Teenagers are the hardest part of parenting. That’s a fact. But “the hardest” doesn’t necessarily mean the worst. If you adjust your parenting style the right way, you will prevent conflicts, and your kids will enjoy their teenage years to the fullest.

One of the best things you can do for your teenage son and daughter is to take them on an RV trip. The trip will help your teens gain new experience, master essential skills, and inspire them to expand their horizons.

Are you ready to jump-start planning a family RV trip?  Here are key things to consider.

Help teenagers feel like they count

Pretty often, parents treat teenagers like kids but expect them to behave like adults. And that’s a big mistake.

Teenagers should be treated as fairly as adults are treated. You should show teens that their opinion matters, that their contribution has great value, and that you trust them fully. Such attitudes will encourage positive behavior in teenagers – they will act more responsibly and make fewer mistakes.

If you want teenagers to be happy about the upcoming RV trip, you should do the following:

• Ask your teens what places they want to visit and what food they want to eat. Take their preferences into consideration when planning your trip.
• Don’t interrupt teenagers. Let them express their points of view and listen to your teens actively. You don’t have to agree with every statement they make, but you should respect their opinions.
• If you disagree with your teens, don’t criticize them, and most importantly, don’t say something like this “You’ll understand when you grow up.” Imagine that you are talking to an adult and explain your point of view (and why this point of view is right) in simple words.

Give teens the space that they crave

Your teens need some privacy. They want you to respect their personal boundaries. They expect you to knock on the door before coming into their rooms. They want you never to touch their backpacks or personal belongings without their permission.

Obviously, your RV is too small, and you can’t provide your teens with lots of private space. However, you can do a few things to make your teenage son and daughter feel comfortable during the trip:

• Create a little space in your RV for each of your teens. For instance, let your son choose a shelf that only he will be allowed to use.
• Let your teens choose and “reserve” their favorite spots in your RV for sleeping, dining, etc.
• Make sure that you have enough storage for your teen’s personal belongings. If your daughter wants to take her makeup palette and flat iron, allow her to do it. Don’t argue even if you know that she will not use these items during the trip.

Help teenagers stay in touch with their friends

Teenagers can’t live a day without talking to their friends. They do love to socialize, and you can’t ignore that. You should make sure that your teens will be able to stay in touch with their friends while on the trip.

And most importantly, you should ensure that your kids will not miss a big party they have been waiting for for a few months.

Do you naively believe that teenage parties “are not that important”? Remember what it was like when you were a teenager. What did you feel when your parents’ plans ruined your plans? Let me guess. You were angry with your parents and didn’t want to talk to them.

Well, it’s impossible to have a successful RV trip with angry teenagers. So you should better consider your teens’ plans rather than disappoint them, turning the entire trip into a disaster.

Motivate teenagers to keep studying

Education is the most powerful tool one can use to achieve success in life. As a parent, you need to explain that to your teenage kids. You need to motivate them to study with dedication and complete all school assignments on time.

An RV trip is not an excuse for skipping classes and getting low grades. You should plan the trip in advance and ensure that it will not interrupt the studying process.

If your kids have to miss a few days at school because of the planned RV trip, make sure that they will keep up with their classwork. For instance, if you know that your son lacks time to prepare for the test, offer him to visit a website with a flashcard database or find another way to assist him.

Do you consider a long-term RVing? If you can provide your teenagers with a laptop and high-speed internet, you can opt for distance learning. Your kids will keep studying at the same pace as their peers do while traveling from one destination to another.

Teach them how to maintain RV

Your teenage son and daughter are not small kids any longer. It means now they can help you a lot around the house. Yep. That’s great news. Now you have “big helpers” who can assist you in maintaining your RV in perfect conditions.

Well, most teenagers are lazy. And if you ask them to help you with cleaning your RV, they will highly unlikely to do it with dedication. But you need to encourage them to behave like adults: be responsible and complete all the unpleasant tasks that adults have to do.

Here are the top ten things you can do together with your teens before and during your RV trip:

• Inspect the roof seals and seams of your RV.
• Clean and treat your RV’s slide outs and seals.
• Install a new water filter system with a water softener.
• Check your RV’s batteries and wastewater system.
• Check whether the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters need replacement.
• Change the oil in your RV.

If your kids are not enthusiastic about helping you, try to explain to them what will happen if you skip these tasks. For instance, you can explain what problems your family may face if you don’t install a reliable RV water filtration system. When your teens are aware of the possible consequences of their negligence, they will be more committed to helping you.

Buy lots of snacks

Teenagers – boys in particular – eat a lot. So make sure that you have enough food in stock. And most importantly, make sure that you have enough snacks. Teenagers do love snacks, and if you run out of granola bars and cheese sticks, that might be a problem.

Before you go on an RV trip, take your teens to the store and let them choose the snacks they like. Buy all dry products in bulk; that’s a great way to save money.

Talk about the issues with internet usage

Do you plan to visit beautiful places which are located far from big and small cities? The chances are you will face some problems with an internet connection and mobile phone services. 

Well, you are an adult, and it’s not a big deal for you. But it can be a “disaster” for your teens. They are addicted to social media and obsessed with using messengers. And it might be challenging for them to live a few days without scrolling Instagram and watching TikTok videos. 

We highly suggest you inform your teens about “possible issues with an internet connection” in advance. It will help you to smooth your trip and build trust with your teens.

As a parent, you believe that the more days your teens will spend without their mobile devices, the better. And you are totally right. Social media detox will benefit your teens and allow them to enjoy RVing to the fullest.

Just keep in mind that if you want your family members to stop using their phones for a few days or a week, you should play the role of “trendsetter.” You should set the example to follow – turn off your phone and don’t touch it if there is no urgency.

Create a perfect music playlist

Let’s face it. You do not always “get” the music your teens are listening to. And it will be difficult for you to focus on driving if “that annoying song” will be on repeat.

However, music is an essential part of an RV trip. And you need to create a playlist that will appeal to all your family members.

Does it sound like “an impossible mission” to you? You can opt for another solution. You can let each of your family members create their own playlists and give them a right to “veto” three songs from each other’s playlist.

Here is how it works. When you listen to your teenage daughter’s playlist, you will have a right to skip three songs that you dislike the most. Such a rule will help you to minimize the irritation levels and let everyone enjoy the trip.

Help your teens to meet new friends

You are not the only one who travels with teens. If you choose a travel destination that is popular among families with teens, your son and daughter will get a chance to meet new friends. That will enrich their RV trip experience and create sweet memories.

Whether your kids have high or low communication skills, it will be useful for them to make new connections. It will force them to go out of their comfort zone and improve their skills.

In everyday life, your teens communicate only with people from their community – teens who attend the same school and live in the same neighborhood. An RV trip will allow them to meet people from different communities, and that will significantly expand their horizons.

Here are the top five travel destinations that are worth your attention:

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Saint Petersburg, Florida
• Redwood National and State Parks, California

Discuss safety rules

An RV trip is associated with some risks, including the dangers of a car accident and camper fire. You should discuss possible emergency situations with your teens and set some rules to minimize the risks.

You should also show your teens where you store a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and other emergency essentials. You should teach them how to use these items and how to provide first aid.

Naturally, when we go on a trip, we expect that everything will go smoothly. But the truth is that, in real life, RV accidents and camper fire happens pretty often. You and your teens should be aware of that. Your family should be able to manage an emergency if it occurs. 

Organize your remote work the right way

Are you going to work remotely during the trip? Well, it might be challenging for you to stay productive while living in one small RV with teenagers. You should set the ground rules beforehand to ensure that nothing will spoil your trip.

Firstly, you should think about what your teenagers will do while you will be working. Will they be busy with studying, books reading, or their hobbies? If your teens have lots of free time, the chances are they will demand your attention and distract you from work. Or, even worse, they will be bored in RV and complaining all the time. 

In other words, if you want to stay productive, you should schedule not only your own day but also your teens’ day. You should plan some fun activities for your teens so they will not disturb you.

Secondly, you should organize your workspace. We’ve already mentioned that your teens need some privacy so do you. You need to find a spot in your RV where you will be able to focus on the work task. Basically, you don’t need a lot of space. Any small corner of your RV will work for this purpose.

Also, don’t forget to buy high-quality noise-canceling headphones. They will help you to save your nerves and eventually your job.

Take care of sleep quality

Sleep quality greatly influences your teens’ mood and health in general. For this reason, you should ensure that your teenagers will not have problems with getting enough sleep in RV.

What can you do to ensure that your teens will be well-rested after spending a night in RV?

• Consider buying a new orthopedic mattress if your old mattress is not comfy enough.
• Don’t allow teens to use their phones one hour before going to bed.
• If your teens have problems with falling asleep, offer them to drink chamomile tea one or two hours before bedtime. The tea will help them to calm down and relax after a busy day.
• Limit consumption of drinks that contain caffeine and sugar.

Don’t plan too many activities for one day

You want the best for your teens. And you want them to see as many attractions in one day as possible. But do teens really want to visit lots of different places? Do you really believe that teens are able to consume that much information in one day?

Most teenagers don’t like to spend all day on planned activities. They prefer to have some free time to unwind and do the things they like.

So please, don’t overdo your RV trip planning. Ask your teens what places they want to visit and how much free time they want to have. It will help you to create a perfect RV travel itinerary.

Encourage your teens to use their creative skills

Have your teens ever told you that they want to start their own blogs? Or have they ever mentioned they want to build a career in photography? Encourage them to use their RV trip experience to bring their creative ideas to life. Motivate them to take photos, create videos, and write blog posts.

Travelling is one of the best sources for inspiration. So if you see that your kids have the inspiration to create, push them to take the first step. Who knows, maybe one day they will become world-famous artists, writers, or bloggers, and thank you for the RV trip when giving an interview to a reputable magazine.

Don’t sacrifice your happiness

Today we have been talking a lot about making teens happy. Now let’s talk about you.

What do you need to have a successful RV trip? What places do you want to visit the most? How do you want to spend your time with your teenage kids?

Don’t allow your family to ignore your wants and needs. Don’t sacrifice your happiness.

Make your family compromise with you. You deserve it.

Wrapping it up

Teens can be moody sometimes. So if they’ve rejected your offer to go on an RV trip once, don’t take their words seriously. If you use the tips give and plan everything wisely, your RV trip will be a success.

We wish you happy RVing! Let this trip bond your family together and help you make lasting memories.

About the Author

Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. Now she had found herself as a freelance writer.

Pros

Cost Effectiveness
A popular reason people choose to live in RVs full-time is in effort to live more simply. The millennial generation is particularly interested in minimalism for financial reasons. RV life allows for a less cluttered, more intentional lifestyle. Retirees also fancy RV living because it’s an alternative downsizing option. Instead of moving into a retirement community, some opt to buy an RV and travel, all while conserving funds.

Depending on how you go about it, living in an RV can save you quite a bit of money. Some have been able to save $1400 or more on a monthly basis. That’s over $16,000 per year that would normally go to things like rent or mortgage and utilities. Of course, how much you can personally save is contingent on your expenses and spending habits.

Arguably the biggest expenses of RV living are purchasing the RV itself and potentially renovating it. However, those expenditures can be covered in a wide variety of ways. If you are a homeowner transitioning to RV life, you’re in luck. Not only can you use the money you earn from selling your home, but you can also tap into home equity long before you put your house on the market. If you don’t mind being temporarily homeless, you can simply sell your house and then use the money to purchase your RV and renovate it, if necessary. However, if you want your RV to be ready to move in by the time you sell your home, it might be a good idea to consider how a home equity loan might help you. Even if you are not planning to put your house on the market, home equity can still come in handy for making renovations before renting out your home. If you’re a renter, you can fund your RV and/or RV renovations by subletting your apartment at slightly higher rate and using the leftover money. 

Endless Travel
Living in an RV means that the whole world is your backyard. The opportunities for exploration and travel are endless. In addition to cutting costs, travel is another common reason that people join the full-time RV community. Sure, reaching your destination may take more time than hopping on a plane, but the journey along the way is well worth it. Many RVers appreciate the ability to explore the natural world more extensively. If nature isn’t your vibe, that’s okay. You can treat this lifestyle as a long-term road trip and simply visit all the cities on your bucket list. 

Of course, in order to make the most of travel opportunities you need to choose the right kind of RV. Some RVs are more conducive to travel than others. There are drivable RVs, like class A, B and C motorhomes, and towables RVs, such as fifth wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. Do you research on the different types of RVs and which one is best for your lifestyle and travel plans.

Quality Time
Unless you are a solo traveller, you will experience a lot of quality time with whoever you are traveling with. For couples, this additional time spent together can be great! Quality time can be valuable and satisfying, but only with the right person. Married or not, it’s important to consider who you will be travelling with. Amongst other things, you might ask yourself: How do things go when I travel with this person? How do each of us plan to accommodate for me-time? If you want to know for sure if you can handle RV life with your mate, relative or friend, try renting an RV to live in temporarily. Doing so should give you a good idea of how much quality you can handle with that person and if you enjoy it. 

Empty nesters may especially benefit from being able to spend more time with one another. In fact, many parents find that after their children leave the home, they realize they no longer have anything in common with each other. Moms and dads are used to devoting most of their time to caring for the children, working and taking care of the house will appreciate the new found time and freedom to focus on themselves and enjoy life as a couple again. With the kids out of the house, not only does the to-do list shrink, the silence can be deafening and the realization that you and your spouse no longer know each other becomes very evident. Living in an RV practically forces you to reconnect with your mate in a unique and fun way. Everyday is an adventure and an opportunity to get to know your significant other better. You and your travel partner can enjoy the highlights and navigate the obstacles of mobile living. Depending on your attitude, overcoming the challenges associated with RV life will help to strengthen the relationship. 

No Yard Work
A smaller advantage of RV living is that you no longer have to worry about mowing the lawn, weeding, or raking leaves in the fall. For those who are not fans of outdoor upkeep associated with homeownership, this is a major plus. According to a 2016 study, Americans spend 39,243,750 hours on yard work. Our greenthumb friends may jump with joy at the idea of spending so much time on yard upkeep. However, when you think about all of the things you could be doing instead, like traveling the country in your awesome RV, living in a motorhome sounds like a walk in the park. 

Say goodbye to long days spent raking and bagging fallen leaves in September and October. Instead you can enjoy radiant foliage on beautiful fall days spent exploring, hiking or anything else you can think of. And who likes pulling weeds at the start of spring and throughout summer? While you won’t be able to have a garden living in an RV, you can enjoy natural gardens more often. This is your time to actually frolic through fields of flowers.  

Flexibility
Another reason why motorhome living is so desirable is for the flexibility. Don’t like your “neighbors”? Park your home somewhere else. Not a fan of the current weather? Move to a sunnier climate without the hassle associated with traditional moving. You don’t have to pack. You don’t need movers. You can literally wake up and decide to move to Florida without any real obstacles. 

Beyond annoying neighbors and gloomy weather, your needs may change over time in other ways. RV-ing will allow you to accommodate for those needs fairly easily. When you’re just starting out, you may enjoy constantly being on the go. However, after some time on the road, you and your travel companion(s) may need a break and want to stay put for a while. Fortunately, there are a number of places to park your RV, whether you need to settle for a few days or a few months. 

Let’s say you need a break from RV life, you can do that, too. If you still own a home, you can park your RV on your property and move back into your house until you are ready to hit the road again. Even if you’re a renter, you can move back into your apartment if there’s still time left on your lease. If you decide that you need a permanent break from life on the road, you can sell your RV much easier than a house. You don’t have to deal with finding a realtor, open houses, and closing. It’s as simple as listing your motorhome online using RV Listings, Craigslist or even Facebook Marketplace. 

Cons

Space
Though there are many advantages to living in an RV full-time, there are also some disadvantages that you should consider. The most obvious one is the limited amount of space. After all, it’s a motorhome, not a mansion. Customizing your RV can help with this issue, but realistically space will still be limited. Unless you completely gut and remodel your house on wheels, you can say goodbye to ample counter space, multiple floors and spacious closets. If you don’t think you could live in a small ranch, it’s probably best to avoid RV living.

The lack of space does not have to be a deterrent, though. You can make your motorhome feel like a real home by renovating the inside. Do your research on compact living floor plans and space saving tricks. Seek out household items that have multiple functions. If you are inventive and/or handy, you can build multipurpose objects, too. 

Another way to overcome the space issue is by carefully selecting the kind of RV you want to buy. Will you be a solo traveller? If so, you may opt for a small camper since you only need to account for yourself. However, if you’re big on space, have the ability to haul a large vehicle around by yourself, and don’t mind the extra gas expense, you can seek out a larger motorhome. Families and couples should take space into consideration even more than a solo traveller since more people are involved. Do your research on the best RVs for families or the best campers for couples. There’s nothing worse than being trapped in a cramped space…even with people you love. 

Wifi Reliability
Any full-time RVer will tell you that wifi can be spotty, especially on the road. Unless you plan to settle in one spot, you won’t be able to automatically connect to a home network like you do in a traditional home. In this era, wifi connection is everything. Few can go without it and so many of our daily tasks require its use. Think about how often you travel to a new location without using your GPS or how frequently you perform Google searches. In fact, wifi may become even more important if you work remotely like many in the full-time RV community. 

Again, wifi reliability does not have to keep you from experiencing the full-time RV life. There are connectivity options out there for any budget.  For instance, you can simply use your phone as a hotspot. If you do this, you may want to invest in an unlimited data plan through your wireless carrier. The downside of this wifi resource is that it is dependent on how strong your wireless connection is. If you’re traveling off the grid, likely there are little to no towers around, which will impact your hotspot efficiency. 

Mobile hotspot routers are another option. Think of this as a modem without wires. You can purchase one through your wireless phone carrier. Similarly to a cell phone hotspot, “your [mobile] hotspot is only as good as the coverage of your carrier, according to The Dyrt. 

Some RVers opt to connect to whatever networks are available at the time, including those belonging to coffee shops, campgrounds, and other public places. Unfortunately, these networks are not secure and require that you stay put. So, it’s important to research the wifi options available to you when you are on the move. 

Laundry Days
Although RV life comes with minimum upkeep and responsibilities, there are still chores that have to de done. One of those tasks is doing laundry. It may be difficult or costly to find an RV with a washer and dryer. They do exist, but the machines can be quite small, impacting how much laundry you can actually get done. Of course, you can build a laundry area into your RV, but that may take up space that you can use for something else. 

The most obvious alternative to in-home laundry is a laundromat. However, most of us have experienced a laundromat trip; packing up all of your dirty clothes, loading them in the car, making sure you have enough quarters, and monitoring several machines to ensure that no one takes your things. The whole ordeal can take up an entire day. 

While laundry days are definitely an inconvenience when living in an RV, don’t let it be a drawback to trying out this lifestyle. There are ways to overcome this obstacle. If you can’t find or afford an RV that comes equipped with a washer and dryer and you want to avoid the laundromat, look into portable washers and dryers. You’ll need to do some measuring and planning to see what works best for your space, but renters have found these compact laundry tools very useful. One of the benefits of portable washer and dryers is that you can hook them up outside of the RV and store them when you are done washing to save space. 

Water Supply
Once you begin living in an RV you will realize some of the simple things we take for granted when living in traditional homes. One of the little luxuries is running water. In a home or apartment, you really don’t have to worry about water beyond making sure you pay the bill. There is more involved when it comes to living in a motorhome. Most RVs include a water system. You can use that system or a city water connection. The latter method is more similar to the water system of a traditional home, except that you are responsible for setting it up by using a nearby spigot and RV water hose, which isn’t always possible if you want to live off the grid or travel often. 

Making use of the RV’s included water system (or one that you have installed) takes a bit more effort than using city water. The system has to be regularly maintained. This involves empting gray and black water, sanitizing the pumps to combat algae and fungus, and monitoring and replenishing your fresh water supply, among other duties. It may sound like a lot but with a guide on how to take care of these tasks, you can live your nomadic dreams to the fullest.

Unlike city water usage, there’s not an unlimited supply of water when using the RV’s water pump system. As mentioned, you will need to monitor and replenish freshwater to ensure that you don’t run out. Doing so requires locating freshwater sources. Thankfully, there are a number of locations to refill your water supply, such as rest stops, national parks and fuel stations. Although these are freshwater resources, you will still need to choose a water filtration system to ensure purity.

Accessibility
Another downside to full-time RV living is that most motorhomes are not accessible living spaces. For those who are not able bodied, life in an RV can be challenging. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but the lack of space alone can present issues. For those who utilize a walker or wheelchair simply navigating  a motorhome can be daunting. 

If you are adamant about living the nomadic life, transitioning to this lifestyle may require some practice. Consider a trial run in the most accessible rental you can find. Make note of your challenges along the way. Think about what adjustments would make it easier for you to live in an RV full-time. After trying it for a few months, if you want to make the transition to full-time RV life, use the list of accommodations you would need to help you renovate an RV that is just right for you. 

Even after a trial period, there may be some modifications that you didn’t think of. If you have friends that experience disabilities different from yours, you may even consider incorporating some renovations that would benefit them when you visit them or they visit you. 

As with any major life decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of RV life. Beyond this list, continue to carefully consider aspects of RV living that could be advantageous or challenging for you and your travel companion(s). With honest self reflection and efficient planning, you may be on your way to RV living in no time.

Being in an RV can be fun and exciting, especially when traveling in one. Not only can you take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of your work and personal life, but you can also enjoy being in a vacation home on wheels, which typically has a fully-functional kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom (depending on the model and make). With these necessities packed into such a vehicle, RVs have paved the way for people to either vacation, or simply go on an adventure to find something new in life at any destination that you set your mind to. And, it’s because of these freedoms that you might see more and more RVs popping up on the road.

Maybe you’ll take your family along with you? Maybe you’ll have your friends join you? Or maybe your dog?

You heard right! Dogs can have the same fun in an RV as everyone can!

Now, while you might already be considering taking your dog with you – which there’s nothing wrong with doing so – there are still some things that you must do to ensure that Fido enjoys the trip from start to finish. It’s important to make preparations for your dog when you’re RVing, just like you prep for yourself to take the trip.

While prepping can be stressful at times, we’re here to show you 7 tips on how to successfully plan an RV trip for you and your dog to enjoy. So, let’s jump right in!

1. Pack Well For Your Pup

“Treat your dog like another traveler in your party, when you go RVing,” says Ernest Walters, a travel writer at State of writing and Bestbritishessays. “That means that you must make sure that your dog has enough things to sustain them throughout the trip. Like humans, your dog may not be able to live without certain things for a long while.”

With that said, here are some of the things that you need to bring for your dog, whenever you travel by RV:

• Food (including their favorite treats) and a non-spill food bowl
• Water (Make sure that the water is filtered, so that your dog doesn’t get sick during the trip.)
• Collar and leash
• Proof of vaccinations (in case of any emergencies during the trip)
• Toys (so that your pup doesn’t get bored
• Bedding
• Cleaning supplies for any accidents, AND
• Medication(s)

“While packing for your dog is simple enough, it’s also important to do,” adds Walters. “Plus, you may want to bring along extra food and water for your dog, in case your trip takes longer than anticipated, or your RV breaks down. Keep your water fresh at all time – filter it, so that your dog doesn’t get sick. And, make sure you can keep your dog entertained to their favorite toys.”

• Have A Place In The RV For Fido

When you choose to have your pup ride with you in the RV, make sure that they have a place inside especially for them. Yes, even when you’re traveling from place to place in an RV, Fido needs a place to stay inside and ride. However, taking account of the type of RV you’re travelling with matters, when it comes to your dog.

Consider the following types of RVs:

• If you have a truck towing a fifth-wheeler, or a travel trailer, your dog must ride with you in your truck. Just like people, you can’t let your dog ride unattended in the trailer while it’s being towed, or else they’ll get hurt during the ride. So, it’s better that Fido rides with you instead, even if they choose to stretch out on the back seat. You can also crate your dog, if you know them to get anxious during a car ride.
• If you have a motorhome, make sure your dog is comfortable riding inside it. Chances are, they might be nervous on the first ride, because being inside a moving motorhome differs from being inside a moving car. Therefore, allow your dog to adjust to this change, before starting a long trip to them. Or, keep their bedding somewhere where you can reach and calm them down. Making sure that they’re alright can make them more relaxed than anxious while you both travel.

Now, when caring for your dog during RV travel, make sure to keep up with regular routines like bathroom breaks, feedings, and entertaining. It’s recommended that you check on your dog every so often, even when you’re driving for extended hours, and that you make a stop every few hours to give your pup water and a bathroom break.

Finally, make sure that your dog gets plenty of sleep whenever you two travel. That means finding a great place for your dog to sleep in. While they might not be used to sleeping outdoors, that doesn’t have to be their sleeping area. Instead, you can do the following:

• If your dog is used to sleeping in your bed, then allow them to sleep in your bed in the RV.
• If your dog has their own bedding, then bring it with you on your trip. Dogs can recognize their bedding just by sniffing it.

By recreating the scenario that your dog is used to sleeping in, this allows you to rest easy as well.

• Make Sure That Pup Is Buckled Up

Seatbelts are essential for people to stay safe as they drive. Though, seatbelts shouldn’t just be for humans – they should also be used on dogs, too! While it might be tempting to let Fido roam around in the cabin or sit on your lap as you drive, the truth is, letting them roam free in a moving vehicle can be dangerous to them. Plus, that’s even dangerous for you.

First, make sure that you and your dog are buckled up, whenever you both ride in the vehicle. You can invest in a seat belt harness or a dog crate to keep your dog on the spot as you drive. And again, don’t let Fido roam around inside the car; and, don’t leave them unattended inside a camper that you’re pulling. It’s best for you and Fido to be safe than sorry while on the road in an RV.

• Stay At Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

While there are many campgrounds for RVs to choose from, there are certain ones that allow dogs on the premises. However, you’ll still need to figure out what said campgrounds’ pet policies are, and how to conduct yourself with your dog once you get there. Otherwise, you will face a fine, depending on the offense and the campgrounds that you choose to stay in.

For example, if a camping place tells you to keep your dog on a leash whenever you two are out and about, don’t ignore this rule. And, if a park doesn’t allow dogs at all, respect the rule and find another location.

Though, it’s safe to do your research first on which campgrounds you wish to stay at during your RV trip. This is especially important, because policies may vary in some areas, and some rules can be updated at any day. Also, contact prospective campgrounds ahead of your scheduled trip, so that you can better understand from a representative or staff member on how you should conduct yourself with your pup.

Doing your research ahead of time and preparing yourself to stay at dog-friendly places can make things stress-free for both you and Fido.

• Keep In Mind The Activities You Do

Now, besides staying at dog-friendly campgrounds, you must also keep in mind the activities that you can and can’t do with your dog. Yes, it can be challenging trying to figure out when and when not to bring your dog on an RV trip with you.

However, if you choose not to leave your dog at home, then consider the following tips:

• Try to find places that encourage dog-friendly activities (i.e. dog parks).
• Look for restaurants or other places that have dog-friendly patios.
• Consider leaving your dog inside the RV for activities that are not dog-friendly.

Now, the last point may have merit, because dogs have enough space to wander. Plus, most dogs are okay with being left alone for a short while, since that reminds them of being at home whenever their owners are out and about. And, if your dog tends to get overwhelmed whenever they’re being left alone in the RV, be sure to close the blinds and put on some music, so that they can experience the homey feel that they’re used to.

However, if you’re not sure whether or not to leave  your dog behind in your RV, or you’re not comfortable doing so at all, then consider doing only dog-friendly activities during the trip. Otherwise, if you don’t see yourself taking your dog with you at all on your RV trip, then don’t hesitate to contact a local pet-sitter, and have them look after your dog while you’re gone.

• Keep An Eye On The Weather

“It would be nice to go RVing in good weather, especially when you take your dog with you,” says David Charlotte, a lifestyle blogger at Academized and UKservicesreviews. “Unfortunately, no one has control of the weather – whether it’s sunny, rainy, or so on. So, if you choose to go RVing with your dog, be sure to plan your trip with the weather in mind. Chances are, your dog may not like certain weather conditions, even when they’re away from home.”

Here are some weather conditions to consider, and what to do with your dog during each instance:

• Summertime is usually the best times to go RVing. However, if the weather gets too hot for Fido, be sure to leave your air conditioner on. Having the AC on allows you and your dog to stay cool during the trip. Plus, be sure to give your dog plenty of water, so that they don’t get dehydrated.
• You may not want to go RVing when there’s a thunderstorm. However, when you’re on the road or at a camping ground, and you can’t avoid the rain, be sure to have your dog stay in a safe spot inside the RV. Loud sounds and thunder can make your pup terrified. Try and give them their favorite blankets and toys to help them calm down.

“Also, no matter the weather, it’s never okay to leave your dog unattended outside,” adds Charlotte. “Leaving your dog alone while on a leash may cause them to be anxious and or bored. Plus, if it gets too hot, rainy, or anything else happens outside that can either scare or get them sick, then they won’t have a good time.”

Therefore, keep tabs on the weather as you plan and go on your RV trip. And, if you MUST leave your dog at camp, be sure that the weather can permit you to do so.

• Don’t Rush Things

RVing can be fun for you and your pup. However, it’s important to note that your dog has feelings too. In fact, going from being at home all the time to travelling in an RV can seem different to your dog.

Chances are, Fido might get homesick throughout the trip. Or, they might enjoy the ride at first, but then struggle to get comfortable with traveling after a while. So, you see, you might need to give your dog some time to adjust to this change.

So, if you plan on bringing your dog on your RV trip, try these tactics with your dog before your trip begins:

• Try spending a few hours in the RV, while it’s parked next to your house or driveway. This allows your dog to familiarize themselves with being in an RV.
• Spend one or two nights in the RV, while still having parked next to the house or driveway. This allows your dog to get used to sleeping in the RV at nighttime.
• Practice putting your dog in the car seat with the seatbelt on. Sometimes, this takes practice, since it’s important to have them secured in the car. And, your dog will grow accustomed to wearing a seatbelt harness when riding.
• After practicing being in the RV for a while, try to take a few shorter trips to get your dog used to the RV moving.

When using these tips above, keep in mind that every dog is different, meaning that some breeds will adjust to changes faster than others. But ultimately, you know your pup really well, and can determine whether or not RVing is right for them.

BONUS: Have A Plan For Emergencies

Hopefully, nothing bad happens during your RV trip, especially when it comes to your dog. While emergencies are unlikely when RVing, you should still be prepared for anything that happens during your travel.

With that said, keep the following objectives in mind:

• Keep the number of a local vet, so that whenever your dog gets sick or hurt, you’ll have their number handy. You can also search for reputable vets online even before going on your trip. Or, you can ask your regular vet on recommendations for the best vets where you’re heading.
• Be sure that you keep an eye on your dog’s whereabouts inside the RV and outside. That means not letting your dog out when going in and out of the RV. The last thing you want is to accidentally leave your furry friend behind at a camping site.
• Your dog’s collar should have an ID tag at all times. The ID tag is beneficial, because if your dog happens to get lost, the person(s) who find them can easily contact and find you. Even if your dog is chipped, you should still have a tag on their collar.
• Be sure to monitor your dog’s health during the trip. While your dog may be up-to-date with their shots, it’s still important to make sure that they aren’t sick. If they DO appear to be sick, then seek medical help immediately.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if you’re a dog owner, RVing with your dog can be fun, once you two get going. And, this brings in more opportunities to spend quality time with your furry friend, and build fond memories with them. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your dog is safe and happy while RVing with you. While RVing with your pup may be stressful at times, there will also be times when you two can have fun.

So, in review, keep in mind these 7 tips that have been discussed in this article:

• Be sure to pack well for your dog, as if you were packing for another person.
• Have a designated place in the RV for your dog to eat, play, and sleep.
• You and pup – buckle up!
• Stay at campgrounds that are okay with dogs being on the premises.
• Plan activities that are suitable for both you and your dog.
• Plan ahead with the weather in mind. AND,
• Be patient, when training your dog to go RVing with you.

And, as always, don’t be afraid to seek help whether something happens to your dog. It’s better to be safe than sorry, as described in this article.

Other than that, we hope that these tips will help you and your dog have a good time, while staying safe, when RVing. Happy travels!

Kristin Herman is a writer and editor at Lia Help and Boomessays. She is also a contributing writer for online magazine and blogs, such as Top Canadian Writers. As a blogger, she specializes in vet care, animal rights activism, and pet travel.

In a time when the world offers numerous opportunities to anyone seeking them, transitioning to an RV life could be a great option for those who want to change their lifestyle. Contrary to popular belief, living in an RV is not as expensive as it seems which is why having a remote job can support you well enough. Hence, here’s everything you should know about transitioning to an RV life and remote work.

#1 Do Your Research

First and foremost, you need to do your research. As cliché as it sounds, doing the necessary research before you dive into your new RV life is one of the most important things you will need to do for this transition. This research is meant to help you plan everything and prepare you for the new lifestyle you will be adopting. There are many things you will have to learn, but once you do, they won’t seem as difficult as they may have at first.

Moreover, the research you do about what it’s like to live the RV life will help you decide whether you actually want to make the transition. You need to be prepared for the fact that it isn’t going to be easy. There are many downsides to living the RV life and working remotely, so you need to be prepared to deal with them. If you are absolutely positive that you want to make this change, you probably won’t be surprised by what you discover during the research.

#2 Plan Ahead

Once you do the research, the planning stage begins. To some, it may seem even more tedious than the research, but it’s a necessary step before you actually start “doing” things. One thing you need to do is set the date for the start of your transition. And then, once the date is in place, you will need to make a checklist that you will follow. Here are some things to include on your checklist:

• Find Campers: Your new RV life will help you meet many new people, but it’s your responsibility to be the first one to reach out and find new campers to connect with.
• Start Decluttering: Decluttering your home and then decluttering your RV regularly will help you get rid of all the unnecessary things that take up valuable space.
• Organize A Garage Sale: Once you start decluttering your home, you can organize a garage sale to sell the things you will no longer be using.
• Research Health Options: After transitioning to an RV life, you will be dealing with health care differently, so you need to know what your options are.
• Set Up Your New Job: Getting a remote job is an essential part of transitioning to an RV life which is why you will need to plan ahead for it.
• Select A Camping Location: Though many people get an RV to travel, some decide to settle down in one place, so you will need to select a camping location for the RV.
• Choose A Mail Service: As with health care, mail will need to be handled differently, so you will need to choose a mail service wisely.
• Cancel Utilities: Once you leave your home, you will need to cancel utilities, so you don’t have to keep paying for them.

#3 Schedule the Transition

Though now you have a starting date for your transition and a checklist you will be sticking to, you still need to create a schedule for your transition. This schedule will need to be more detailed and will help you take everything one step at a time and organize the process a bit more. You don’t want to have too much chaos during your transition.

At the same time, having a schedule will also help you define your goals better. Your main aim is still to successfully transition, but there will be milestones you will want to achieve along the way. All of them will need to be put on your schedule (e.g. fix the sink, buy paint, sell the maternity clothes).

#4 Manage Your Budget Wisely

One thing that many new RV enthusiasts forget about is budgeting. Though transitioning to and living the RV life is not as expensive as it may seem at first, it still requires proper financial management if you want it to be a success. In other words, you can’t just start transitioning without calculating how much you will need to spend on the many aspects of an RV life.

For instance, you need to calculate your regular expenses such as on-the-road utilities, gasoline, food, etc. At the same time, you need to calculate your initial expenses for the transition itself such as repair supplies costs. Of course, there will definitely be some unexpected additional expenses that you can’t predict but planning your budget as much as possible can help you get ready for such situations.

#5 Buy Your Supplies

To really start your transition to an RV life and remote work, you will need to buy the necessary supplies to use for the transition and beyond it. Such supplies can range from RV equipment to materials you need for renovating your RV. They could also include new clothes or houseware you purchase specifically for your new RV life, especially if you are getting rid of your old stuff and selling it or giving it away.

The best way to keep your supplies and check and remember to buy all the necessary items is by making a list. You can alter it as you go about with the transition but keeping it as the foundation of your supplies purchase is your best bet. Make sure to include certain items on it such as RV equipment, renovation supplies and equipment, new houseware and clothes, services you plan to use for renovation, and so on.

#6 Set Your Work Goals

Even as you start your transition to an RV life, you should also remember about your transition to remote work. The two need to be organized and carried out at the same time to make the process smoother. After all, your RV transition will impact your current job while your new job will have to sustain your RV transition, so the two are interdependent. Consider checking some helpful articles like 5 Secrets of Leading Remote Team Meetings in The Most Productive Way to give you an idea about what to expect from remote work.

To start your work transition properly, you need to set goals for your job and change your mindset. If you want to be earning the same amount as you did before, set that as one of your goals for when you start looking for a new job. Likewise, if you want to have more freedom, make that your goal. At the same time, you need to change the way you think about your job as you will now be working remotely instead of in-office.

#7 Give Your RV A Makeover

If you just bought an RV, especially a used one, it’s good to give your RV a makeover. This will pretty much be your new home from now on, so you need to make sure that you like the way it looks. If you bought a new RV, you probably chose the one you liked most (but you might still want to add some décor here and there). If you bought a used RV, you will probably want to fix some things and give it a new look.

The most basic things you need to take care of are the areas inside your RV like the kitchen, the toilet, and the shower. You should also repair the furniture if it’s broken or replace it completely. Once all of that is done, you will only need to give it a nice aesthetic makeover to make it look good – not just feel comfortable.

#8 Move Your Things to the RV

After your RV is all nice and beautiful and everything is working well inside it, you can move your things to the RV. These include anything from the photographs you want to hang around to the clothes you will be wearing. Here are some tips on how to do this more effectively (even if it seems simple):

• Transfer the essentials first. You don’t want to be stuffing your RV with things you will end up not using later.
• If you find that you have too many things to fit, consider leaving some at your permanent home or selling them altogether.
• Place your things around smartly. Fill up all the space and move around different items if you see that they will fit better in a different place.

#9 Join RV Clubs and Meet People

As mentioned above, you will need to be the one to find and reach out to other RV enthusiasts. Of course, as you get on your journey and start living the RV life, you will come across other RVers all the time, but at the beginning, it’s your responsibility to initiate the first contact and grow long-term relationships that will be beneficial both to you and to your new friends and acquaintances.

The best way to do this is by joining relevant RV clubs. These can be local (if you are parking your RV in a particular space) or online communities. Online forums, groups, discussion boards, and communities can be particularly useful because they let you connect with RV enthusiasts located anywhere in the world. Then, as you travel, you will be able to meet these people face-to-face, share experiences, and get advice.

#10 Transition to Your New Job

When it comes to working remotely and transitioning to this new kind of job, there are several options you have:

• Stay at The Same Job: Sometimes, you will be able to stay at your current job and just do it remotely. If you are a writer or a photographer, ask your employer whether you can work remotely.
• Find A New Job: Another option is to quit your old job and find a new one. Browse job boards or try to find job opportunities through the people you know. The process is as usual.
• Create Your Own Business: The last option is to quit your current job and create your own business. This is by far the most difficult one if you have never had a business of your own, but it can be a great endeavor for someone living in an RV.

In all three cases, you will need to make sure that you have a space for working. In other words, you need your own office in the RV. Decide where your workspace will be and make sure that it is comfortable and organized.

#11 Start Using Social Media

This might be a weird tip, but you should actually consider using social media if you aren’t doing so already. As an RVer, you will be experiencing things most people aren’t which is why you can expect many users to take interest in your content. At the same time, having at least a single social media account can help your business if you decide to start one as you transition to an RV life.

As Travis Brown from the custom writing reviews site Online Writers Rating puts it, “Nowadays, there are social media influencers of all kinds, so pretty much anyone can gain a social media following. You just need to post high-quality content consistently in whichever niche you choose. As an RV enthusiast, you will probably want to run a personal blog which you can also use to promote your products or services – or work with sponsors instead.”

#12 Celebrate Your RV Transition

Transitioning to an RV life is no different than buying a new house. Naturally, you need to celebrate this accomplishment once your RV transition is complete. It doesn’t have to be something big, but you need to acknowledge the fact that you did so much to make this big change in your life. You bought and renovated the RV, got rid of the unnecessary things in your life, transitioned to remote work, and did all of that successfully!

#13 Keep Your RV in Order

But even as you have transitioned to an RV life, the journey isn’t over. You need to keep your RV in order if you want to enjoy this new lifestyle. Cleaning it regularly is a must – just like you would clean your house. Make sure to have enough supplies at all times and always keep the emergency items with you.

You can also consider transitioning to a more mindful lifestyle if you aren’t leading one already. This includes recycling the things you use and repurposing them in different ways. You can also thrift clothes and buy various used items instead of purchasing new ones every time. In addition to that, buying only the essentials will prevent you from overstuffing your RV.

#14 Choose Your RV Living Location

As mentioned earlier, you might want to live in your RV in a single place instead of traveling. In this case, you will need to choose your RV living location such as a campground that you can live on year-round. You can also choose to camp randomly from one place to another without actually traveling far. Yet another option is to buy a piece of land for your RV or rent it out. This option can make receiving mail easier.

Whichever option you choose will need to work best for your particular circumstances. For example, if you have children living with you, you will probably want to stay in a single local community instead of traveling to ensure that your kids can go to school. On the other hand, they could be homeschooled in which case traveling is a great option.

#15 Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Last but not least, as you start traveling in your RV (if you decide to travel rather than settling down), you need to stay connected with your family and friends. This is especially important for those who don’t live in the RV with family members or a group of friends, but even if you don’t live in the RV alone, you still need to keep in touch with those you care about.

When you transition to an RV life and start working remotely, it’s easy to stay in your bubble because you won’t have to leave your home as much as you used to. In addition to that, you might start traveling the country or from country to country which will make it even easier for you to care only about your solitary life. This is exactly why staying in touch by using different means is so important for your mental and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, transitioning to an RV life could be one of the best decisions in your life as it can provide you with the opportunities you don’t have now. Follow the tips in this article to make the transition smooth and find a good remote job to sustain your new lifestyle.

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