Sometime in your life, go on an RV trip. Seriously. Either quit your job or switch to freelance work.
Sell your home, use that money to buy an RV, and make stops in every state. It’s understandable if you can only take an RV trip for six months, but a year is recommended to truly experience life on the road.
But living on the road can lead to hardships. It’s easy to just stop your life, pack everything up and go. Living out of an RV has its challenges. Without careful planning, your RV dream trip can easily turn into a nightmare.
If you want to do some RV travel, here are 8 ways to prepare for the road ahead.
1. Plan On Cooking
One of the first things you’ll notice about RV travel is it’s difficult to cook. You’ll end up eating out all the time, resulting in an extremely expensive RV trip.
Fortunately, cooking while RVing it up isn’t impossible.
You can find plenty of campgrounds that offer grills. Go to a nearby grocery store and pick up some fresh food. You can also buy an electric grill, microwave, or oven and make food whenever you find an outlet.
Many RVs also come with basic kitchen supplies, such as a mini fridge and cabinets. Some, such as an RV you buy from an Official Entegra Dealer, even comes with a stovetop.
You can easily go grocery shopping, store food, and cook out of your vehicle.
2. Prepare Your Sleeping Arrangements
RVs come with bunks, some come with full-on beds. You may think these will be ideal. But these beds are nothing like the bed you’re used to at your home. This is why you need to prepare for your sleeping arrangement.
This isn’t to say you shouldn’t sleep in an RV bed. But have other options. Buy an air mattress and a tent if you plan on camping. Set aside a hotel budget when you want to sleep on a real bed.
3. What About Number 2?
You’ll also want to think about the more gross aspects of RV travel – like whether or not you should go number 2 in your RV.
Most RVs can handle excrement. But it takes lots of maintenance and careful consideration when cleaning your tanks.
The best course of action is to avoid going number 2 and doing your business at a convenience store or gas station.
Taking a tinkle and even a shower is another story. Maintaining your pipes is easier when you’re not dealing with, well, you know what.
4. How to Keep Yourself Entertained
For the majority of the time, you’ll be driving. But what happens when you stop?
Trust us, you’ll want to stop. You’ll get sick of driving and will get tired. It’s better for your safety.
When you’re not dirving, plan ways to keep yourself entertained. Maybe you want to pick back up a hobby or craft you did when you were younger. You can also catch up on TV shows, movies, music, and books.
There’s also planning out the essential places you want to do and see. Come up with a route and hit all of the places you’ve always dreamed of seeing.
And don’t forget to adventure! You’re living life out on the road. While it’s nice to have a plan, you’ll find yourself in a new place. Explore and have fun.
5. Keep a Tab On Free or Cheap Campsites
When you start RVing, you’ll fall in love with campsites. You can easily park your RV, unpack all of your stuff, and stay for a night or two. Most campsites are cheap and you can even find free ones.
Before you leave, research the best and cheapest campsites in the country. Make tabs on where they are. When you start driving, route your trip based on those campsites so you know there’s always a place you can stay.
6. Pack Well
Surprisingly, you’ll realize you don’t need to pack as much for your RV trip as you would expect. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack smart.
There are some obvious ones, such as plenty of clothes. You don’t want to stop at a Laundromat every week, right?
And never forget the first aid kit. Trust is on that one.
For other necessities, it’s best to separate them into different categories:
- Kitchen
- Bed
- Bath
- Living/recreation
You’ll want basic kitchen supplies. Cups, plates, utensils, napkins, and some basic cookware. This includes pots, pans, cooking utensils (spatula, mixing spoons, etc.), bottle and wine openers, and even more specific supplies such as a tea kettle.
For bedding, never forget extra blankets and pillows. And bring warm blankets.
Certain states get cold in the winter and some get cold earlier than others. You should be as prepared as possible.
For bath, focus on what you really need. This includes shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, and toilet paper.
For cosmetic and beauty needs, only focus on the bare minimum. This includes lip balm, face wash, lotion, and a face moisturizer. It’s best to avoid the extra skincare and cosmetic products while out on the road.
7. Don’t Forget Your Electronics
You may be a nomad, but you should still be technologically savvy. Bring essential electronics.
For everyone, this includes your cell phone. You’ll want to stay in touch with your family and friends. And of course – brag about your adventures on social media!
The rest of the electronics you bring depends on your needs. If you plan on working remotely or do any online hobbies, bring a laptop. You can also bring other electronics such as an iPad or your camera.
Don’t forget electronic accessories. This includes a WiFi hotspot and all chargers.
You’re Ready for RV Travel!
Preparing for RV travel is easier said than done. You have to pack all of the essentials, plan your trip, and accommodate for sleeping and even going number 2. Use this advice and enjoy life out on the road!
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