Ready to RV?
Article courtesy of www.woodalls.com
Many of us dream of driving cross-country—or at least just camping for a long weekend in a state park. RV travel easily allows you to do both, with comfort, convenience and safety and fun.
The Basics
"Recreational Vehicle" travel allows you to venture anywhere across the country. No matter where you decide to travel in your rented or purchased RV, you'll find campgrounds and RV parks located throughout North America that provide the amenities and recreation you and your family want--from small campgrounds to luxury RV resorts, there are more than 16,000 RV/camping facilities. You may soon discover that the problem with the RV lifestyle isn’t having to search for a place you want to visit, but having too many places to choose from!
Where Are RV Parks? What Do They Offer?
Families will find campgrounds and RV parks nestled in or near our national parks, recreation areas, beaches, mountains, major tourist attractions and large cities. Wherever you live, there is an RV park/campground within easy driving distance. Outdoor sports and shopping, touring and nightlife--all are within reach on an RV/camping vacation.
Campgrounds and RV parks come in many sizes and personalities. Some offer a wide range of amenities, while others provide the basic water and bathhouse facilities for a more rustic experience.
Today's privately-owned parks specialize in providing an environment where you can enjoy outdoor recreation without completely abandoning civilization. Facilities generally include playgrounds, game rooms, swimming pools or lakes, laundry facilities and convenience stores - all at prices more economical than hotels.
For the RV camper, water, electric and sewer hookups, and level sites are often the norm. Some locations feature camping and/or housekeeping cabins. Some have RVs or trailers available for rent. If you don't want to miss your favorite TV show, many parks have overnight cable or satellite hookups. Most private RV parks offer Internet access--and wireless Internet access is becoming increasingly popular.More information to choose the right park.
How Do I Choose the Right RV to Rent or Buy?
RV’s come as either motorized or towable. Within each of these categories you'll find subcategories, such as Class As, Class Bs and Class Cs for the motorized units; and conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, fold-down tent campers, pickup campers and park models for the towable units. Some RVers prefer one over the other--it's a matter of individual choice. More information about RV Types.
How Do I Safely Drive An RV?
With some practice, you can become a confident driver of your new RV. Whether you are thinking about purchasing or renting a vehicle, you already have some of the skills needed to drive a motorized or towable RV.
For motorized RVs, adjust and use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road views. Account for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart that those of a car. Allow more time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway since bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.
For towables, match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full- and mid-size family cars can pull a trailer, so can many mini vans, 4x4s and light-duty trucks. Check the owner's manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum load weight it can pull. Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly. Connect brakes and signal lights. Always check that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with those of the tow vehicle. Back up with care. By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your hand. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction, avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel. Slowly steer the vehicle into its desired direction.
Every state and province has specific rules of the road for RV travelers to follow. For a complete list of 2007 Rules of the Road from Woodall Publications view here.
Books
2007 Roadmaster Campground & RV Park Road Atlas
RV Living in the 21st Century: The Essential Reference Guide for ALL RVers
Links
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
