According to the RV Industry Association, 10 million households own recreational vehicles (RVs).

While RVing used to be associated primarily with retired people, the ages for people owning RVs now range from 25 to 75.

That means many millennials are also now enjoying the RV lifestyle, too.

This comes as no surprise since RV trip planning lends itself to adapting to many different types of vacations from weekend stays to several months. RVs make it possible to stay just about anywhere in comfort and convenience.

Plan ahead for your RV trips to make the most of your vacation time. Here are some tips.

RV Trip Planning Tips

Traveling by RV has a lot of perks. You can take a lot more of your stuff with you on vacation. You can stop along your route anytime you like.

You can also venture off the beaten path, traveling through areas you wouldn’t see by taking a train or plane.

But any great trip requires good planning. By knowing where you plan to go and what you plan to do when you get there, you will know what you need to pack.

And, if you’ve made arrangements in advance, you’ll know you have a great spot to set up your RV each night and already be familiar with the accommodations and local area.

Below are some great tips to make your next RV trip even better.

1. Start Planning Early

Some campgrounds and RV parks book up many months in advance.

So if there are particular spots you know you may want to visit or stay at in the future, spend some time checking out their normal booking schedules now.

Put reminders on your calendar if necessary to remind you to follow up if the information you need isn’t available yet for a particular site. Some may say to check back at a particular month or date.

2. Plan Your Route

Many people may know where their destination for their trip while others may be traveling in a loop for sightseeing.

When planning your route, you’ll want to plan RV traveling based on how many hours a day you can comfortably drive. You will need time for breaks to get out and stretch your legs and to keep the driver alert.

Rather than just stopping when it feels right or necessary, take some time before you leave home to look at some online maps and investigate some of the places along your route for possible places for your breaks.

You can also note the truck stop gas stations for where to get gas, making it easier for you to get in and out with your RV. You’ll also want to make note of toll roads to avoid (if possible) and plan around narrow road conditions.

Depending on your RV road trip timeline, you may have time for extra sightseeing and checking out local attractions. Be sure to add these stops into your plans so you can add additional overnight stops to your itinerary if needed.

3. Make Reservations Before Leaving Home

As soon as you have your route planned, you can begin making reservations. This will include renting an RV if you don’t have your own.

Consider your budget and your preferences when determining where to stay. Different parks and campground offer various options in what amenities they offer.

Be sure to print out confirmations for all reservations to bring along with you on your trip. Don’t rely on being able to pull the information up on your phone or tablet to show the park ranger or campground manager. You may not have cell service at some locations.

4. RV Park Apps

There are many apps available to help RV travel planners. Everything from maps, weather, where to find gas and stations accessible for larger vehicles, to a vast array of places you can park your RV for the night.

Check out and download apps to help make both your trip planning and your trip itself easier. Some are free but you may find some are worth the money.

5.  Make a Packing List

Once you know where you’re going and have a good idea of what you’ll be doing once you get there, it’s time to make a packing list.

You may find it easier to break things down by category to think about what you’ll need to take. Clothing, cooking, swimming (or other sporting activity), bathing are some of the categories requiring unique items to bring along.

Also, make notes to be sure to bring along any documentation related to the service and maintenance for your RV. Along with information for your RV insurance, AAA or other membership cards, and tools and other items to maintain your RV on the road. You’ll also need items like bungee cords to secure items during travel.

While on your trip, note down anything you needed to buy that you forgot to bring along. So you’ll remember to bring it next time.

Keep your updated list for future RV road trip planning.

6.  Label Your Electronics (or Make a List)

Since your RV has its own electrical circuit, you will need to know how much of a load it can handle at one time. So do some homework before traveling to determine your RVs electrical load and how much the appliances you plan to take need in order to run.

Then label your electronics with the amount of power they need to run. Or make a list and post it somewhere it will be easily viewable inside your RV.

By knowing these amounts, you will be able to plan your activities to keep your power usage within safe limits. For instance, you may not be able to run your heating or air conditioning while preparing meals.

7.  Make Sure to Secure Items Before Traveling

To keep you and your passengers safe while traveling, make sure to secure anything you have added to the RV each time you move from place to place.

It doesn’t take much of a turn or a huge break in speed to send things hurling into the air. Use bungee cords, cabinet and door locks, and any other items appropriate to your needs to keep items in place while your RV is moving.

Start Planning Your RV Trip Today

There are so many options for where you can go and see when you plan RV trips. Mountains, deserts, lakeside, national parks, and forests are just a few of the options available to you.

So start your RV trip planning today and turn your travel dreams into reality.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about traveling by RV or if you are looking to rent or buy an RV.