Traveling Across Country RV Style

March 13, 2019

So you’re ready to take the vacation of a lifetime, maybe you are traveling to a relatives house on the other side of the country or you are wondering if you should make the leap into full-fledge RV living?! In any case, it is going to be an adventure. It’s helpful to know some of the important stuff before you head out. There are some useful gems for traveling across country RV style that every first-timer and seasoned traveler should know.

Make sure your RV is in top-notch condition.

Check all the essentials. Oil Change. Check! Tire Pressure. Check! Washer fluid. Check! Headlight and taillights working? Check! Septic tank working? Check! Wipers Working? Check! Good car battery? Check! Extra set of keys? Check! Make sure to have triple AAA or roadside assistance, just in case! Get your oil changed as directed by your mechanic. Use biodegradable, septic safe toilet tissue to keep things running smoothly. This is your home on wheels, you want to make sure everything is in good working condition before you go.

Places to rest on the road.

Driving can be tiresome. Take advantage of those scenic rest stops on route to your next destination to stretch your legs and to grab a snack. A lot of rest stops don’t like overnight parking. Check your GPS for the nearest truckstop. Truck stops are made for truck drivers to rest and sleep for the night. Love’s and Pilot Flying J’s are the well-known travel centers. You can use them too. If there are no truck stops around, see if you have a 24-hour Walmart nearby. There is a little unspoken rule that Walmart’s will let RV’s and overnight travelers stay in their parking lot for a few nights. Be sure to park away from the main entrance and it helps to buy a little something from inside the store.

WiFi and internet use.

Is your phone or laptop on the fritz? Maybe you didn’t bring one with you or your service is turned off. Can’t get a signal? Don’t stress! Most towns have local libraries with public computers for use free-of-charge. If there are no libraries in the area, McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts have free WiFi you can access from inside or in the parking lot. Plus, there is at least one in practically every city.

Getting out for a night.

You may start to feel a bit claustrophobic in your RV after a few weeks on the road. It is smart to have a tent with you. Park your RV and go camping for a few nights outside of it in your tent. It is a change of scenery and you will feel a lot less cooped up. Plus, it’s good to have a spare shelter in the off chance you have vehicle trouble and you are a long way from home.

Know the driving rules in every state you travel in.

Every state has different driving rules. Some states require headlights are turned on if windshield wipers are on. Some states don’t allow you to turn right on red even if no other vehicles are approaching. Some states have lights for pedestrians crossing. It’s best to know the rules so you don’t have to worry about tickets!

Now that you’re all set for your cross country RV adventure, keep an eye out for some of the things you found helpful during your experience. Be sure to check all the necessary travel items before hitting the road. Gather the things you need before heading out. Stay safe. Happy traveling!