Florida RV Yearlong Tips
Most RV trips are fun, but all RV destinations are not the same. Prepare yourself for all that is Florida RV with Florida RV tips from Sasquatch Mail LLC, the leader in Florida RV mail forwarding.
First Time RV Buyer
Buying an RV for the first time is a wonderful feeling. What great times you are about to have in your RV. You didn’t buy your first car or first house blindly and you should put just as much thought in your first RV.
Figuring out your budget, what you are going to do with the RV and the type of RV all should be on your mind.
RV Budget
Don’t dine at the White Fox when you are on a Burger King budget. Be sure you can afford what you are buying at the time of purchase and months down the road. Accessories, customization, food, camp fees, repairs and burning money for fun should all be on your mind. If you have enough money to get the latest motorized rec vehicle, good for you. If not, get a used model or a tow-able trailer.
RV Use
Decide what you will be using the RV for. A family unit that will be spending time in close quarters will want something with a lot of space. If you are an older couple traveling the road alone, you probably will not need a super deluxe model with a large amount of space.
RV Type
There’s an RV type for all occasions. Get the one that fits your current needs.
Camper Van – Full size camper vans are good for people that need a place to sleep and shower without much space to rest in. An on the go RV that gets you there so you can enjoy the surroundings. This RV is easier to maneuver and park.
Truck Camper – A truck camper slides onto a full sized pickup truck. A great option if you already have a large truck and want somewhere to sleep when traveling. You can’t bring the kids in this one, not enough space. It is ideal for singles or a couple.
Pop Up Trailer – Pop up trailers are super rad for young families that want a place to stay when at the beach or a favorite campground. Storage, when not is use, is a breeze with the small profile when collapsed.
Fifth Wheel – The fifth wheel gives you more space than a pop up trailer. The fifth wheel attaches to a full size pickup truck and operates with minimal sway on the road. This will be your biggest option without being motorized.
Class C Motorized – A mid sized RV that will give you plenty of room and eliminates the need for a tow vehicle. With a dinette that turns into an extra bed and a bed overhanging above the driver cab, you are ready for the whole crew to get on the road.
Class A Motorized – The class A is the big boy of the RV world. These are the models with the huge flat windshields and all the comforts of home inside. Kitchen, living room and a bedroom will make sure you are traveling in style. They also cost a pretty penny.
Pre-Trip Preparation
What you do before you go on your trip can make or brake you. Follow some friendly advice to avoid any failures in your RV fun.
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Pack your dining essentials. Mugs, cups, plates, bowls, utensils, pots, pans, can opener, cooking oils, dish soap, bottle opener and knives are the things you will need.
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Don’t forget bedding like pillows, sheets and blankets. Pack extras if needed.
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Pack downtime fun like games, crosswords, pens, pencils, cards and books.
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Gather your bathroom things. Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, towels and toiletries.
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Gather your sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, insect repellent, backpack and hiking gear.
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More “household” things to bring are flashlights, batteries, tool kit, duct tape, light bulbs, water proof tarp, road flares, scissors, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
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Check your tires for correct pressure and any damage caused by driving or sitting.
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Check fluid levels in the engine to avoid a nasty surprise.
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Secure passes and permits.
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Inspect glass for any cracks for chips.
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Don’t rely on gizmos for direction. Stock up on paper maps.
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Make sure your batteries are fully charged.
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Check leaks that may cause a problem in rainy weather.
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Inspect the Rvs seams and seals.
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Flush the RV water system and refill.
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Fill up your propane.
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Collapse your RV antenna or satellite dish.
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Lock and load your items inside so they do not slide around on the trip.
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Batten down the hatches, secure those awnings.
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If connected to electricity or sewer, disconnect before driving off.
On the Road RV Tips
There are things you need to do while on the road that are just as important as the things you do before launching your RV trip.
- Familiarize yourself with the fuses, switches and other things you may need to find quickly.
- Clean your RV after every meal and before bed. Getting behind in such a small place acan be disastrous. Think of a dirty, smelly dorm room, yuck.
- Always towel dry the shower after every use, eliminate mildew in your RV.
- Share the driving responsibilities. No one wants to drive or be a passenger the whole trip. Fatigue can set in at the worst time, avoid dangerous habits.
- Keep your items in the same place every time so that you can find things rather quickly.
- Make some nice sandwiches in the morning. You will save money on dining out during lunch.
- Enjoy yourself, no matter what. Things change and accidents happen.
- Always know where you are going. Being lost is the worst when you are miles from civilization.
- Cook outside whenever possible. Keep the heat and food smells out of the RV.
- Don’t drive more than 360 miles a day. Set aside time for setting up camp and to relax.
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Being tired on the road is a no-no, for your health and for your partners sanity.
- Walk and hike whenever you can. You can’t exercise much inside an RV.
- Use a mail forwarding service, not a PO Box, to stay in contact. Order our mail forwarding plan.
Florida RV Weather
Winter
What tips could possibly given for Florida weather in the winter? Well, the weather is nice all year…and that is why RV travelers flock to Florida from other states in the winter time. Locals refer to these people as snow birds. Florida’s campgrounds and other areas are completely packed during the winter. Make reservations in advance at campgrounds, doctors appointments and other places that will be overcrowded with the RV elite.
Summer
Summertime, livin’ in the RV is so easy. Right? Not if there is a hurricane on the way. When soaking in that sun at your RV destination, be prepared for the worst. Make sure your insurance covers hurricanes, park away from trees if there is a storm approaching, have a well stocked emergency kit and most importantly, if you are advised to evacuate…get out!
Post RV Trip Tips
- Remove all extras from your RV, including linens and clothing.
- Unplug the fridge and freezer then let them dry out completely.
- Remove the propane tanks and store them properly.
- Go for a little drive every month or so to avoid flat spots on tires.
- Keep the creepy crawlers out of your mobile home with vent covers.
- Wash and wax that RV until it shines.
- Apply a cover that has holes for the air vents.
- Turn off the circuit breaker to your electricity.
- Remove all valuables. An RV is not a safe, it can easily be broken in to.
- Remove your battery and store it in a safe place.
- Pay your mail forwarding service to keep your mailing address current.
When on the open road without a permanent address, the luxury of mail scanning and mail forwarding service for your RV is very important. Keep getting your checks, mail and packages; wherever you are.
Read about RV mail forwarding service.