When you get ready to take to the open road for an RV
adventure, the last thing you want to think about is what if something bad
happens while you are traveling. What if a tire goes flat, you run out of gas,
or you can’t fix something that goes wrong, etc. One can imagine many of these
scenarios but take heart: others have traveled this road before and you can
learn a lot from them about being prepared.
Due to the Internet, we can share much information and knowledge
that others have taken the trouble to discover. We can go online and virtually
visit almost anywhere on the planet. We can also plan in advance using the tips
we find there and take our smart phones with all kinds of apps that will help
us if we encounter trouble on the road.
Resources to Help
You Before You Hit the Road
1. Your RV Rental company – This is your security
blanket. Most will give you an 800 number to call if you experience any
mechanical difficulties; they also pack your RV with many accessories including
the First Aid Kit, spare jugs of water, and so forth. Check if the company you
rent from offers housekeeping and personal kits to outfit the vehicle with pots
and pans, blankets and towels. Even if the company furnishes those items, you
should bring a plastic tablecloth with picnic table clips, your personal soap
and laundry supplies and clothespins. An “Astroturf” doormat for outside your
RV’s door will help keep your floors cleaner, too.
2. Look up any coupons for discounts at restaurants, motels
or campgrounds ahead of time online. Bring along printed coupons or have them
sent to your smart phone so you can use them at appropriate places.
3. Find Gas Price Apps ahead of time. I use Gas Buddy™ and it is fast
and accurate, showing you all the gas prices within several miles of the area
you are traveling in. More of these apps are available in the market. Shop for
one you like and install it in your phone so you have it ready to go.
4. Use your phone to find a good GPS program or try a new
one like Waze Social GPS Maps & Traffic. This is a
new twist on GPS that includes community based mapping, traffic and navigation.
This app can help you save time, outsmart traffic and save gas money.
5. The American Automobile Association is a resource for
roadside assistance, mapping and other travel tips. Online you can also find
the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, the Family Motor Coach
Association and several RV clubs for the RV Camper in addition to the Triple
A’s. Consult these websites for many resources.