Whether this is your first experience with a recreational vehicle, or you’re a long-time RV owner, planning an RV road trip is an exciting experience. Traveling in a motorhome is an ideal way to turn yourself into a camper. After all, you don’t have to worry about bugs or learning to set up a tent—all you need to do is pack up your RV. That being said, there’s still a lot of planning that goes into organizing your RV road trip. From determining whether you need an RV insurance policy (spoiler alert, you probably do) to determining what you need to pack, there are several key points to organize when planning your next trip.
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Handle the essentials.
First and foremost, you need your RV, whether you buy one used at a discount or you rent a motorhome for just this trip. The RV lifestyle can be one of permanent residence or just a part-time endeavor. In either case, though, RV insurance is a critical factor in your journey. From warranties and unexpected repair costs to maintenance and roadside assistance, your insurance policies will dictate much of your trip, or what becomes of your trip in case of emergency. Take the time to compare deductibles, coverage options, and even exclusions through different insurance companies. You might talk to a few different insurance agents about a few different insurance products before you find the RV and auto insurance that works for your needs. However, you will thank yourself when your RV is safe from vandalism or your collision coverage takes care of the damage when hitting the open road turns into hitting something you shouldn’t.
Teach yourself to pack light.
When you’re moving into an RV, whether that’s as your primary residence or for a short-term road trip, you only have so much space to work with. That’s why you must make sure you’re packing luggage that is multifunctional and will keep you comfortable, ensuring you have what you need without adding undue weight, clutter, and overall chaos to your RV road trip. Consider bringing clothing that can be worn for multiple outfits like skinny ankle jeans or a neutral-colored jacket. Pack food items that can be used for a variety of delicious recipes. If you’re bringing extra recreation beyond the RV itself, you’ll want to opt for compact options that will keep you entertained without taking up too much space.
Plan with your budget in mind.
From the start, you inevitably have a budget for your road trip. From your RV insurance policy to gas prices and other supplies, RV travel makes for a relatively budget-friendly excursion, but not one that’s completely free from costs. As you plan your destinations, activities, and other factors in your road trip, be sure to do so with your financial plan in mind. By knowing what you’re looking for and what you can pay for it, you can better make your dream vacation happen without breaking the bank in the process.
Make arrangements early on.
Perhaps the simplest yet most impactful element to planning your trip is booking any necessary arrangements well in advance of the day you hit the road. Say, for instance, you will be parking at a campsite for a certain period. Be sure to arrange for that early and avoid the last-minute realization that your intended stop won’t be available. The same is true of any other factor of your trip. By planning, you will ensure that your road trip goes as smoothly as possible.
From the moment you first get an RV insurance quote to the first time you put your foot on the gas pedal, an RV road trip and the organizing behind it is undoubtedly exciting. It will, however, be a lot more enjoyable if you take care of the logistics beforehand, ensuring you have the most successful RV road trip you possibly can.
