Travel Tips for First Time RV Buyers
Recreation vehicles are one of the most exciting purchases you can make. It puts a multitude of exciting travel destinations at your fingertips, and the journey getting there is half the fun. RV’s are a commitment though, and not something to go out and buy haphazardly. There are important things to consider such as proper planning, safety and more. Here are a few suggestions for those considering buying their first RV. Hopefully you find them beneficial.
First of all, please don’t feel overwhelmed or intimidated to the point that you give up on your dream of owning an RV and exploring our wondrous country. There are tons of online resources that can help anybody prepare for RV ownership and have successful travel experiences. Remember, you are not alone! The internet is your friend, and so is your local RV dealer, or your local service and repair shop. If you live in the greater Houston, TX area, for example, and have questions about how to take care of your RV or how to conduct pre-trip inspections, a Humble, TX RV service and repair company will give you some great advice and take good care of you.
Plan properly for your trip. Have some ideas of where you’ll be stopping for food, fuel and recreation before you depart. Plan your routes so that you are avoiding tight, narrow roads and parking areas. You will reduce the amount of problems and stress (and make the most of your trips) if you take the time to plan properly. Research ahead of time to know when traffic is worst on your route so you can avoid it and minimize travel times.
One benefit of RV travel today are the myriad online reviews covering everything from popular RV parks to restaurants and attractions. Millions have traveled in RVs before you came along – and many of them are sharing their experiences about prospective destinations. You’ll be happy to find out that online reviews can tell you so much about an RV park for example, even when the business doesn’t do a good job of breaking down all of their amenities. For example, if you have a dog with you, you’ll want to know if the RV park you have in mind has a dog run or dog park. If you do your due diligence, there will be fewer curveballs and the fewer of those you encounter, the better.
Also, part of effective planning is ensuring you have the right supplies. Take safety equipment. Take proper jumper cables. Take cleaning supplies. Take enough food, but don’t take too much food. Part of the fun of traveling is eating great food that you can’t get at home.
When you are RV’ing, let time be your friend. It may take a little getting used to for some, but don’t make the mistake of feeling like you have to stick to a rigid, stress inducing schedule. Yes, be alert while you’re driving, but learn to relax and enjoy the ride. Driving conservatively will reduce stress, prolong the life of your RV’s brakes and other components, and help ensure that you arrive to your destinations safely.
Know your RV. No two RVs are the same. Know the sounds and feelings of what your RV rides and feels like when it’s running smoothly, so you can identify when something’s not quite right. Whenever you prepare to leave on a trip, whether you’re going near or far, take whatever time is necessary to conduct a meaningful pre-trip inspection before you leave so you can feel at ease that your tires, fluids, brakes, lights, and other critical components of your RV are in good working order.
Hopefully these tips are helpful to you. RV ownership is a unique and amazing experience, but it’s also a big responsibility. I hope these tips make you feel more confident about RV ownership and the joy that it can bring. Enjoy the journey and stay safe!
