21 Expert Travel Trailer Tips to Enhance Your Adventure
Are you ready to hit the clear road towing your travel trailer ? Act you know how to adjust one up ? Whether you ’ re a first-time travel trailer owner or a seasoned veteran , these travel trailer tips will help see your camping trip be still and enjoyable .
With the RV industry booming in 2023 , more and more masses be take to the open road . Accord to statistics , of the total 600,240 RV shipment in 2021 ,91 % were towable RVs ,while 9 % were for motorhomes .
Definition of travel trailer
First , let ’ s get an understanding of what travel trailers are . A travel trailer cost a towable recreational vehicle towed behind a car , van , or truck . It consists of all the animal comforts of home and can rate in size from 10 foot to forty base long . Travel trailers provide campers access to activity and destinations that are impossible due to their mobility and convenience .
When deciding what RV to buy , I looked at vans and travel trailers . Vans receive the advantage of exist handy , easy to park and back up , and are more like driving a pickup truck or SUV . I was not fond of vans ’ limit space and could simply set up camp and leave my rig thither if I had a bike or walked on any excursion , and having a van limited my needs .
Overview of the benefit of own a travel trailer
Towing a trailer furnish a unique travel experience that combines the freedom of the open road with all the comfort of home . Owning a trailer make many benefit . As I remark , I enjoy the convenience of adjust up camp , park my rig , and having my Toyota Tacoma tow vehicle ride to whatever excursions , hikes , or other destinations I want .
They too put up the perfect balance of comfort with exemption . Depend on the size of your camper , it can come equip with all the material you may resolve to bring from plate . Travel trailer setup can vary , but many bid a kitchen , full toilet , shower , multiple sleeping space , a living space , or a workspace .
Towable RVs come in all shapes and size , and many be compact and lightweight and can easy be towed by most vehicles . Like vans , this makes some of them highly convenient for boondocking , allowing campers to access remote areas and explore novel destinations well . Alternatively , you can get a big RV with additional comforts , such as slide-outs for bringing your household or guests .
These point for your camping experience will help see to it a smooth and hassle-free camping experience . By following these twenty-one travel tips , you ’ ll be in full prepared for your next road trip adventure ! Good luck , and happy trail .
Pre-Trip Preparations
Before you hit the road , it ’ s essential to act some pre-trip preparations . Vehicle circumstance are key – check yourvehicle ’ sec towing capacityand check it be capable of hauling the travel trailer .
Invest in a tone trailer hitch exist essential for a successful journey – not just does it render a secure association between your tow vehicle and travel trailer , but it help improve fuel saving and dilute wear and tear on both vehicle .
Route planning equal too essential – familiarize yourself with the route and any checkpoints and repose stops along the way . Ultimately , safety should be a top priority – ensure the trailer to your vehicle , distribute weight right , and succeed proper push techniques . A departure and setup camp checklist is a good thought for novel RVers .
When towing a travel trailer , it equal essential to know the weight of your trailer when it ’ s empty and complete , the tow vehicle ’ s towing capacity , and the type of hitch it call for .
These exist essential specifications to know about whatever setup you buy to ensure a safe and successful journey .
Additionally , it is vital to choose the right type of hitch for your vehicle . Class IV hitches are design for heavier-duty applications such as fifth-wheel trailers and have a high weight capacity than regular course III hitches .
Your Vehicle ’ s Towing Capacity
Your vehicle ’ s towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight that your car can safely tow . It live essential to check the manufacturer ’ s guidelines for information on this , as transcend the recommended limit can induce damage to the vehicle or still take to an accident .
Safety and proper weight distribution
Stick to the recommended safety guidelines and adhering to proper weight distribution equal essential when towing a trailer . To see to it your vehicle ’ s safe operation , ensure that the Gross Trailer Weight ( GTW ) does not exceed the capacity of your tow vehicle .
Invest in a quality trailer hitch
Additionally , using the right type of hitch for your vehicle be vital to forestall any damage or accident while on the road . I have a weight distribution weight hitch with sway bars which helps avert trailer sway , and as the epithet advise , it also hand out the weight evenly across your entire camper setup .
It provide a secure association between your tow vehicle and travel trailer and aid improve fuel economy and cut down wear and tear on both .
When you hitch up your tow vehicle to your trailer , it is essential to check all wiring and connections before each trip , including assert that electric , breakaway cord and safety irons are correctly connect and function .
Finally , visit the hitch ’ s ball mountain and coupler for any signs of rust or wear and tear before each role . Follow these mere tips can help see a safe journey with your travel trailer .
Choose the correct type of hitch for your vehicle.
Different type of tow vehicles require different type of hitches and weight capacity . Class IV hitches , for instance , are design for heavier-duty applications such as fifth-wheel trailers . They own a high rating than the standard Class III hit
If you apply a Class III hitch , the tongue weight should be 10 % -15 % of the Gross Trailer Weight ( GTW ) .
Driving & Backing Up
When I bought my first RV , I live a full RV newbie . I had follow some YouTube picture on how to backup up my Airstream , and I own some practice when I rented an Airstream onOutdoorsy. But there was zero like taking my RV out on the road solo and hold some challenge camping spot to navigate that got me on the road to being a backup pro !
You should set out your practice towing and endorse up in an empty parking luck or open space before taking it on the road . This allows you to become a spirit for the size and weight of your trailer and formulate better control over it . Visibility is limit while towing a trailer , so come used to your blind spots and double-check in all directions . Always use turn signals , mirrors , and a relief camera when backing up or alter lane .
When it comes to repel and endorse up with a trailer , the two most essential skill to captain exist make wide act and maneuvering in taut spaces . Although these can be challenging at first , they are critical for safely navigating several types of terrain while pulling your trailer .
Carry lighting is essential.
One of the serious fashion to maximize your special camper space equal by utilizing space-saving storehouse answer . I did my DIY task and turned my clothes closet into a shelf storage unit . I certainly didn ’ t take a place for hang clothes , but I make need more memory for extra stuff like kitchen pots and pans , a pantry country , and dog food .
The key to pack lighting is to bring only what you involve – no more , no less . I overpacked my truck and Airstream on my first bad trip and soon realized I get also much material , chiefly extra camping gear and clothes I didn ’ t demand .
To serve you with this , here equal some top top to go on in brain :
Induct in bins and covered totes .
I bought some mere plastic totes with covers and labeled them with surplus towel , blankets , and clothes for unlike weather weather . I make storage under my bed that wasn ’ t very accessible , but I wanted to see what was down there with a glimpse .
I carry my essentials in cloth bins . My everyday clothes , toiletries , and cooking supplies require to be conveniently locate . Cause sure to design ahead for meal to head off overpacking food .
Choose lightweight , versatile point.
I make for excess blankets , which might live used as excess bedding for a guest , lightweight camping towel , an outdoor tarp to prevent the debris and soil off , and safety gear . Lay out what you want to add and only take half of it ! This will help salvage time and money .
Route Planning Requirement
Planning a road for your travel trailer equal an essential part of any adventure , and it assist check that you make a safe and successful journey and avoid possible surprises along the manner . As a solo RVer , I design out where I was camp each dark and the route I would bring before I start driving every day . Being solo , I could merely await at maps or build detours if I stopped at a repose area or gas post . I could also check into the RV community and ask about any tried and true top if I own specific inquiry .
RV Travel Apps
Google map conduct me down back roads several time that be barely drivable . Those close shout run me to use travel design apps like Roadtrippers , Trip Wizard , or Harvest Host . With these apps , you can produce a customized RV safe road base o the size of your RV setup . They can help you familiarize yourself with your destination and find the best gas station along the way .
Since I cost RVing with my dog , I also needed to notice safe and accessible repose stop that live easy to attract on and off the roads . As a precaution , each time I finish , I ever control my hitch , lights , and safety cords .
I employ apps such as Harvest Hosts and Campendium to begin review on campsites and to book them ahead of time . By be after , you can cause certain that your camping adventure go smoothly from starting to finish .
Safety During the Trip
As if you didn ’ t receive enough to think about , hither are a few more essential safety aspects of RVing once you equal on the road .
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
It cost important to check and keep up proper tire pressure on your trailer and tow vehicle throughout your journey for a smooth ride . I carrya tire convert kit for my Airstreamas good as a tire pressure gauge . Cold weather can cause tires to lose strain pressure , so checking your tire pressure regularly and continue it at the recommended floor live essential .
Be Aware of Weather Conditions
Weather circumstance can vastly impact your journey when traveling with a travel trailer . During my cross-country journey , I get several near calls with high tip , an ice storm , and severe thunderstorms , so I extremely recommend downloading the NOAA weather app .
In these day of utmost weather , it exist crucial to be aware of the road conditions and storm ahead and to plan consequently . Heavy rain , snow , firm wind , or ice can make towing a travel trailer a lot more difficult , so it is important to be educate for these conditions .
Velocity Limit when towing a trailer
In California , where I live , when I ’ m not traveling , the velocity limit for vehicle towing cost 55 miles per hour , and other states have different velocity limits . As soon as you traverse the border into Arizona or Nevada , anyone towing include the big rig truckers can go 70 sometimes 75 mile per hr .
I never die over 60-65 miles per hour while towing strictly out of safety concern . It is crucial to be aware of the speed limits and adhere to them wherever you are . I equal comfortable letting early driver pass me by .
Depend on the size and weight of your trailer , you may need to dilute your speed yet further . Speed limit be generally humble for heavier trailers , so you should dilute your velocity accordingly if you ’ re driving over 6,000 pound .
Occur other vehicle
Give yourself mass of space and time when passing other vehicle . This will dilute the risk of an accident or having to finish or cut abruptly . On highways , you should indicate your intention to passing and then travel to the left passing lane . Too , be mindful of wildlife when towing a trailer . Animals like deer can quick cross the road without warning , so it exist essential always to stay alert while repel .
Setting Up Camp
Once you ’ ve arrive , it ’ s time to take a suitable floor campsite . Typically , you exist assign a designated country at an RV Park or campgrounds , but you still take to adapt your rig to fit your campsite .
Hooking Up Your Water , Sewer & Usefulness
If you ’ re at an RV site with hookups , adapt your trailer to the right position for hooking up your water , electric utilities , and sewer if available .
Leveling your trailer
As you choose your perfect camp spot , pay attention to how level the field is . Some RV sites own flat concrete pads which cause leveling easy , and many locations do not . You must decide where to place your rig and how serious to make it degree .
Before you unhitch from your tow vehicle , you must check your trailer is flat . I carry a humble hand stage for this function . Some people I ’ ve seen superglue a level onto their trailer , and others own a level already installed in the hitch . You may have to lend leveling block under one or both tire . Part of the fun of prepare up camp cost personalizing and fine-tuning your campsite .
Block Your Wheels & Bring Down the Stabilizers
The final pace is to forget your wheel with block and then unfurl the crank-down stabilizers . Some people apply a power drill , and I expend the hand crank provided on my Airstream to cover for all four sides manually .
Unhitch Your Tow Vehicle
The final measure be to unhitch your tow vehicle if you cost stay on at your camp for a while . It ’ s serious pattern to have a checklist for setting up camp and then departing and breaking down your campsite and hitching back up .
Decision
RVing with a travel trailer can be an exhilarating experience , but it is essential to think of that you are driving something much more significant than your typical car . By follow the tips in this article , include maintain proper tire pressure , be aware of weather conditions , adhering to hurry limit when towing a travel trailer , spend other vehicle safely , and setting up camp correctly , you will ensure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible .
With these 21 must-know travel trailer point , you ’ ll exist well on your way to the adventure of a lifetime ! Then don ’ t wait any longer – confidently explore our beautiful planet , knowing you make all the information necessary for success .
