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Useful tips for RV beginners
Road trips are a unique way to travel that afford travelers the freedom to stop and take in sights and scenery on their own time . Traveling the highways and back roads gives people a chance to slow down and really enjoy an adventure . Such trips can be made even more special by traveling in recreational vehicles , often referred to as “ RVs .”
The RV industry has been consistently growing for years . The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association says the RV industry creates $ 50 billion in economic impact in the United States , with roughly 23,000 businesses currently in operation . More than 504 RVs were shipped in 2017 , and in Canada the industry is responsible for more than $ 7 billion in retail sales , states RVIA and Statista .
Roughly 40 million Americans go RV camping each year , and millennials make up approximately 38 percent of campers , according to a report from CNBC . New RV enthusiasts are getting on the road every day , and such travelers can benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have blazed trails before them .
• Budget for all RV expenses . It can be tempting to overspend on the RV itself , but buyers should factor in other expenses like hoses , wheel chocks , levelers , navigation systems , campsite fees , and more .
• Consider the size of the RV . Buy the smallest RV that is comfortable . Doing so opens up more options regarding places to stay . In addition , small RVs are morely easily maneuvered on the road than large ones , especially for novices .
• Add time to your ETAs . The estimated time for trips that popular map and navigation software provide are customized to average car speeds . RVs generally move more slowly than cars , so allow for more time to arrive at your destination . This is an important consideration if you need to be at a campground by a certain time .
• Save condiment packages . When visiting restaurants and carryout places , save any unused condiment packets , napkins and packages of disposable cutlery . These items take up much less room than full-sized packages , and space inside RVs is often at a premium .
• Invest in storage boxes . Store belongings neatly and cleanly in plastic storage containers . Choose uniformly shaped and sized bins , which are more easily stacked and stored than bins of varying sizes .
• Pack a paper map . Navigation services that are powered by satellite or cell phone signals may not be available in inclement weather or when traveling through mountain ranges . Paper maps can fill the void and keep you on track .
• Check towing capacity . Make sure you do not exceed the manufacturer-recommended towing capacity . This is usually found on a sticker in the driver ’ s door . Overloading the vehicle can cause transmission issues and / or burn out engines .
RVs can be a fun and relaxing way to travel , and novices can make such trips more enjoyable by following a few tips from seasoned road trippers .
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