Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure and explore the great outdoors? Solo RV travel is becoming increasingly popular among those who want to experience a cost-effective way of living while exploring new places.
But if you’re planning to go alone, there are some important things you need to know before setting off on your journey. In this blog post, we’ll look at 9 tips for solo RV travel that will help you stay safe and have fun!
1. Plan, Plan, Plan
As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail! Some may see this differently and prefer spontaneity in their approach but some level of planning is essential for a successful and safe trip. This is especially true for solo travelers!
Before setting off, consider where you’ll be going, what route you will take, and how long each leg of the journey should take. You may also need to plan ahead for RV campgrounds and accommodations depending on the duration of your travel.
Start by researching RV-friendly locations that are interesting and safe for camping alone. You could prioritize locations around national parks, scenic overlooks, or campgrounds with amenities like hookups for electricity and water. If safety is a concern, be sure to plan your stops in areas where there are lots of people. Putting yourself in remote areas alone is probably not the best idea for cautious travelers.
It’s a good idea to have a daily plan to follow, including stops for fuel and meals so you can optimize every moment of your journey without getting over-tired from long stretches on the road. With some preparation and imagination, your RV adventure promises to be rewarding and unforgettable!
Above all else, ensure that your vehicle is serviced and in excellent condition before taking off on your solo RV odyssey!
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
Part of planning your trip should also be considering your RV and preparing it for the trip. Your RV is what will take you to where you want to go so you want to make sure it is up to the challenge. Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is in good working order by checking all of the systems, tires, brakes, fluids, etc., so that it runs smoothly throughout your trip.
Be sure to change the oil and inspect and air up all tires. Here is a short list of vehicle preparation items that may be important to remember.
- Change oil (if it needs it)
- Check all fluids including brake, power steering, coolant, transmission, oil, and turn signal fluid (just kidding on that last one).
- Air all tires and inspect for any damage. If necessary, replace tires with low treads. It could be dangerous traveling with worn-out tires.
- Ensure the spare tire is useable and has proper air pressure.
- Stock up on basic supplies such as food items, toiletries, and other essentials.
- Check all systems and make sure all are in working order. This may include the water pump, furnace, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
There are many more areas that you should check depending on your RV type and travel plans. Here is a great resource for lots of different RV travel checklists.
3. Be Prepared for Emergencies
No matter how careful we are, there may come times when unexpected events occur during our travels like mechanical breakdowns or accidents that require immediate assistance from professionals like tow trucks or mechanics who may not be nearby at the time of need. It is always best practice to keep emergency numbers handy such as roadside assistance services like Goodsam Roadside Assistance, AAA, or Allstate Motor Club in case something happens while out on the road.
Beyond that, it’s also important to carry an emergency kit with essential supplies in case you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. A first-aid kit can also come in handy. Stocking up on things like food, water, flashlights, and blankets can help you stay safe in the event of an emergency.
Finally, beyond cell phones, it is also a good idea to have a GPS unit or satellite phone handy so that if needed, you can easily contact friends or family for assistance.
4. Know Where Your Going Ahead of Time
As Yogi Berra famously said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
While it’s probably not possible to know all the places you’ll be going, it’s a good idea to have a general plan in place. You can leave room for spontaneity and exploration, but mapping out where you want to go ahead of time can help you prioritize your stops and make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
Do research beforehand to look for interesting places along the way and plan RV Parks or campgrounds to stay at along the way. You can create a general list of places or mark them on your map for areas you know you’ll be in. By doing some research ahead of time, you’ll know the roads to take and the places worth seeing along your journey.
Finally, share this list with other family members or friends so they will also have a general idea of where you’ll be. If bad things happen, at least they will be in the know as to general areas that you may be at.
5. Pack light
You don’t need to bring everything with you when you’re traveling in an RV. Decide what items you need and make sure to pack light so that you don’t run out of storage space or add unnecessary weight to your vehicle.
Solo RV travel can be a great adventure, but packing can be the biggest challenge. When you’re on the road by yourself, it’s easy to forget to be practical and pack items that won’t actually serve any use or purpose with RV travel. To maximize the freedom and flexibility of being out there on your own, you should look to pack as few items as possible while remaining safe and prepared.
Successful packing comes down to understanding what you’ll need for a comfortable solo RV journey. Consider taking multi-use clothes, focusing on personal hygiene, planning out meals ahead of time, and packing only essential items for RV travel so that nothing is wasted along the way.
Being mindful of what you pack when RV traveling can help keep your load light enough so that you can enjoy the journey.
6. Stay safe
It’s important to take safety seriously when traveling alone. As a single traveler, you are more vulnerable to hazards that can arise while on the road. Staying vigilant and proactive will go a long way toward keeping you safe while RVing alone.
Here are a few ways that you can remain vigilant in your approach to staying safe while on the road alone.
- Never park in sketchy areas or places that just don’t feel right. Trust your instincts and don’t always rely on reviews or other people’s suggestions.
- Park in a way that will allow you to leave quickly if the need arises.
- Always get permission to park in areas where you think free parking is allowed. You don’t want to get in legal trouble or fined for a simple parking infraction.
- Keep some basic non-lethal weapons close at hand inside your RV. Here are a few suggestions.
- Always be mindful of your surroundings and use common sense.
- Keep your phone charged and make sure it is within arms reach at all times.
- Make sure your RV is stocked with safety essentials such as a first-aid kit, emergency supplies, a working smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector.
The RV community is a great group of like-minded individuals. For the most part, you’ll have no problems but that doesn’t mean the chance isn’t there. Expect the best but prepare for the worst and you should be just fine under most circumstances.
7. Stay connected
Make sure to stay in touch with your family and friends by bringing along a phone or laptop for communication in case of an emergency. As mentioned above, make sure those items remain charged at all times so you don’t find yourself with a dead phone or computer when you need them most.
Take lots of pictures to share with your friends and family so they don’t miss out on all of your experiences and they know where you are. Be sure that you have an emergency plan in case anything goes wrong or something unexpected happens.
There are many ways to stay connected without spending too much money or time. Our phones are usually always with us and allow us to talk to anyone with the push of a button. However, cell reception can sometimes be an issue, especially if you are boondocking in rural areas. You may want to consider other options as backups, such as satellite internet or mobile antennas.
With the use of popular apps such as Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, and even more widely available WI-FI connections you’ll be able to check in every once in a while without racking up huge roaming charges along your journey.
Using the right phone plans that allow for national coverage at a flat rate makes staying connected while traveling in an RV solo much less of a hassle.
8. Relax
Although there are some concerns as a solo RV traveler, you still need to enjoy the journey. As long as you are prepared in the best way you can be for unexpected issues or danger, there isn’t much else you can do. Relax and enjoy what this lifestyle has to offer. There are mostly good people on the road and those you meet along the journey will be pleasant.
Through RV travel, you can explore picturesque locations of your choosing in complete peace and tranquility. You can take in the fresh air and natural beauty around you without the disruption of crowded tourist spots or bustling cities. Moreover, you can customize your RV trip to fit your exact needs and preferences. Choose from town-hopping day trips or multiday stays near popular attractions; embrace a slower pace or plan exciting itineraries along with outdoor activities.
With RV travel, there is no limit to how much you can relax – all while safely exploring nature in an enjoyable atmosphere.
9. Have fun
Don’t forget to have fun while traveling solo! Take pictures and document your journey so that you can look back on it fondly in the future. You may even meet some interesting people along the way! While there may be some initial safety concerns, you’ll generally find that it was all for nothing. I have been fortunate to not have any issues along my journey that put me in an unsafe position. They are few and far between when they do happen.
Don’t let the thought of what could happen ruin your experience.
From sightseeing to spending time outdoors, RVing allows you to make your own unique adventure – the sky is literally the limit when you go RVing! Everything from camping in a secluded spot to just driving around until you find something interesting can make having fun on an RV trip a breeze. All you need is you and your RV and any activity can become an opportunity for fun and exploration.
Conclusion
RV travel is a great way to explore the world and give yourself an unforgettable adventure. With proper preparation and the right attitude, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience, with plenty of chances to make memories that will last a lifetime. So, don’t be afraid to embark on your solo RV journey. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to hit the open road and explore what this world has to offer.