How do I plan an RV trip? (a complete guide)
By
Elaine Knight
Today’s blog post is all about: How do I plan an RV trip? Some people feel overwhelmed when thinking about how to organize a trip by motorhome, caravan or camper van, but here are 8 key steps that will help you simplify this task.
How do I plan an RV trip?
It is easy to plan an RV trip as long as you know the answer to some basic questions:
- How many people are going to travel in the RV?
- What are your final destination and pit stops?
- How long is your trip going to last?
Correct planning of your RV trip will allow you to enjoy the places you visit more relaxed and have more free time to have fun with your family, partner or friends.
8 simple steps to plan an RV trip
Defining which motorhome to rent, the route to follow, the places to visit, the clothes to bring, the number of days, the costs associated with food, fuel and accommodation, are just some of the questions that you will be able to plan properly with these 8 simple steps.
- Choose an RV, motorhome, caravan or camper van
It should be clarified that many people call recreational vehicles “motorhomes” in general, when in reality there are several types with different characteristics.
The most popular in our country are RVs, camper vans and caravans.
The motorhome and camper van are vehicles with their own engine that vary mainly in their size (the van is usually smaller). Instead, the caravan is a vehicle that needs to be towed by a car to get around.
It is also important to detail that, within each category, the different models of motorhomes, caravans or campers can offer very different characteristics and comforts.
As a simple rule, we can say that the larger the vehicle, the more amenities it usually includes, such as a full kitchen, toilet and shower, separate bedrooms, etc. although there are surprisingly equipped small vehicles.
- Plan well the route and the places to visit
Going “on an adventure” in a motorhome requires some planning, contradictory as it may seem, if we want to make sure our vacations run smoothly.
We recommend you take a map or research on the web the possible routes you want to take and the places of interest that you want to know. Check what you have available in the surroundings that you may need: parking lots, supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, etc.
Also find out about the state of the roads and the weather conditions in the area, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or if your route includes secondary roads.
With these tips, you will be able to anticipate what you may find along the way and know what you will need when you arrive at the places you have chosen.
- Don’t forget the mechanical inspection of the motorhome
In the event that you rent a motorhome, it must be up to date in terms of mechanical revisions. Even so, it does not hurt to do a general review with the owner and make sure that everything works correctly.
Check with the owner whether the tires are in good condition and also if the vehicle has a spare wheel and basic tools to know what to expect if you need them.
If you are the owner of a motorhome, a proper set-up before the holiday period – especially if you have not used it for months – will guarantee you a more peaceful holiday.
- Prepare an emergency kit
When going on an adventure in a motorhome, you cannot miss a first aid kit with basic medicines, bandages, gauze, plasters and other elements that allow you to heal minor cuts, bumps, infections, or soothe allergies, stomach aches and headaches.
Many rental vehicles already incorporate it, it never hurts to carry your own medicine cabinet that best suits your usual needs.
It is very important to also carry a list of emergency phone numbers, either written on a sheet or saved on your phone before leaving home. Do not rely on having an internet connection to search for a phone at the moment, because you may not have enough network.
In the event that you go hiking, adventure activities or simply go far away from the motorhome, it is advisable to take the emergency kit with you and a mobile device to communicate.
- Pack luggage with only what is necessary
Planning what luggage to take for a motorhome trip is often difficult for most people, especially if the trip is going to last many days. And it is that we usually put clothes, articles and accessories in excess that in the end, we do not use and only take up unnecessary space.
The best way to choose what to bring is to check the weather at your destination and make a list of the clothes, shoes, and accessories you may need each day.
Be realistic and keep in mind that you will not have the same luggage space in a camper van as in a large motorhome.
Always check with the owner of the vehicle the storage capacity of this and remember that many recreational vehicles can be rented with kitchen utensils and bedding included, so you can avoid having to take them yourself.
- Organize your luggage in the motorhome
Once your luggage and everything else that you plan to take with you on the trip has been prepared, it is time to order it properly in the motorhome.
First, identify what things you will use on a daily basis and place them in the most accessible cabinets and drawers, where they are more at hand. The rest of the things can be stored at the bottom of these cabinets and drawers or in the garage of the motorhome.
Some motorhomes come with large garages where you can even carry bicycles, canoes, and other high-volume gear. Always check the details with the owner before making your reservation.
- Places to spend the night, campsites and accommodation
Another key point when organizing a motorhome trip is to know where you are going to spend the night when it’s time to rest.
Therefore, you must plan if you are going to reserve a campsite, if you are going to camp in an authorized place or if you are going to park and rest in your own vehicle, always following local regulations.
The campsites have special areas for motorhomes and recreational vehicles where you will have connections for water, electricity, etc. The special areas for motorhomes are very safe places with all the comforts to rest.
Public or private car parks have fewer services, but you can also rest there without major problems.
- Replacement of fuel, food, beverages and more.
It is convenient to identify on your route, those places where you can stock up on fuel, food, drinks and more.
If the motorhome has a fridge, freezer and kitchen, you can store more food and cook on your own. If not, you should take into account if there are restaurants or food places in the places where you are going to stay.
If you take into account these steps that we indicate to organize a trip in a motorhome, you will surely enjoy your journey in style.
Conclusions
Our recommendation is that you consider your route carefully and find several alternatives for camping if you change plans or do not find a free parking space at the desired campsite.
If you can anticipate it in advance, with a reservation you will go more relaxed. If not, we recommend that you contact the campsite you want to arrive at least the day before and confirm the possibility of finding a place or making a reservation.
Do you have any questions, comments or tips on how to better plan an RV trip? Let us know!
FAQ on How do I plan an RV trip?
What do I need for a caravan?
There are a few essential things you will need for a caravan such as sleeping, bathroom, cleaning and cooking accessories. You will need a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit as well.
What do I need in my motorhome?
The items you will need in a motorhome will not differ too much from those you need at home. In order to make your trip as comfortable as possible, without giving up the comfort you have at home, you will need to pack absolutely essential items.
What are the most important things to have in an RV?
Personal and vehicle documents are perhaps some of the most important things to take with you on a trip, almost as if it goes without saying, you might say. But because of this, these are also the things that we tend to forget too often at home.
References
- How to Plan Your First RV Road Trip | RV Camping for Beginners …
- How to Plan a Successful RV Trip in 2021 – Nomadic Matt
- The Ultimate RV Trips Guide – (Top 10 Best RV Trips USA) – RVshare
