Prepare for a Long Trip in Your RV

RV vacationers probably have as many reasons for taking extended vacations in their RVs as people who sell their homes and live in their RVs full-time. Whether you’ve decided to live in your RV full-time or take a long trip, some things can help you prepare.

First, let’s talk about a common mistake: stocking up on food as though headed to the wilderness. If you’re heading to Texas, you’ll find no lack of resources.

At Woodland Creek RV Park (one of the best RV parks in Tyler), you can find your piece of the wilderness while knowing that whatever you need is within easy reach; banks, grocery stores, libraries, post offices, restaurants, entertainment, and more.

Planning to make chili over the open flame? Why do you need to take up your valuable RV real estate with five cans of tomato sauce when there’s a store in town? Leave the beans at home! With a quick trip to town, you’ll have what you need, plus marshmallows for the s’mores!

The bottom line is: don’t pack what you don’t need.

There are, however, some things that might not automatically come to mind. When going on a LONG (let’s define it as 2+ months) trip, you need to think about these four Ms.

Things to Take Care of Before You Go to the Best RV Park in Tyler

Mail

How are you going to get critical mail? What if you fall and break your wrist two weeks before you’re supposed to start a four-month trip to Alaska?

Most communication with the world is now online, but what about that stray doctor bill or the one from the emergency room? You don’t want it to sit in your mailbox just waiting for the collection agency. Arrange for family, friends, or a mail-forwarding service to manage your mail.

Medicine

Insurance. Are you covered where you’re going? Are you sure? Do you have a list of in-network providers? How’s your health?
What about COVID?
Prescriptions. Did you know that you can’t transfer a prescription for a “controlled drug” like a sleeping pill in some states? Can you get enough pills before you start, or is there a pharmacy en route or where you’re going?

Money

Take a fireproof safe box and hide it somewhere in your RV. It’s an excellent place to keep extra cash, passports, credit cards, and other important papers.
If you’re on the road during an emergency, you need cash, so keep about $500 in cash in that box.
Keep more than one credit card. A thief can drain your checking account.
Expect to pay in cash. Remember that ATMs have surprise fees, so find and use cards that don’t have them.

Maintenance

There’s nothing like taking a trip in a vehicle and not knowing how to take care of it. If you are handy and work on cars, you’re in better shape than many who head out on the road thinking the world is theirs. Perhaps you can fix things on the spot. Maybe not.

The first thing you might want to do is to make a list of places along your route that work on RVs. That way, if you need a mechanic, you’ll know where to take it.

Another thing you might want to do is make a “Before Your Trip” checklist.

Just when you think you’re done with the list of things to think about, you’ll think of a dozen more:

Check the roof.
Check your tires.
Fill up your freshwater.
Replenish the first-aid kit.
Make a menu and a list of grocery items for starting out.
Contact friends and family and advise them of the route you’re taking.
Arrange for someone to water your plants.
Emergency contact list: make sure they have your essential details.
Important papers: where will you store them? Who will have access?
Insurance policies: are they up-to-date?
Check your batteries, and have spares stored in the RV.
Perform a test on all of your electrical and propane appliances.

You can rack your brain, but Camping World has thought of this list for you. https://blog.campingworld.com/rv-basics/an-rv-checklist-for-before-your-trip/

You can print out the list and use it for each trip you take.

Taking a Trip to the Best RV Park in Tyler

No matter where you venture, you should take steps to prepare for any situation. Your RV is more than a tiny house on wheels; it’s your safe place. What things have you done to protect yourself and your family from animals, insects, and uninvited guests?

There may be a certain naivete to being on “vacation,” but don’t fall into the trap of letting your guard down. Make sure you know where the kids are and have a designated area to meet if there’s an emergency. Also, each family member should have a phone and learn how to call for help, as well as how to contact the camp staff. Things happen when you least expect it, and it is always wise to be prepared.

Heading to Tyler is always a good idea. There’s everything you need here to have a successful and enjoyable extended RV trip. The staff at Woodland Creek RV Park is waiting for you, so what are you waiting for? Give us a call today.