Americans love their road trips! This summer, more than 200 million people will hit the open road. RV travel has grown popular in the last decade. Families love how it combines adventure with the comforts of home.
The family road trip means something new after two years of the pandemic. RV travel needs good planning to work well. You’ll need to pick the right vehicle and make a detailed checklist. The costs make sense too – you can stay at state and national park campgrounds for just $20-$40 per night, which is way less than hotels.
Good planning helps you handle common challenges like keeping your speed around 50 mph. Smart RV travelers follow the practical 3/300 rule: don’t drive more than 300 miles in a day and pull into your destination before 3 p.m. Your family’s RV camping list will look quite different from your usual vacation packing list.
This piece covers everything you need for a great RV adventure. From basic maintenance to finding perfect campgrounds, you’ll learn how to create lasting memories on America’s highways and scenic byways.
Choose the Right RV for Your Family Trip
Image Source: Renogy
The right recreational vehicle is a vital first step to plan an RV trip with your family. Your choice of RV can make the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable adventure.
Understand different RV classes
RVs come in several distinct categories that offer unique advantages for family travelers:
- Class A Motorhomes: These large, bus-shaped vehicles (26-45 feet) provide spacious interiors with luxury features but can be challenging to drive and park.
- Class B Motorhomes: Compact camper vans (16-24 feet) offer excellent fuel efficiency and maneuverability, making them ideal for couples or small families seeking easy-to-drive options.
- Class C Motorhomes: Mid-sized options (20-33 feet) strike a balance between space and drivability, typically featuring over-cab sleeping areas that accommodate up to 8 people.
- Travel Trailers: Towable RVs (10-40 feet) offer versatility and can be detached at campsites, allowing exploration with your regular vehicle.
- Fifth Wheels: Larger towable options (22-40 feet) that connect to pickup truck beds, offering spacious layouts ideal for extended trips.
Match RV size to your travel style
Your family’s size and priorities should guide your RV selection. Weekend warriors taking short trips might find a smaller RV with simple amenities enough. Full-time travelers need larger RVs with ample storage and complete kitchen facilities.
Solo travelers or couples might find Class B motorhomes perfect, while families often need separate sleeping areas like those in bunkhouse travel trailers. Families with children appreciate dedicated bunk beds more than convertible dining areas that need setup every night.
Consider rental vs. purchase
Renting is a great way to get experience with different RV types without long-term commitment. Small RV rentals start at $100-$200 per night, nowhere near the purchasing costs that range from $10,000 to over $1 million.
Purchasing might make financial sense if you camp more than three times per season. Notwithstanding that, ownership brings additional responsibilities including maintenance, insurance, and storage costs that can reach $100-$250 monthly.
New RV owners should start by renting to learn about different models and learn about maintenance operations, electrical hookups, and generator setups. This hands-on experience helps make informed decisions about future purchases.
Plan Your Route and Book Campgrounds Early
You’ve picked your perfect RV. Now it’s time to plan your route – a vital step to give your family an amazing adventure. Good planning will help you avoid stress on the road and get the best camping spots.
Use RV-friendly navigation tools
Regular navigation apps like Google Maps can lead RVers into tight spots because they don’t consider vehicle size limits. RV-specific navigation tools are now a must-have to travel safely. Apps like RV LIFE Trip Wizard create custom routes based on your RV’s height, weight, and length. This helps you stay clear of low bridges, steep roads, and areas that don’t allow propane.
You can also try Roadtrippers and CoPilot RV. These apps work great offline when you’re in remote areas with bad cell service. On top of that, they show you points of interest, gas stations, and rest stops that work well with bigger vehicles.
Reserve popular RV campgrounds in advance
Spontaneous RV trips are mostly a thing of the past. State and national park campsites fill up months ahead, especially in peak season. Expert RVers will tell you to book as soon as spots become available.
Booking windows are different everywhere. National parks let you book six months ahead. Some state parks use eleven-month rolling windows. Popular times are so competitive that spots can disappear in seconds. You’ll just need to know the exact time and time zone when bookings open.
Check for height and propane restrictions
RVs face limits on many tunnels, bridges, and roads. Some tunnels don’t allow propane tanks at all – like the Holland Tunnel between Manhattan and Jersey City. Baltimore Harbor’s I-95 tunnels are a bit more flexible. They allow LP gas containers under 10 pounds.
Height clearance can be tricky too. RV GPS units help spot these problems before they become dangerous. Some parkways ban trailers completely, such as Connecticut’s Wilbur Cross and Merritt parkways.
Scenic routes often have strict rules. Take Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road as an example. This is a big deal as it means that vehicles over 21 feet long and 8 feet wide can’t drive between certain points.
The Complete RV Road Trip Checklist
Image Source: Inspired Routes
A great RV trip starts with proper preparation and the right equipment. This detailed RV road trip checklist will give a clear picture of what you need to pack for your family trip.
Essential tools and safety gear
Your RV needs a simple toolbox with screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, and duct tape for quick fixes. You can’t skip first aid supplies—pack antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers, and important medications. On top of that, you’ll need these vital items:
- Surge protector and electrical adapters
- Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
- Tire pressure gage and portable air compressor
- Fire extinguisher and emergency road kit
- Drinking water hose and water pressure regulator
Kitchen and cooking supplies
The kitchen makes your RV feel like home. Pack stackable measuring cups, mixing bowls, and cooking utensils that save space efficiently. You’ll need a cast iron skillet, coffee maker, cutting boards, plates, utensils, and food storage containers. Dutch ovens work great both inside and outside your RV.
Bedding and personal care items
RV mattresses come in special sizes, so you’ll need specific sheets. Good pillows, blankets, and a mattress topper can make sleeping more comfortable. Remember to pack towels, toiletries, and RV-specific toilet paper that dissolves easily.
Entertainment for kids and adults
While outdoor activities fill most of your time, you’ll want some indoor entertainment too. Board games, cards, books, and portable streaming devices come in handy during downtime. Kids will enjoy coloring books, educational materials, and age-appropriate toys.
Cleaning and maintenance supplies
Keep your home-on-wheels clean with RV-safe products. Pack all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, sponges, trash bags, and paper towels. Black tank chemicals and special cleaners help manage waste systems well.
Baby and toddler travel needs
Families with babies or toddlers should bring portable cribs, high chairs, and proper car seats. Stock up on diapers, wipes, and familiar items like security blankets. A mosquito net over the crib keeps little ones safe during outdoor fun.
Tips for a Smooth and Safe RV Travel Experience
Proper planning and daily habits make RV family adventures successful. Good routines and proven safety practices will give everyone an amazing trip from start to finish.
Create a daily travel schedule
A consistent routine helps families stay balanced during long RV trips. Research shows families with steady sleep/wake cycles have better health outcomes than those who keep changing their rest patterns. Set specific mealtimes – eating together creates quality family time and saves money compared to individual snacking. Your mornings will be less stressful when family members wake up at different times, which prevents bathroom bottlenecks in tight RV spaces.
Follow the 3/300 rule for driving
Seasoned RVers rely on the 3/300 rule: drive no more than 300 miles per day and reach destinations by 3 p.m.. RV driving is different from car travel – lane changes need more space, passing trucks creates a “sucking” feeling, and exits become major events rather than minor hassles. Yes, it is important to limit daily travel distances to prevent fatigue buildup. You’ll have enough daylight to set up camp and explore the surroundings when you arrive by mid-afternoon.
Practice parking and turning before departure
New RVers should practice backing up in empty parking lots with traffic cones before trying it at busy campgrounds. RV’s tires sit under rather than in front of the driver, so you need different visual judgment than cars for turning. Right turns can be tricky – drive deeper into intersections before turning to make sure your wheels clear the turning radius.
Monitor fuel, water, and waste levels regularly
Large vehicles often struggle with gas stations’ tight turns and low-hanging covers. Stick to truck stops until you’re comfortable maneuvering – they offer extra room and easy highway access. On top of that, check your water and waste levels often during your trip.
Making Memories on the Open Road
Good planning is essential for an RV trip, but the rewards are worth every bit of effort. This piece covers everything families need for a great RV adventure—from picking the perfect vehicle to following key safety protocols.
The right RV affects your whole experience. Your choice between a spacious Class A motorhome or a maneuverable travel trailer should match your family’s size and priorities. RV-specific navigation tools help you avoid height restrictions and other hazards. Make your campground reservations early.
Our complete packing checklist covers all parts of RV travel—essential tools, kitchen supplies, bedding, entertainment options, and items for young children. Good preparation eliminates stress and keeps everyone comfortable during the trip.
Safety comes first. The 3/300 rule keeps your family safe while making the trip more fun. RV travel is different from car trips, but these practical guidelines prevent tiredness and give you time to explore.
RV travel offers more than just convenience. Families grow closer after shared adventures and create lasting memories while seeing America’s natural wonders together. Start planning your RV adventure now and find out why millions of families call it the best way to experience the open road.
Good preparation turns potential problems into minor bumps along the way. With this guide, your family will join the growing community of RV enthusiasts who have found the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
