first step we take as a family is plot the time and trajectory of our trip, which for me – this is the most fun part of the planning process.

The end result is a list of places and dates we’ll be staying.

To state the obvious:  this is important information for not only campground reservations and event planning, it also lays the groundwork for the roadside assistance number I need to look up just in case our RV gets a flat, engine blows, or battery dies (among other things).

In a notebook I Google the date and destination, and jot-down the best rated towing service or roadside service companies in the area for quick reference.

(If you’re ever in the Dallas Fort Worth area, I can vouch for Premio Towing Service – they’ve helped us here recently when our Starcraft RV wouldn’t get out of the driveway!)

While this may seem like overkill, I’ve actually used the list two times in as many years for a flat tire and dead battery, once where the service had to tow the RV to an auto repair location.

Step 2:  Vehicle Maintenance

Closely related to emergency roadside assistance is proper vehicle maintenance.

The idea is:  if you properly maintain the RV, you can avoid preventable vehicle issues.

Just like any gas or diesel-powered piece of machinery, your RV needs to be properly serviced on regular intervals.

So before you leave ensure that your RV has had it’s…

  • Oil changed
  • Transmission fluids filled
  • Coolant fluids topped off
  • Windshield wiper fluid topped off
  • Hydraulic Brakes – check pads . rotors/ drums / linings checked (! Super Important if you’re driving in the mountains)
  • Air Brakes – check / replace filters (I like to have one on hand in case of failure)
  • Battery tested
  • Belts checked / replaced
  • Tires – aligned and checked for wear
  • Spare tire – properly inflated

Also note, I keep a log of the PM items we’ve completed with dates in the glove department so I can reference it later.

Step 3.  Pack An Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should have a proper emergency kit in case of an emergency roadside need.  Prior to the trip I make sure to check the integrity of the kit items as many of the items can expire.  Here’s what we pack before every trip

  • 3 Gallons of drinking water
  • Jumper cables
  • Multi-purpose utility tool
  • Reflective road triangles
  • Reflective vests for the family
  • Compass
  • First Aid kit (make sure it has a snake bit kit!)
  • High, non-expiring dry foods, bars, fruit, and / or candy. Enough for 2 days.
  • Portable cell phone charger / power banks (ensure that it is charged prior to departure
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Rain ponchos
  • Warm blankets or sleeping bags, one for every family member
  • Shovel
  • Cash
  • Hiking shoes
  • Warm Clothes
  • Spare tire jack
  • Sewing Kit
  • Bug Spray
  • Emergency toolbox (wrenches, screwdriver, rope, ratchet straps, duct tape)
  • Paper map of areas visiting

Step 4:  Pre-Launch Checklist

A few days before we leave I like to go over a checklist of RV-specific items that should be prepped prior to the trip.  These include:

  • RV Jacks: Test before leaving and make sure they are up prior to pulling out of the driveway
  • Water Heater / Filters
  • RV Generator: Empty old gas, top-off with new and run generator prior to leaving.  Make sure you have all necessary wires and cable stowed.
  • Carbon Monoxide / Smoke Detectors Check
  • Sideout Check: If you have a sideout, ensure that the hydraulic work smoothly
  • Exterior / Interior Lights: Ensure all lights turn on and function.  Have spare bulbs on hand
  • A/C Check

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Hopefully this comprehensive list above has helped take some of the worry out of planning for emergencies so you can concentrate on looking forward to planning the fun adventures on your next RV Roadtrip.