10 Things To Know Before You Travel America In An RV 2025
Are you planning an RV trip in the United States and slightly overwhelmed by it all? If so, let us guide you along the way with our top 10 things to know before you travel America in an RV.
Alan and Morgan are RV experts with experience in a variety of RVs – Class A, Class C, Toyhaulers, Travel Trailers, and even a Pop-Up camper.
Don’t know what all of that means? That’s ok! We’re here to help.
You have questions and we have answers. We have traveled across most of the United States and are sharing our story to make planning your RV adventures easier. We share the good, the bad, and the ugl… nope, not going there. 😂
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on it and make a purchases, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Read the full disclaimer here.
10 Things To Know Before You Travel The US In An RV
Shh… don’t tell everyone about our best practices for RV travel in North America.
Just kidding! These tips and tricks have helped us a ton and we hope they will help you too. Share them far and wide!
1. Not All RVs Are Created Equal
When we say RV, what image comes to mind?
- Is it drivable or do you tow it behind a truck?
- Is it long or short?
- New or old?
- Is it a converted school bus?
- Does it have a bathroom?
There are a ton of different options when it comes to picking an RV. The right fit for you may not be the right fit for someone else. And that is OK!
Here is some basic information about the standard types of RVs. This list is not all-inclusive.
Class A: commonly referred to as motorhomes or motorcoaches and resemble a tour bus. They are typically 30-40’ long and may contain slides.
Class C: typically smaller than a Class A and are generally built on a truck chassis. They are identifiable by the cab over the front end that provides additional storage or sleeping space. They typically range between 24-34’ long and may contain slides.
Class B: typically defined as camper vans that are anywhere between 18-25’ long and situated on a van chassis. It may or may not include a bathroom or kitchen and typically requires converting your living space into the bed.
Fifth Wheel: usually the largest towable RV that must be pulled with a truck. Fifth wheels often have the most usable space inside due to their length and numerous slide outs.
Toyhauler: this one can be confusing since a toyhauler can be a Class A, Fifth Wheel, or Travel Trailer. But a toyhauler includes a garage space with a ramp so that you can bring along your toys – four wheelers, motorcycles, side by side, etc.
Travel Trailer: these are typically smaller and lighter than Fifth Wheels and can be pulled with a truck or some SUVs.
Pop-Up: usually the smallest and lightest of the bunch and can be towed behind many family vehicles. They are generally less expensive but take more work to setup and teardown camp. Also, they typically do not have a bathroom. We like to think of these as glorified tents. 🏕️
So how do you decide which RV is right for you? You can go to an RV show or dealer and walk through different models to see which ones you like the best.
Also consider if you already have a truck that can tow a trailer. Would you prefer to travel in a truck or in a drivable RV? If you want to drive an RV, will you tow a vehicle behind it? If not, how will you get around?
Left: Morgan is working as a Virtual Assistant from the passenger seat of our truck. Meanwhile, our friends in the Class A in front of us are watching movies on the sofa while going down the road.
Personally, we would rather have more space while camping than while driving down the road.
Pro Tip: Remember that there is no right or wrong answer. Think about what things that are most important to you and prioritize those when selecting your RV.
2. Should You Rent Or Buy An RV?
Did you know that renting an RV is an option? Some common rental sites are RVShare and Outdoorsy (owner has listed their RV for rent), Cruise America (like a rental car site), and local RV rentals (search your local area).
Renting helps save money on acquisition costs, insurance, maintenance, and storage fees. Many RV rental companies will even deliver the RV to your campsite and set it up for you! *There may be additional fees for this service.*
Things to consider: Can you bring your pets? Is there a mileage limit or additional fee for miles driven? How often will you travel in an RV? Do you want the same floor plan for every trip?
Depending on how much time you plan to spend RVing and if your needs and space requirements change often, renting might be the best option for you.
3. Know Your Height & Weight (of your RV that is!)
While this is not an exciting part of RVing, it is important.
Height matters for many reasons – bridges, overhead signs, etc. You do not want to scalp your RV!
Highways typically have bridges that are 14-16’ tall but there are some exceptions. Rural areas and private property may also have shorter bridges so look for signs indicating height restrictions.
Pro Tip: Use a GPS or an app made specifically for RV travel or truckers that plans your route based on your height and length.
We personally love the Garmin RV 795 because it is so easy to use and has saved us on several occasions.
Knowing how much your RV weighs is crucial, especially for towable trailers.
- The UVW, or Unloaded Vehicle Weight, is the weight when the unit is empty of all belongings, people, cargo, fuel, water, etc.
- The GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, is the maximum weight of the unit. Again, this is the MAXIMUM weight that should not be exceeded. This includes all cargo, people, fuel, supplies, water, and waste.
- Hitch / Tongue / Pin Weight is the amount of weight placed directly on the tow vehicle’s hitch
Once you know how much your RV weighs with all the cargo and people included, make sure your tow vehicle (if applicable) is equipped to safely handle that amount.
4. Finding The Best Campsites
Our favorite way to find campsites is word of mouth. We talk to other RVers and ask them about their best RV trip – where did they go? What did they do? Where did they stay? In fact, that is how we found out about Hilton Head National RV Resort.
We have also gotten amazing ideas through Facebook group posts about RV destinations in America as well as through videos on Facebook and Instagram. The videos are often promoting a specific RV park or campground.
Pro Tip: we keep a running list of recommendations for places to camp.
If you like a more traditional route to finding a campsite, you can use websites like GoRVing.com or Campendium to search for RV parks in specific destinations.
If you have a larger RV or are looking for specific features for your campsite, call the office and ask which site would be best for you. Most office staff and managers are happy to point you in the right direction.
Pro Tip: If you are booking a popular destination, book your campsite as far in advance as possible. Many places allow booking up to 1 year in advance and typically offer decent refund policies.
5. What Is Boondocking?
Boondocking is when you park your RV in a destination without electricity, water, or sewer connections. Often times, you do not have any amenities – bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.
To many people, it is also known as primitive camping or off-grid camping.
Things to consider: does your RV have enough water on board for the length of your trip? Does your RV have solar power or a generator for necessities?
Many people love to boondock for extended periods of time while others may prefer boondocking for only 1 or 2 nights. Some do not boondock at all.
You may be thinking “why do people choose to boondock?”
The simple answer: it is typically free or has a minimal cost. RVers often boondock in between longer stays at a campground or on the way to their planned destination.
Another reason? We are going somewhere that does not have RV hookups. For example, our friend races his Cadillac; many of the drag strips have a field you can park in but do not have RV sites.
6. Plan Your Route
Now that you know where you are going, how are you going to get there?
Remember we mentioned the GPS made for RVers? This is a great place to start. We also like to look at our overall route options in Google Maps in case there are places along the way that we want to visit… or avoid!
For example, many RVers caution others to avoid downtown Atlanta. As Atlanta natives, we do not mind the traffic but it can be quite intimidating if you are not accustomed to it. The facebook groups we have previously mentioned also have many posts about roads to avoid if possible.
Worried about elevation gain or loss? You can use a website like Flattest Route to show the most level route to your destination.
Need more help? Middletons on the Move offers RV Itinerary Planning Services. Send us a message for more information.
7. Enjoy The Journey, Not Just The Destination
Remember to stop and smell the roses! Ok… maybe not actually stop to smell roses but plan some fun stops along the way.
Look for things like national parks, historical sites, and unique restaurants.
We love to google “best things to do in ___”. You can also tailor this to your specific situation by adding “for young couples” or “with kids” or “outdoors”.
With RVing, your vacation starts when you start driving so enjoy the journey!
8. Recommended RV Apps and Memberships
In this day and age, there are apps for everything and RVing is no different. Below are some of our favorite apps, websites, and memberships. Check out this page for our full list of helpful RV apps.
- RVParky – helps find campsites
- Campendium – helps find campsites
- The Dyrt – helps find campsites
- Hipcamp – helps find campsites
- iOverlander – helps find campsites
- Allstays – helps find campsites
- FreeRoam – helps find campsites
- Harvest Hosts – membership is $99 per year (there are discounts available) to help find short-term sites at host locations like wineries, etc.
- Boondockers Welcome – membership is $50 per year to help find boondocking sites
- Recreation.gov – helps with booking National Parks and the US Forest Service
- RV Life – membership at $65 per year that helps you find campsites and select your route based on height and length restrictions. Based on multiple accounts from RV friends, this app does not always pick the best route so make sure you verify your route with other sources.
9. Pack Light But Include Your RV Essentials
When it comes to RV trips and even full-time RV living, you do not need that much stuff. Make a list of what you think you need and you can probably cut it in half. And then in half again. Seriously!
Here are some things that you do not want to forget:
✔ Travel snacks
✔ Electrical cords and surge protector
Recommendation: the Watchdog Surge Protector
✔ Pump-out gear
✔ Tank treatment
✔ Water hose and water pressure regulator
✔ Wheel chocks
✔ Leveling blocks
✔ Firewood including lighter and starter log
✔ Camping chairs and/or hammock
Recommendations: Camping Chair Rocker (Alan’s pick)
Heated Camping Chair (Morgan’s pick for the cold)
✔ Outdoor rug
✔ Portable speaker
✔ Extension cords
✔ Charging cords
✔ Games – corn hole, frisbee, horseshoes, cards
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Bug spray or bug repellent candles
✔ Basic first aid kit
✔ Personal hygiene items and medicines
✔ Toilet paper
✔ Sunglasses and/or hat(s)
✔ Clothes including a jacket, bathing suit(s), towels
Recommendation: Quick dry (and super absorbent) towels
✔ Shoes including tennis shoes, boots, and shower shoes (if using bathhouses)
✔ Trash bags
✔ Food including spices and condiments
✔ Cooking supplies including utensils, cookware, pots/pans, cutting knives/board
✔ Paper towels or napkins
✔ Cooler
✔ Flashlight and/or lantern
✔ Zip ties
✔ Tool kit
Want more information? Check out our detailed post about RV Essentials here.
10. Expect The Unexpected
Any time you travel, whether it is by plane, bus, car, or RV, sometimes things happen. You may hit traffic. There might be undesirable weather. You may even have the dreaded blowout… 👀
Our advice: try to be prepared but also be willing to go with the flow. Remember that you cannot change what has already happened but you can control how you will react to it. Stay positive!
Planning An RV Trip Across America
This can be a time-consuming endeavor but it can also be fun!
Think about the important, specific details first:
- Who is going?
- When are you going and for how long? Do you have specific dates or just a time of year?
- Where are you going? One destination or multiple destinations?
- Do you need any special tickets, passes, or documentation to go there?
Once you have those questions answered, you can start working on the detailed plans like making your campsite reservations, determining your route, and making your packing list.
Need help? Middletons on the Move create custom itineraries for RV travel in the United States. Send us an email at middletonsonthemove@gmail.com to learn more.
FAQs
We hear RV-related questions all the time about a variety of topics. Some of these questions we have asked, some we have answered, and some we see often in our RV Facebook groups.
How much does it cost to travel the United States in an RV?
Unfortunately, this is a really hard question to answer. It is similar to asking 100 strangers how much it costs them to live in their house or apartment. The answers will vary based on location, spending habits, and personal taste.
RVing is the same way. You can be frugal and boondock as much as possible (typically free or low cost). Or you can pick resort-like campgrounds that might cost upwards of $200 per night.
If you are trying to get a realistic idea of what this lifestyle or a cross-country road trip will cost, make sure you are considering all of the factors.
💲 Fuel
💲 Insurance
💲 Maintenance
💲 Campsite
💲 Utilities (if not included in campsite cost)
💲 Propane
💲 Memberships
Personally, we also factor in food and beverage costs as well as any tickets or excursions. The costs add up but we think the experiences you gain from traveling far outweigh them.
What is the 2-2-2 rule for RV travel?
Many full-time RV travelers swear by the 2-2-2 rule. But what is this rule?
Well, it can vary from person to person but you typically hear no more than 200 miles of travel per day, arrive at your campsite by 2pm, and stay for at least 2 nights.
Keep in mind, traveling in an RV or with a trailer is slower than driving a car so plan for extra time.
Some travelers make this a 3-3-3, 4-4-4, or 5-5-5 rule. Talk about exhausting! Whew!
Can you sleep anywhere in an RV in the USA?
No, you cannot park your RV and sleep anywhere you want in the United States. But do not fret! There are a lot of options available. Here are some of the commonly used locations:
- Cracker Barrel
- Cabelas
- Walmart – not all Walmart locations allow overnight parking
- Truck Stops – not all truck stops allow overnight parking for RVs
- Rest Areas – not all rest areas allow overnight parking for RVs
You can also use one of the apps listed above to search for a harvest host, boondocking site, or short-term campsite.
What is the best time of year to travel the United States in an RV?
Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. They are all wonderful times to travel in an RV!
Do you prefer warmer climates? Head south during the winter. Do you like to snow ski or snowboard? The Rocky Mountains are calling your name all winter. If there is a time of year you like the best, you can chase it year-round.
Keep in mind, cold weather in an RV does require extra preparation to make sure your RV stays safe and nothing freezes. Luckily, we can teach you more about that!
But really… How bad is the poop situation?
If you ask Morgan, it isn’t bad at all! But that’s because Alan deals with the 💩
Alan would agree that emptying RV tanks, specifically the black tank, is not difficult as long as you follow a few simple rules.
- Wear gloves – disposable gloves are recommended
- Make sure you know which tank is which (black vs gray)
- Dump your black tank(s) first to release all solid waste
- Close your black tank to avoid any contamination
- Many people also recommend flushing water through your black tanks after emptying them to clean any remaining residue. If so, you would dump your black tank(s) again. Make sure they are closed before moving to the next step.
- Dump your gray tank(s)
- Close your gray tank
- Make sure all valves are closed (you should not leave your tanks open even if you are permanently connected to sewer)
- When you release the sewer hose, keep the end facing upright in case of any excess left in the hose. You don’t want to spill that 💩
- Follow the directions on the package of your Holding Tank Treatment
Conclusion: Travel America In An RV
Some of our best memories are from our adventures across America. Exploring the country from the comfort of our ‘home’ has expanded our horizons and fueled our passion for travel.
The only downside to RVing that we have encountered is that we didn’t start sooner.
Looking for more information about RVing in the US? Check these posts out:
