The Right Way To RV: 4 Tips For Rving With The Family This Summer
Posted on: 28 July 2015
As a parent, you most likely understand the importance of spending time with your family. From creating memories that will last a lifetime to relaxing and unwinding after a long, stressful year of work and school, the benefits of a summer vacation with the family are easy to see. While complete vacation packages with airfare and accommodations are appealing, they do not offer much time for bonding. If you are one of the 8.9 million households that own an RV from a place like Orangewood RV Center, consider taking a road trip with your family this summer. While intimidating at first, planning a road trip does not have to be stressful or overwhelming. Using these tips, your family's RV road trip will be fun, safe, and memorable.
Choose your Destination
Deciding to take a road trip is the first step of planning your family's summer vacation, but you must also decide on a destination. Experience various parts of the country or choose one final destination, such as a favorite theme park or large city.
If you are planning a cross-country trip, allow yourself ample driving time, but also time at each stop along the way to rest and enjoy sites. Allot enough time for the trip home, as well.
Plan your Stops
Once you decide on your destination, you will need to map your course and plan stops along the way. To enjoy the full RV experience, locate campgrounds along your trip. Thankfully, there are numerous public and private campgrounds across the United States.
Considered "the last small towns in America," the sites offer small spaces to park and camp with your family or larger, more luxurious resorts designed for true comfort while on the road. With all the different options available, you can easily find a stop suited to your family's wants and needs.
Service your RV
Recreational vehicles also require periodic maintenance to ensure they are in proper running order, but they also reduce your risk of accidents, keep your family safe, and improve gas mileage. Before departing in your RV this summer, be sure to inspect and service the following:
- Tires – Check the air pressure and tread of your tires. Low air pressure and poor tread can reduce traction, resulting in unsafe handling and possible accidents. Use a digital gauge to read the tire pressure. To check your tire tread, use the Penny Method. Place a penny into the space of your tread, facing Lincoln's head down. If the tread covers a part of Lincoln's head, your tire tread is safe for driving.
- Oil Change – Each RV manufacturer has their own recommended timeframe for changing the oil, but schedule the service before venturing out on your long road trip.
- Fluids – Your oil change technician should top off any fluids that are low, but inspecting them before departure is smart.
- Wipers – You will most likely drive through rain during your trip, so make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.
Prepare your Kids
Traveling in an RV can be stressful for children, which increases the stress you will face as a driver. To keep the stress level down, be sure to prepare your children for the trip before heading out.
Discuss the upcoming trip with your kids to ensure they understand the length of time they will be in the RV. Allow them to pack personal items, games, books, toys, and other items that are easy to keep up with on the go. Ensure each child has their own pair of headphones, as well. This will keep the noise level down so you can concentrate on your driving.
Utilize your scheduled stops wisely. During the initial planning process, research activities and sites to see that will excite and educate your children. Be sure to take walks with the kids so they can use up some energy and stretch out their legs.
Taking your RV out this summer for a family road trip is an excellent way to bond and make memories. Using these tips, your summer vacation will be a safe, successful, and memorable.
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