RV Travel and Navigation Tips

Traveling in a Recreational Vehicle (RV) offers a unique sense of freedom, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially regarding navigation and route planning. These tips focus on essential considerations for a smooth journey.

Pre-Trip Planning

Careful planning is the foundation of a successful RV trip. Knowing the limitations of your vehicle and the roads you will be taking is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Understanding Your RV

Before setting out, gather and internalize key specifications for your vehicle. This information is vital for safe navigation.

• Height, Weight, and Length: Always have the exact dimensions of your RV recorded. This prevents issues with low bridges, tunnels, and weight-restricted roads.
• Fuel and Water Range: Know your average fuel economy and the capacity of your fresh and waste water tanks. This helps in planning necessary stops for fuel and services.
• Braking Distance: Understand that the size and weight of an RV significantly increase the distance required to stop.

Route Assessment

Standard navigation tools do not always account for RV-specific restrictions. Dedicated RV software or maps are highly recommended.

Planning Consideration	Detail
Restricted Routes	Identify roads with weight, height, or length limits that your RV exceeds.
Steep Grades	Note the locations of steep uphill or downhill grades to prepare your speed and gear.
Fuel Stops	Mark out stations that have easy access for large vehicles, like those near truck stops.
Rest Areas	Look for areas with dedicated RV parking to ensure safe and comfortable breaks.

On-the-Road Navigation

Once traveling, a proactive and attentive approach to driving and navigation is necessary.

Driving Techniques

RV handling differs significantly from that of a standard car. Drive conservatively, especially in changing conditions.

• Wider Turns: Always account for the tail swing and length of your RV, making wider turns than you normally would in a car to avoid striking curbs or objects.
• Speed Management: Maintain a slower, consistent speed, particularly on winding roads or in strong winds.
• Towing: If towing a vehicle or trailer, practice reversing and understand the added length and weight for all maneuvers.

Situational Awareness

Be constantly aware of your surroundings, as an RV has larger blind spots.

• Mirror Use: Use side mirrors frequently and adjust them to minimize blind spots.
• Weather: Plan ahead for potential weather changes. High winds and heavy rain can be particularly challenging for large vehicles.

Parking and Setting Up

Arriving at your destination safely requires careful maneuvering and attention to the surroundings.

Site Inspection

Before backing into a spot, walk the entire perimeter of your intended site.

• Obstacles: Check for low-hanging branches, uneven ground, rocks, and utility pedestals.
• Clearance: Ensure there is enough space to open slide-outs and perform hookups without obstruction.

Leveling

A level RV is essential for the proper functioning of appliances, especially the refrigerator.

• Use leveling blocks or an automatic leveling system on site.

The following checklist can assist in the final setup process:

• Chock the wheels securely.
• Connect to shore power and water.
• Verify that all main utilities are functioning correctly.
• Deploy stabilizing jacks.