Are you new to the RV life? We were so excited to start our RV journey but nervous about traveling safely on the road. Let me help you with some tried-and-true tips to make your next trip a breeze. Get ready to travel easily and have a smooth RV travel day! We've included our RV travel checklist and eight helpful tips for a safe and enjoyable RV Trip.

1.Use a Road Trip Planner

We rely on the Roadtrippers Plus app for all our travel planning needs. Without this useful tool, we'd be lost, literally and figuratively. This app allows you to customize your route by adding waypoints and adjusting driving preferences. You can also share your trip with anyone joining you so they can see what's planned and add anything you may have missed. The app displays the distance and time between each stop, making planning your journey easier. 

The highly customizable app allows you to tailor your trip based on your preferences and interests. You can even input your vehicle's make and model to get an estimate of your fuel costs. Additionally, as a RoadTrippers Plus member, you can access exclusive deals on travel gear, RV rentals, RV campgrounds, and more. 

2.Take the Back Roads

It's always nice to avoid the hustle and bustle of busy highways and stick to the more scenic routes. Plus, it can be a great way to see hidden gems and explore areas you may have missed otherwise. We prefer the long way because it seems to reduce our travel anxiety and makes RV trips more enjoyable.

3.Double check your reservation before showing up

It's always a good idea to double-check your email for any confirmation regarding your reservations or to call the campground to confirm your arrival. Sometimes, things can get mixed up, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, if you plan to arrive early or late, it's best to inform the campground ahead of time by giving them a call to ensure a smooth check-in process.

4.Overnighting Tips

If you're planning to spend a night in your RV to catch some sleep, it's a good idea to look for a campground that has a long pull-through spot. This way, you won't have to unhook your RV and can quickly leave the following morning without hassle. We've even ordered takeout or used Instacart upon arrival to avoid cooking and keep our truck hooked up for a stress-free departure.

5.Keep the Drive Under 300 Miles

Limit your daily driving to under 300 miles to avoid fatigue and stay alert on the road. Of course, this distance may vary depending on the type of camper you have. Since we travel with a 35-foot pull-behind camper, we have found 300 miles to be an acceptable distance, and my husband is in better spirits on shorter trips since he's the main driver.

6.Pass the time with Entertaining Podcasts

1.RV Miles is a podcast about RV lifestyle and camping. It features Jason and Abigail, full-time RV travelers who share their family's adventures, reviews, travel guides, and more. We find ourselves going to this podcast when we need specific RV questions answered, and it covers a lot.

2. The Workcanper Show-When we got our rig, we wanted to try work camping. Work camping can be a unique and exciting way to travel and see new places. We love hearing stories on this podcast from other campers and find it entertaining and inspiring, even if you're not planning on work camping yourself. 

3. National Park After Dark is one of the best outdoor podcasts out there. It covers the National Parks history and actual crime cases and provides important information, facts, and lifesaving tips for outdoor lovers. Two very entertaining gals host the podcast.

7.Check Your Route for any hazards

It's always a good idea to check your route for potential hazards before hitting the road. This can include things like low bridges or heavy traffic. If you're looking for a reliable road trip planner to help you navigate these obstacles, you might consider using our favorite trip planner, RoadTrippers. With RoadTrippers, you can easily avoid any danger, find alternative routes, and estimate your fuel use and cost to avoid any unexpected surprises. If you're interested in learning more about RoadTrippers, be sure to check out our discount link below and use our discount code when you sign up.

8.Pre departure checklist

A travel checklist is an absolute must-have to avoid potential hazards and headaches on RV travel days. We've included a link to one we use from Boondockers Welcome which has been a life safer for us. However, one important travel safety check they missed was remembering to check your brake lights and turn signals before hitting the road. This task can never be overlooked as it ensures the safety of you and those around you. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later for being thorough and making sure everything is in order before embarking on your RV trip.

LASTLY

Now that we've shared all our tips and tricks for RV road trip planning, let us know if we missed anything. 

Also, if you want to learn more about our favorite road trip planning tool, click here to read more. ROADTRIPPERS

Happy Travels!

Caitlin & Garret