Whether it’s your first or hundredth trip, traveling in an RV is a unique experience every time. Going for an adventure off the grid offers a special type of freedom that’s impossible to mimic, but you need to prepare yourself and make sure you have everything you need to be self-sufficient during your travels.
While you’ll need access to a few services every now and again, the amount of time you can travel without making a pit stop depends largely on how self-sufficient you are. Wheelbase Pro has long-standing partnerships with some of the top RV rental businesses around the globe, so we’re familiar with the details that help create a great experience.
Below, we’ll go over the advantages of being self-sufficient during your RV trip. We’ll also share five tips to help you travel autonomously and increase the amount of time you can go off the grid.
What Are the Advantages of Being Self-Sufficient While Traveling?
Traditional holidays are location-dependent and there’s always a limit to the number of activities or attractions in one specific area. Traveling in a self-sufficient RV allows you to visit more attractions in the same amount of time and it offers a safer setting than crowded airports or similar transportation methods.
Not only this, but some of the advantages of having a self-sufficient setup include:
You Use Fewer Resources
When most travelers think about RV resources, fuel is the first thing that comes to mind. But, RVs also provide electricity and water, so you need to do your best to use fewer resources.
While this is an advantage, it does require some thought. For example, you can limit toilet flushes, make one-pot meals, and develop a faster shower routine to save water. At the same time, having good insulation and using the sun to your advantage are great ways to save energy.
You Save Money and Time
Being self-sufficient means that you can camp in the wild for longer periods of time (as long as it’s allowed in your area). In other words, you’ll spend less time checking into, checking out of, and waiting at campsites. Plus, you’ll also save a bit of money by making fewer campsite stops which can add up by the end of your trip.
Enjoy Your Trip Even More!
There is nothing like waking up, opening up your RV, and being a few steps away from your favorite beach, forest, or viewpoint. Having a self-sufficient setup allows you to do this more often during your trip, so you can actually have a better time without having to worry about your next stop as often.
5 Tips and Tricks to Be Self-Sufficient During Your Trip
Traveling off the grid is an unmatched experience, but everyone needs fuel and supplies to stay on the road. That said, the further apart your stops are, the more time you have to explore the great outdoors.
Here are five tips and tricks to help you stay self-sufficient during your RV trip.
1. Don’t Waste Water!
You need water to drink, shower, cook, and clean. But, you need to minimize the amount of water you use during each one of these activities to make sure you have access to this vital liquid for longer periods. Here are some points to help reduce water usage:
- Take a lot of clothes with you and use gas station laundromats to do your laundry
- Bring a wash bag or similar tool that helps you do laundry by hand without much water
- Make one-pot meals to reduce water use in cooking and washing
2. Conserve Energy and Use Alternative Sources
Holidays are all about creating great experiences, so try to avoid staying in your RV and using up the power unless you really have to. If possible, you should also get an RV that has solar panels or similar alternative power sources to reduce the number of stops you have to make.
3. Think About Worst-Case Scenarios
Do you have extra cooking gas canisters? Is the spare tire in good condition? How full is the fuel tank?
These are some of the questions you should ask yourself to stay self-reliant during your whole trip. You should assume that the worst will happen and make sure you’re prepared for it. There’s always a chance you’ll need assistance, but taking a moment to think about bad scenarios can save you a huge hassle later on!
4. Familiarize Yourself with Your Van’s Different Elements
Ensuring that your RV has a replacement tire is a good start, but you should also familiarize yourself with all of the elements in your vehicle. Most rental lots provide tutorial videos that help you monitor your RV’s fluids and other essential variables. So, take the time to watch these tutorials and keep an eye on your RV’s performance.
5. Pack Solid Hygiene Products
Hygiene is one of the biggest concerns for first-time RVers, but there are plenty of products that can help you stay clean and fresh during your trip. The best part is that most, if not all of these products have natural-based alternatives available, so you don’t have to succumb to harsh chemicals either.
Dry shampoo, powder toothpaste, and solid deodorant bars usually last longer than their conventional counterparts, so don’t hesitate to bring them along and try them out. Besides reducing the number of stops you need to make, this can also save you a lot of water in the long run.
Bonus: Opt for Entertainment that Doesn’t Consume Resources
Books, chess sets, cards, and musical instruments are just a few of the many alternatives you have when it comes to unwinding and having fun. Streaming services consume a lot of power, so try to keep your show and movie time to minimal levels throughout your trip.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Getting ready for a self-sufficient RV trip requires more than packing the right things. You also need to think ahead, save as many resources as possible, and follow steps that help you remain autonomous for as long as possible.
Want to learn more about having an awesome trip? Follow us on our Facebook or LinkedIn page for more RV tricks and tips you can follow while on the road.