Tips for taking a longer trip in your RV

Getting ready to explore the country on a longer RV trip? Whether you’re headed off for a one-week excursion or months-long journey, here are some suggestions and tips before you go.

NOTE: The team at Max RV Storage is not affiliated with any of the companies, products, or services linked below – we’re just providing them for your information!

Plan out your route

There are many ways to plan out your trip route with your traveling companions, but it’s a good idea to discuss needs and wants. How long will the trip be? Do you want to visit any sites on your way? Is there a destination, or is the trip all about going from place to place? Will you take the same route coming and going? How will driving be divided up? What’s your budget?

Once you’ve plotted out a route, review which roads you’re planning to drive so you can discuss where you’ll be stopping (and for how long) and so that you can make reservations where needed. If you’re a AAA member, you can get lots of free maps and planning assistance, too (as well as emergency roadside assistance if your auto insurance doesn’t cover it).

There are numerous online sites to help you find RV parks and campgrounds, as well, including Good Sam, Hipcamp and Allstays.

If you’re planning to work from your RV for part of your trip or need online maps on the way, be sure you know where and when you’ll have reliable Internet and phone coverage, as well as a backup plan in case something goes wrong. 

There are a variety of RV-focused planning apps available, too, such as the RV Life Trip Wizard and Adventure Genie, that can help you put together plans and which offer reviews, tips, and cost estimates, if you’re interested.

What to pack

The clothing you’ll pack depends on your anticipated weather and trip length, of course, but be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather conditions. If you’re packing a lot and are worried about things getting a little cramped, check out our blog post on interior storage ideas for your RV.

In terms of food, you’ll save a lot of money and stress at the end of a long day of driving if you have plenty of supplies along. It’s a lot easier to get settled in your campground or RV park and heat up some homemade chili rather than have to go back out again late at night to find a grocery store (or get your RV stuck in a fast-food drive through)!

Pack essential safety items

No matter where or when you plan to travel, there are certain safety items you should always pack in your RV in case of emergency. Make sure you have a first aid kit, extra medications (if you need them), a fire extinguisher, jumper cables, extra motor oil, batteries, blankets, flares, at least one flashlight, and plenty of drinking water.

If you need to find a hospital on your trip, you can do a Google search on your phone, but depending on which health insurance provider you have (and how far away from medical services you’ll be), you may want to plot out in-network providers beforehand so that you don’t risk running up a big medical bill in an emergency.
 

Practice driving, if needed

As we noted in another recent blog post, if this is your first big outing in your vehicle, be sure to practice driving, parking, and backing up your RV in a wide-open area before your trip.

Once you have your route in place, consider what road conditions you’ll face – such as mountains or hills, big cities, tight parking spots, narrow roads, etc. – and see if you can find ways to practice or prepare for those conditions.

Follow the weather

Weather can change drastically in just a few hours. Your phone can display local weather as you go, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re set up to receive automatic Wireless Emergency Alerts from the National Weather Service. These alerts are free with no app necessary, and they can provide you with emergency information in the case of a weather or local emergency.

One final tip: No matter when or where you’re traveling, make sure you take plenty of breaks and rest or switch drivers when needed. Don’t drive when you’re too tired – after all, one of the great things about an RV is having a comfortable place to rest all ready to go when you need it!

Stay safe and have a great trip!

Have additional tips to share? Need a secure, easily accessible space to store your RV between trips? Contact the team at Max RV in Clovis today!