Travelling in an RV (motorhome) can be an exciting time. I think we have all fantasized about it at one time or another. Unlike conventional transportation, travelling in a motorhome is a vacation in itself. We are all aware that these modes of transportation offer so much more than your basic family car for taking a vacation. Since these vehicles are much bigger than our family car, we have a tendency to want to carry more than is necessary, but we must mind bear that these vehicles are limited on space and weight. Plus, you have to have room in which to eat and sleep. it’s important to plan your trip in advance; what you will be taking on your vacation and what you have to sacrifice.
Some things are essential and will have to be included, but there are other things that will simply consume needed space. Some of the items that will need to be left behind are:
Gourmet food items: When at home, you can cook and eat whatever you like, but when traveling in a motorhome, this is not the case. For example, appliances such as your cappuccino maker, waffle iron, sandwich maker and other such items should perhaps be left at home. That is unless you are traveling in one of those huge, home away from home type motorhomes. Basically, RV’s aren’t your home and taking these types of appliances will only take up too much space. Simple pots and pans along with basic utensils will be enough.
Canned food: Canned food takes up a lot of cabinet space and quickly adds to the weight of the RV, therefore, it’s essential to take only the bare minimum. While shopping, you might be tempted to buy every kind of canned food you want but you must refrain from it.
Tools: No doubt you will have need for some tools on your trip. RV’s have a tendency to need some tweaking now and then. But, it’s more prudent to take along a simple tool kit rather than a large and full set of tools. They only add to the weight of the motorhome and weight equals more gasoline which equates to more unnecessary costs.
Water: Maintaining a supply of clean, potable water in your RV’s fresh water tank is essential, but again, when planning your trip, plan on the amount of water you will need. Even most small RV’s have a fresh water tank with a capacity of 50 gallons which is used for drinking, cooking, showering, etc. But, will you be spending time in the wilderness where 50 gallons will be needed? If you park in an RV park or campground, city water is normally furnished which would eliminate the need for using water from your fresh water tank. Keep in mind that a gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. **
** The U.S. Department of Energy has found that for every additional 100 pounds of weight placed in your vehicle; the vehicle’s fuel efficiency is decreased by up to 2 percent. Again, unnecessary weight equates to wasted money. In this regard, consider carrying just the amount you might use while traveling and use the city water at your destination or partially refill the fresh water tank periodically instead of the entire tank at one time.
Heavy objects: Needless to say, the more lightweight the objects in your RV, the more comfortable will be your journey. For this reason, just make substitutions. For example, instead of glass and metal dinnerware, use plastic. Travel lightly and fully appreciate your experience.
A BONUS FOR YOU: If you travel and would like to use WI-FI, check out this video.
