Tips for Camping in Your Camper
Tips for Camping in Your Camper
Campers provide everything you need in one convenient space—they are convenient lodging you can take wherever you go and they give you space to cook, bathe, relax, and do whatever else you want! But getting the most out of all those features and having an unforgettable vacation requires you have the right plan and preparation. Of course, you could figure these things out over the years through personal experience. Or you could read on to learn the tips and tricks the enthusiastic staff at Herold Trailer Sales has amassed over our years of RV experience. Read on to learn our tricks, and when you’re ready to take a look at top-notch RVs from brands like Shasta, Dutchmen, and Coachmen, stop by our location in Indianola, Iowa, near Des Moines.
The Plan
Owning a camper is an inexpensive way to travel, but coordinating a trip requires keeping a few plates spinning at once. You’ll need to decide on a destination, make reservations, develop a budget and itinerary, and start forming a checklist of things to bring. While this plan doesn’t have to be the final word on how your trip plays out, it will be extremely helpful to have some fixed ideas about what you can and want to do with your vacation time. For example, a budget and time frame are usually the least negotiable parts of a vacation plan since most of us have limited financial resources and a strict window of time we can take off from work. Retirees might not have the same limitations, but they’ll have their own restrictions that apply. The more developed you can make your plan, the more freedom you’ll feel to experiment within it.
The Checklist
Once your plan is in place, you’ll be able to build your checklist for everything you will need on the trip. This checklist will help you feel confident that you’re making the right packing decisions as you get ready for your trip. The larger your family is, the more elaborate this list will become. One of the best ways to approach making a list is to break your RV up into different sections and to then give each section its own checklist. You’ll need a kitchen checklist, a bathroom checklist, an outdoor checklist, a personal checklist for every person travelling, a leisure checklist, a safety checklist, and an RV maintenance checklist. Of course, that’s just to start. As you camp, you’ll be able to refine this system and figure out what works best for you.
The Drive
Much work goes into making sure things go smoothly at the campsite, but it’s easy to avoid thinking about the trip to the campsite. Towing can be a potentially hazardous experience, especially if your camper has been sitting for a long time or if you aren’t familiar with towing best practices. Make sure you double check all the necessary equipment for towing, including the brake and turning lights, the brakes, and especially the tires. You’ll want to check your tires’ inflation, and also check the date stamp to make sure they aren’t too old. The older tires get, the more brittle they become and the greater chance there is of one of them blowing out.
Once you’re on the road, make sure to drive cautiously and even defensively. Try to avoid passing other vehicles whenever possible, and be extra patient with turns. Use your mirrors frequently and take some time when you park to make sure you’ve found an appropriate spot that won’t disturb traffic or other drivers.
The Campsite
Once you get to the campsite, you’ll finally be able to enjoy yourself… once you get your camp set up, that is! A good way to approach this is to pack things in your camper so that they can be removed or set up in the order that you will need them. You can pack your trailer levelling gear near the front door or in a storage bin that’s accessible from the outside so that it’s easy to access it as soon as you park. Then, pack everything that will be kept outdoors near the door so that removing it and setting up camp is a snap. Once you’re all set up, it’s time to enjoy your vacation!
Don’t let disorganization and chaos ruin your summer vacation! Use these easy tips to make your summer vacation perfect every time. If you find your camper needs routine maintenance or you’re looking to buy your first camper, stop by Herold Trailer Sales today! Our talented team of RV experts can help you find the right model for your needs. Located in Indianola, Iowa, we’re a convenient stop for customers from Des Moines, Clive, and Ankeny, Iowa.