Your RV Road Trip Checklist
You’re getting ready for a road trip. The family has been making plans, researching must-see destinations, and packing their suitcases and backpacks for the adventure ahead. The excitement is building, and soon you’ll be hitting the open road.
As you prepare for your journey, there are a few things to remember to make sure your trip remains fun, engaging, and comfortable for everyone. With a little help from the friendly staff at Superior Storage, you can be ready for every leg of your vacation—from the moment you pull out of your driveway to the day you return and park your RV securely in one of our storage facilities.
Assessing RV Road Trip Routes
Your vacation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. While planning your route might seem simple, the best road trips take full advantage of all the fascinating stops and detours along the way.
The shortest route isn’t always the best one. Let’s imagine you’re traveling from Atlanta to Kansas City, MO. You have a couple of options:
One route takes you north on I-75, cutting through the heart of Tennessee. Along the way, you’ll stop in Chattanooga to grab some of the best fried chicken in the world, then continue to Nashville for live music and historic sites before heading through St. Louis, home to the famous Gateway Arch.
On the other hand, you could head southwest to Birmingham, where you’ll find classic Southern architecture and historical sites to explore. From there, a trip north will take you through Memphis, where you can visit the iconic Beale Street and sample authentic barbecue before continuing through the scenic Lake of the Ozarks.
With so much potential for exploration along the way, keep these tips in mind as you plan your trip:
- Don’t be afraid to add an extra leg to your journey. The best memories are often made during unexpected detours.
- Check for toll roads before you leave. Some routes may require cash or a transponder for toll payments.
- Get input from the whole family. Let everyone pick a stop along the way to make the trip more exciting and personal.
- Ask locals or check local social media groups for the best places to eat. Hidden gems often aren’t on the usual tourist maps!
Recreational Vehicle Travel Prep
Packing your swimsuit, camera, toiletries, and favorite road trip snacks is all part of getting ready for an RV adventure. Beyond the essentials, there are a few must-have RV gear items that can help make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
RV Traveling Checklist
You can bring just about anything on your trip, but these essentials to your RV packing checklist will elevate your comfort and convenience while driving a camper, whether you’re traveling for a few hours or several days:
- Physical map: GPS and phone apps are great, but a paper map is a lifesaver if you lose cell service or need to reroute quickly.
- Rechargeable power bank: It’s a great way to keep everyone’s devices charged while on the road, and is essential in the event of a breakdown.
- Large waterproof tarp: This is a great piece of equipment to have if you need extra ground cover for an outdoor picnic or a quick rain shelter.
- Trash bags and towels: A trash system helps keep your RV tidy, and towels come in handy for spills or road sickness incidents.
- Air freshener: You’re in a confined space with the whole family—enough said. A fresh-smelling RV makes the journey much more pleasant.
RV Maintenance Checklist
While we hope your trip goes off without a hitch, it’s always smart to prepare for minor roadside repairs. Major mechanical failures, such as a broken axle or burnt-out clutch, may require professional assistance, but handling flat tires and fluid refills on your own can save time and stress in your RV traveling adventure.
Here’s how to get your RV ready for roadside maintenance:
- Jumper cables/battery jump starter. Dead batteries happen, especially after long stops.
- Jack stands. Don’t rely solely on your RV’s built-in jack for lifting, especially if you are crawling underneath.
- Socket wrench. A handy toolset needed for a variety of maintenance tasks, from tightening bolts to removing lug nuts.
- Lug wrench. If you need to change a tire, this tool is a must. An impact driver with impact-rated sockets works too, but it may be more gear than you need to bring.
- Wheel chocks. Also known as wheel stops, these prevent your RV from rolling while parked or making repairs. A heavy brick or cut two-by-four can work in a pinch, too.
- Motor oil, coolant, wiper fluid, and a gas can. The four most common changeable fluids in your RV. Also, remember to bring a wide funnel for easy filling.
Find Outdoor Camper Storage at Superior Storage
When your RV traveling adventure comes to an end, the last thing you want to worry about is where to park your vehicle. Superior Storage offers secure, convenient outdoor storage spaces designed to keep your RV out of the way and ready for your next big trip. Our fully fenced storage facilities are affordable and highly accessible—perfect for keeping your driveway clear without tangling with your homeowners association over street parking.
If you’re storing your RV, boat, or an extra vehicle, we have the space you need. Find a Superior Storage facility near you and be ready for wherever the road takes you next.