If you ask me, there’s no better getaway than a camping road trip. After all, it combines the adventure of the open road with the comforts of home. However, even an experienced road-tripper can overlook crucial details that lead to inconvenience or damage. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress, ensuring your trip is smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive into the top 10 RV camping road trip mistakes and how to prevent them.
1. Underestimating Travel Time: Are there any RVers who haven’t lost time during a long road trip? Albeit a minor issue, no one enjoys arriving later than planned.
Solution: GPS only accounts for drive time. Keep fueling and breaks in mind. Estimate how much time those will take and add it to the drive time. Unfortunately, weather and traffic conditions aren’t as predictable so limit unchangeable plans.
2. Not Prepping for Departure: Doors being left open while pulling in slides has caused plenty of interior damage in campers. Also, any debris or items caught in under a slide-out will rip linoleum flooring. Additionally, awnings that aren’t fully rolled up will be shredded by the wind during travel.
Solution: Prepare for departure thoughtfully. Clean thoroughly, secure all doors, and fully retract awnings.
3. Overlooking Tire Maintenance: Nothing will derail an RV camping road trip faster than a tire blowout resulting in damage or an accident. Don’t risk traveling with underinflated or worn-out, cracked tires. According to Go RV Rentals there are 2,000 tire-related accidents a year.
Solution: Inspect tire pressure and tire condition before each trip. Carry a tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor to address issues on the go. Better yet, obtain a tire monitoring system that sends notifications in the event of tire issues.
4. Neglecting Water Systems: Failure to connect a water hose properly or to use a water pressure regulator can lead to leaks or water damage.
Solution: Invest in a water pressure regulator and double-check all connections when setting up or breaking down camp.
5. Forgetting to Check Clearance: Low bridges, overhangs, and tight spaces can result in RV damage if clearance isn’t accounted for. This oversight can result in costly damages or even worse, cause harm.
Solution: Know your RV’s height and always keep an eye out for signage indicating height restrictions. Additionally, use a travel app that can plan your RV camping road trip and map out paths in consideration of clearance.
6. Neglecting Black Water Tanks: Leaving the black water tank valve open can result in a buildup of solid waste, known as “poop pyramids.”. Untreated tanks can also lead to build-up or sensor malfunction if they are blocked by waste.
Solution: Keep the valve closed until it’s time to dump, and use plenty of water to flush the tank. Additionally, use chemical tank treatments according to product recommendations. Avoiding these very stressful, messy dilemmas will ensure that your RV camping road trip is enjoyable.
7. Ignoring Weight Limits: Overloading your RV can strain the engine, suspension, and tires, potentially leading to accidents or breakdowns.
Solution: Rather than ignoring the towing capacity of your vehicle be mindful of its limits and the content of the RV. Otherwise consider weighing your RV fully loaded or upgrading your tow vehicle.
8. Skipping Routine Roof Inspections: Small roof leaks that go unnoticed cause significant damage. Unfortunately, it is expensive and time-consuming to fix roofs, walls, and floors
Solution: Inspect the roof for cracks or damage every few months, and seal any weak spots with RV-safe sealant.
9. Forgetting to Secure Interior Items: Loose items inside the RV will shift or fall during transit, causing damage or injury.
Solution: Use non-slip mats, bungee cords, or cabinet latches to keep everything in place while driving.
10. Dismissing the Size of Campsites: Trying to get into an unsuitable site is not worth the risk. That is because it has led to damage and unused slide-outs, and even campers have no accommodations.
Solution: Instead of assuming, check the size of sites when booking. Furthermore, don’t be deceptive about the size of your RV camper.
Pro Tip: Create a departure checklist to be used at the beginning and end of each trip.
Road trips provide exciting adventures, but even small oversights can turn the enjoyable into a stressful ordeal. Above all else, prioritize safety and start preparing in advance. Check out this list of Common Camping Mistakes for further insight. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned RVer, staying vigilant and mindful ensures that every trip is memorable, for the right reasons.
Have you ever experienced any of these Camping Road Trip Mistakes? Share your stories and tips in the comments below to help fellow campers avoid them!