The Beginner’s Guide to RV Travel
Do you want to go on the ultimate RV trip this summer but it’s your first time RVing? Take a look at these essential RV travel tips that every first-timer should know.
Have you heard the news? RV’s are back, front and center in the hearts of the American population.
There were 15% more sales of RVs in the last year alone, and with sales steadily rising since the 2009 financial meltdown, the popularity of RVs has never been better.
Whether you’re young or old, traveling in an RV has something to offer, especially if it’s your first RV road trip.
With newcomers to RV travel in mind, here are 5 tips that you shouldn’t set off without knowing.
1. Don’t Overload Your RV
Before you set off on your RV trip, you need to check the maximum weight your vehicle can hold. Overloading your RV is an easy mistake for RV newbies to make, but it can be costly.
Crashing your RV while it’s overloaded will invalidate your insurance, so it could leave you out of pocket. If nothing else, it puts a heavy strain on your RV and could be illegal.
If you run into trouble, don’t worry. Check out the RV servicing solutions we offer for RV owners needing urgent RV repairs.
2. Share the Driving
Next on our list of tips for first-time RVers is designed to help you cope with long journeys. Driving can be exhausting, so if you’re driving with a partner, look to share the driving between you.
Training up a second driver is also a good idea if you find yourself injured and unable to complete your journey for any reason.
If you’ve never driven an RV before, check out these tips on how to handle and drive one.
3. Prepare for Wi-fi Not-Spots
We’re living in a digital world, and if you’re keen to share your holiday snaps with friends and family back home, you’re going to need internet wherever you go.
Lots of RV parks and public areas may come with public wi-fi access, but it isn’t guaranteed. Thankfully, you can prepare for wi-fi ‘not-spots’ pretty easily.
Pick up a mobile Wireless hotspot device that can connect to the internet over a cell phone network. This will give you internet wherever you go, although you’ll still need a good signal from your cell network for this to work. Be sure to check your current mobile device, many of them come with a hotspot option, which means your phone can easily become a wi-fi hotspot as long as your carrier has coverage where you plan to travel.
4. Never Forget Your Essentials
If you’re going RVing, don’t forget the essentials before you set off.
A basic first-aid kit is probably a good idea, packed with bandages and disinfectant at a minimum. We also think you’re going to need some wind-up torches and lamps (you won’t always have electricity to charge batteries).
There’s a whole lot of other essentials you could add to this list, so here’s an RV checklist you can use to be sure you’ve packed everything you need.
5. Be Spontaneous, but Not Careless
RV life is fun, and most of all, it gives you the chance to be spontaneous. New RVers can find this a tough adjustment, but it’s part of the fun.
If you find yourself at a location you enjoy, stay there a week or two longer. You’re in an RV, so the world is your oyster to explore!
That said, things don’t always go to plan, even when you don’t have a plan. Travel with a budget in mind, keep a full tank of gas, and have plenty of food and water to keep you going.
If you need to find a campsite to stay at, GoCampingAmerica can help you find a park in every state.
Enjoy the Fun and Avoid the Pitfalls of RV Travel
If you’re looking for freedom, RV travel offers that in spades. Your RV is your gateway to a life of fun and exploration on the road, but a little planning will help you avoid some of the more obvious pitfalls.
RV life isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for an exciting and low-cost way to travel, investing in an RV could be the best decision you make for your family.
Looking to buy an RV, or just to rent? Either way, why not contact us and discover whether our RV sales or rental options are right for your needs.
