Traveling in a RV - need your tips

[cj125]

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.

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!!!!

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)

[EarthAngel]

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.

[Britster]

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!

[nana911]

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...

[Yorkiedaze]

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.

[cj125]

[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]

Originally Posted by nana911

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...

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

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.

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

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! It wouldn't be bad but I am not a size 6 anymore.


Ok, so I need a lot of duck tape
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?

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!!!

[nana911]

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!

[shareng744]

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.

[cj125]

Originally Posted by nana911

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!

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.

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.

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. Hey, I'm over 55 so do I quality for the cut rates? 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!

[nana911]

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.

[roseslevi]

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.

[roseslevi]

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.

[nana911]

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.

[dogbert]

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.

[WinstonMom]

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.