An RV is essentially a home on wheels—so it shouldn’t take
much planning to pull off your first RV trip, right? Not necessarily. Your
first RV trip is a great time to explore the possibilities of your new
adventures, but it’s also a learning opportunity. Think of it as a dress
rehearsal for even longer trips. Do it right, and you’ll have what it takes to
enjoy your RV to the fullest.
Here’s what you need to know.
Create a Packing
Checklist
If you’re an experienced RVer, then you likely have a few
“kits” ready to go with all of your essentials. On your first big RV trip? Not
so much. Be sure to create a packing checklist that includes all of what you
see here:
- Food and
serving accessories. Cups, mugs, plates, bowls, utensils, napkins, pots,
pans—if you need it to eat, pack it. Don’t forget your other personal
essentials. If you’re a coffee drinker, for example, don’t forget to bring
along a coffee maker or some form of instant coffee. - Hygiene
and medical supplies. You already know which medications you’ll need, so
make sure you store them securely. Bring all the toiletries you need to get and
stay clean, including floss, toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, shampoo, even
towels. A first aid kit will also make a wise investment here. - Pet
supplies. If you don’t have a pet, great—nothing to pack. If you do,
remember that they’ll need everything they have at home as well, including
plenty of food. - Sleeping
and relaxation. Good pillows, clean sheets, even a good book or tablet to
read at night—you’ll want it all. There’s no reason that you should have to
forego your usual bedtime routine as you relax. - Entertainment.
Outdoor games, indoor games, something to read, something to watch—the choice
is yours, but remember that you’ll likely have more “down time” than you’re
used to.
With your checklist firmly in place, let’s get to the
actionable tips you can take to make your RV ready for the road.
Scheduling Your Trip
in Advance
Once you become an old hand in the world of RVing, you’ll
feel confident throwing caution to the wind and making spontaneous plans. But for
your first RV trip, it’s a better idea to plan everything in advance and know
where—and when—you need to be:
- Call the
campground ahead of time to learn what you’ll need. Do they have specific
hookups that you can use when you’re there—and if not, what are they missing?
What will you need to bring with you, and when should you arrive? These sound
like basic questions, but the sooner they’re answered, the sooner you’ll be
able to enjoy yourself. - Plan an
activity or two. It’s easy to say “we’ll camp for the weekend,” but think
about what that entails. Are you going to stay around and read? Go for a hike?
Try out some of the local festivities in the area? Plan at least one activity
to try something new—if you don’t like it, you can always retreat to the
comfort of your RV. - Take the
time to navigate. A GPS is a great thing to have, but it doesn’t hurt to
check out your trip in advance to see if there are any confusing intersections
or road names that might throw a wrench in your plans.
Stock Up On RV
Cleaning Products
Don’t forget to plan for emergencies, either. We have the RV cleaning and sealing products
that will help you keep your RV clean and prepare you for the mobile life.