RV Tips for Long Trips

We have a whole bunch of helpful RV tips for long trips like the multiweek adventure we are now on with Fantasy RV Tours in the Canadian Maritimes.

These trips will come in very handy as we share our experiences in RV travel over the past 12 years. Plus, we talk to a bunch of RVers who are with us on this tour to hear the tips, tweaks, and travel hacks they have used to make for smooth RV travel.

It's hard to believe this trip is winding down. But it all ends Saturday on Prince Edward Island, from where we'll take our time heading back to Southwestern Michigan.

To watch the YouTube version of the podcast, click the player below:

For an audio version, click the player below:

RV Tips for Long Trips – Conversation of the Week

Here are the Cliff Notes on the tips Jennifer and Mike shared:

• Get the oil changed, DEF filled, and all maintenance up to date on your vehicles.
• Check the PSI, torque the tires before leaving, use a TPMS, and look the tires over at the start of each day.
• Know your RV’s Maximum Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity (OCCC)  – or how much the occupants weigh, how much water you are carrying, how much propane, how much food, clothing, lawn chairs, ground mats, camping gear and personal you can carry.
• Do not fill your fresh water tank for long drives unless you are boondocking and have no campground water connections. Water weighs 8.2 pounds a gallon, and a full tank on Class B has a 20-40 gallon capacity – weighing 164 to 328 pounds. A Class A or many towables and Class C RVs have a 75-100 gallon capacity, and a full tank weighs from 615 to 820 pounds.
• Drive no more than 330 miles and/or stop at 3:30 PM.
• Research each stop.
• Drive on the Top Half of your Fuel Tank.
• Check local news, weather, and road conditions (apps like Waze really help) before starting out.
• Don’t hog the passing lane. Stay right. Move over to let others pass when there’s a long line, and you have a safe way to get on and off the road.
• Carry an emergency kit – flares, flashlights, overalls, gloves, rain gear, and tools. 
• Have your road service and insurance numbers on your phone and in the dash.
• Don't take too many clothes—take no more than five days' worth, less if you have a small RV. Bring a raincoat, windbreaker, jacket, and sweatshirt.
• Bring clothes that don't need to be pressed or ironed.
• Do laundry on the road, at campgrounds or laundrymats. 
• Carry coins for washers and dryers.
• Bring your own laundry soap and detergent.
• At the campground where everyone has to share a few washers and dryers there will be traffic jams. Go as early as you can.
• Cook as much as you can in advance, and plan leftovers.
• If you travel with a dog, always have two poop bags in your pocket.
• Always have your pet’s up-to-date medical records with you.
• Schedule weekly Facetime or video calls with family back home. Send them frequent text messages and photos, and make sure someone always knows where you are each day and where you are headed next.

We also answered several questions this week about the current tour we're doing in the Maritimes.

QUESTION: We looked into cell phone service in the Maritimes. It looks like purchasing a local SIM card is the best option? – Dave

ANSWER: We didn't do that. Our stateside plans provide coverage in Canada, and we have Starlink, which allows us to use Wi-Fi for calls.

QUESTION: Are there shopping, repair places for your RV, services, and the comforts of civilization up there? – Dallas

ANSWER: It's very much like it is in the States. Everything has been very convenient.

QUESTION: Have there been any disappointments or surprises on your Maritimes trip? – Patti

ANSWER: None, really, except we had fog and cloudy conditions on Cape Breton that didn't provide great views of the Cabot Trail. Can't do much about the weather.

QUESTION: How has Bo been doing on this long trip? – Sasha and Ted

ANSWER: For the most part, Bo has had a great time. Naturally, he can't come on the bus tours and is not allowed in museums and buildings. But pet walkers have been available in most every stop we have had.

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