RVs and motorhomes have gained massively in popularity in recent years. A good explanation is that technology, alternative power, and energy-efficient systems have made it comfortable, convenient, and inexpensive to travel long-distances by RV. They have also made it possible to camp in remote areas that otherwise would have been unrealistic or dangerous to consider. However, the most important aspect that determines the quality of your experience when you`re traveling by RV is thorough, strategic preparation. It`s much easier to prepare your RV in advance for different problems than to fix them along the way. Why let preventable issues spoil your trip?
This article tells you everything you need to know about preparing your travel vehicle for a road trip.
Inspect or Upgrade Your Battery
When you travel by RV, power is your main priority. You need a high-performance battery that will not leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere without access to minimal conveniences. Ideally, you`d bring a battery that requires no special maintenance and that can last longer than average. Before leaving for your trip, inspect your battery carefully. Don`t be hesitant about replacement if there`s any hint that your battery is not performing as expected.
Another issue to consider is that when you travel by RV or another type of motorhome, you don`t always have quick access to an outlet to charge your battery. You can be faced with an emergency hundreds of miles away from a power outlet, so it`s an excellent idea to invest in a solar generator. Remember to fully charge your battery before leaving so you can travel seamlessly for a long as possible.
Check the Tires
The beauty of RV travel is that you can go anywhere, but this can have major downsides in case of an emergency. Unless you prepare well for the road. For example, a flat tire can be a big problem when you`re in a remote area and have no option to get it repaired quickly. Sometimes there might not be an auto repair shop for hundreds of miles in any direction.
As part of the preparation process, you`ll need to do a thorough tire inspection. Check your tires for cracks and wears. If a tire looks worn out, repair or replace it before leaving. You don`t know the road conditions you may encounter, so it`s important to minimize the risks by making sure your wheels and tires are in the best possible shape. While inspecting your tires, don`t forget to tighten the wheel nuts too.
Clean and Test Your Water System
A clean and efficient water system is crucial in an RV. Without access to clean water, you will struggle to stay comfortable on the road. Before leaving your home, take the time to check and clean out your water system. You`ll need to drain the water tank of any residues and then clean it thoroughly.
Once your water tank looks impeccable, you can refill it with fresh water. The next step is checking whether there are any leaks or malfunctions in the water system. To do that, simply let the water run and pay attention to how the system behaves. The water heater will also need a good inspection.
Add Useful Accessories and Gadgets to Your Vehicle
Most RVs come already equipped with tech, gadgets, and accessories that can make your life easier on the road. Some high-end RVs have incredible facilities and features in fact. However, there are interesting and useful accessories and gadgets that may provide a lot of value to you personally, and which are not always part of the default RV setup.
From minor, inexpensive gadgets to major, significant technology upgrades, there are many ways to personalize your RV, whether you care more about comfort or security.
Some of the most useful gadgets for a road trip are a backup and a dash camera. A backup camera can record and give you a real-time view of all the activity behind your vehicle via an in-dash video screen. This can be greatly helpful when pulling in and out of campgrounds, or when simply parking your RV.
A dash camera records what happens in front of you as you drive, so it can capture incredible footage from your trip but also provide evidence in case of an accident. Your list of useful gadgets can also include things such as a cell phone booster, tire pressure monitoring system, thermostat, air purifier, or portable mini espresso machine. Take the time to find items that can provide real value so you can easily justify the costs.
Clean Your Vehicle
Cleaning your RV is not an optional part of the preparation process but a vital one. Vehicles pick up a lot of dirt and dust even when stationed, and an RV gets a rougher treatment on the road than cars used exclusively for city driving. If you camped your RV in wild, natural areas during your previous trip, there`s also a risk of finding tiny pests settled in. So, wash your vehicle thoroughly.
To get your RV in the best condition, you can use a car detailing service. But if you prefer to clean your vehicle at home, use specific car washing and polishing products so you can get satisfying results. During the cleaning process, you should remove all visible and invisible contaminants, dirt, dust, and blemishes.
Clean the windows, vacuum the interiors thoroughly, and polish all surfaces. An auto detailing service can also wax your car. Although you can do it yourself, you may need specific tools and materials, so analyze which option is more efficient and cost-effective.
Last Tip: Bring a Good Toolkit
No matter how much care you take of your vehicle, unpredictable things will happen on the road. Consider what kind of tools are you more likely to need on the road. Don`t assume that you`ll find opportunities to buy or borrow, especially if you`re driving across vast, sparsely populated areas. Always bring your toolbox.
The more thoroughly you prepare for an RV road trip, the fewer issues you`ll encounter on the road. Don`t rush to leave your home if you don`t have everything in perfect order. Having to fix one thing after another on the road will stifle that feeling of freedom that comes with driving an RV.