Not surprisingly, RVing has become even more popular this past year, as families try to find new ways to vacation during a pandemic. A family RV trip offers mobility and adventure, as well as a way to avoid crowds. Some families, like my friend Annie, even decided to stay on the road in a more permanent capacity. She embraced home schooling and family RV travel as a new way of life.
For me, RVing has become an annual pastime. In fact, this last summer marked 6 years of RVing with my family. I still remember our first family RV trip like it was yesterday. My husband had been trying for years to convince me to go RVing instead of tent camping; his own family had been going on annual RV excursions since he was eight years old. But, to me, it seemed strange to go camping with what is essentially a mini house (and all of its contents). I was used to carrying everything on own back.
How mistaken I was! Don’t get me wrong, I still love traditional camping with my kids. However, traveling in an RV can be both an adventure and a blessing. My kids stay warm, comfortable, clean, and well fed. And there are no middle-of-the-night trips, by flashlight, to find a bathroom.
Yet, just like any trip you take with your kids, it is important to be prepared. Here are some of the tips and tricks, that I have learned over the years. Combined, they should help you have a successful family RV trip.
Consider a Trailer First
If you own a large SUV or truck, with a hitch, you may want to consider renting a trailer instead of an RV. Not only do trailers cost less, they are also more gas efficient than RV’s. You also have the freedom to sightsee while your home-away-from-home stays at the campground. These days, trailers have all the bells and whistles of RV’s, including pop-outs, hook ups, and fancy amenities. You just can’t be inside a trailer while its moving.
Choose the Right Family RV
RV’s, like most things, come in various shapes and sizes. One tip for a successful family RV trip, is to pay attention to the rules and requirements of where you intend to stay. Some campgrounds have size limits, and campground hosts do check! I know this first hand. One year, we discovered too late that the RV we had rented was two inches longer than the spot we had reserved. We thought we could fudge it by putting part of our rear tires up on the curb, but we got busted. Many frantic phone calls later and we were able to secure a new RV. However, we were still out the cost of the original RV because it was our error!
Also, if at all possible, consider renting an RV that has extra sleeping options. Fortunately, RV’s come with many configurations. They feature everything from queen beds, to loft spaces, to bunk beds, as well as dining and living areas that fold out to beds of their own. Having extra sleeping choices allows you to pivot if you need to. For instance, one year, we had to move a sick child to a single bed, instead of letting him continue to sleep with his brother.
When we first started RVing as a family, we rented from Cruise America. They offered competitive pricing, lots of pick-up locations across the country and, for the most part, their RV’s were in good shape. However, in the last couple of years, we have rented both RV’s and trailers from private owners through RVshare. Private rentals typically come fully loaded with everything you need – from crockery, to cooking equipment, to trash cans, grills, and folding tables. Plus, you can pick up from literally anywhere. Some owners will even drop off your RV or trailer at your campsite, as well as set up for you.
Set Up
Speaking of set-up. If the thought of trying to back an RV or trailer into a tight camping spot gives you heart palpitations, you can always rent from a company that takes care of that for you. Outfits like 101 RV Rentals in Southern California not only deliver to local state parks, but they also set up the RV itself. While it costs more than your basic Cruise America rental, their RV’s come pre-stocked with many of the items you will need to make your trip pleasant.
To Hook Up or Not to Hook Up?
Frankly, it seems foolish to have all the mod cons – fridge, shower, toilet, lights, air conditioning, heat etc. – and not be able to freely use them. I suggest paying a little extra and renting a site that has hook-ups for your RV or trailer.
That said, some sites, like the one we rented in Tahoe three summers ago, don’t offer hook-ups. In those instances, see if your campground has toilets, shower facilities and laundry machines. This can help you conserve the water in your vehicle’s water tank. If you are conservative, it is easy to make your water supply stretch for several days.
If there is no electric hook up, you will need to rely on your RV’s battery. This should be sufficient to run basic electrical needs for one night. However, high electrical use items, like air conditioners and microwaves, will require the use of a generator. That said, keep in mind that many campgrounds have quiet hours in the evening that prohibit generator operation.
Pick Up Your RV Before You Stock the Fridge
One of the biggest perks to having an RV or trailer, over a tent, is the fridge and freezer – not to mention the stovetop and microwave. But before you start gathering up enough food to feed an army during your family RV trip, have a good look at the fridge and freezer first. This way you will know exactly what will and won’t fit, before you plan your meals. And if you are a condiment fan, buy in small sizes. Even better, pour some from home into a travel container. Also remember to pack a cooler for your beverages. You don’t want your fridge filled with soda cans!
Bring Flat Sheets
The first time we went RVing I didn’t know what to expect. Despite calling ahead to get the size of the beds so that we could bring appropriate bedding with us, we still got it wrong. The reality is that the beds on RV’s are often irregular in size which, in turn, means your fitted sheets may not fit. Save yourself the hassle and frustration by bringing flat sheets with you instead. Better yet, rent from an owner who includes linens with the rental!
Pack Smartly
Storage bins work great for a family RV trip because they allow you to organize and compartmentalize. They also stop things from sliding around when you are on the move. You can store them in the hold or “trunk” of the RV, as well as the overhead cupboards (dependent on size).
When it comes to clothes though, you may want to check to see if your RV has a little wardrobe – although most do these days. If it does, bring some plastic coat hangers with you. Using the wardrobe as an actual wardrobe, and not bag storage, can be extremely helpful. It also means you aren’t walking around with rumpled clothes.
Cleaning
Remember that an RV is not the same as a hotel. You can’t expect to have your bed magically made, and the bathroom cleaned, each day during your vacation. Those tasks fall to you. And, if you don’t return your RV in the condition you found it, you will be charged a cleaning fee. With that in mind, you will want to bring a broom and some basic cleaning products with you. Also make sure you close your air vents if you light a campfire near to the RV. You can get charged if you bring back the RV smelling of smoke.
But it’s not just about returning the RV in the condition it came. You will also want to keep it tidy and clean for your own pleasure, given that your family will be sharing such a small space.
Additionally, if anyone in your family suffers from allergies (like mine), you will want to make some special enquiries before renting. The last thing you need is for your child to be miserable because the RV accommodated a dog on its last trip! Make sure you inform anyone you are renting from of allergies in advance and, if needed, negotiate a deep clean before you pick up your RV.
Lastly, during this pandemic, make sure you know the cleaning procedures that the rental company or owner is following. And don’t forget to pack your own Clorox or Lysol wipes for peace of mind!
Rinse Off Little Feet
If you are fortunate to be camping on or near to the beach, you are going to want to have a bucket of water near to your front door. This way you can rinse off little sandy feet before entering the RV. Having a floor mat outside the RV, to wipe your feet, isn’t a bad idea either. I also bring Astroturf to put down in front of the entryways. This helps catch both dirt and sand. Equally important, we have a “no shoes on in the house” rule whenever we go on a family RV trip. This saves me from having to constantly sweep out the inside area.
Similarly, if you are at the beach, and have campground showers available to you, you may want to consider using those to bathe your children when they are particularly sandy. Rinsing sand down an RV shower drain can be a real pain. Plus, it can potentially clog your pipes.
Use a Bed Rail
If you are renting an RV where one of the beds is configured above the front driver seats, you might want to consider bringing a bed rail with you. This is especially true if you intend to use the area for one or more young children. There are many different kinds of bed rails out there. I used to use a travel version for kids that folds down into a smaller size for packing. However, you can also purchase inflatable rails (for $25) that work like side bumpers.
Pack Light but Bring Bikes
I will never forget the first time my brother-in-law brought his baby daughter RVing. He had picked it up near to where he lived and literally filled it with baby gear and toys – more than half of which he never needed. My sister made the same mistake with her kids when she joined us on a family RV trip a few years ago. Every time you stuck your head through her front door, you were greeted with absolute chaos and disarray inside.
The truth is, whether your child is a baby, a toddler, an elementary schooler, or a teenager, they really don’t need that much. Focus on the essentials – things that will help them eat and sleep. The sheer experience of RVing will typically help keep them entertained. And if you forget to bring sand toys or something specific to help enjoy the local habitat, don’t worry. Many campgrounds and nearby towns stock these items for out-of-town guests.
That said, if your kids are at an age where they like to ride bikes (with or without stabilizers), make sure you leave enough room to pack them. One thing I have learned, camping with my own kids, is that children love to ride bikes around campgrounds. But be warned, many rental companies, including Cruise America, do not allow you to attach bikes to their RV’s. Instead, they must go in the hold below. Just remember to bring a padlock with you if you are bringing your child’s bike. Bikes can appeal to opportunistic campground thieves. And don’t forget to bring bike helmets!
Read Up Before your Family RV Trip!
RV websites do a great job of prepping you for your upcoming trip. A little advance reading can help you understand what you should pack and what to expect. They can also offer extra rental services like vehicle and personal kits for an additional charge.
Happy Travels!
I am so happy we bought our trailer then fifth wheel three years ago! It has been a great way (and I feel) less stressful way to travel with littles!
Molly, I’m totally jealous that you have one of your own! I completely agree about RV’s and trailers being less stress when traveling with kids – especially when my boys were little!