SPECIAL SECTION: OUTDOOR & GARDEN
While freecamping is often allowed in parking lots and public land areas, it’ s best to check with a manager, local council office or area official prior to setting up for the night.
Travel apps for RVs can simplify trip logistics. Apps like WikiCamps Australia, GasBuddy Australia and Caravan Helper, can help you plan your route, find campgrounds and caravan parks, determine how far you can go between stops and point out roads to avoid based on the size of your vehicle or trailer.
Packing the vehicle
As you would before any vehicle trip, pack a few tools to make a quick repair, as well as flashlights, road flares, etc., plus extra gear for cold weather. Of course,“ it’ s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit,” says Bryanna Royal, a full-time RVer and Costco member who has visited Costco warehouses around the country.
Before loading the RV,“ create a packing list of things you will want,” says Pettit. Think through meals and snacks that you’ ll want during travel days and while staying at your destination. Turn on the refrigerator a day or two before the trip so it’ s cool and ready when you leave.
For shorter trips,“ you can pack all the food you want so you aren’ t spending time grocery shopping,” Royal says. For longer trips, you can restock as needed while on the road. Before stopping at Costco or a grocery store, check if the parking lot will accommodate your vehicle.“ We always pull up the store on Google maps so we can take a look at the surrounding area and determine if we can park in the store lot or somewhere nearby with enough room to park,” adds Royal.
In addition to meals, think through other supplies, such as rugs, blankets, towels, dishes, pots, pans, cleaners and books or games to have on hand in case it rains.“ Don’ t forget the long skewers for s’ mores!” says Pettit.
The rent vs buy debate
If you’ ve never taken a trip with an RV, Pettit recommends you try renting one first.“ Try out different styles and sizes to find out what fits your family and lifestyle,”
ALISTAIR BERG / GETTYIMAGES. COM she says. You’ ll have a chance to see if you like the floor plan and certain features without making any long-term commitments. You also won’ t have to worry about maintenance or storage for the vehicle.
“ Renting may limit the number of miles you can drive within a day,” Pettit notes.
In terms of cost, expect to pay more than just the initial rental fee.“ Think through all the different budget pieces, including the rental unit, gas, travel expenses and stops along the way,” says Paige Bouma, executive vice president of RV Trader, a US website listing classified ads for new and preowned RVs. Factor in the cost of insurance, and if you bring a pet, there may be an extra fee. Also consider how long you plan on going out.“ If you’ re planning to take a long trip, it may not be as cost-effective to rent a unit,” Bouma adds.
After renting a vehicle, it may be time to buy. While purchasing an RV comes with an initial investment, you’ ll gain some
freedom as well.“ Owning an RV allows you to extend your trip and return when you are ready,” Pettit says.
You can also rent out the vehicle when you’ re not using it. That’ s the strategy Costco member Tory Daudelin and her family opted for.“ In May 2020, we purchased our Taxa Mantis,” she explains. The family decided to rent it through Outdoorsy( outdoorsy. com) during the times they weren’ t travelling in it.“ When we were not using the camper, it was rented out by families every single weekend it was available,” Daudelin says.
If you’ re looking for adventure – or just some much needed R and R – an RV provides the chance to roam while still feeling at home. After some initial prep, you’ ll be ready to hit the road, live out your wanderlust and get in tune with a different kind of travel.
RV campgrounds
“ Caravan parks can be paved and the campsites are usually closer together [ than those at public campgrounds ],”
24 | MAY / JUN 2024 COSTCO CONNECTION