If you’re ready to get out and about and do some traveling again, well, make sure you dust off your RV’s cobwebs or look at renting one. Right now there is no safer way to travel than hopping into your own secure, self-contained little home-on-wheels. RV travel ensures you have everything you need on board; a comfy spot to lay your head, a hygienic place to prepare your food, and affordable, beautiful natural parks to enjoy along the way.
The Coronavirus has certainly changed every aspect of our lives, and it’s quite obvious that travel is one of those things that won’t be the same for a while. Looking towards a brighter future and exciting travel plans ahead, here are a few tips for how to start planning your next trip:
1. Plan Your Route & Timeline
Give some thought about what you want. Are you heading off to a far-off destination and need a couple of quick stops along the way? Or are you exploring a few different places in one direction, with no real destination in mind? Once you know the answer to this, you can start planning your stopping points and find the best places to stay. Planning how far you will need to drive each day is very important, especially if there are specific attractions you’d like to see along the way.
Top Tip: Leave some wiggle room for fun stops along the way and time for the kids to stretch their legs and get rid of some energy.
2. Budget, Rental & Insurance
If you’re renting an RV, the first thing to do is to find one that suits your lifestyle, family/companion size, and the type of trip you’re intending to make. Your budget will help determine your best option as well. If you’re planning a long RV trip you will definitely want insurance in case of an accident.
Top Tip: Take into account the campground costs at each stop, the groceries you will need, the fuel, and RV insurance when adding up the numbers.
3. What To Pack
Although RV travel can look a lot like camping, depending on the type of trip you choose, you’ll need to pack all the essentials from warm, rain-resistance clothing and adventure gear, to first aid kits and torches. But the beauty of RV travel is that you can also pack luxury items and more of them than if you were camping.
Top Tip: Do away with too many stops along the way – and the stress of navigating the parking at the lots – by packing a cooler with drinks and snacks for enjoying along the way.
4. Know Your Electrical Load
Although RVs can feel exactly like a smaller version of your home, remember, when it comes to electricity they are quite different. So when running your appliances, you won’t be able to use them all at once. Know your RVs load capacity and find out how much electricity each appliance draws.
Top Tip: Label each appliance with the amount of electricity it draws, so you can keep tabs on what can and can’t be used at the same time.
5. Set-Up and Break Down
It’s important to know how long your camp set-up and break-down will take. When you arrive, you have to hook up the electric and water systems. And then, to make things comfy, you may have some shade or slides to hook up, along with other outdoor area furnishings, like camp chairs, tables, and ground sheeting.
Top Tip: Chat to other RVers that you meet about what they recommend when it comes to set-up, and all things RV as a matter of fact.
6. RV Prep
If you own your RV, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve taken your rig on the road, make sure to send it in for a general RV service before heading out. If you know of any tweaks that need to be made on your vehicle get your RV repaired as soon as possible. There’s no point being safe in the face of the Coronavirus when your RV’s wheels need replacing!
Top Tip: Access your trip when you’re back. Make notes on what worked and what didn’t, so your next trip can be that much better.
Everyone is sick of being at home, but no one is rushing to get on a bus or airplane. So, it seems, RV travel is set to become the most popular travel option right now. RV rental companies have already noted an increase in bookings during the pandemic. Beware, though, that a lot of RV parks are closed because of the pandemic. So, make sure to call ahead and find where you will be able to go before you head out.
At Coach Specialists, we are here to help with all repairs, painting, and upgrades to your RV. We pride ourselves in making each RV repair streamlined and simple for our customers. And, if you don’t own an RV, have a look at the RVs we have on offer to purchase at https://www.coachspecialists.com/services/buy-sell-an-rv/
Coach Specialists are industry leaders, here to help with all your RV services. Give us a call today.
Keep safe out there, and happy RV travels.