RV trips can be absolutely amazing. The perfect way to see the country, explore different places, and avoid the hassle of checking in and out of hotels. However, RV trips can go really wrong really quickly. All it takes is one bad decision, and everything falls apart faster than a soggy sandwich. And before you know it, costs are spiralling, and this trip is working out way more expensive than you imagined it would.
Let’s take a look at a few mistakes that can cost you more than you might realise on your next trip out.
Skipping the Pre-Trip Mechanical Check
Here’s the thing: if you skip the pre-trip check, you’re putting yourself at risk of a multitude of mechanical failures. It’s that simple.
Tires are the most common culprit when it comes to failures. Meaning, if you’re setting off without checking the tire pressure, sidewalls, or for any damage, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Beyond tire checks, you want to be checking things like brake lights, turn signals, slide mechanisms, and coupling if you’re towing. The last thing you want is brake failure, especially if you’re in a more remote location or halfway up a mountain, for example. These checks don’t take long. You can do them yourself or take your RV to a mechanic who can give it a check over for you.
Underestimating Fuel Costs
RVs are heavy, large, and aerodynamically poor. This relates to excessive fuel costs despite how things might look on paper. For reference, when you drive a Class A motorhome, you get an average of 7 miles per gallon. If you have a 2,000-mile trip that will use nearly 300 gallons of fuel. This is something that can catch many first-timers out, especially.
The workaround here is to calculate fuel as a fixed line in the trip budget before you book anything. Use realistic consumption figures for your specific rig and do so on a full rig, not an empty one, and in ideal conditions, as you’ll use more fuel once it’s fully loaded.
Booking Sites Too Late
All the good RV sites get booked up fast, especially in popular locations and when there are activities such as festivals on. You need a site that has all the amenities you need, including reliable water pressure, level sites, decent Wi-Fi, and clean facilities. And these fill up fast. Sites like Willow Glen RV Resort that come with full hook-up sites are popular, so you need to make sure you book as early as possible so you’re not disappointed or left paying more for overnight stays.
Ignoring Weight Limits
Every single RV will have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that represents the maximum safe loaded weight of the vehicle. And going over with weight will stress the chassis suspension and the tires. You might not see it immediately, but you’ll feel it over time as components fail faster and the rig won’t be able to handle your long distances.
The issue arises from people packing the rig wrong and not realizing the weight of everything, from a full fresh water tank to your dishes to clothing, sports equipment, etc., and if the weight isn’t evenly distributed, this can put excess strain on certain areas, leading to expensive repairs down the line.