5 Tips For An Awesome Motorhome Vacation
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No matter where you’re going in your RV, you are going to make memories that last a lifetime. Adventure is always just around the corner when you take a vacation in an RV – even if sometimes that adventure isn’t quite the one you planned. Flat tires, unexpected breakdowns, long stretches of driving between campgrounds, and driving difficulties can definitely dampen the spirits of even the most intrepid of RV adventurers.
Have An Awesome Motorhome Vacation With These 5 Tips
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can prepare for your road trip to ensure that you only experience the good kind of adventures while out seeing the sights and riding the highways. Here are 5 tips for making sure your next rv vacation is one fun-filled day after another.
Tip #1: Prepping Your RV
Whether it’s a rental or an RV you own, there are a number of steps you need to take to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order for the trip before you head out on the open road.
- Make sure you are keeping up with the scheduled maintenance on your RV. Oil changes are one thing, but fluids, filters, hoses, belts, and spark plugs all need checking before you take your trip. You should also do a maintenance check of your onboard generator as well.
- Make sure fluids are topped off and in good condition (overused or worn out transmission fluid and coolant are a different color than fresh fluid).
- Do a battery check and clean terminals or add distilled water as needed.
- Inspect the engine compartment for leaks, oil stains, over-tight or loose belts, and any dirt or debris.
- Check your tire treads, wear patterns, and pressure.
- Ensure that there are fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check fire extinguishers for charge, and always make sure you bring spare batteries for your safety gear in case of failure.
- Wash your RV thoroughly and check your seals around windows and doors
Rental RV places normally perform these checks for you, but you should review the checklist with the service representative before taking possession of the vehicle for your journey. If you are an RV owner, make sure you bring a good toolkit, spare parts like fuses and light bulbs, and any parts that are unique to your RV that may need repair or replacement along the way. Having these available is a lot faster than breaking down and waiting for a part to be shipped.
Tip #2: Make a Master Plan, Don’t Try to Wing It
As tempting as it is to just get up and go, it is often a recipe for disaster. Here is what you should plan out in advance:
- Trip Budget: Decide how much can you spend on food, fun, and overnight stays in RV parks or campgrounds, as well as the occasional hotel/vacation rental stay.
- Food Supply: Plan what to buy and how often you can eat out.
- The Route: Pick the way you plan to go as well as alternatives in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Stops: Pick out the national parks, adventure parks, cities, and other locations you want to visit on your trip.
- Campgrounds/RV Parks: Plan out where you plan to stop along each of your routes to call it a day and make camp for the night.
Tip #3: Spend Some Time Learning How Your RV Works
Whether you rent an RV or own it, you need to get familiar with features and how to operate all the accessories. Learn how many amps your main breaker can handle, how the water, electrical, and sewage lines work and where they are, and how to operate any awnings, slide outs, or similar features on your RV before setting out on your trip.
Tip #4: Practice Your RV Driving
Think about the kinds of driving you will be doing on your trip, and what the terrain will be like. Take a shorter test trip before your main journey begins to makes sure you know how your RV handles. Practice changing lanes, exiting and entering highway traffic, and maneuvering up, down, and around elevation. A practice drive will also give you a better idea of what shifts in the main compartment during travel when maneuvering, so you will have a better idea of what needs to be secured before moving.
It is also a good idea if you can to bring or drive a secondary vehicle along for the journey to drive on short distance excursion from the campground. It is much easier to park your car or SUV at a national park or theme park than it is to park a large RV. It also beats walking in the event of a breakdown!
Tip #5: Make Your Campground Checklist
Establish a regular routine for whenever you park the RV at a campground. Using a checklist and delegating responsibilities is a great way to make your daily stops are a short part of the day before relaxing and resting up for the next day. Here are some ideas for what needs to be on the list:
- Check your campsite for any ground obstacles (roots, debris, logs, etc.), as well as any low-
hanging branches - Find your site’s electrical, sewage, and water hookups
- Park your RV as close to the hookups as you can, then level it with stabilizing jacks or blocks so that it rests evenly for the night.
- Chock your wheels even if the parking brake is engaged
- Plug in the electrical line and switch your onboard appliances to pull from external current instead of the generator or battery power (this is usually a very clearly marked breaker switch)
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves and connect your sewage hose to the drain hookup. Trust us, you will want to wear the gloves!
- Setup your awning, then get the rest of your campsite together for the night.
Start Your Adventure!
Following these 5 tips for a great motorhome vacation will ensure that you and your loved ones can spend quality time traveling together and making memories to last a lifetime. Plan the important parts out, and you will make your vacation a trip to remember for years to come.
Interested in purchasing or renting an RV for your next road trip or extended excursion? Kirkland RV Sales has many affordable options available that can suit just about any budget and lifestyle. Contact us today to find out how we can help you make that trek of a lifetime in and RV.
