17 Things to Know Before Planning Your First RV Trip
Most people dream of traveling in an RV at least once in their lifetime. The popularity of RVs continues to rise across the world. It definitely helps that camping is the perfect pandemic friendly activity!
One of the main appeals of traveling by RV is the ability to downsize and simplify life. Living in an RV gives you the freedom to explore anywhere your heart desires. But there are a few important things you need to know before you plan your first trip. Of course, traveling in an RV is not the same as staying in the comfort of your own home.
The very first thing you should know before planning an RV trip is about the battery. It is highly recommended to know how long RV batteries usually last. You definitely don’t want to get stuck on your next adventure!
This post helps break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling in an RV.
What are the advantages of traveling in an RV?
1. Only unpack once
Similar to the benefits of a cruise, traveling in an RV gives you the ability to see multiple destinations without the need to constantly unpack and repack your things. You only need to unpack once! After that, you are all set to visit multiple locations and fully enjoy what each destination has to offer.
2. Cooking on the go
Traveling in an RV gives you easy access to cook your own meals. Cooking “at home” helps save money by avoiding pricey restaurants. Food is readily available at your fingertips which reduces the time wasted waiting for your food. Finally, by cooking your own meals you can also choose to eat healthier compared to most food offered at fast food restaurants.
3. Sleep anywhere
The worst part about traveling is the amount of energy it takes to get from one destination to the next. But the best part, if you travel in an RV, is that you can stop anywhere you want and get some rest. Some of the best places to stop are Walmart, campsites and even some breweries! The added advantage is avoiding hotel bills that quickly add up on longer trips. You can stay for free at many different places including Walmart and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands.
4. Easy access to a bathroom
If you are traveling in a car with your kids and suddenly one of them needs to go to the bathroom, then you need to find a gas station ASAP! Sometimes it isn’t always that simple. However, if you are traveling in an RV, then there is no need to search for a bathroom! Almost every RV comes with a toilet. That is a major plus!
5. Efficient use of time
If you are traveling in an RV you can use your time wisely by alternating drivers. This setup allows you to stay on the move. You don’t even need to stop to work or sleep. You can simply use your dining table for a workstation or take a nap in your bed. The kids will easily stay occupied in the back of the RV by reading a book or watching a movie.
6. Campgrounds are fun
You will likely stop near campsites or campgrounds when traveling in an RV. Campgrounds often come with a lot of amenities like swimming pools, mini-golf, go-karts, etc. Campsites are also a great place to meet other travelers and make friends.
7. Bring your bicycles
Compared to cars, RVs offer additional storage space. Some people prefer to ride a bicycle to reach nearby spots in the campground. An RV allows you to carry your bikes by using hitches.
8. Charge all your electronics
Every RV comes with a set of electric outlets where you can charge all your gadgets like cell phones, laptops, cameras, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more. You will never run out of a charge!
9. Camping with less hassle
Setting up a tent at night is always a tiring process. But if you travel in an RV there is no need to set up your tent for sleeping as it comes with beds. So you can sleep instantly and comfortably.
10. Easy to drive
Most people think that driving an RV needs special care and attention because it is bigger than a standard car. However, most RVs are just as easy to drive! Also some RVs like Class - C do not require a special license to drive them. You can drive them with your standard license right away.
What are the disadvantages of traveling in an RV?
These are some of the disadvantages if you travel in your RV.
1. Sporadic Wi-Fi
If you are working on the road and depend on the internet for your job, you may run into some sporadic Wi-Fi on your travels. Most campgrounds have public Wi-Fi but it is often used by a lot of people in one small area. This significantly reduces the internet speed. Not only this, some campgrounds have only one router. If you are very far from the office then you won’t get good signals. If Wi-Fi is important to you, then we recommend carrying a Wi-Fi hotspot with you.
2. Buying an RV can be expensive
RVs can cost between $10,000 to $450,000 or more, and anything above a Class C Motorhome will be pricier than a luxury vehicle. Instead of buying an RV outright, you can check out a few RV financing options that work within your budget. You can also get preapproved to see how much you can afford.
3. Finding places to stay
Hotels are pretty easy to find on most road trips. But if you are new to RVing, you might face problems finding a place to park for the night. Walmart parking lots are always a good option if campsites are full or if you don’t want to pay campground fees. A few helpful apps to find camping spots include: The Dyrt, Recreation.gov and iOverlander.
4. Water supply
Usually, when you are at your home you don’t need to worry about your water levels used for drinking or washing dishes. But this is not the case in an RV because you can’t find water anywhere. As a result, you need to use water in a limited manner. If you stay at a campground, try to fill your tank before leaving.
5. Limited space
This is to be considered when you are purchasing an RV or renting an RV. Usually, RVs come with limited space. So you need to adjust with all your family members in that limited space. If you have more than four people then sleeping will also be a problem. Don’t overpack to avoid clutter and unnecessary items in your RV.
6. Gas mileage
When traveling in an RV you need to consider the mileage you get as fuel can be very expensive. When you compare it with your car’s mileage, it will be less efficient because the weight is three to four times heavier than the car.
7. Long term storage
Given RVs are large vehicles, you might run into problems parking or storing the RV when not in use. If you have a large garage or driveway, then it will be a bit easier to store at your home. Parking an RV is not ideal for folks who live in a city.
Key Takeaways
Based on the above analysis, the advantages of traveling via RV or camper van significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Time is of the essence! Where are you headed on your first RV trip?
