How to Prepare For Family RV Camping Trip
Doing preparations for your trip is the most critical part of it. A camper who sacrifices his time plan and make pre-checks will most likely make it to the
campground without having any horrifying stories to tell his fellow campers
about how his journey had been.
Additionally, he will be less fatigued and in time. However, while discussing,” how hot is a camp fire,” many campers fail to reveal how cumbersome their trip was due to in adequate preparation.
Below are some of the tips that every camper should be conversant with:
1. Plan on the route you are going to use
Whether you are an amateur vacationer or an old pro and a full-timer, prior planning is of great importance. Those experienced in the field don't just jump onto the highway; they always buy time to;
Find good maps
This involves the acquisition of the latest version of maps which are marked with the area of interest. They usually keep it near the driver's seat.
Have an up to date GPS
Even if you are using an old map, he will most likely have backed it with a latest GPS device that will generate information like: traffic reports, current mapping, and route alternatives in case of unfavorable weather conditions or wrecks along the road he intends to use.
2. Review the latest reports about weather
Pulling out on the way in foul weather is the last thing you should ever think of. Make yourself equipped with the knowledge about the latest weather conditions by consulting frequent or recent campers of your destination. They can at least predict for the coming seven days.
However, with the current technology, getting reports about the expected weather has ceased to be less of a problem.
This can be attributed to the fact that there are many weather sources of weather information like email, websites through wifi, TV stations and many others. After gathering the required information, you should then plan how to avoid the bad weather if you must go camping despite the circumstances. Inspect the recreational vehicle to assess its condition
It is vital to examine your RV to check out its roadworthiness. You must always check the following on your Recreational Vehicle:
Engine
You should make sure that the source of power for your recreational vehicle is well checked to provide a trouble-free trip. The oil and other liquid levels should also be checked as well as the safety belts for minimum precautions.
Wiper blades
Wiper blades are always cheap to have them replaced because they are pocket-friendly. Failure to have the torn or non-functional wiper blades replaced can turn out disastrous for you and your family if there are rains during your trip. You should always replace them or if possible carry spare ones in case the old ones fail to operate.
Brakes
The brakes should be maintained in a good state. To do this, you should ensure that the brake fluid is not leaking and that its reservoir is topped off with the right replacement fluid.
3. Plan your resting points of the road
Getting weary is common to all especially after consistent long hours of service. Due to the strict demands of the road and the trip fatigue, you should plan to make regular stops to rest, stretch and rejuvenate as a driver.
This is mostly applicable to interstate highways since almost all the states have put up occasional resting zones along the Highway. Most of the visitor centers are located a short distance after crossing the border between two different states.
The centers also help you explore and gain more knowledge since theyare manned with local people who are always prepared to answer any questions you might be having about the locality.
However, secondary roads don't offer such centers, and you should make your decision on where to stop. You can take advantage of the chain stores or large strip malls along the road.
4. Plan for your destination before setting off
You cannot drive endlessly; you must have a destination eventually. You may either have a state park or luxury campground as your camping destinations. However, regardless of where your camping site might be, you should always prepare early to reap the best from your visit. Once you have had the campsite reserved for you, you should make yourself familiar with:
Check-in-times
To avoid frustrations during the material day, you should make arrangements for your travel so that you won't arrive past the check-in times. Due to strict regulations, latecomers may be locked out, and you may quickly find yourself on the wrong side due to inadequate preparations.
The site number
The site you get assigned to should be verifiable through the website to confirm its legibility and suitability. Failure to this may lead to dissatisfaction since you may find yourself near unpleasant sites like sewage lines or an illegal zone.
5. Campground amenities
You should get sufficient information about the facilities in your campground for the duration you will be there and whether you will be able to access them. The possible list of amenities could be:
Swimming pool
The pool should be usable. The campground should provide one that is properly maintained and well functioning.
Clubhouse
They should at least provide an efficiently operating one for entertainment purposes.
A lake, Fishing pond and walking trails
These provide a playground for children. If they are not operational, you can make a choice of doing without it, negotiate on the price or look up for another campground.
Cellular services and wifi
With the recent technology, we all want to get connected. The domain way of doing this is through cell phones and computers. However, for these devices to function, a reliable outside connection is required. The craving for getting people connected has made campsites to offer free wifi services to campers. You should, therefore, make sure that your place has such facilities.
6. Research the locality
You should finally research the region to explore what lies beyond the campsite. Also by doing online research, you will identify the nearest towns and the best places where you can entertain yourself and your family.
The research will also help you to be aware of the landscape and the beauty underlying the place; making your visit more interesting. However, this has been simplified by the fact that every town has got its website with pages of information intended to attract you there to promote the city and the business.After all the above preparations. Enjoy the trip in your recreation van and have fun.
After making the great necessary preparations and research, you can set off for4 your vacation with the belief that you have done your best in preparing for a memorable RV trip.
The camping checklist consists of many items, some of which have been highlighted below: