Getting the keys to your very own RV unlocks the freedom to embrace spontaneity. Heading for the open road is an exciting prospect when most of our life is taken up by work and never-ending jobs. Owning an RV means that you always have somewhere to stay wherever those wheels take you. But to enjoy that freedom there are many practical things you need to be aware of before embarking on a road trip.
The Basics
Checking your RV is fit for purpose is essential before you can be spontaneous. Always make sure that you keep up with any maintenance required, especially that could affect the safety of your vehicle. Tires, brakes, oil, water, and lights should be a priority, and getting any issues fixed by a qualified mechanic before your trip is essential. It is also advisable to ensure that all equipment in your RV is secure and stable to avoid any problems once driving.
If your RV is equipped with modern conveniences such as microwaves, hairdryers, kettles, or anything that requires electricity, then you will need the right battery. Choosing the right battery for your needs very much depends on how much you need, and how you want it to function, this site gives some useful information about battery options as well as a “how-to” guide. It’s a good idea to fully charge your battery from home before you set off on your trip; if it needs a top-up you can use a power source at a campsite or garage.
Always have an ‘emergency box’ for unexpected issues such as:
Spare tire
Tire change gear
puncture kits
Tools
First aid
Jump leads
Making sure you’re prepared for emergencies could be the difference between life or death in some cases, so well worth the extra effort.
Route and Campsites
Although planning a route may seem to counteract spontaneity, a certain amount of planning is necessary to avoid wasted time and potential issues en route. Always make sure your GPS is working. Getting lost is very stressful and unless you have the perfect internal compass, losing your way is probable if you are adventuring into the unknown. It’s advisable to plan on a map a general direction (allowing for a little exploration) to follow.
Checking out campsites and booking a space beforehand will provide reassurance about where you can park your RV overnight. This is especially important if you are traveling during the peak season. If you leave it to chance, there will likely be no availability.
Campsites vary in what they offer, they will also differ from country to country. Some are very basic, offering only running water and little else. Others are quite sophisticated and offer Wi-Fi, pools, clubhouses, play parks, and the like. Campsites specifically designed for RVs usually have extensive facilities with water, sewage, and electrical hookups. Prices vary too depending on the park. Do your research beforehand so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Sightseeing
One of the great things about traveling in an RV is the big windows! Do you know what they say about big windows? BIG views. RVs open up the world and provide a great opportunity to embrace the wonderful scenes around them. If you’re traveling in Europe, take advantage of the abundance of amazing sights. Passing through Austria and Switzerland will be a wonder for the eyes. Unlike traveling on public transport, driving an RV gives you the opportunity to stop and fully immerse yourself in your surroundings, creating amazing photo opportunities.
If you are venturing further afield, driving an RV through a safari park is a popular way of seeing animals in their natural habitat. Again the large windows provide a better experience and the feeling of being right there with the animals, whilst being safe and sound inside.
One great thing to do when starting an RV adventure is to document your trip. Modern technology has an abundance of options when it comes to recording experiences. Or you may want to do it the old fashioned way and write a diary of experiences and add photos as you go. Either way, make sure you have something to remember all your trips when you take a trip down memory lane in the future.
Owning an RV really is a ‘ticket to ride’ it opens up opportunities like no other form of transport. So if you’re desperate to get out of the house, and craving some new experiences, make sure you’re prepared, then go for it. The world awaits. What’s stopping you?
I like the idea of driving around and seeing some animals. My son has been super interested in birds lately, so he might enjoy that as well. I’ll have to consider getting an RV so we could take some trips out into nature.