Similar to the spring, fall is an exciting time for RVers, as it marks the transition from the summer travel season to fun fall trips and the possibility of winter adventure. If you choose to take the fall travel route, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to make sure your RV is ready. From accounting for inclement weather to adjusting the interior of your RV, here are 5 fall travel tips from the RV experts at Lazydays RV!
1: Carefully Consider Your Destination
As we’ve said before, one of the amazing perks of the RV lifestyle is the freedom it offers travelers when it comes to choosing your destination. During the peak of the RV travel season, nothing beats packing up your trailer or motorhome, and hitting the open road toward destinations unknown. Maybe you’ll decide to spend a few nights at the beach. Or how about a day or two in the mountains?
When it comes to fall RV travel, this principle holds true, for the most part. The biggest reason we’re advising RVers to carefully consider their destination is the weather. During the summer, weather in the continental US is close to perfect. Sure, the desert states can be incredibly hot and humidity can be a bit excessive in the southeast, but these are still situations where RVers can find plenty of ways to enjoy their trips (hint: do anything involving a large body of water). In the fall, more inclement weather can arise. From endless rain to the occasional severe storm, the fall is a time where travelers should pay careful attention to the forecast. If dealing with the elements is part of how you like to enjoy the RV lifestyle, then, by all means, charge full steam ahead!
2: Weather in Mind, Make Sure You’ve Packed Appropriately
With the change in seasons comes a change in how you pack for an RV trip. Flip-flops will need to be swapped for hiking boots, tank tops for down jackets, and sun hats for beanies. Beyond clothing, you may also need to do a sweep of your RV and swap out any summer gear for fall gear.
An easy starting point is to exchange fans for heaters (unless you’re traveling in South Florida and the Keys). While fall weather can be quite pleasant, the nights can get a tad chilly, so it’s best to have a few additional sources of heat throughout your rig. Another easy exchange is swapping beach towels for blankets to provide some additional warmth around the campfire. You’ll also want to keep a down jacket and raincoat in your rig, just to be safe. It never hurts to have an extra layer or two on hand if the thermometer begins to dip unexpectedly. Additionally, give your kitchenware inventory a once-over before your next fall trip. A bowl or silverware set may have gone missing during your last summer trip, so best to find out before hitting the road instead of before dinner!
3: Triple Check Your Roof
If there’s one part of your RV you’ll want to make sure is in perfect shape before a fall trip, it’s the roof. With fall weather sometimes dipping into the unpredictable, a leaky roof is the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of a downpour. While you may have had a perfectly normal summer travel season, the elements and unforeseen accidents could have contributed to wear and tear on the roof. The most common instance is extended sun damage, which typically bears its head after years of repeated exposure and little maintenance. Rubber seals and cracked caulking are two areas likely to be affected by the sun.
Additionally, falling debris may have harmed your roof. Whether it was a harmless branch or a misplaced step, make sure to double-check for any cracks in your roof and around the rooftop AC unit (if applicable). Leaks can result in mildew, rot, and other types of costly water damage to your RV. If you’re not sure when you last had your roof serviced, or are coming up on your annual maintenance cycle, Lazydays RV offers comprehensive RV roof repair services.
4: While You’re at It, Check Your Tires and Slide-Outs
Besides the roof, your RV’s tires and slide-outs are two other areas that see a good deal of wear and tear during a busy travel season. Thousands of miles across highways, city streets, and back roads can put a strain on the sturdiest of tires. With variable road conditions on the horizon during fall and winter trips, having tires that are in top shape is a key safety measure. Make sure to check them for any punctures or large pieces of debris and take them in to get rotated if necessary. The service experts at Lazydays RV recommend RVers have their tires rotated every 12 months to extend their usage.
In addition to the tires, your RV’s slide-outs see plenty of usage during a busy travel season. Dirt, debris, and grime can build up over time, which should be cleaned out before your next trip. Rubber seals can become compromised and should also be checked before heading out on a fall trip. Make sure to check out our money-saving service bundles to take care of any pre-trip maintenance!
5: If You Plan on Storing Your RV, Winterizing Is Essential
In the latter parts of the fall, the weather can get quite cold in the upper Midwest and Northeast. RVers who plan on storing their RV in these areas, should look into winterizing their RV. Available for all classes of RV, Lazydays’ winterization service covers your winter critical systems and all appliances and helps prevent freezing and additional cold weather damage. Especially useful if you plan on taking a travel break during the winter, winterization helps ensure your RV is in top shape for the spring.
To learn more about Lazydays RV’s selection of the latest motorhomes and travel trailers, RV accessories and service packages, contact us today or visit a Lazydays dealership near you!
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