Don’t Forget Your Toolkit
Everything can happen in the wild, and when you don’t have access to quick help (or even, God forbid, a signal to call for help) you will need to take matters into your own hands. If something breaks down on your RV you need to be ready to be able to perform at least basic check-ups. It will also be useful for things like changing the tire or fixing a loose object. So, make sure to always carry these necessities with you on the trip:
- Duct tape
- An emergency road kit
- A wrench
- A surge protector
- Zip ties
- A tire pressure gauge
- A generator
Leveling Blocks are Your Friend!
RV leveling blocks are great tools that allow you to level your RV on all kinds of surfaces. They are especially useful when you have to park on soft ground or sloped surfaces to prevent any mishaps from happening. They are also a good tool to help you figure out if you have a flat tire on time. Sometimes it can also directly affect how different parts inside the RV work as well. For example, there are fridges that use gravity in order to cool themselves properly (therefore requiring the vehicle to be leveled properly). So, don’t stall and get yourself some RV leveling blocks.
Don’t Forget the Toiletries!
People usually ignore this one and think “Bah, just toilet paper is enough”. Let’s just say this shouldn’t be the only thing you need to worry about. Unless you want your entire RV reeking of feces, then you should get scented toilet capsules. Trust us, you’ll not regret this. Another tip would be to carry toilet paper that dissolves in water.
In the event that you end up with a clog in your toilet, you can use boiling water to flush it down as it will clear up the hose from most clogs. Another problem that will surely arise is clearing the storage. Once you go to the storage department and connect the sewer hose to the sewer to get rid of the organic waste, you have to make sure that the dump valves are closed. Otherwise, you will be in for a nasty surprise.
Check the Tires
Just like with every other preparation for long trips, check your tires (including the spares) in order to make sure they are in top shape and ready for the journey to come. Regardless of how new or old they are, it will never hurt to take a bit of time to inspect them. Here are some of the best ways of doing it:
1) Inspect the tires to see whether they are worn out
2) Check the tire pressure and make sure there aren’t any air leaks (keep in mind that tires lose about 3 PSI on a monthly basis so if you haven’t used them for an extended period of time, the chances are high that they aren’t in top shape)
While having your tires be in top shape is important, it’s also as equally important to have proper sight of your surroundings during the trip. This is why we would recommend getting a caravan reverse camera so that you will be a lot more secure and aware of your surroundings during the trip.
Check the Roof
Your roof is susceptible to UV rays and water from the rain. It deteriorates the coating and it’s something that simply can’t be helped. The best way of approaching this problem is by conducting regular maintenance of the roof and inspecting it from time to time in order to maximize the roof’s life duration. Keep in mind that roof replacement is an expensive ordeal, it can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 and beyond. Here are a few general tips regarding roof maintenance:
1) You need to immediately take action if you see any cracks or broken seals around the roof and its sealant coating
2) Wash the exterior of the RV regularly
3) Go over the surface of the roof with your hand in order to check for white residue. White residue is a clear indicator that the roof is falling apart and it should be a clear sign that you need to reseal the roof of the RV
4) If you have an RV with a walkable roof, walk on it and inspect the roof for any damage to its exterior. If you can’t walk over it, use a ladder
Park Before it Gets Dark
This is more of a heads-up tip. Plan out your trip by calculating approximately how much time you will need to reach your destination so that you can park the RV before it gets dark because it can get a lot more difficult to settle down once the night has come. This applies to parking in campgrounds, designated parks, and especially the forests. You need to be able to see your surroundings in order to park well. If you can’t adequately see your surroundings, then you are at a big risk of damaging the vehicle and, even worse, getting yourself and your companions hurt.
The Last Day Before You Start Your Trip
The day has finally come for you to embark on your adventure. Just before you can start it, you need to make some last preparations. Here are some tips to follow on the last day:
1) Give all of the cameras and mirrors a thorough scrubbing in order to have proper visibility of your surroundings and not worry about interpreting what the sign upfront is
2) Make sure that all of the hoses are firmly connected and closed. This means checking the propane tanks and all of the accessible valves and hoses
3) Remove the wheel chocks before departing. Also after you do so, make sure to raise the stabilizers afterward
4) Make sure that all of your electrical gear is turned off before going. This is more of a safety rule because during the trip the connected devices will move around and maybe get disconnected. So, don’t test fate
That is it for today folks, hope you have a fun and safe trip!