Planning a vacation can be stressful and even more so if you are renting an RV and are unfamiliar with the process. There are many things to consider such as what to pack, how does the RV work, where are the best campgrounds, and what route do you take to get there. Here are some of our best tips to make your RV trip as stress-free as possible.
Plan Ahead
The best way to make sure your trip goes smoothly is to plan ahead as campgrounds and RV rentals can book up to a year in advance. We recommend booking your RV rental at least 3-6 months out to ensure you get the specific dates you need. When booking a campground we recommend booking your main destination and any other secondary locations ASAP if the time period falls on a holiday. or weekend or if it is a very popular destination.
Make Sure Your Route is RV Friendly
All routes are not created equal. When traveling in an RV you have to be aware of you the height of the RV and make sure your route does not have any low overpasses or bridges that you would not be able to fit under You also must be aware that you may not be allowed on some bridges due to wind advisories or in tunnels. Make sure you are using a truck app that will bring you on a route for larger vehicles.
Hire a Professional
If you don’t have the knowledge of RVing and want to make sure your once-in-a-lifetime RV trip is amazing, we recommend hiring an RV travel Planner like RV Trip Makers or Capital Area RV for East coast planning. They can plan a custom itinerary for you. and will work with you to make a personalized itinerary for you with stops, campgrounds, routes, and suggested activities based on your hobbies & interests.
Use an RV Trip Planning App
There are several apps out there that can help you plan and route your RV trip from start to finish. Our favorite is RV Parky which is a free app that allows you to choose your route and campgrounds and even estimates your fuel cost based on the trip mileage. Another great app is RV Trip Wizard which has the same features as RV Parky but for a fee, you can have the route and directions delivered right to your phone to use as a GPS on your trip.
Get a Camping Guide
If you love to read, there are some great books out there that can help you learn more about the RV lifestyle and help you plan your trip. Our favorites are from the creators of the RV Atlas podcast. See you at the Campground is a guide which advises you how camping can lead to a happier healthier family with useful tips if you are new to camping. Their other book Where should We Camp Next is my go-to resource to use when planning out my trips. It lists the best campgrounds state by state, giving you over 300 ideas of where to stay.
Take a Course
While YouTube has many instructional videos, it can be hard to know where to begin or what videos you can trust. There are several RV courses out there that can help you learn everything you need to know about RVing before you take your trip. RV Education 101 has multiple training and safety courses available, including a Rental orientation course that you can take here.
So are you ready to take your RV vacation? It may be intimidating but once you take your first trip, you will wish you decided to start RVing must sooner. RV Vacations offer fun, flexibility, and adventure. Book your RV rental online or by contacting our customer service team at 269-205-3349.