Rving Traveling with an RV has an appeal that is obvious to most. The ability to pack up your belongings and travel around the country in a portable ‘house on wheels’ is undeniably alluring. However, most people think RV travel is too complicated for them and it’s a fairly daunting fantasy to have. Nonetheless, the desire remains strong for some. If you count yourself among them, we have listed a few tips below to help you make your dream a reality.
Determining the right RV is a crucial step because it is a decision that will inform every other action you take going forward. RVs come in a great many sizes and configurations and deciding which one is ideal for your situation is critical.
Type A motorhomes are the largest and probably the most recognizable. Built on a custom frame, they feature most of the amenities of a small house. However, they are quite large and can be unfamiliar to drive.
Type B Camper Vans are essentially large traditional vans with sleeping two and have a small bathroom and kitchen. While they are large for a van, they handle similarly and aren’t particularly difficult to drive.
Type C vans are something of a middle-ground option between A and B. Larger than a standard van but significantly smaller than a motorhome, Type C vans have a sleeping compartment located above the cab, which leaves more space in the rear for amenities. They are easier to drive than Type A but offer more space and features than B.
Towable RVs offer fewer options than a standard RV, but they are significantly more affordable. They also offer the option of detaching from your main vehicle, to allow for free-roaming travel while the RV stays at your campsite.
Conventional trailers come in a variety of sizes, from enormous 35-foot models that rival motorhomes to 8-foot mini-models that can be towed with a small van. Pop-up trailers are small and compact, allowing them to be towed by an SUV, but still, provide the convenience of a kitchen while slide-in truck campers provide basic sleeping quarters in the bed of an existing vehicle. Gauge your needs and consider them accordingly.
Will you need to carry a great deal of gear? Many RVs have special storage areas and motorhomes often have a ‘basement’ storage below the living space for large items.
Where will you want to go? If you are planning on driving off-road, you may want to consider sticking to Type B’s or towable pop-ups. Knowing where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there is something to determine before you get too serious about a specific vehicle.
Additionally, you want to be aware of your state’s particular laws and requirements for RVs. Some states require a special license to operate larger vehicles, such as Type A. Additionally, you will require specialized RV insurance to cover various incidental issues and it is worth familiarizing yourself with this beforehand to help you determine costs.
This is the fun part. Determining where to go and what to do when you get there is half of the adventure! While the details are up to you, there are a few things you should consider when making those initial plans.
Make sure you preload your RV with the items that you will want or need. These are things like food, clothes, tools, etc. Keeping the vehicle stocked at all times will allow you to depart with limited hassle.
Plan your destination and route ahead of time, including plenty of time for stops along the way. Many private campgrounds are located throughout the US and most state or federal parks have spaces as well. Reservations can be made in advance and often book-up early, so make sure you have all of it squared away before departing.
Leave space for time. One of the greatest allures to RV life is the freedom it provides, so don’t shackle yourself to a timetable. Give yourself plenty of extra time to set up your RV and establish your campsite before you have to move on to scheduled activities.
Learning the ropes of RV ownership can seem overwhelming at first, but if you stick to the guidelines listed above you will be set on a pretty solid path. If you are considering purchasing an RV, or simply want to know more about them, we encourage you to contact us at (833) 685-5249 or visit our showroom located at 7405 Route 60. We are Patriot RV and we would love to show you what RVs can do for you!
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