5 tips to plan your first RV adventure


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This summer, 40 million Americans from coast to coast will head out in an RV, or recreational vehicle, to see every corner of the country.

If you’ve never RVed, it’s a family-friendly and affordable way to camp, canoe, hike, meet other Americans or simply spend more time with your family and friends. It’s also big business RV dealers alone generate more than $16 billion each year, not counting all the money spent on accessories and at campgrounds and RV parks, which tops $5 billion.

Here a few tips and suggestions to get your RV vacation started:

  1. Big and small: A lot of people assume RVing is all about massive motorhomes but people who vacation in an RV use everything from folding camping trailers to truck campers to souped up motorized recreation vehicles. Before you buy, look into renting. While it can cost anywhere from $30 to $300 a day, it’s a smart way to see if you like the lifestyle before committing 100 percent.
  2. Where to stay: There are thousands of RV parks, campgrounds and national parks where you can stay, all across the country some with limited facilities, others with amenities just like a hotel. Most rent spots nightly or weekly for about $50 a night, though many parks are actually free. Some places are high in demand, so it would be wise to reserve as far in advance as possible.
  3. Where to go: Don’t feel pressured to commit to cross-country or even cross-state trips unless that’s really what you want to do. If your time or budget is limited, long weekends or week-long adventures can be just as fun. Wherever you decide to go, it is a good idea to plan out your route and where you’d like to stop along the way are you just planning on enjoying the scenery and communing with nature? Or do you want to visit some historic sites, small towns and national parks?
  4. Make a checklist: Stopping along the way for items you may have forgotten can be a hassle, so make a list and check it twice to make sure you’re bringing enough food, supplies, hiking gear, books, batteries and whatever else you may need.
  5. Don’t over pack: While you may want to bring enough, don’t bring too much your RV will have to meet legal weight requirements, which you can double-check at a truck weigh station.

To learn more about RVing, click here or here. And of course, please share your ideas and experiences with the Shop Talk Blog community forum!

 

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Did you know: Top RV destinations

The top RV destination in America include Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Redwood National Park and Colonial Williamsburg. (Source)

 

16 thoughts on “5 tips to plan your first RV adventure

  1. I’m thrilled when you said that RVing is family-friendly and affordable. My husband and I have been planning for an epic family adventure next month and RVing is the best idea. I like it when yous aid that you can camp, hike, canoe while in the RV adventure. We’ll organize one soon.

  2. This summer, my family agreed that we go RV camping. It will be the first time that the whole family will be going for a summer trip, and I am excited as a mom. It really helped when you said that the usual rate for most sites is $50 a night and how some sites are even free. I also like that you emphasized the importance of getting a reservation since some sites also have high demands. I will keep this in mind while planning the trip. Thanks!

  3. RV’ing isn’t for everyone, worth renting before buying a RV. Ask questions and contact a local FMCA/SAM’s club, Everyone in our local FMCA chapter is retired and enjoying the fellowship. Your sleeping in your own bed, you don’t have to pay the big $$$ to hotels or motels. You’ll save $$ on meals, and see a lot of our beautiful country.

  4. I would love to take my mother and children while I still have a chance,you see my mother has cancer that has been shrunk but not cured and she said she is starting to feel funny again,she has been there for me my entire life when I have needed her and I have never had the opportunity to show her how much I love and appreciate her,it would truly be a dream come true for me.

  5. my boyfriend and I plan on becoming full time RVers in the near future. Can’t wait to see all the places I never had time to when I drove a tractor trailer. Kids are grown now it my turn to have some fun.

  6. Never have went on a REV trip or vacation but would love too. I can image that you would plan just like any other trip you would take.

  7. We used to own a small rv and we have taken our girls they always had a good time they. always had asked alot of questions anout the stars earth while learning. how to preserve it like

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