Preparing for my next road trip

Getting ready for an RV road trip can be a lot of work, but it's worth it to be prepared and have a stress-free trip. Here are a few things I have done to get started:

  1. Planning my route and booking campsites. This is one of the most important things to do, as I don’t want to be stuck without a place to stay. There are a number of websites that can help me plan my route and book campsites. Using a combination of resources has helped me plan my route. Maybe I am too detail oriented but spending time planning a trip is part of the fun of travel. Others might disagree but as I gain more experience maybe that idea will change. I enjoy visiting out of the way places and finding them takes some digging. My favorite overall route planning tool is RV Trip Wizard.
  2. Pack my RV. This is where I make a list of everything I need to bring, such as food, clothes, toiletries, entertainment devices, spare parts, tools and essential equipment. I pack for all types of  weather, as well as any activities I plan on doing on my trip since this trip will take me from the South, to the mountains and then on to northern Wisconsin
  3. Get my RV serviced. This is important to make sure my RV is in good working condition and won't break down on the road. I have my RV mechanic at Palm Beach RV, in West Palm Beach, Florida check the tires, brakes, wheel bearings, equipment and other essential components. It’s a good thing that I did this because they found a propane leak and fixed it on the spot! 
  4. Practice driving my RV. It's a good idea to practice in an empty parking lot before I hit the road. My RV storage lot has space to do this. Mainly I do this to check the brake controller, equalizing hitch, and stop/turn lights. This will help me check these important safety items before heading out.
  5. Have a backup plan. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of bad weather, mechanical problems, or other unforeseen circumstances. This could include having a list of alternate campsites, having a reputable road service firm, knowing where to find a good mobile mechanic and possibly purchasing a RV service contract. 

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