Traveling in a RV - need your tips
 

Well, it looks like we will be taking small trip back to IA for a family reunion next month and we've decided that the best way to take the kids with us would be to rent an RV. :eek: :D

I've never stayed in a RV so I really have NO idea what I'm getting myself into. So, please, if you have any suggestions - I'd really appreciate hearing them. :)

I think it's a 28 ft one so it looked like we would have "some" storage room.

We're not going to be cooking on it except to have coffee & toast - so stocking up on food isn't a primary concern - 1st aid or emergency stuff will be (for us and the dogs).

Do you all bring your own water? My babies are used to our filtered water so I was thinking that maybe I should pack about 6 gallons of our home water for them... what do you think?

Where do you put your potty pads - in the shower? Doesn't seem like too much room for grooming in there. We do plan on staying at a hotel once on the way up & once on the way back - I guess that will be the only place that I'll feel comfortable grooming my 2.

ANY TIPS ARE APPRICATED!!!! :D

I'm getting nervous. It's been a long time since I've traveled much less with the kids.

Getting Mia' shot utd this week and then heartworm, flea/tick stuff after that.

The furkids
stroller
leashes - harnesses - rabies tags
xpen
potty pads
food & water bowls
food - treats
beds
some toys
stairs
grooming supplies (sham/cond, PEK, brush, comb, scissors, bands, toothbrush/paste)

I don't have any ideas for you but I am interested in the replies people with RVs will give to you. In time I would like to purchase an RV and travel with mine, too.

My dad has an RV and travels with his 2 dogs often. Jackson went once -- they do great. :) We just fill up their water bowls before we leave and leave them out as we drive, as if we were at home. Typically, while dad is driving, the dogs just lay on the couch or look out the window as we drive like any car ride. Don't use potty pads here so don't know what people do about that. Farthest they've traveled is around 13hrs and they usually just stop twice or so for a potty break. RV'ing is fun! You've got everything with you while you're driving, it's very convenient! They stay in their RV though and go camping, etc so no hotels, the RV is their 'home' for a few days. We have 3 expens we line all around the RV as a 'fence' for the dogs!

If you use pads your babies may be a bit confused in the new surroundings that move. Most RV rentals will charge extra for pets, (sometimes a lot) and extra for damage/cleaning. You might want to consider throwing pads or covers of some sort over all upholstery.

Make sure that whatever you have on the floor, like giant beer cooler that won't fit in the basement storage, is bungeed to something. Otherwise when your idiot DH slams on the brakes at a stoplight it won't careen the entire 31ft and move everything out of its path including the kids, water bowls, food etc.. this causes much screaming and gnashing of teeth.

And for your personal safety tell him to take his foot off the gas in the mountain curves and not use the cruise control, at 65mph it will, if you are standing by the bathroom, throw you onto the toilet causing you to pee your pants, nearly smash a baby and invent an entirely new vocabulary.

But I digress. It appears that your list is about as complete as can be, may want to add baby wipes. Can't think of anything much else. You're gonna love it. As long as your DH didn't use to drive a big rig and thinks he still is...:p

I'd definitely take whatever water they are use to with you unless you want to just buy bottled along the way which could get a bit pricy. You would save money by not going to a motel. Just go to an RV park that has hook-ups and showers and you won't need to try and shower in the motor home. I'd also definitely fix all your meals as well. Easy and much cheaper. Be sure that any breakables you take are not touching each other. You could cut the tops of old socks off to slip on glasses, but maybe just take plastic would be best. Make sure all drawers, doors and ref. door are tightly shut before traveling. Once you get use to RV's you will be hooked. We LOVE our coach and so do our fur girls.

[quote=Britster;3196783]My dad has an RV and travels with his 2 dogs often. Jackson went once -- they do great. :) We just fill up their water bowls before we leave and leave them out as we drive, as if we were at home. Typically, while dad is driving, the dogs just lay on the couch or look out the window as we drive like any car ride. Don't use potty pads here so don't know what people do about that. Farthest they've traveled is around 13hrs and they usually just stop twice or so for a potty break. RV'ing is fun! You've got everything with you while you're driving, it's very convenient! They stay in their RV though and go camping, etc so no hotels, the RV is their 'home' for a few days. We have 3 expens we line all around the RV as a 'fence' for the dogs![/QUOTE]

Thanks Ladies! You have some really good tips and you are cracking me up!!! :sidesplt::sidesplt:

I didn't even think about the rv places having showers Great - I was just thinking about having to bathe the dogs in that itty bitty shower. ugh! :rolleyes: It wouldn't be bad but I am not a size 6 anymore. :D


Ok, so I need a lot of duck tape :thumbup:
I'll be doing the mapquest - so I'll avoid the mtns


How about the computer & tv? I'm pretty sure the rv comes with the tv - we're renting a 2009-2010 - how do you get signal. Do they have a dish? :confused:

And if I bring my daughter's laptop... how do you get the net with it? Do I have to sign up for anything ahead of time?

Thanks you guys... We haven't been on a vacation since we've been married. (24 yrs) So this ought to be an adventure!!! :D

Some rentals come with tv some don't. If it has a tv it will be digital and have an antennae that you crank up to capture a local channel. Remember they are all digital now. There should also be a DVD player on board. I have a laptop with mobile broadband. That will depend on where you are. Some places have hookup for cable and internet, if not too remote you'll get wifi. Anywhere I can get a cell signal I can get internet on my laptop. You're going to love being able to have your kids with you and being at home while on the road. You'll end up buying one so you can go on getaways whenever you want. Run down to Lake Mead on the weekends!!!

Your age is none of my business but dependent on age and/or disability you can get an Access Pass for all national parks that cuts your hookup fees in half. We have one. Check google! If the hookup is 30 a night we pay 15. Makes a huge difference and some of the campgrounds in the national parks are wonderful with full hookups, sewer and everything. If you have water/sewer/electric you can shower in it no problem. Bathe your babies in the sink!

Once you get the hang of traveling with the furkids you will love it. We put the potty patch in our shower area. The toilet is in a separate space. We have to walk around it a little but its out of the living area and its not the first thing you see when you walk in that way. We showed them where it was and they have no trouble remembering where it is.

We do tether our furkids while we are traveling. We hook their leashes to the seatbelts on the couch. They can move around a little but if there is an accident, they won't be the first ones to hit the windshield, we feel better and thats the way we started out doing it and thats all they know.

The showers in the campgrounds are usually clean and well cared for and I agree with some of the others, it will be cheaper to camp than to pay extra for dogs in a motel.

Have fun.

nana911 you really crack me up!
Hubby came home with some info on Virgin - where you can buy Broadband2Go so I think we'll hook it up to my daughter's laptop. :thumbup:

As far as the TV he said I'd have to actually read a book, listen to music or talk to him & the kids! lol! At least until we stopped for the evening. :D

Shareng744 we're on the same page. I just telling hubby that I'd put their pads in the shower. But you have a potty patch that you like? Good idea about teethering. We always use their carseats in the car but we weren't sure about when they get down what we'd use. I'll probably be in the back with them most of the time - otherwise I'll fall asleep sitting in the passenger seat. :D Hey, I'm over 55 so do I quality for the cut rates? :D I'll try to remember to check them out. Maybe AARP has a list of them.

Thanks for everyone's tips - every one of them help! :thumbup::thumbup:

I think the rates/card we use are for 65yrs and disabled. My DH is disabled. But they may have a different card for 55 and older. I'm 55 as well. I only stay married for these kinds of perks. Google for national park access passes and golden passes, you'll find something. You can get them (free) at any national park gift shop. We got ours at the St Louis Arch.

We don't tether ours, they free range so when I nap on the bed in back they go with me. But it is definitely taking a chance in case of an accident to do that. They could get seriously hurt being loose. Heck, they can get hurt just in a heavy braking/curve maneuver....(idiot).

When I took a break from dispatching, I team drove with DH for 3yrs and I missed being able to hop into the sleeper and nap going down the road. We had everything in truck. Including litter box and cats. I've learned to really hate staying upright on long trips...LOL Soooo...RV is the only way to go.

We just sold our 40ft motorhome, but I use to take the oldest dog(levi) all the time. Just remember to take everything off counters because it will go airborne. I use to take Levi's bed and put it between my husband and I while driving and he was very happy. I use to see alot of people allowing the pets up on the dashboard, but I am not a fan of that at all. I always use bottled water.....I think this alleviates any digestive problems. I keep a copy of the shot records with me....just in case.

We just recently returned from a 2 week trip with both dogs. Levi(6 years) and Lily(6 months) in our new 5th wheel and they both did great.

I bring my laptop with me always and I "tether" It through my cell phone. I have verizon wireless....your provider can tell you if you can do this. I can be online the whole entire time while hubby is driving if I want. (sometimes I want!!!) basically just a cord that hooks to phone and to computer and a software download and thats it. It is like 50.00 extra a month....but you can turn it on/off at will.

One more thing, we use direct T.V. for our satellite provider. I am sure they will allow you to sign up through the rental place for temporary service. I think you can also get dish network....at least that is what they offer in my state.:)

I envy you, you can do something cool every weekend if you have one. Lake Mead. Mt Charleston. Big Bear. Lake Havasu. Brian's Head Utah. Geez, what fun, different scenery all the time....you are in the perfect central location. That is why I miss home so much.

We are getting a travel trailer, actually thought we'd have one last week. My parents did RVing full time. The less glass items you have the better, use containers that screw or latch shut. Put shampoo/conditioner in plastic bags. My parents had 3 trailers, the 1st to small so it was traded for a bigger one. That one was rolled due to my dad trying to avoid a man in the road. The 3rd they had till dad passed away. The key is tying things down, no glass, latching doors, drawers, and leave nothing loose on counters etc. Think as if you were on a boat, if a wave could move it around so can traffic. If it's a motor home to this add lock doors and stay away from them while moving. Our Yorkie will travel with us she's great on road trips, so far she's been to CA, AR, and MT in the truck and car staying in hotels. The trailer will be new to her.

We RV holiday with our furkids often. I like to have a gate in front of the RV door so that they don't all run out when we open the door. The other thing I always take is either one of the fake grass mats or the woven mats that they sell at dog shows in case there is no where to set up your x-pens but dirt or mud. Keeps the furkids cleaner. We also take a bunch of dollar store tarps with us in case it is raining to cover the x-pens or to put around the x-pens to keep the sun off the dogs or to keep them from barking (mine like to bark at everyone that walks by). Also it keeps the lookers in the campground out of your site as they can't readily see what is in your x-pens. We have our own motorhome so I wash my carpets when we get back, but if you are renting one you might want to cover the carpets with plastic in case one of your dogs has an accident or has muddy feet.
Last time we went we travelled for 3 weeks with 8 dogs. We had a blast and so did the dogs. It was great fun. Enjoy your holiday.

Carpet stores and some harware stores sell rolls of sticky plastic to cover carpet with. Peel it off when you're done and have clean carpet.

I would take paper plates, bowls, cups, and plastic silver. Make sure dogs have ID just in case they get away from you. Just put the pads on any part of the floor that isn't carpeted. Make sure you always leave air on for the dogs when you leave the coach. It gets really hot really fast when you don't.
You can run your large AC if you run your generator while traveling. We always do this. Turn your frig. off when you fill up with gas or propane. I always bathe my dog in the shower, but then we have a pull down shower seat that I put a towel on so the dog won't slip off. When he is bathed, I hand him out to DH and then take my own shower. If you have any other questions, you can always PM me. We have been RVing since 04 and live in it all winter in FL.

rv ing
 

We as well have a 30 ft. Motor Home. I do the driving so I do not have to worry about any crazy maneuvors. I take all 6 furbabes along with us. That is why we purchased it. I make sure I have a note from the vet naming all of the dogs and they are up to date on shots and able to be transfered between states. As far as piddle pads I put 2 under the dinete table (its just my husband and I) Its out of the way. and they know its there. I fill up a gallon jug with spring water before leaving home. The dollar tree has gallon spring waters for $1.00 so I just stopp pick up 2 and I am good to go. I allow my group to sit on the couch with Mike and they steep the most part. Stopping for potty breaks every 3 hours or so. I use paper and plastic and throw it all away. One bit of info to the driver. WATCH YOUR BACK END when turning corners its a long way back there. I have NEVER touched anything while driving but 3 out of 3 men that have to drive knocks more poles,bumpers ect. But not me.Most campgrounds have full hook ups including cable tv. Use the chemicals in the toilet in between or you all will wish you did. NEVER drive off with your antenna up,if you would even need it.One last thing do not forget your camera. Have a safe trip and enjoy. Brenda

I'm so excited for you girl! I have the same questions as you, so I'm no help. My dh & I have talked about this forever. We'd love to do it & be able to take Bella with us. I can't wait to hear all about it when you return. Have a wonderful & safe trip with the babies!:aimeeyork:aimeeyork

Oh yeah! We put pads under the dinette, too! If you rent a Class C, you'll have a lot of space above the area where the driver's are. And the newer ones almost all have a backup (rear) camera, just bear in mind that it will not show you what is directly beneath your rear, it will show from a couple feet out and further..

When you pickup a rental, they'll spend time with you showing you how everything works, if you don't understand something, ask questions!!!!

Why do you turn off the fridge when you get gas? Is that for a motor home or trailer too? Never heard my parents do that.

getting gas
 

to turn off the pilot light

OK some are gas/electric-battery. If it's running on battery it's ok to leave on?

OK some are gas/electric-battery. If it's running on battery it's ok to leave on?

rv ing
 

most are gas/ elec while driving you are running on battery but the fridge is propane They say to turn it off I do not. I guess I am taking my chances. While filling the propane tank you are suppose to kill the piliot light and every one is suppose to get out. Most people I know do not turn off. They will explain it all to you before you leave with it.Its alot of fun but for some reason the other car and trucks like to jump in front of you while riding own the road and then slam on there brakes because they needed to take that last exit. Just keep your distance. Brenda

I've never RV'd with mine, but we camp out a lot and travel in the car. Often, they lose their appetite when their environment changes that much, so I make sure I have some choices of food (a little canned to add to their kibble) and pack some nutrical.

I like Winston's Mom's idea for an Xpen. I'd call that essential. If you're camped and sitting outside the RV, it's nice to have them near you yet secure.

A few other possibilities:
Doggie first aid kit and book
Rescue Remedy (calms them down)
A kennel. Traveling's safer if they're in a secure area, and you might not want to give them the run of the RV when you step into the store.

Sounds like a blast. Be sure to pack a camera!

Wow - you guys Thanks so much for all the responses! You've come up with a lot of good suggestions and info. I'm writing them down.

Going to the vet this afternoon so that I have all their paperwork in order. Mia needs her rabies and I need to get their flea/tick/heartworm stuff. Good suggestion to carry the paperwork with us. :thumbup:

We have one xpen but I'm thinking we might need another one.

I'm bringing their carseats and we made sure to get the RV that had the table area and a bench seat so I'll be able to buckle them in.

Oh, great suggestion about the First Aid & Remedy. Is there a kit already made up somewhere or should I just put that together myself?

What brands of coaches do you all have? We are looking into one and I frankly want to hold out for a Prevost. But will settle for a 46' tandem to take primarily Mia with me. Funny you have a Mia also, my Mia is a water diva she won't drink non bottled water! And make sure you go up 15 to Salt Lake take the 80 bypass to 80 if you are going to IA that will have the fewest hills to climb. (I own 82 semi's) Pretty good with route analysis so that is the way I prefer when I go to Vegas for meetings and equipment auctions. Don't like to fly so that is also why I am intrigued with brands and such. Reason why I want something so large I like space in addition to engine size to climb hills. In horse trailer we have living quarters and always fill with bottled water, rv showers are not like getting a regular shower and will get the babies sudsed up about the time you run out of warm water, won't be well received. Where in IA?

my horse trailer is dual fuel on the heater/air and the fridge. But the stove top is is propane and the microwave is electric. Mia still isn't sure she likes traveling with the horses