How to Plan an RV Trip (5 Easy Steps)

If you want to know how to plan an RV trip, here are 5 easy steps. These instructions provide a framework for building the best RV trip ever…

Planning an RV trip can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out. You realize there’s a lot of logistics to consider, like where to stop, how far to drive, and how to balance your budget.

Unlike other RV planning guides, I’m not going to list obvious steps like “choose a destination” or “find things to do nearby.” Rather, it describes the logistics that really provide the framework for the entire trip.

But before we get into these 5 easy steps, we want to offer you the simplest solution to your road trip planning needs…

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one step to rule it all

In fact, you can completely skip the five steps outlined below. Instead of creating your own his RV itinerary, simply purchase one customized to your chosen destination.

I sell pre-made itineraries for RVers, so it might sound selfish, but this That’s why I write these RV travel guides. Just to share my proven road trips with his fellow RVers so they don’t have to stress over their plans or end up with disappointing trips.

So, self-indulgence or not, it’s a good idea to consider purchasing an RV travel guide for your destination. It doesn’t even have to be one of my travel guides! In fact, I might not even go where you want to travel.

If you’d like to take a look, check out our selection of RV adventure guides with destinations from Florida to the Great Lakes to the Southwest and many more in between.

How to plan your own RV trip

If you want to plan your own RV trip, there are 5 simple steps you can follow. These next steps provide a jump start to the planning effort and form a framework for planning the details.

They help you plan how far you need to travel, what routes you need to take, and other logistics.

Step 1: Outline your timeline with the 330 rule

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Most experienced RV enthusiasts have learned a long way and not too far. This is a lesson Jennifer and I learned on her first trip over a decade ago.

In particular I urged them to drive farther and longer than necessary so that they could “see as much as possible”.The problem is that we didn’t enjoy as possible.

After pulling up to too many campsites exhausted, frustrated and fighting, we adopted RVing’s 330 rule.

Do not drive more than 530 miles in a day and arrive at your destination after 3:30 PM.

As a new RVer, you might be thinking, Psh, I can do more than that.it is too restrictive.

Well, at least for the first part, you would be right.You are can More than that in a day, but most experienced RVers should not doBecause if you push yourself any further, you’re far more likely to limit your enjoyment.

Step 2: Select a route using RV GPS

Don’t make the all too common mistake of using standard GPS to route your RV.you will probably end up on the next road Not RV friendly!

This means that you may encounter low overpasses, tight corners, narrow roads, weight limits and other ‘obstacles’ that impede your journey. Worse, it threatens your safety.

You should use RV GPS considering the size, weight, height, etc. of your RV. Filter routes based on these factors and other settings.

Jennifer and I use the RV LIFE app, an RV safe GPS. This GPS app is also available standalone, but we recommend purchasing her entire RV LIFE suite of tools.

The bundle is a much better deal and other tools work in the next step. In fact, you can use the RV LIFE Trip Wizard and other tools to plan your entire RV trip (our will do!).

RV LIFE Pro offers four memberships in one:

• RV LIFE Trip Wizard
• RV Life Campground Reviews
• RV LIFE App (RV-Safe GPS)
• RV LIFE Maintenance Tracker

To be clear, with an RV LIFE Pro membership you get all four of these tools in one. Trial included.

After using their tools for years, we partnered with RV LIFE to ensure our readers get the best deals. You can do it Save even more with this discount link Add this coupon code: 25% off at RVLIFESTYLE!

Step 3: Check campground reviews from REAL RVers

Unfortunately, many shady campgrounds have come up with ways to “cheat” mainstream review platforms. They pay people to write positive reviews or add false reviews.

We recommend visiting review platforms that specialize in camping and RV travel. You are much more likely to find honest reviews.

RV LIFE Campground Reviews are included when you get the RV LIFE Pro suite of tools. As you can imagine, these are campground reviews, but more importantly posted by his REAL RVers in the RV LIFE community.

Best of all, you can see the latest photos of the campground taken by our reviewers. They save you from learning the hard way that some campgrounds don’t live up to the old or staged website photos.

and don’t forget Ask a question in our Facebook group! Alternatively, you can search for destinations in the group, review previous threads, and ask questions. Over 147,000 of her RVers are currently helping you.

Step 4: Leave room for serendipity

Another important step in planning your RV trip is not to over-plan. Make sure to leave room for serendipity when planning your itinerary. In this context, “serendipity” is “pleasant surprises that we want to explore more.”

That might mean leaving room for an unexpected stop in a charming town, or going off route to check out a roadside attraction you’ve seen on a billboard. It can also mean diverting your plans to try that restaurant.

Either way, you’ll have to buffer your carefully planned RV itinerary with room for unplanned diversions. Serendipity will learn to lead you to the best places and experiences you never planned!

Step 5: Track your budget

Assuming you already have a road trip budget. So instead of telling you to budget, I’ll give you another piece of advice. Track your budget!

As with all things in life, budget-affecting road trips often bring surprises and unexpected expenses. It’s a good idea to keep track of things on the go so you can adjust as needed.

Plus, tracking your budget for this trip will help you plan your next trip. Get better, more realistic expectations for each line item.

The RV LIFE Trip Wizard app has the ability to estimate your budget, which you can update as needed. But if you want another option, I also recommend Dave Ramsey’s EveryDollar budgeting app. They have free options that you can use.

If you decide to purchase the RV LIFE Pro suite of tools, This link and coupon code: RVLIFESTYLE.

Looking for exciting RV trip ideas and travel suggestions?

We’ve created a library of RV travel books that lay out guided RV expeditions of the scenic regions of the United States that we’ve explored, and hopefully make for a great RV trip for you.

At each location, recommended routes and itineraries (7 stops per guide, 1 each day of the week-long trip!), links to multiple campgrounds and shore spots, local tips, and Offer interesting things to do. .

Cover it all in seven days, do a whirlwind weekend tour, or take your time and explore the region over two weeks or more.

Planning an RV trip can be very time consuming, so we did the research for you! Get a guide and use it. There is no doubt that you will enjoy your RV trips forever. Instant download. Click here for the RV Travel Guide.