In 2023, over 67 million Americans are planning an RV trip, and these numbers are only increasing due to more people working remotely. RV vacations are popular because they’re more affordable than staying at a hotel and allow for time to explore the outdoors.
If you’re considering taking an RV trip for the first time, you’ll need to know where to begin so you don’t get overwhelmed. Once you learn how to plan your trip efficiently, you’ll enjoy some stress-free time under the summer sun.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about planning an RV trip!
Rent or Buy an RV
Obviously, taking an RV road trip means you’ll need access to a dependable RV. If you don’t own an RV, don’t worry. You have different options, like renting an RV.
You’ll typically pay a daily rental fee, and the average cost depends on the age and class of the RV. You’ll need to research to determine the best size and type of motorhome for your trip.
The most popular motorhomes and their costs include:
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are between 30 and 50 feet long and sleep 6 to 10 people. They’ll cost you between $190 and $300 a night for models over ten years old. Newer models will cost from $350 to $450 per night.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes range from 10 to 20 feet and sleep 2 to 4 people. You’ll pay $100 to $200 a night for motorhomes over ten years old. Newer class B motorhomes will cost you between $200 and $350 a night.
Class C Motorhomes and Travel Trailers
Class C motorhomes sleep from 4 to 7 people and are around 20 to 30 feet long. Class C motorhomes over ten years old typically cost between $125 and $225 a night, while newer motorhomes can cost up to $400 a night.
Finally, travel trailers are a popular and cost-friendly option. They’re 20 to 30 feet long and sleep from 4 to 7 people. Older travel trailers will cost between $50 and $100 per night.
Buying a Motorhome
If you’re ready to make a long-term investment, you can consider buying an RV. If you plan to do RV travel every year, you’ll save significant money in the long run.
If you want to start smaller, you can check out this site to get an idea of the available class C motorhomes.
Create a Budget for Road Trip Expenses
Once you’ve figured out the type of RV you want to use, you’ll need to create a budget so you’re prepared to pay RV road trip expenses.
Campsites
First, RV campsites usually have rates and fees you must pay. Some premium campgrounds can cost over $100 per night. On the other hand, you can find basic campgrounds that might only cost you between $20 to $30 a night.
You’ll also need to factor in additional costs like parking fees for extra cars and amenities.
This is a great time to plan how you’d like to budget your camping. If you can afford to spoil yourself, plan to stay at a premium campground and take it easy for a few days.
Park Entrance Fees
Park entrance fees are easy to forget, so research this beforehand. If you plan to camp in a state or national park, you’ll usually need to pay a daily admission fee.
If you plan to visit multiple federal parks and recreation sites, you should consider buying a pass that covers entrance fees for an entire year.
Mileage and Fuel Fees
If you don’t have much RV experience, you may be in for a shock regarding fuel costs. Keep in mind that large motorhomes can take up to 150 gallons of fuel at a time. This will ultimately cost hundreds of dollars each time you fuel up.
Also, if you tow a trailer, you’ll have to pay more to fill up your SUV or truck.
If you’re renting an RV, you’ll need to check for mileage restrictions. Some rentals only allow you to travel a specific number of miles daily.
Other Costs
Finally, you’ll need to budget for other costs like filling up your propane tank and dumping station fees. These costs can vary, so you’ll need to do your research.
You’ll need to plan out food and entertainment costs carefully. You can bring food with you to cook and save money. However, there will be times you’ll need to eat out, so try your best to form a budget for this.
Entertainment expenses like sporting events and theme parks add up, so be sure to buy tickets before you leave on your trip. Often you can get discounted rates when you purchase tickets in advance.
Plan an Itinerary
Before you make any reservations, it’s essential to figure out an itinerary for your trip. Many people choose the scenic route and plan to stop at different locations along the way.
Figuring out cities and attractions you’d like to see can help you to form an itinerary if you’re stuck. Once you figure out different points of interest, you can start filling in the finer details of your vacation.
On the other hand, some people want to get to their destination quickly, so they plan to drive straight through without making many stops.
So, you’ll need to decide what kind of RV vacation you want and start mapping out the details as soon as possible.
Book RV Parks and Campgrounds
Once you’ve planned your itinerary, begin researching what campgrounds or RV parks are in the areas you’re traveling to.
It’s wise to start your research early to ensure you find reputable and safe campsites. Your first step is to try different booking apps that include:
- Recreation.gov to find campsites in national parks
- Kampgrounds of America (KOA) campsite app
- Capterra app
- Roadtrippers app
Most apps allow you to look at campsite pictures and read reviews to get a better overall feel of the location.
The best part of these apps is that they have checklists to help you pack the essentials for RV travel. This will give you time to gather supplies like cookware, dishes, linens, and outdoor equipment like propane grills.
Bug repellent, sunscreen, and matches are also crucial. If you’re new to RV life, downloading a camping app will make your life much easier.
Plan Your RV Trip Today
Now that you know how to plan the perfect RV trip, you can start planning the road trip of your dreams today.
If you’re new to RV ownership, continue your research to learn the ins and outs of RV maintenance. This way, you’ll have a smooth road trip in a well-maintained RV.
To learn more inspiring travel tips, check out the rest of our blog today!
