Road trips have a certain spark to them that ignites your fuel for adventure like nothing else. Summers are a primetime for many people to go on a road trip. Many newbies wish they could embark on such a journey that creates lifelong memories with your loved ones. However, it can seem overwhelming to plan a RV Road Trip. How much will the fuel cost? What if the RV breaks down? Where do we go? And should we just get a plane ticket for the vacation?
Fear of the unknown can kill your desire, and leave your road trip dream hanging. So in this blog we will discuss How to Plan Your First RV Road Trip so that you take the first big step and the adventure goes seamlessly.
1. Choose the Right RV
For the RV Road Trip of your dreams, you need to first choose an appropriate RV. It has to be able to fulfill your seating requirements, the amenities you desire, whether it is towable or drivable, and whether it can comfortably accommodate the whole traveling group.
Types of RVs
- Class A Motorhomes: These are the largest types of RVs, that have capacity for up to 10 people, they feature a full size kitchen, bathroom and shower, and ample space.
- Class B Motorhomes (Camper Vans): These are smaller but easier to drive which makes it more popular among the newbies. These usually compromise on amenities like kitchens and a proper bathroom. Instead featuring a basic kitchenette and a bucket toilet.
- Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are a blend of Class A and B. They strike the balance between size, and maneuverability, whilst still maintaining all the basic amenities.
- Travel Trailers: These are RVs that are towable by your everyday vehicles, they come in different sizes with different levels of amenities, with the main benefit being, your primary vehicle can easily be detached mid trip to explore the city easily.
- Fifth-Wheel Trailers: These are towable RVs with space and amenities comparable to that of a Class A Motorhome. That means it requires a serious vehicle with lots of torque to pull it, something like a heavy duty pickup truck.
When deciding on what RV to get, consider factors like the size of your travel group, how comfortable you are driving a larger vehicle, what amenities are more important to you and how much space you are going to need.
2. Plan Your Route
Once you got your RV then the next thing to decide is where to go. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family, but you can also go on the internet to search for places you want to go to. On the internet you can get a better idea, by reviewing photos and reading reviews from other RVers on different social media platforms to get a better idea. This can connect you to some of the most famous places and even some of the hidden camping destinations.
As a first time traveler, it is always recommended to stay within your state and not go too far. Do not plan for long trips and far away destinations. Also, when choosing a destination consider road conditions and route as well. You would want an easy route with no twisty and bendy turns if you are not yet fully used to the dimensions of an RV while driving.
Route does not just include destinations but also where you want to stop mid way. Plan your potential fuel stops, coffee runs and food stops beforehand so you don’t have to wander around on the spot.
Most parks and campgrounds require a booking especially during the peak season, so make sure to book a spot beforehand. Reservation may have to be made months in advance at more popular spots so plan everything accordingly.
3. Allocate a Proper Budget
When traveling make sure to estimate your costs and create a budget. This way you are not taken by surprise and know what to expect and realize any places you might want to save money. Main costs to consider include:
- Fuel costs: Consider local fuel prices, average mileage of your RV, and the total distance you plan to cover.
- Campground fees: Research all your stops and how much it would cost at each park or ground.
- Food: All your eating costs, include any meals or snacks you plan to make on the road, and any stops you plan to take to dine out.
- Damages and miscellaneous expenses: Your journey may get wild getting caught in a storm and whatnot, so expect some maintenance and repair costs.
RV fiberglass can sometimes crack and chip in journeys so try to contact RV fiberglass experts as soon as you can to avoid a much larger problem.
4. Prepare Your RV
Before hitting the road, ensure your RV is in top condition. Perform the following maintenance checks:
- Tires: Check the tire pressure and tread. Replace any worn-out tires.
- Fluids: Top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged and in good condition.
- Lights: Check all exterior and interior lights for proper functioning.
- Brakes: Inspect the brakes and replace worn-out pads.
Make sure your RV has no major damage before the trip, and incase of a major problem, contact a professional RV renovation company.
5. Embrace the RV Experience
Finally you are ready for the trip. Now all that is left is to leave your home and leave with a positive mindset. Make sure to enjoy the journey, and be ready for the unexpected, i.e roadblocks, Bad weather and any unforeseen circumstances. Consider them a part of your journey.
Make new RV friends and become part of the incredibly supportive community, join online groups and platforms. Also do not be afraid to ask for help from fellow campers when setting up for the first time at your campsite.
Conclusion
To conclude, through proper planning your RV trip may start to seem less daunting. It just requires you to be prepared a little more than traditional vacations, and honestly, it is worth it. Start small with a short journey of two to three days for your first trip, and make sure it is a close destination, have all your costs allocated, and don’t worry about overspending a little if you want to enjoy any local activities etc. It is a trip for fun after all. Make sure your RV is all set, make sure you pack all your essentials and snacks, and happy RV-ing.
