RVing is a fun way to travel! But it also involves lots of planning if you’re hoping to have a smooth trip. Even more, it’s beneficial if you understand the best ways to prepare for your journey so that you can circumvent common pitfalls while you’re on the road. Luckily, we’ve compiled a quick guide outlining the top RV mistakes to avoid on your trip.
Neglecting Important Maintenance
Like any other vehicle, your RV is going to require a certain level of maintenance to stay at its optimal level of function throughout your trips. We understand how easy it can be to let things like tire pressure and oil changes fall to the wayside. After all, you’re likely trying to keep up with rowdy kids, GPS instructions, and where you’ll stop for lunch.
That said, we implore you to carve some time out of your travel schedule to examine your RV and ensure that everything is in excellent condition. Check everything under the hood and stay on top of draining and cleaning out your waste tanks.
Moreover, if you happen to be traveling through frigid temperatures, ensure that your RV tank heating pads are functioning and fully intact. Taking the time to examine these features will help you stay on top of maintenance. And that means you have a few fewer things to worry about. Plus, it’ll keep your RV in great shape, so you won’t have to worry about costly repairs and delays while on the road.
Winging It Without a Checklist
Failing to make a detailed itinerary and trying to wing it is most assuredly one of the top RV mistakes to avoid while on your trip. You wouldn’t travel overseas without ensuring that you have everything you need for the duration of your trip. So why would you think that being on the road for extended periods would be any different?
Think about it—you’ll need to have a solid supply of food and water to keep everyone fed and hydrated. You also need to ensure that you have all the appropriate clothing and bedding. Plus, you certainly wouldn’t want to forget about provisions like flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits. That’s why it’s always best to create a checklist that includes everything you need.
Not Planning Your Routes
Of course, poor planning isn’t exclusive to the supplies you do or do not bring along with you. It can also apply to the roads you travel. More specifically, many RVers fail to plan their routes as effectively as they should. And as a result, they can find themselves in some sticky situations.
Suppose you are planning a long trip up the West Coast. However, in your rush to get on the road, you forgot to look ahead at the safest, most RV-friendly routes available. So once you start approaching those famous mountain ranges of Washington, you might be in for a bumpy ride. For this reason, you should always prioritize mapping out your journey ahead of time. Doing so will ensure that you make it to each of your destinations safely.