How To Prepare for Your Fall RV Trip
As the trees begin changing colors and the air cools, hitting the road in an RV is the perfect way to affordably experience the season’s beauty without being tied down to hotel reservations and fluctuating plans. Whether you’ve been camping in your motorhome every weekend or are a first-time recreational vehicle owner, proper preparation is vital to having a seamless, relaxing vacation.
We’ve compiled all the tips, tricks, and need-to-knows for RVing in the fall to help you have the peace of mind to enjoy your next road trip fully.
Fall RV Trip Preparation
Before you set off on your adventure, you’ll want to put pen to paper to be sure you have all your ducks in a row. Below are some vital considerations you’ll want to remember as you prepare for your trip.
Planning Your Autumn Road Trip Route
First thing’s first—where are you heading? While you may have a final destination in mind, don’t forget to consider the journey that will get you there.
Certain routes won’t be accommodating to taller RVs, so do your research ahead of time to figure out what roads to avoid. We recommend marking your directions down on a paper map if technology goes awry. Additionally, some campgrounds will fill up weeks in advance, so be sure to reserve your spot earlier than later.
Account for Travel Time
Road-tripping in a car and an RV are two vastly different endeavors, and you likely won’t be able to cover the same daily mileage in your motorhome as you would in the family minivan.
RV aficionados swear by the 2-2-2 or 3-3-3 rule. Under this guidance, you will drive 200 miles in a day, check in to your campsite at 2:00 p.m., and camp for two days, or drive 300 miles in a day, check in at 3:00 p.m., and camp for three days. If at all possible, you should avoid driving at night, and be sure to plan out your rest stops in advance.
Budget for RV Vacation
Planning fall RV adventures is easier said than done, and when it comes to RVing, you’ll have to put your money where your mouth is. On the whole, having a planned route and itinerary written down will help you assess how much gas you’ll need and the costs of various activities and RV parks. Also, consider how much money should be set aside for food.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent an RV?
How much an RV costs depends on the vehicle’s age, size, and class. On average, you’re looking at around $150 per night for RVs older than ten years old and about $350 per night for newer models once insurance, tax, and preparation and service fees are considered. We advise comparing the cost of an RV rental with hotels and airfare to get the most bang for your buck.
Mechanical Pre-Trip Checklist
Before any grand adventure, ensure you’re equipped with all the tools you need to succeed. If you own your RV, this means making sure all systems and assets are up to speed. Fully evaluate your RV for any mechanical or electrical red flags twice yearly. Bringing in an RV inspector is a great way to ensure these checks get done the right way.
If you are determined and mechanically savvy, you can complete these pre-trip checks yourself, so long as you use a checklist to cover all your bases. In general, you’ll want to inspect the following:
- Engine. Inspect fluid levels, remove debris, examine for damage, and check your air filter.
- Tires. In the morning, before it gets too hot, check for cracks and damage, and ensure you have proper air pressure.
- Lights. Headlights, emergency flashers, tail lights, and other external lights should be in good condition.
- Glass. Mirrors, windows, and your windshield should be clean and unscathed. Double-check your wipers for proper function and fluid levels.
- Exteriors. Do a walkaround to inspect for any unsecured external assets, such as awnings and jacks, and other obstructions and abnormalities. If you own a towed vehicle, check all connections, lights, and brakes.
- Interiors. Ensure all doors are closed, emergency kits are stocked, insurance is on hand, and loose items are secured.
Autumn Road Trip Essentials
Chief among our autumn RV travel tips are the essentials you can’t leave home without! See below for our thorough packing list to follow as you prepare to hit the open road.
RV Travel Necessities
Your autumn road trip essentials will vary by your unique needs, but there are still a few universal items to include for your adventure, such as:
- Emergency materials and tools
- Fully stocked first aid kit, including any medications or EpiPens you or a member of your party could need
- Well-prepared tool kit tailored to your RV
- Jump starter pack
- Electrical adapters and surge protectors
- Fire extinguisher
- Road flares
- Personal care items
- Bedding and blankets
- Toiletry items, including toilet paper, hygiene products, towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
- Chargers for personal devices
- Cookware and kitchen items
- Aluminum foil, cutlery
- Garbage bags
- Cleaning supplies
Outdoor Essentials
If you’re treating your RV trip as a partial campout, you’ll need to remember some outdoor essentials as well! From “glamping” to roughing it, don’t forget these items for your trek:
- Hiking gear
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Sunglasses
- Physical maps
- GPS
- Binoculars
- Matches or lighters
- Two-way radios
Make Copper Storage Management Part of Your RV Trip Plan
Of all the planning you have to do for your next RV vacation, finding a dependable place to store your ride when you come home should be the least of your worries. Copper Storage Management operates affordable, conveniently located RV storage facilities throughout the United States. Whether you’re looking for indoor, covered, or outdoor vehicle storage, we have a solution for you complete with all the industry-grade amenities you could want.
Discover your ideal parking spot at a Copper Storage Management-owned facility near you, and feel free to contact us today to learn more!