For many, the perfect vacation is waking up and being within striking distance of the day’s hike, paddle, or climb and then ending the day with a nice beverage by the campfire. As a result, camping and RVing have always been very popular activities. In an RV, you can stay longer and bring your accommodations with you. This appeal has led to a recent resurgence in RV popularity as Americans are once again hitting the open road to explore the country and enjoy the great outdoors.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, outdoor activities were some of the only safe options for family vacations. Throughout much of 2020 and 2021, many people set out to explore the many parks and natural wonders of the United States. As a result, many RV dealers have reported increased sales and strong trends. Recent forecasts predict that there won’t be a slow down at RV dealerships any time soon. If you have purchased an RV and looking forward to your open road adventures, consider a few things.
One of the biggest things to consider is that unlike going to a hotel or an Airbnb, you have to take everything with you on an RV trip. Planning an RV trip will require time, research, and diligence. From your destinations and your route to the packing and planning, there is a lot of work that will go into putting together your RV trip. Let’s take a look at packing and preparing for an RV vacation.
RV Preparations
Before you take your RV out on the open road, there are a few things that you will need to do to get it ready for the journey. You should first begin with a roadworthy check-up. The last thing that you want is to end stranded with mechanical issues in the middle of nowhere. You’ll want to make sure all of the major systems and tires are in working order and that the engine is in optimal condition. You can take your RV to a certified mechanic to make sure everything is in good shape. Doing a check and making sure that your RV or motorhome is in excellent condition will give you peace of mind as you hit the road.
Aside from your safety and mechanical check, you might also want to check the warranty. An RV warranty will help cover a wide range of mechanical components should something require service. A warranty will provide a service plan that ensures that you only have to pay a deductible instead of large repair bills for everything from your engine and freshwater system to your air conditioners and slide-outs. If your manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you should consider an extended warranty for peace of mind and financial protection.
Packing
The majority of what you pack will depend on the length of your trip, your destinations, and your activities. The one certain thing, however, is that you will do a lot of walking. Most RVers hit the national parks and other natural areas where a lot of hiking is involved. You will want to be sure to bring good sneakers or other footwear to help prevent foot pain and painful blisters. Something else to consider bringing is shoe insoles or inserts. The best insoles will provide cushion and arch support for all of the walkings that you will be doing.
Additionally, you will want to prepare for all types of weather conditions and climates. If you are going out west, the desert areas of America can be very hot during the day and significantly cooler at night. In states like Florida, rainstorms can pop up at any time and last 5 minutes or an hour. You’ll want to make sure that you pack and prepare for anything.
Preparing for an RV trip will take time and consideration. Your vacation out in the open can be an incredible experience as long as you plan for the unexpected and pack for any adventure.
