Tips for Solo RV Trip Safety and Enjoyment

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While many families or couples prefer to take RV trips and related excursions as a group, there's no set rule that this needs to be your approach -- and some people prefer different ones. For instance, there are many who enjoy taking solo trips to various destinations using their RV, whether for a short day trip, a weekend outing or even a longer adventure.

At Campers RV Center, we're here to offer everything you might need for any kind of RV trip, from a huge inventory of new and pre-owned RVs and travel trailers to our service professionals, parts department and more. We're happy to assist you with any area, including simple tips on how to best utilize one of our vehicles in any situation. What are some top recommendations we make to clients who plan to take solo trips in their RV? Here are a few important ones.

Safety and First-Aid

On any trip where you're the only person, it's important to take extra care with safety and being prepared for potential problems. This is doubly true when you're operating a vehicle and travelling to new or unfamiliar places. Here are a few key tips:

Let people know your plans: Make sure at least a few trusted friends or family members know where you're going, what route you're taking and when you expect to return. That way, if anything happens, they can take appropriate steps to help.
Pack a first-aid kit and know how to use it: Accidents happen, even when we're being careful. Be prepared for minor injuries by packing a comprehensive first-aid kit -- and make sure you know how to properly use everything in it.
Carry a cell phone and know your coverage areas: In today's world, it's important to have a way to communicate in case of emergency -- but not all cell phones work everywhere. Know where you'll have service and make sure to keep the phone charged.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times: This is important no matter where you are, but it's especially crucial when you're travelling alone. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential risks, such as wildlife, slippery conditions, bad weather, etc.

Pre-Trip RV Inspection or Service

Especially if it's been a while since your last RV trip, it's important to make sure everything is in good working order before you hit the road. This includes not just the RV itself, but also all your gear and supplies. Here are a few key tips:

Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Before any long drive, it's important to check your vehicle's fluid levels and tire pressure. This is especially true with RVs, which are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles.
Inspect the brakes and other key systems: RV brakes are critical to safety, so it's important to inspect them (and all other key systems) before any trip. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, bring it into our service department and we'll be happy to help.
Clean and stock the RV: Not only will this make your trip more enjoyable, but it'll also help you avoid potential problems down the road. Make sure the RV is clean before you go and stock it with everything you'll need for the trip.

Once again, our service department professionals are happy to help with any pre-trip RV inspection or service needs you may have.

Bring Some Paper Maps

While the use of cell phones and their GPS capabilities has become increasingly commonplace, there's still something to be said for the old-fashioned paper map. Not only is it a good backup in case your phone dies or you lose service, but it can also help you plan your route and choose interesting places to stop along the way.

Have Contingency Plans in Place

You never know when something might go wrong on a trip, so it's important to have contingency plans in place. For instance, what will you do if your RV breaks down? What if you get lost? What if you run into bad weather?

By having a plan for each of these (and other) potential problems, you'll be able to better enjoy your solo RV trip -- safe in the knowledge that you're prepared for anything.

Practice Driving the RV

Especially if you've only recently purchased your RV, but even if not, it's important to get some practice driving it before you head out on a long trip. This will help you get comfortable with the size and weight of the RV, as well as give you a chance to check that everything is working properly.

If possible, try to find an empty parking lot or other open space where you can practice driving, turning and parking the RV. And if you have any questions or concerns, our service department professionals are always happy to help.

Check the Weather Forecast

Before any trip, it's important to check the weather forecast -- but this is especially true when you're travelling alone in an RV. That's because bad weather can not only make for an unpleasant trip, but it can also pose serious safety risks.

So before you head out, take a few minutes to check the forecast and plan your route accordingly. And if you run into any bad weather while on the road, be sure to pull over and wait it out in a safe location.

For more on how to ensure you're having a great time and also staying safe on any solo RV trip, or to learn about our wide selection of great RVs, toy haulers and travel trailers for sale, speak to our team at Campers RV Center today.