Taking a road trip in an RV (recreational vehicle) or motorhome is pure escapism and freedom, freedom to travel where you like, when you like with a bed and facilities that travel with you. Removing the need for accommodation gives you far more freedom in terms of where to travel and if you travel with friends or family it can be a fantastic bonding experience. If you haven’t travelled using a motorhome before but are planning on making a trip then here is a quick guide to motorhome travel to help you out on your journey.
Motorhome Rental
Depending on the length of your journey and how many people will be going, it is important to remember that you will be spending a great deal of time with one another in a very confined space. It is therefore important that you pay a little extra cash when renting an RV for as much space as you can afford to ensure that you fully enjoy your time together. Motorhomes these days come with all mod cons, from wi-fi to satellite television, my advice would be to sacrifice these extras for a more spacious vehicle, whilst it will be your ‘home’ for the next few weeks, sitting in front of the TV or on your smartphone isn’t the best way to spend a vacation.
Campsites
There are very few countries in the World that allow you just to pull up and park for the night so it is important that you plan ahead with your campsites. This doesn’t have to be too restricting, you can book space just a few nights ahead if you want a flexible plan but many campsites get full up quickly, especially during the peak season.
Lock Down
A common mistake that people make before hitting the road again is forgetting to ensure everything in the living area of the motorhome is locked down. Latching the fridge closed and ensuring all cupboards are secure sounds simple but many forget and end up with food and crockery everywhere when they stop again. The same goes for the exterior of the RV, make sure you wind the awning in, remove the TV aerial and close all hatches before leaving, once again it sounds simple but you’ll be amazed at how many forget.
Driving Conditions
Driving a motorhome isn’t the same as driving a car and despite your driving experience, you should take great care when on the road with your RV. The wind especially can play a dangerous role in driving the motorhome, if you experience windy conditions then you need to slow down, if you drive at fast speeds and the wind catches you then it will push you off course rapidly. Equally, if you are driving in tight spaces or on smaller roads, remember that your RV won’t turn as sharply as car, always allow for the extra space and if needed, ask someone to get out and guide you. If you are renting a vehicle then ensure that you take great care, the last thing you need is to lose your deposit because you were careless.