How to Organize an RV Vacation

People wanting to hit the road in any season for any length of time may find an RV just the ticket. You've got the travel bug, the resources and the inclination: become the master of your universe, with a kitchen and fridge on board, and no longer be a slave to bathroom breaks and fast-food meals. Before you gas up, however, do a few things to ensure that your vacation vision becomes your rolling reality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Pore over some maps, browse online, and dream out loud with your traveling companion about the places you've always wanted to see. Let a route and game plan start to ferment.
2. Plan an itinerary that covers about 150 miles per day. Stay off freeways and take local roads. Contact RV clubs for help with your itinerary and visit GoRVing.com for tips on where to go on your trip, how to find a campground, how to get ready and fun things to do while you're on the road. See 418 Prepare an Itinerary.
3. Consider what kind of RV you need. Ranging from trailers to state-of-the-art, 40-foot motor homes, there are big differences in price, comfort, mileage and navigability.
4. Rent an RV for a couple of short trips near home first. This not only allows you to practice driving and using it, but also helps you decide whether this model (and RVing all together) is right for your longer trip.
5. Take notes when you're shown how to operate all the equipment (start the generator, use the disposal hookup and so on), and practice. Remember that RVs don't stop on a dime like the minivan does. Go for a test drive with an RV rental agent, and practice backing up and parking until you feel competent.
6. Discuss the rules of the road (if necessary)--such as who drives, for how long, how often you take breaks, and when you can choose to extend a stay--before you're actually on it.
7. Childproof the RV if you have small kids. Protect the carpet with rugs and the furniture with throws. See also 406 Plan a Trip With Children.
8. Don't overload the living compartment--take only what you need. Get a set of both ignition and door keys for each driver.
9. Learn the lingo before you hit the road. Yes, the RV world has its own language--where phrases like black water (don't think too long about this dumping task) are as common as boondocking (camping in your RV without water or electrical hookups). Since you'll likely be on the road a while, you may as well know how to speak the language--just in case.
10. Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends. Arrange to check in at designated intervals.

Tips & Warnings

• Know how much clearance your RV needs for bridges and overhangs.
• Consider caravaning with friends. Everything--including RV travel--is more fun with a buddy or three. No takers? Join an RV tour group until you get comfortable with the equipment.
• See 452 Arrange a Tour of the National Parks.
• Pack a complete set of extra fuses. Don't forget latex gloves for emptying black water.
• Make reservations at one of the 16,000 campgrounds in the United States (check KOA.com as well as the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide at forestcamping.com) and try to arrive before nightfall. It can be difficult to hook up in the dark.
• If you have a trailer RV, no one can be in the trailer while you're towing it.
• Pilot lights must be extinguished during fueling.