Your RV dealers can tell you that planning a flawless RV road trip takes a lot of preparation. They will also advise you to fix any problems with your RV before you hit the road. O simplify the process, we’ve put together a list of the steps necessary to make this the best adventure you’ve ever had.
1. Consider the Details - Choose your trip destination before you go any farther. With that in mind, consider options like whether you want to pay tolls, boondock, or visit other places along the way. Make notes on a paper map to refer to as you plan the next two steps.
2. Determine Your Timing - A good rule of thumb for road travel is to expect to travel at an average of around 50 miles an hour. That allows for limited fuel, food, and restroom stops. Use a map to determine where to stop along the way so that you have a pretty good idea of how far you have to go and how long it will take to get there.
3. Budget Your Expenses - You’ll need to eat, sleep, refuel, and of course, enjoy the sights and attractions you are traveling to see. Keep in mind that things like flat tires will require money as well, so put back some cash flow for the unexpected.
4. Plan for Kids and Pets - If you will taking your kids or pets, plan for their enjoyment as well.
5. Prepare for Emergencies - Make sure you have charged fire extinguishers, emergency flashers/reflectors, a well-stocked first aid kit, your family’s medications, and anything else you can think of to prevent having your excursion put on hold.
6. Check Your Paperwork - Make sure your vehicle registration, driver license, insurance, and other documents are up to date. You should also carry a written or printed copy of any medications the people in your RV are using.
7. Checklists and Packing - Make a checklist for every segment of your packing, such as food, for the kids, for the pets, for idle recreation, clothing, etc. Go through each list item by item and visually inspect what you are packing.
8. Stowing and Securing - Those checklists you made in the previous step are your key to getting everything stored away neatly. As you pack it in, strap it down, box it up, or secure it to prevent movement over bumpy or twisting roads.
9. Double Check Your Equipment - Go back to step one and go through everything carefully to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything and that it all works. Inspect your RV from top to bottom and take it to your RV dealers for a fluid change and any necessary repairs.
10. Maps and Weather Conditions - Online maps are great, but there are still a lot of places where you won’t be able to get good reception so take along a road atlas. Check the daily weather as you go so that you are prepared for the weather ahead of you and at your destination.
As dedicated RV enthusiasts, the folks at Nohr’s RV center want every RV road trip to be exciting, and we hope this list will help you organize things to make it happen. If your RV needs any type of services, from fixing leaky faucets to adjusting your alignment, we will do everything you need to make this the trip of a lifetime.
