Creating A Better Driving Experience

If you're like most typical RV owners, you spend an average of three weeks each year traveling to your favorite vacation destinations. But with so much time spent traveling, it is essential to do a little planning and preparation in order to ensure a comfortable and convenient trip each time you hit the road. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to do just that: 

Haul Your Car

Investing in a car hauler will allow you to tow your vehicle behind the RV to your destination so it can be used along the way and once you get there. You can get a trailer to tow your vehicle with all four wheels off the road, or a pull bar that tows just the front two wheels – either way, you'll love the convenience of having a car or SUV along for the ride.

Your vehicle can come in handy if you visit places like Yosemite Park or the Grand Canyon where there is an opportunity to sight-see while driving on compact and winding roads. It's also a lot more cost effective to drive a gas friendly vehicle rather than leave the RV park in your rig to stock up on food or to check out local attractions. And if your RV breaks down, you'll still be able to get around in your vehicle until it's fixed.

Bring a Washer

While there is quite a bit of storage available in the typical RV, it's never fun to take along enough clothing for every day of a two week vacation just to end up back at home with several loads of laundry to do in the end.  Consider buying a tabletop portable washer that works with a hand crank so you can do laundry during the trip.

This will allow you to take along less clothing for the trip overall and help ensure that you don't have tons of dirty laundry to contend with at the end of your vacation. It's also small enough to store in a cupboard or exterior compartment when it isn't in use.

Shop Beforehand

A great way to save time and ensure that you can get everything you want for your trip within the budget you've set is to do all of your shopping before you set off. Buy toilet paper, dish soap, barbecue supplies, bedding and lighting tools, as well as kitchen accessories from your local stores where you know your favorite brands are stocked and expected prices can be counted on.

It's also a good idea to stock your fridge and cupboards with essentials so you don't have to rely on fast food or convenience stores to feed the family and to ensure that you can make a meal no matter where you might be when everyone gets hungry, like stuck in traffic. Don't forget to fill the propane tank so your stove works and your fridge stays cold!

Duplicate Paperwork

To ensure that all of your bases are covered in case there is some kind of emergency such as an accident or break down, make copies of all your important paperwork and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member so they can be referred to if your originals are lost. Following are types of paperwork to consider gathering and making copies of:

• Insurance Cards and Customer Service Number
• Roadside Assistance Membership Card
• Warranty Policies and Service Numbers
• Contracts for Rental Accessories

Make sure that the person holding on to your copies will be easily accessible during your RV trip and is willing to take the time to fax paperwork or make phone calls on your behalf if necessary.

These prep steps should make your trip more comfortable and provide you with some peace of mind in knowing that you're covered no matter what might happen along your travels.