For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with Recreational Vehicles (RVs). There is something so incredibly charming and liberating about owning a hotel-on-wheels. Besides, since I am in no way a light-packer, RVs more than just suit my taste when it comes to setting a home away from home.
However, experiencing the RV life is not all fun and effortless. There are certain challenges to it. However, what I can tell you is that these challenges are surely worth it.
So here are five tips for you. Trust me, this is the kind of stuff only an experienced RV-lover knows:
- The Holding Tank Runaway
The most dreaded task of RV life is clearing the holding tank (a euphemistic expression for emptying the toilet). Nothing scares away potential RV enthusiasts more than the idea of doing this and for good reason.
Now, you absolutely don’t want to forget packing a couple of heavy-duty latex gloves. Also, as another experienced RV enthusiast told me, run away as far and as fast as you can once you get the hose screwed on and open the valves.
I can’t even tell you how many times I have gotten my feet wet missing the right opportunity to run. To say the least, is that gross!
- Pack Outdoorsy Stuff
When you reach a lovely campground, you would likely want to enjoy sitting outside your RV. Campers often carry with them outdoor tables and chairs, awnings, outdoor carpet and just about anything that helps them feel at home even in the middle of nowhere. And don’t forget a cell phone signal booster if you are travelling remote areas. There are many designed for RVs and they will make you feel connected to the rest of the world no matter where you go.
It is not unusual for campers to even carry stuff like wind chimes and dream catchers. Pack whatever seems important to you for creating a home away from home at the doorstep of your RV.
- Paper Towels Between Your Plates
One of the most annoying things about driving in your RV is how much your dishes rattle with the slightest bump in the road. Through experience, I have gathered that one of the most effective measures against this is to place paper towels between your plates. You can also tie your cutlery together using a rubber band and then wrap them in paper towels.
- Carry Frozen Meals
If you are just starting out with the RV life, then chances are you might not particularly enjoy cooking inside your RV. Also, cooking in your RV kitchen isn’t as simple or easy as doing so in your home kitchen.
Therefore, carry at least a few frozen meals for the first one or two days. It will also be a good idea to also always keep a stack of packaged soups, beans and lentils around.
- Water Weight
Lugging around gallons of fresh water in your tank would add hundreds of needless pounds to your travels. Try keeping your tanks relatively empty unless you are headed for a secluded getaway where it would be impossible to source fresh drinking water. At most sites, I prefer connecting my RV to the campground’s water supply.
I hope you enjoy traveling and camping in your RV just as much as I do. Yes, these practical challenges often seem overwhelming but at the end of the day, it has been truly worthwhile for me. I hope it ends up being the same for you!
