Touring south throughout the winter is an escape, particularly for many who reside in harsh, frigid temperatures. This southern migration is just not solely a luxurious, however a necessity for full-time RVers. Whether or not you head south in your Class A motorhome or different RV for trip or for one more lifestyle, there are a couple of pointers for any migrating RV snowbird. For that, RVT has compiled an inventory of tricks to contemplate if you plan to RV south for the winter.Â
Select Your Ultimate Vacation spot Correctly
In case you are new to RVing south for the winter, perceive that every one snowbird locations have their benefits and downsides. You must select a vacation spot primarily based in your private preferences. Don’t solely depend on opinions of ‘the preferred spots for snowbirding’. For instance, southeast locations are usually hotter, but are extra congested with vacationers throughout the winter since these areas are typical trip spots. Avoiding folks is just not as possible within the southeast as it’s within the southwest. Likewise, southwest locations have vast open, desolate areas, but throughout the evening, temperatures can nonetheless be comparatively chilly – if you’re attempting to utterly escape the chilly, the southwest may not be the best choice.
Prep Your RV for the Journey
When you’ve got saved up with routine RV upkeep all year long, your RV can be in nice form for the journey down south. These are important preparation measures in your RV earlier than you depart:
- Test to verify your batteries are absolutely charged.
- Test your tires and guarantee they’re inflated to the required PSI in your automobile.
- Join your RV to an influence supply and check your entire home equipment to make sure they’re absolutely functioning.
- Flush and sanitize your water system.
- Carry winter RV provides, comparable to a heated hose, and test your propane ranges.
Plan & Benefit from the Trip
Whether or not you resolve to meander or get to your vacation spot ‘because the crow flies’, it’s worthwhile to plan accordingly. First, it is very important price range for gas prices – this can differ relying on quite a few elements, together with mileage to your vacation spot and what number of miles per gallon your RV expends. Calculate the quantity of gas you can be utilizing throughout your journey with this useful gasoline calculator from KOA. Subsequent, create an inventory of varied campsites you have an interest in visiting. In case you are a seasoned snowbird, contemplate altering locations or altering your path to your vacation spot. Alongside your journey, try among the finest locations to RV throughout the winter.
Observe the RV 3/3/3 Rule – don’t drive greater than 300 miles in someday, arrive at your location for the evening earlier than 3 p.m., and keep as much as three days at a campsite. Your annual snowbird tour mustn’t really feel like a hackneyed, redundant method, so drive a extra scenic path to your terminal winter vacation spot. Numerous campsite functions, together with Campendium and RV Life, might help navigate you to numerous locations alongside the best way.
Pack the Acceptable Clothes
The vacation spot you select will dictate the kind of garments you pack into your Class C RV or different motorhome for the snowbird migration. Southeast coastal locations, comparable to Florida, merely require beachwear, comfy shorts, t-shirts, and lightweight jackets. Alternatively, if you happen to plan on touring in desert landscapes within the southwest, comparable to New Mexico or Arizona, it would be best to carry further heavy outerwear as temperatures could be chilly throughout the evening even in these southern areas.
Be Up-to-Date on Your Well being Precautions
Earlier than trekking for the lengthy tour down south, taking well being precautions needs to be certainly one of your high priorities. That is particularly pertinent if you happen to depend on day by day medicine. E book a well being appointment to make sure all of your prescriptions could be stuffed in a well timed method. Since massive pharmacy firms are widespread, it might be helpful to have a few of your prescription stuffed within the space of your ultimate snowbird vacation spot. Likewise, visiting your physician earlier than your journey is important since they may be capable to advise you in your general match – the very last thing you’ll need in your journey is to get significantly sick.
Winterize your Residence
When you’ve got owned your used journey trailer or different camper for a number of years, you’re most likely aware of winterizing your RV. Nonetheless, if you happen to plan to spend a little bit of time away from your home, you additionally must winterize your own home to guard it. Decrease your heating system considerably and drain your plumbing to assist scale back prices while you’re gone. To maintain your home protected, set your safety system and notify your neighbors about your absence. If doable, arrange a mail-forwarding service so your mail is redirected to your trip spot.Â
Anybody can journey south throughout the winter, nonetheless RVing, particularly, comes with added bonuses. For starters, RVs present a house on wheels, the place you possibly can reside and journey concurrently in a protected haven. Moreover, campsites present nice facilities for these touring in RVs, offering extra alternative to discover scenic parks and campgrounds. When you’ve got an RV and plan on touring south for the winter, benefit from the trip and take your time. Make certain to take a look at the brand new and used RVs on RVT.com if you’re contemplating buying an RV.Â
By Alex Hoyes
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