Essential tips for planning a successful RV trip

Planning an RV trip is exciting and fun; it usually starts with a dream of your favourite destinations in mind. Then you can ask yourself, “What would my ideal RV trip be if money and time were no object?” Give yourself the time and the permission to truly explore the options that appeal to you. The dreaming and anticipation can be as much fun as the actual RV trip. If you’ll be travelling with others (including children), set some time for everyone to dream and research where they want to go. Write down all the ideas and things that excited everyone so you can review them together, making it special for everyone involved.

Having a plan in place gives you something to look forward to. While you can't plan for everything on a trip, knowing you have a plan in place when the unexpected or unpleasant happens can make a big difference in how your adventure unfolds.

Professional planners often refer to the iron triangle of scope, cost, and time when developing their plans. This frame of reference can help you plan your RV trip more effectively. Basically, it says that you have three competing demands when planning your trip: The desired outcome (what you want your trip to be), the cost (your budget and the other factors you need to take into consideration for the trip), and time (how much time you have for your trip). If any of these three variables change, the other two must be adjusted. 

For example, if your budget takes a hit, you may consider boondocking for a few nights and/or returning home a bit earlier. In the event of an earlier than expected return, consider tweaking your itinerary to ensureReducing your time means you may have more in your budget, allowing you to splurge on an extra night out for dinner.

Seasoned RVers tell us less truly is more and encourage everyone to consider following the 3-3-3 rule:  

• Limit your daily driving distance to 300 kilometres 

Driving 300 kilometres a day can take up to five or six hours, allowing for stops you want to make along the way, and to accommodate any road challenges or construction season slowdowns. Limiting your daily distance driven makes things safer. Driver fatigue is a real risk!

• Arrive by 3:00 PM 

Arriving at your destination by 3:00 PM allows ample time to set up during daylight, address any site issues, relax, prepare dinner, explore the area, and possibly meet new people.

• Aim to stay for three nights

Stay for three nights each time to sleep in, relax, explore your surroundings, and “just be” without worrying about packing up and leaving early again the next day. It’s also better for the environment and the natural world we all want to explore. 

Key considerations for a safe and enjoyable RV trip

Be clear about the parameters you’ll need to work within to plan your trip. This includes the amount of time you have for your trip, your budget, the type of RV you will be using, your travelling preferences, and the needs of the people you’ll be travelling with (children, pets, health, or mobility issues).

Choose your travel companions wisely: You’re travelling in tight quarters and sometimes in challenging driving conditions. Set some ground rules everyone can agree on in advance of the trip. 

Prepare to encounter road closures and hazards along the way, including low-clearance bridges and restricted routes. Be aware of your vehicle's height and plan your routes accordingly. Invest in a GPS that shows low-clearance bridges, or consider purchasing a trucker's atlas. 

Tips that will help you on the road:

• Extreme weather and fires are increasingly a risk for RV travellers. Familiarize yourself with Weatheradio Canada and consider investing in an emergency weather radio.
• Review your mobile services to determine if they will meet your needs to stay connected while you’re on the road. 
• Download some helpful apps that can help while you’re travelling.
• Keep some extra cash on hand and find a safe hiding place outside of your rig to store an extra set of keys. 
• Get enough sleep! Ensure you get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to your trip and try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. You’ll be better equipped to deal with stressful situations that might come up while travelling if you are well-rested.

Prepare a detailed checklist of what you’ll need for yourself and the RV, including:

• Complete any maintenance requirements and have your rig cleared by an RV dealer or professional you trust before heading out.
• Check the status of your passports. If they’re within 6 months of expiry, renew them before you leave. This is especially important if you are travelling south of the border.
• Pack hard copies of your documents.
• Confirm you have the right types and amounts of insurance in place: 
  • Insurance for your RV (and your towing vehicle or your ‘toad’)
  • Out-of-province travel insurance
  • Pet insurance (if you’re travelling with a pet)
  • Emergency roadside assistance

Speak to an Orbit Insurance Services expert before your RV trip

At Orbit, we’re passionate about protecting your adventures. Our RV insurance experts specialize in fifth wheels, travel trailers, campers, motorhomes and more, and are there to help you understand the coverage you need while you're on the road.

Whether you're exploring options for RV insurance or you're already a customer looking to review your policy, our expert brokers are ready to assist. Request a quote today or contact an Orbit broker to ensure your coverage is right for your journey.

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