Planning your first RV trip may seem intimidating. You’ve never done this before, but you want to have a great time. You’re worried something may go wrong or you may make a mistake.
Don’t worry; we have your back. Here is a short guide to planning an RV trip for beginners.
Step 1: Determine Which RV You Want
We’re assuming you’ll be renting an RV for this trip. Not too long ago, we put together tips for renting an RV, where we go more in-depth with this process.
The most crucial step is deciding which type of RV you want. Do you want a small, maneuverable RV you can take just about anywhere? If so, a Class B may be what you’re looking for.
But if you want something on the other end of the spectrum that is basically a tiny home on wheels, like a fifth wheel or Class A, that’s great too! It all depends on what you’re trying to do.
Just remember one thing - the bigger the RV, the harder it is to maneuver.
Step 2: Pick a Destination
What kind of RV trip do you want to have? Will you do some RV beach camping to get some sunshine and sand? Or are you more interested in a place in the mountains where you can go hiking and do activities on a lake? Some people are more interested in staying in their RV in the evenings while they explore a city during the day.
The important thing is that you be decisive and figure out where you’re going. Then, once you have a general idea, you can move on to booking your campsite.
Step 3: Book Your Campsite
While it can be fun to show up somewhere and figure out where you’ll stay on the fly… it’s generally better to book your campsite ahead of time. Since you’re an RV beginner, this is the route we suggest to help you avoid unnecessary stress during your trip.
The great news is that thanks to the internet, it’s easy to find RV campgrounds.
There are apps like Allstays or Boondockers Welcome
Some companies have many campgrounds, like Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
You can stop at places like Walmart parking lots, rest areas, or truck stops for a short stay
Staying at a great campsite can make or break your trip, so do a little research ahead of time. Then, once you’re convinced it’d be an excellent place to hang your hat at night, go ahead and book your spot.
Step 4: Pack Your RV
The last step is to load up your RV. Here are a few essentials we recommend
Extra clothes
Toiletries (including toilet paper, even if you’re going someplace with bathrooms)
Towels
Food (especially RV snacks)
Water
Flashlight
Medical kit
Phone charger
Power bank
Camping chairs
Those are the bare minimums that we suggest. But, of course, you can pack a lot more if you have a bigger RV.
The key here is to ensure you’re prepared for whatever kind of adventure you want!
Conclusion
The key to planning your first RV trip for beginners is taking the time to do things up front. If you try to be spontaneous or do things last minute, you may slip up and set up shop in a less-than-ideal spot without supplies!
As your experience and love for RVing grows, consider getting your own. Check out our RV accessories store to pick up anything you need to outfit your RV.
