So, you’ve decided to embark on the world of RV travel. We must say congratulations. Once you get started, you’ll learn quickly why it’s such a popular way to move about.
RV’s allow you to truly immerse yourself in each location. But, they also give you a bit of familiarity since you are able to bring much more with you.
They are very convenient for multiples or even families traveling together. They’re spacious and fun for the entire group.
But, if you’ve never traveled in one of these before, it may be a bit difficult to navigate through. Along with finding your dream machine, you’ve got several other things to consider.
That’s where we come in. We’re offering our 10 best RV tips for beginners so everyone is able to have a safe journey. Read on to learn more, and happy traveling!
1. Buy What You Actually Need
Often times, RV buyers overestimate the amount of space they’ll need to get by. No, you don’t want to be overcrowded by any means.
But, you also want to make sure your vehicle is able to fit where you want to go. Some RV’s are so large they’re unable to fit into lots or designated spaces.
Make a list of must-haves and features you can’t live without. Also, take into consideration if you’re going to have guests or if you’ll be mostly a solo traveler.
2. Less Is More
Not only is less space better, but also less baggage. The obvious reason we list this is the limited space in an RV.
But, of all the RV tips, most frequent travelers will agree on one thing. You begin to realize how little you actually need in your day to day life. You’d be surprised at what you can get by with.
Many also say they find themselves much happier without the extra material items. Also, packing less means you’ll have more room to buy items along the way.
3. Check Every Appliance
It doesn’t matter how old or new the RV you’re testing is. Make sure every component is functional before deciding to purchase.
There are some things people tend to forget about that aren’t as noticeable during a tour. We often don’t think about waste pipes and hot water.
Testing may take you quite a while, but it’s worth it. This is where your list of must-haves will also come into play.
4. Get the Insurance
Accidents happen, and you want to be prepared. It cost more initially, but RV repairs will be even bigger bucks if you wait until last minute.
So, we recommend finding a good insurance company to do business with. If you neglect to do so, you’re going to risk putting yourself in a sticky situation later on.
This is especially true for people who plan to make frequent use of their vehicle. It’s a small price to pay for a peace of mind.
5. Take It Slow
Once you get on the road, what’s the rush? Don’t make the mistake of moving non-stop just to see everything at once.
Instead, make sure you’re taking plenty of time to get out and explore your surroundings. It’s said that when your travel time decreases, so does your enjoyment.
It’s stressful to move from place to place. Pick a location and spend a few days there. Make some friends, try a bunch of new places, and really get to know the culture.
6. Make Reservations
Of all the RV tips, we can’t stress this one enough. Campsites fill up fast, so make your reservations ahead of time.
This will also keep you from staying at a bad place in town. We get it- many like to go with the flow and not create an itinerary.
But, since you’re lugging a huge vehicle around, you’ve got a bit more constraint than a usual traveler. Some places even require a reservation. So, it’s good to know what you’re dealing with beforehand.
7. Get Open Signal
The OpenSignal app can be downloaded onto a phone or tablet. It provides the most up to date coverage maps for 4G LTE devices.
Internet and phone access are crucial to RV travel. It’s 2017, so it’s likely you’re not still using an Atlas to get from place to place.
Campsites don’t usually have very good WiFi signals. So, Open Signal can be a real saving grace when moving about.
8. Tire Inflator
It’s no question, your RV is carrying a lot of weight, which will put more pressure on your tires.
Make sure you’re prepared for that situation. Most RVs require a 12V tire inflator so we recommend purchasing one. Also, make sure the inflator is rated at 80 PSI or more.
They’re inexpensive, especially in comparison to what you would pay if it happened unexpectedly. It’s nearly impossible to fill up at a gas station, so these items are a must.
9. Backup Stove
Another one of our RV tips is an additional purchase. But again, this one will save you big time. You need a backup source for cooking.
Even if it’s just a tiny Sterno stove, you need something in case yours goes out. Eating out is expensive, and it certainly adds up.
Find one that can be used indoors or outdoors. You never know when or where you’ll be when you’ll need it.
10. Ask When You Need Help
The last tip we’ll leave you with is to not be afraid to ask when you need help. Your fellow RV-ers are a friendly group and are always looking to make new friends.
It’s easy to meet new people when you’re on the road. You’ll likely be at different campsites and other large communal areas.
See someone traveling alongside in a large RV? Don’t be afraid to stop and say hi to them either.
For More RV Tips
We hope this provided you with some insight on how to begin your RV travels. As mentioned above, insurance for your vehicle is absolutely crucial.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on that. We know you love hitting the open road, so we over plans to make sure you’re covered.
Contact us to learn more about our insurance services and to see what plan is right for you!