Some people love to ride planes to fly out to their destination. Others prefer to go for a cruise and be swayed in the water. Some would rather embark on a long drive using a recreational vehicle or an RV because in doing so, they feel closer and one with nature. If you are one of the latter, then perhaps this is the perfect time for you to consider getting an RV.
Ways to get an RV
Renting
If you are thinking of traveling through an RV, you have several options on how you will be able to get your hands on the perfect vehicle for you. For one, you can explore online sites that rent out RVs but first, you need to know what type of RV to go with, whether you want a motorhome, a cabover, a fifth-wheel camper, or a towable travel trailer. Keep in mind that in renting out an RV, you need to make a security deposit, with some requiring this fee when you book because it will hold your reservation.
Buying
In case you are keen on buying your RV, regardless of whether it is a used or a new one, you can pay for it in cash if you have an ample sum to make an upfront payment. Otherwise, you can explore the process of how to finance an RV through an RV loan. You can get a loan through banks and credit unions or RV dealerships. However, to qualify for it, you need to have a good credit score and a certain amount of money to make a down payment, which is often ten percent of the RV’s value.
Once everything is settled and you already have the perfect RV that you need for your journey or nature trip, the next thing for you to do is to prepare for it. Below are some of the things that you should know before you hit the road.
Take a road test
One of the primary things that you need to do before your first RV trip is to ensure that your vehicle is in good running condition by taking it in a road test or a practice drive. Consider the roads that you plan to drive on and try maneuvering your vehicle in them for you to have a good idea of the effort that you need to switch lanes or ascend hills and slopes. Adjust your driving style accordingly to ensure that once you hit the road for your trip, everything will go smoothly because you are already comfortable behind the wheel.
Bring along tools and spare parts
Make sure that you are equipped with the tools and spare parts that you may need in case you encounter any road mishap while you are traveling in your RV. There are instances wherein no matter how much you check your vehicle before the trip, something just gets damaged when you are already on the road. In this case, a well-stocked tool kit coupled with extra fuses, light bulbs, or jumper cables will prove to be beneficial.
Have a plan
Having a plan before you travel in an RV is a great idea because this will pave the way for a smoother trip. In line with this, come up with a certain budget that you can adhere to when it comes to the amount of money that you intend to spend on food, parking, and entrance fees to name a few. Also, plan your meals for you to have sufficient food supply in case you intend to cook or enough budget in case you decide to eat out.
Don’t forget to plan your route as well for you to determine alternate road options beforehand in case your primary route suddenly becomes unavailable. In planning your route, you will also be guaranteed that you get to see all the sights you intend to visit by scheduling your stops, as well as your campgrounds or where you intend to stay for the night.
Pack, pack, and pack
Since you are traveling in a large vehicle, go ahead and pack all your essentials, from kitchen supplies and food, clothing, camping equipment, and supplies, to toiletries and medication. At least 12 hours before your trip, make sure that your freezer is already running so that your food supplies are kept frozen and fresh. Depending on where you are headed, you can already pack your groceries, or opt to get them on your first or succeeding stops. Make sure to bring along the kitchen supplies that you need too.
It is also a good idea to prepare for all weather conditions by packing up some clothing that will make you feel comfortable regardless of whether it gets too cold or too hot. Utility tools are also necessary when you are camping. If you are traveling with children or with your pets, you need to ensure that you pack for their supplies as well.
Create a campground setup checklist
One thing that you should not miss is to have a campground checklist that will help you settle in faster once you arrive at your destination. One of the things that you should include in your checklist is to check for low-hanging branches or any other obstacles in the ground. You also need to locate the electrical, water, and sewage hookups because it is a good idea to park your RV near these hookups.
In conclusion, consider traveling in an RV because for sure, your experience will be worth it. Just remember to take your RV out for a road test first before your long drive and bring along with you some tools and spare parts. It will also be a good idea to have a plan and make sure that you pack all your necessities accordingly. As much as possible, also create a campground setup checklist for you to know what to do once you arrive. All these are geared towards ensuring that you will have a memorable RV trip experience.
Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash
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