Unlocking the Secrets of RV Travel: Expert Insights and Advice
RV travel has gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and flexibility for those seeking to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or someone considering their first RV trip, unlocking the secrets of RV travel can enhance your experience and make your journey more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll delve into expert insights and advice to help you make the most of your RV adventures.
Choosing the Right RV
One of the first steps in unlocking the secrets of RV travel is selecting the right rig for your needs. Consider factors such as size, amenities, and budget. If you’re new to RVing, a smaller, more maneuverable camper van or travel trailer might be a better fit than a large motorhome. On the other hand, experienced RVers often prioritize features like spacious interiors, slide-outs for extra room, and luxury amenities such as full kitchens and bathrooms.
Planning Your Route
Before hitting the road, take time to plan your route carefully. Research campgrounds along the way, noting their amenities, reservation policies, and pet-friendly options if applicable. Use GPS navigation systems designed for RVs to avoid low bridges, narrow roads, and other obstacles that may be challenging for larger vehicles. Planning your route in advance can save you time, fuel, and unnecessary stress during your travels.
Packing Essentials
Packing efficiently is key to a successful RV trip. Create a checklist of essentials, including bedding, kitchen supplies, toiletries, outdoor gear, and emergency supplies. Don’t forget to pack leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a toolkit for minor repairs or adjustments. Keep weight distribution in mind to ensure a safe and balanced ride, and consider investing in storage solutions such as collapsible containers and hanging organizers to maximize space inside your RV.
Embracing the RV Lifestyle
RV travel is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a lifestyle that offers freedom and flexibility. Embrace the slower pace of travel, allowing time for spontaneous detours and scenic stops along the way. Engage with fellow RVers at campgrounds, sharing stories, tips, and recommendations for hidden gems off the beaten path. Take advantage of RV-friendly activities such as hiking, fishing, and campfire cooking to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor experience.
Maintenance and Safety Tips
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your RV running smoothly and safely. Schedule routine inspections of systems such as brakes, tires, plumbing, and electrical components. Check propane levels and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors before each trip and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of mechanical issues or accidents on the road. Practice safe driving habits, including proper speed control, use of turn signals, and awareness of blind spots when maneuvering your RV.
RV travel has long been a cherished way for adventurers to explore the open road while maintaining the comforts of home. From stunning landscapes to the freedom of spontaneous detours, RVing offers a unique travel experience. To delve into the secrets and expert advice for successful RV travel, we reached out to seasoned travelers and industry professionals for their insights.
Q: What essential maintenance tasks should RV owners regularly perform to keep their vehicles in good condition?
“RVs come in all shapes, sizes, and types – but one task I’d recommend for ANY RV is to periodically inspect and repair your roof sealants. These sealants are what keep water out of your RV, and they’re exposed to the elements 100% of the time. These products don’t last forever, but fortunately, they’re easy to repair or replace when needed. Most people probably don’t know that you can apply new sealant right over the old – as long as it’s a type compatible with the old sealant and the roof itself. Just clean the old sealant and apply more right over it.
Another periodic task that RVers tend to neglect is sanitizing their RV’s freshwater system. The process is simple – just fill your freshwater tank with an appropriate sanitizing solution (50ppm chlorine, if you’re using bleach) run it through your RV’s plumbing system, and let it sit for at least an hour. Then drain and repeat the process with fresh rinse water. Even if you don’t intend to drink the water from the tank like we do, sanitizing is important and will keep your water from getting… funky.
One final task – and one that everyone should be doing – is tire inspection. Literally, everything in your RV rolls on your tires, but be honest, when’s the last time you simply ran your hand over your RV’s tires to feel for any bumps or irregular wear? It’s easy but is seldom checked! And besides checking for proper air pressure in your tires, you should also check the DOT codes on your tires. This will be a 4 digit code that represents the week and year your tires were made. Most RV tires will “age-out” before they wear out. RV’s are outside almost all of the time, and they don’t typically get as many miles as a passenger car. So if your DOT code reveals your tires are more than 7 years old, it’s probably time to replace them… no matter how fresh they look.”
-James from The Fit RV
Q: Are there any specific safety and security equipment that you recommend all RV travelers have?
When it comes to RV safety, I feel like the priority starts with the things that keep you rolling – the wheels. If you plan on traveling a lot, the first accessory every RV owner should buy is a TPS system. I hate dealing with blow outs and in an RV it’s not like you can feel them coming.
Tire Pressure Monitoring: The TireMinder RV TPS continuously monitors the tire pressure of each tire on your RV, providing real-time updates and alerts. This is crucial for maintaining optimal tire pressure, as under-inflated or overinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and increased risk of tire blowouts.
In addition to tire pressure, the TireMinder RV TPS also monitors tire temperature. Excessive heat buildup in tires can indicate potential issues such as overloading, excessive friction, or brake problems. By monitoring tire temperature, the system can alert you to potential problems before they escalate, helping to prevent tire failures and accidents.
The TireMinder RV TPS provides real-time alerts to the driver if any tire pressure or temperature exceeds the pre-set thresholds. These alerts can be in the form of visual or audible warnings, allowing you to take immediate action and address any tire-related issues promptly.
One of the biggest pluses for the TireMinder RV TPS is that it’s easy to install and use. The system typically includes wireless sensors that are attached to each tire’s valve stem, and a monitor that can be easily mounted in the RV’s cockpit or dashboard. The sensors transmit data wirelessly to the monitor, providing convenient and hassle-free monitoring of tire conditions.
Overall, the TireMinder RV TPS is considered a must-have for RV safety due to its tire pressure and temperature monitoring capabilities, real-time alerts, ease of installation and use, and the potential for increased fuel efficiency. By investing in this system, you can enhance the safety and performance of your RV, and have peace of mind during your travels.
I’ve tried a few different systems over the years and the TireMinder RV TPMS is the one I would continue to choose down the road. It’s easy to spend money on RV products and there are many that every RVers should have like a good toolbox, first aid kit and water pressure regulator, but a good TPS could actually save your life on the road.
Q: What are some budgeting tips for RV travel, including cost-saving strategies for accommodation, fuel, and activities?
How did camping get to be as expensive as hotels? Some start at $100 a night and dynamic pricing can spiral the cost of a site up to $250! Yet, for the last 2,830 days on the road we’ve averaged $32 a night, and half of those days included full-hookups. Off-grid camping in beautiful places is a gold mine. Mix that up with spacious partial hook-up sites between $10-$40 and you’ve hit pay dirt.
High-end glamping in a luxury Borrego Desert RV resort is within our average budget when we combine the experience with wilderness camping. When we pull out of the resort, we boondock nearby.
The expense of a permanent home-base is eliminated with Mega-resorts. Expensive on a per-night basis, Mega-resorts reward month-long stays with substantial discounts. Before our annually scheduled one-month stay, we book appointments with RV-professionals who specialize in on-site repairs. We’ve had trailer brakes installed, a refrigerator, water heater, new upholstery – we even pulled-off a heavy-duty redecoration project – all on-site. When the truck is in the shop for annual service, we luxuriate in the resort amenities – pool, pickle ball courts and pub. The mega-resort is our solution to the “home-base.”
Our dry-camping and off-grid capabilities are a mash-up of learned skills and essential equipment. With careful management, we can maintain a pleasant fourteen day stay in a desirable location without moving.
Beautiful campgrounds are everywhere. We find free over-night stays along our route with Harvest Hosts, FreeCampsites.net and AllStays. State Parks and Army Corps of Engineers parks have house-sized lots in natural settings. We use Roverpass for reviews and bookings. RV Life Trip Wizard is essential for planning. Other resources are The Dyrt, Road Trippers, iOverlander, Campendium, HipCamp, and Overnight RV Parking. GasBuddy, and SaniDumps keep us pumped.
Since COVID, weekends are booked-up far in advance. So, we plan ahead and never succumb to expensive cancelation policies.
Enjoying a successful full-time RV lifestyle is within reach for anyone with a keen skill-set for conservation and off-grid capabilities. Go forth!
-Carmen and Jim Beaubeaux from Living in Beauty
Q: Are there any legal or regulatory considerations that RV travelers should know, especially when traveling across different states or countries?
There are only a few legal things to keep in mind when crossing borders in your RV. Every state has different regulations for products like alcohol and marijuana. Use the State Lines app to see differences in state regulations like what days and hours you can buy alcohol. There’s nothing more annoying than going to buy a bottle of Prosecco just to find out Alabama doesn’t sell it on Sundays! (You will also incur a look of disapproval from grocery store employees for even asking.)
Another consideration is traveling across state lines with plants. California in particular has strict regulations on plants, and you may need to have your plants inspected before crossing their border. If you’re working remotely in California, they have state income tax requirements that may apply to you too but ask a tax professional if you’re subject to pay in California.
-Heath and Alyssa from HeathandAlyssa
Q: Can you explain the pros and cons of buying a new RV versus a used one?
So, let’s talk RVs. On one hand, there’s the allure of a brand-new rig. You get that fresh-out-of-the-box feeling, everything new and untouched. Plus, there’s the security of knowing it comes with a warranty. But then again, there’s the price tag. New RVs can cost a lot more and they lose their value fast in the first few years. And let’s face it, sometimes they come with their fair share of issues. There’s no lemon law when it comes to RVs, so you’re on your own if you get a dud.
On the flip side, there’s the option of a used RV. The main reason you buy used is because it costs less. Sure, there’s the risk of hidden issues or unexpected repairs cropping up down the line. And you might not get all the fancy bells and whistles that come with a new RV.
Now, here’s where I stand: I’ve found that the best bet is to go for a couple of years old rental RVs. These rentals have already been through the wringer. They’ve had all their kinks ironed out, and they’ve been well taken care of by rental companies. Typically, rental companies sell them when they hit around 30k miles, still in good shape and at a reasonable price. People also take care of them better, because they have to put down a hefty deposit. My first and my current RV were both rentals, and I’ve had no major issues with them. It’s like getting the best of both worlds— a little bit more affordable and reliable.
-Viktoria from Small RV Lifestyle
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Q: Can you share advice on balancing work and leisure activities while living and traveling in an RV?
For balancing work-travel-adventure I think the best thing to do is to evaluate your goals for each side of the equation. If work requires you to be available at specific hours that changes the equation. If you are simply responsible for creating results irrespective of the time, that’s a better situation. That translates into being able to figure out how long it takes to produce those results and then prioritizing how you travel and what you want to see and do. For some, there are specific goals, such as seeing certain places or conquering specific challenges. For others, it’s more leisurely.
No matter how your work-travel balance shapes up and what your taste for adventure entails, I find it best to have a visual resource you can turn to make sure things don’t get forgotten. For some that’s a big calendar on the wall, for others it’s a computer-based calendar. The computer-based calendar works best for us, and we schedule both work and travel so that we can accomplish what we need to so we can afford where we want to adventure.
The biggest challenge is incorporating travel days and accommodating the length of time between stops. For this reason, we plan our adventures around specific hubs and locations. We might plan in some long driving times so that we can then arrive at a place that we can use as a hub-and-spoke for our adventures. By doing so we can then catch the fun things and accommodate the work stuff.
Having a visual representation of the things that are important to you translates into StressLess Camping for us.
-Tony from Stressless Camping
Q: What are the essential tips and advice for beginners who are new to RVing?
Going on an RV trip is a very exciting journey full of freedom, but it involves a lot of preparation. Especially as a beginner who is new to RVing. Our first RV trip was to the Canadian Rockies and was an unforgettable trip full of adventures! But we learned a lot throughout the journey. Here are our tips for first-time RV’ers.
Select the right RV for your travel needs. Consider factors like size, amenities, and budget when selecting your RV. A truck camper with a 4×4 truck is the best option if you want to go a bit more off the beaten path. On the other hand, if you prefer more space and don’t need a 4×4 vehicle, a Motorhome is your best bet.
Plan your journey roughly ahead. Depending on the area you plan to visit, it is important to secure reservations at popular campgrounds and RV parks. Especially during peak season camp spots can fill up quickly. Wild camping is possible in some countries and areas, but make sure to always check local regulations and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Use certain RV apps and websites for detailed information. This will make it easier to find quality campgrounds, cheap gas prices along the route, dump stations where you can empty your grey and black water tanks, and other RV-friendly locations. These include of course Roverpass for campgrounds and RV Parks. But also, RV Trip Wizard and Gas Buddy are great tools to help you plan your route by considering RV-specific factors like low clearance bridges, steep grades, and cheap gas prices along your route.
-Atiba & Ilse from Digital Travel Couple
Q: Can you explain common exclusions or limitations in RV warranties?
When it comes to RV extended warranty plans, there are two main limitations: coverage exclusions and policy eligibility.
Exclusionary warranties offer the greatest range of protection, covering virtually all mechanical and electrical components. But even with the most extensive coverage, there will be exclusions. These items are typically aesthetic components, failures caused by physical damage or collisions, and common maintenance items and services. Warranties focus on the components that contribute to the function of the vehicle, so items that don’t serve a mechanical function will be excluded.
Most RV warranties will not cover upholstery, lamps, wallpaper, glass, and tires. However, your extended warranty company likely offers a wheel and tire protection plan to add to your coverage for maximum protection.
To qualify for warranty protection, your vehicle must be eligible. Fortunately, certain RV warranty brokers, like Wholesale Warranties, offer coverage for both new and used RVs! Eligibility depends on factors such as model age and mileage. However, even older vehicles can still qualify for plans at different coverage levels. Additionally, you can get coverage for a used RV, or a private party purchase.
After a certain age—typically around 15 years, though sometimes up to 20—vehicles will be ineligible for any warranty policy. Motorhomes with over 125,000 miles may also have a hard time finding coverage they qualify for. These ranges vary depending on the RV warranty provider, so it’s important to do your research. Although they come with some limitations, RV warranties are highly individualized to suit your RV lifestyle. If your vehicle qualifies, you have the option to protect your travel budget and enjoy peace of mind on the road ahead.
-Staci from Wholesale Warranties
Q: What are the top benefits of traveling by RV compared to other modes of transportation?
Traveling by RV provides a sense of freedom you don’t get with other modes of travel. You’re not bound by flight schedules or reservations; you can travel on your own time and create your own itinerary. You can reach destinations far from airports and crowds and explore however and whenever you want. RV camping often allows you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the great outdoors in ways you can’t get in a packed hotel at a crowded tourist destination.
It’s also the best way to get out and see the country while still enjoying all the comforts of home. Everything you need to enjoy your travels is on board with you – including your own bed! No matter where you go, you get to come back to the same cozy space each night, which makes being on the road feel more like home.
In an RV, you tend to have more control over your travel budget as well. You can spend as much as you like on a luxury Class A and stay at all the nicest RV resorts, or you can find a smaller rig that fits your budget and boondock for free on public lands. You’re not confined to the price the airlines set for the route you need on the date you need at the time you need. With RVing, you can adjust your rig choice and your route to fit your budget.
Finally, there’s a sense of community in the RV world that’s hard to find among other styles of travel. It’s not uncommon for complete strangers to make friends with each other at an RV park and exchange stories and tips about their RV journey. When you go RVing, you feel like you’re truly part of a bigger movement to get out there and embrace the freedom of the open road.
-Tori from RVUSA
Q: Can you provide tips for first-time renters to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience?
Record the Walk-through Process – When picking up the rental RV, use your phone to record a video as the owner shows you how to operate systems like the awning, holding tanks, slide-outs, generator, and leveling systems. If you forget how something works, you can always refer to the video.
Document the Condition of the RV When Renting – Next, take a video of the RV’s interior and exterior. Document any existing damages, scratches, stains, or malfunctioning systems and notify the owner before departing. This will help prevent disputes when returning the RV.
Practice Operating the RV at Home – After you pick up the unit, practice parking, backing up, turning, braking, hitching, setting up, tearing down, and operating the RV systems at home. This hands-on practice will build your confidence.
Rent a Smaller Driveable RV Instead of a Towable – Smaller RVs are easier to maneuver, can fit in most parking spaces, are fuel efficient, and you won’t need to tow a car behind for touring around. Motorhomes are also easier to park and back up than trailers.
Be Wary of Hidden Costs – Many rentals come with costs like mileage fees, generator usage charges, cleaning fees, dumping fees, additional equipment charges, and late return penalties. Review the RV rental description and agreement thoroughly, ask about any potential extra expenses to avoid surprises, and be sure to get a written quote.
Camp Closer to Home – Driving an RV can be fatiguing and stressful, even for experienced RVers. Camp closer to home to reduce the stress and anxiety of navigating unfamiliar territory.
-David from Go RV Rentals
Q: What are some strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while living in an RV?
There are a few ways in which we maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling full-time in an RV. For us, it all starts with slowing down our travel pace and allowing time for routine. We aim to spend 1-2 weeks in every location so that there is time for cooking and exercise. Moving from place to place is time intensive (from prepping to planning to execution) and our health is always the first thing to get put on the back burner when we’re moving a lot. Being still in one place allows us to prioritize movement. You don’t need a gym to get in or stay in shape; you simply need to make movement a part of your everyday life. It could be movement in the form of walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, yoga, stair climbing, etc. Every new location offers a new opportunity to get outside and enjoy your surroundings. Seek out the kind of environments that you love and will want to spend time being active in. Lastly, cook more and eat out less. It’s tempting to go out a lot when traveling full-time, the allure of new restaurants is ever-present. But it not only gets expensive, it’s a quick way to put on unwanted pounds. Experiment with cooking in your RV and learn the strengths and weaknesses of your kitchen. Our Vitamix blender and Instant Pot pressure cooker are two kitchen appliances we made sure to make room for as they are essentials for the healthy meals that we love. Just like living in a house, healthy habits start with making time for them. And we’ve found that the more fit we are, the more we’re able to enjoy our travels to the fullest.
-Michele from Twohappycampers
Q: How do RVers manage mail, address changes, and legal residency while living on the road full-time?
As full-time RVers for the last eight years, one of the first questions we get is, “How do you get your mail?” Another common one is, “Where do you file your taxes?” And the answer to both questions is quite simple. South Dakota is incredibly friendly to full-timers. They make it so easy to register your vehicle (they will even mail you license plates and registration papers without you ever setting foot in South Dakota).
We use a company called Your Best Address. They gave us a physical address (which is better than a PO BOX), digitize our mail the moment it arrives so we can read it from anywhere in the world, they send us our mail whenever we ask for just $1 over postage cost, and they handle our campervan registration and renewal each year. And the best part is how friendly and helpful everyone is who works there. We can’t recommend them highly enough.
Another benefit of switching your residency to SD is the lack of state income tax. Wins all around.
-Mike and Anne from HoneyTrek
Unlocking the secrets of RV travel is a rewarding journey that combines adventure, comfort, and exploration. By choosing the right RV, planning your route, packing efficiently, embracing the RV lifestyle, and prioritizing maintenance and safety, you can make the most of your RV adventures and create lasting memories on the open road. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition, RV travel offers endless possibilities for discovery and adventure in the great outdoors.