RV travel days can be stressful and at times difficult to manage. Most RVers learn from a process of trial and error. Over the past few years we have made our share of travel day mistakes. Today we share our Top 10 Travel Day blunders and provide tips to avoid them. If you have some travel day tip, please share them in the comment section below.
Ah, the open road! It beckons with the promise of adventure, new sights, and memories in the making. But before you hit the gas and disappear down the highway, take a moment to consider the potential pitfalls of travel days. A little pre-trip planning can save you a lot of headaches (and potentially tow trucks!).
Planning Makes Perfect:
Forgetting to Route Plan: Don't wing it! Use a navigation app like RV Trip Wizard, Google Maps, or dedicated RV GPS to plan your route beforehand. We like to locate my rest stops / fuel stops along the route. This helps avoid wrong turns, unexpected detours, and unnecessary stress while traveling.
Failing to Fuel Up: Running on fumes with a heavy RV is no fun (and not great for gas mileage). Additionally, it is much easier to fill up your tow vehicle before hitching up to your RV. “Fill Up BEFORE You Hitch Up”. Know the range of your tow vehicle or RV when traveling. We average 10 mpg and refuel approximately every 200 miles. You can also using gas station apps to find the best prices along your route.
Not Checking the Weather Forecast: Nobody wants to drive through an ice storm or be caught in a downpour while setting up camp. Download a weather app and check the forecast for your entire route, including potential hazards like high winds or storms. We like to use the app OnTheWay (Apple or Google App Stores). It will show you the weather conditions along the route you will be traveling so you can make needed changes to avoid bad weather.
Not Using a Checklist: Checklists are your best friend on travel days. We use multiple checklists every time we travel. We have a checklist for hitching up, setting up camp, and breaking down camp, and for our interior checks. This ensures that we don't forget a crucial step or leave anything important behind. It’s also handy as a reminder what of what needs to be completed when the friendly camper next door comes over to chat just when you’re trying to set-up or break camp.
Pack Smart, Drive Safely:
Overloading Your Rig: This is a recipe for disaster. Exceeding your RV’s or tow vehicles weight capacity can affect handling, braking, and damage your vehicle and RV. Overloaded rigs are a major contributor of tire blowouts and braking/handling issues. Know your weight limits and get your RV weighed at a certified Cat Scale before setting off.
Not Securing Your Load: Secure all loose items inside your RV before hitting the road. I have a checklist I use for the outside (awning, hatch doors, kitchen vent, etc…) and Lisa has a checklist for the inside. An unsecured latch or a rogue object flying around during a turn can cause major damage and pose a safety risk to you and others.
Skipping Pre-Trip Inspections: Don't gamble with safety. Take those extra few minutes before departure to walk around your RV and check all the lights, tires, fluids, and other crucial components. It will be much easier to correct a problem now than on an isolated road or busy highway down the road.
Not Taking a Rest Break: Fatigue is a major factor in road accidents. Schedule regular breaks on your journey. We try to stop every two hours at rest area or truck stop and get out and stretch our legs. It’s a nice way to let everyone in the RV refresh themselves and if you travel with pets, I’m sure they would appreciate it as well.
Excessive Speed: Relax and enjoy the ride! We like to maintain a safe speed between 60-65 mph. An added bonus is a reduced speed can improve your gas mileage. There are times when you will need to pass another vehicle. Just be extra cautious when overtaking or being passed by larger vehicles.
Not Knowing Your RV Size Limits: Don't get caught off guard by low bridges or narrow roads. Familiarize yourself with your RV's height, width, and length. We have our Airstream height posted inside of our truck as a visual reminder when approaching low clearance areas. You can also download apps or use an RV specific GPS to identify potential clearance issues on your route.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Late Arrivals: Avoid arriving at your campsite after dark, especially if it's unfamiliar territory. Setting up camp in the dark is a recipe for frustration at the least and an accident at the worst. Plan your travel day with enough time to arrive at your destination while the sun is still up. We generally like to arrive in early afternoon to allow for an easy campsite set-up.
By following these simple tips, you can transform your travel days from stressful ordeals into enjoyable transitions between exciting destinations. So get out there, explore, and make some unforgettable RV memories!
Happy Camping & Safe Travels
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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