"RV" is the short-form term of endearment for a recreational vehicle. And summer is a great time to hop into an RV. An RV can be your home, on either a temporary or permanent basis. You can travel by yourself or with a companion, and your pets can come along for the ride too.
Some RVs need to be hooked up to another vehicle and towed along. Others are self-propelled, and able to pull wagons, boats and other cargo behind them.
If you're gearing up for a summertime jaunt, just a little planning and preparation will go a long way toward making your trip a pleasure.
Before you take off, open all the windows and vents in your RV. Flush the water lines and add a tank cleaner and freshener to kill any bacteria. Test your appliances and interior fixtures.
When you head out, make sure to have a good supply of maps. A GPS system would be a good investment if you don't have one.
Want to camp out without having to sleep on the ground in a tent? RVing is the way to go. There are plenty of campgrounds for RVs across the country. When you get to to the one of your choosing, find campground connections and hook up your electric, gas and water systems.
Even holidays can be hit with injuries, so travel with a first-aid kit. Pack any medications you might need while away, and bring extra if you can. Include bug repellent, bandages, ointments, pain relievers and scissors. Bring a cellphone with its charger, as well as a flashlight with extra batteries.
Maintain your generator. Change the oil, replace the filter, check the air filter.
Does your RV have an awning? Awnings are a great addition because they can provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.
Do you have a destination in mind, or are you just meandering wherever the spirit moves you? You can do either one with an RV of course, as master of your own fate and pilot over your own course.
If you want to get somewhere in particular though, spend some time reading RV and travel guides, and searching the Internet, about the area and the journey that will take you there. If you are going to be going out of state, contact the other state's tourism boards.
Once you've gotten all the prep work out of the way, you can set out and enjoy what summertime on the road has to offer.
Sources:
6 RV Travel Tips for Beginner and Seasoned RV Enthusiasts. About.com. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
http://seniorliving.about.com/od/rvtravel/a/rv_travel_tips.htm
8 Random RV Tips for Summer Fun in the Sun. Doityourselfrv.com. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
http://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-tips-for-summer-fun
Reviewed July 25, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Visit Jody's website at http://www.ncubator.ca