5 Things to Avoid When Planning an RV Trip

Five things to avoid when planning an RV trip.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

   When it comes to planning your RV trip, give yourself plenty of time to figure out all of the logistics, including where you plan to stay, how long you want to stay, the route to take, and the activities you’ll want to do once you’re at your destination. These details are especially important if you plan to travel during peak seasons (summers and holidays) or visit popular destinations (major national parks). Try to plan at least three months in advance to avoid rushing.

2. Only Having One Campground Option

   Even if you plan your RV camping trip months in advance, unexpected things can occur. Weather conditions, travel advisories, even accidental overbookings at a campground can leave you without a place to stay. Whenever you take an RV trip, it’s always a good idea to have one or two backup plans in case something goes wrong.

3. Driving For Really Long Periods of Time

   Driving for really long periods of time can be tiring, especially if you’re traveling with children. Long-haul trips can also be hard on your RV, so it’s important to make frequent stops to refuel and make sure everything is in proper, working order. Another thing to consider is the time it will take to get to your final destination. Even if you route your trip and see that it will only take a few hours, driving with an RV slows things down so you’ll likely need to add a few additional hours.

4. Putting Off Your RV Maintenance

   One of the best ways to avoid breakdowns or any technical issues while traveling is to get your RV checked regularly. Preventative maintenance will ensure things like your tires, hitch configuration, engine, and tanks are healthy and ready to go. We also recommend you bring a tool kit with you and learn some basic maintenance steps—things like changing your oil and changing a flat tire on your RV. This knowledge will come in handy if you’re in a remote location and don’t have cell service to call someone for help.

5. Rushing the Process

   When you’re packing to leave for an RV trip, or when you’re preparing to leave your destination and head home, take some time to ensure you have everything. If this is your first RV trip, give yourself at least two hours to pack up and check that your RV is ready to hit the road. Having a checklist to reference can be really helpful for both packing and for prepping your RV’s interior and exterior. Don’t forget to do a complete walk-through of your RV before you leave.