After comparing RV loans and shopping around for the best options, you finally have the mobile home of your dreams. Now, it’s time to plan the perfect RV camping trip and fulfill your nomad fantasy.
However, planning an RV camping trip can be challenging, especially if you’re a new RV owner. Thankfully, we’ve gathered some advice from camping veterans. So, let’s walk you through a simple checklist to help you plan the perfect RV camping trip.
Always Do a Maintenance Check Before Hitting the Road
RV maintenance is crucial to a successful trip. Always perform a routine checkup before heading out, even if your RV is brand new. Pay attention to the following items:
- Lights: Check your headlights, blinkers, brake lights, and running lights.
- Fluids: Ensure your coolant and oil levels are between maximum and minimum marks.
- Tire pressure: Always check your tire pressure before hitting the road. You can find your manufacturer’s tire pressure requirements in the RV handbook or inside the driver’s door.
- Windshield: Look for chips and cracks on your windshield. Also, check your wiper blades to ensure they’re in good condition. Finally, check your windshield washing fluid and top up the reservoir if it’s low.
- Water tank: Drain and clean your tank before refilling, especially if it’s been a while since your last trip.
- HVAC: Check your air conditioning and heating system. Nothing is worse than not having AC on a burning summer afternoon or losing heat in the middle of the winter!
Understand the 2/2/2 Rule
Experienced RV travelers know the 2/2/2 rule by heart. It is a safe and effective travel planning method. The 2/2/2 rule stands for driving no more than 200 miles in a day, stopping every 2 hours, and spending two nights at every destination.
Research the Weather
Always research the weather for your entire trip before heading out. However, check for an updated forecast every one or two days, especially when traveling during a rainy season.
Also, turn on weather alerts on your phone and navigation systems, and always pack for rain and unexpected cold waves, just in case. This means bringing waterproof tarps, umbrellas, raincoats, extra layers, and extra socks.
Plan and Budget
A well-planned, 6,000-mile RV camping trip lasting over two months may cost you between $3,000-$4,000 if you know how to budget. When planning your travel costs, take the following items into account:
- Campground and fees: Save camping expenses by booking in advance or traveling off-season. Staying at the same campground longer may also get you a discount.
- Gas: Improve your gas usage by planning your route carefully.
- Food: If your mobile home has a small kitchen, using it daily may save you a lot on food compared to eating out for every meal.
- Activities: Not every fun activity costs money, especially when you are in nature. Explore free and low-cost options before booking any expensive guided tours.
Research RV Parking Spots Along the Way
Any experienced RV travelers will tell you to research where to park your RV in advance. After all, campgrounds and RV parks aren’t your only options. For example, you may be able to find dispersed camping spots–public land that’s outside designated campsites–on forest service lands and state parks. There are also apps that help travelers find free parking.
However, if you plan on doing dispersed camping, bring a small generator with you since you won’t have any utility hookups in the wilderness.
The Bottom Line
Besides the tips above, pack a decent first-aid kit, bring copies of important documents and proof of reservations, and always keep your RV manual on hand.
Long road trips can be stressful, no matter how well-prepared you are. But by developing a basic plan, you can direct more of your focus to the journey and creating memories.
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