When you rent an RV, you get to travel and camp without giving up the comforts of home. But if you’ve never rented an RV before or driven one, the thought of hitting the road in a house on wheels can feel a little overwhelming. Though driving an RV is different from driving your car, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few tips to make driving your rental easier so you can enjoy your trip.

1. Plan Your Gas Stops in Advance
Before you hit the road, take some time to plan your route. Make a note of the gas station locations and the size of those gas stations ahead of time. Truck stops and gas stations off of major highways and interstates are often easy to access. Look at each gas station you’re considering with Google Street View and consider whether your rental can fit at the pump. If you think it might be tight, you may be better off stopping elsewhere. Keep in mind that you’re also going to need to stop more often than you would in a commuter car. Try to be mindful of the distance between each gas station when you plan your trip.

2. Go Slow
No matter what type of vehicle you’re used to, your rental RV is likely going to be much larger. That increase in size means the RV can be harder to maneuver and control at high speeds. Do yourself a favor and commit to going slowly. Try to stick to between 55 and 65 miles per hour on the interstate where it’s safe to do so. At these slower speeds, you’ll find the driving experience easier. Even better, you’ll get better gas mileage so you can drive farther without having to stop for fuel. 

3. Rely On Your Sideview Mirrors
When you’re driving a motorhome, it’s rare that you’ll have clear visibility behind your RV with the rearview mirror alone. Instead, that rearview mirror gives you a clear view of what’s going on inside the RV. That means you’ll need to rely on your side-view mirrors and backup camera if the RV is equipped with one. Check your mirrors every few seconds to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings. This can help you avoid potential collisions.

4. Keep Your Drive Days Short
Driving an RV can be stressful and the last thing you want is for that stress to ruin your trip. So, do what you can to minimize the amount of time you spend behind the wheel each day. Keep your drive days short when possible. Limit your drives to 200-300 miles per day and plan to check in at your campground or campsite early in the afternoon rather than waiting until evening or night. This will make setup easier and give you time to unwind after being on the road.

Rent an RV Today
If you’re ready to turn your next camping trip into a glamping trip, trade the tent for an RV. At goHomePort, we’ll help you find the perfect RV rental for your upcoming trip, whether you’re looking for a small travel trailer to take you deep into the woods or a luxury motorhome with all the comforts of home. Contact us to request a rental today!