the rv life - On the road

Planning is key whenever we take our camper out. At 18,000 pounds and 40 feet long, knowing our route and how long we’ll stay at each stop makes every trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Creating a checklist tailored to your camper is key to a smooth journey. From securing TVs and shower doors inside to unhooking water and electricity outside, taking the time to prep properly helps ensure a stress-free ride to your next destination.

The age-old question on the road: who does what? Early on, we decided Rob would handle the outside chores while Jen took care of the inside. Over the years, this simple division of labor has kept everything running smoothly—and kept our adventures stress-free and fun!

We always plan our menus before hitting the road. Even if we don’t stick to three meals a day, mapping out breakfast, lunch, and dinner helps us stay organized—and it gives us a chance to decide which local specialties we want to try along the way. Finding certain ingredients on the road can be a challenge, so a little planning goes a long way.

Living in a dry climate means we’re used to little rain, so planning for different weather is key when we travel. We check the forecast to pack indoor essentials like Damp Rid to control humidity, or umbrellas for rainy days outside. Bringing the right items for the climate makes a big difference—it keeps the trip comfortable and ensures nothing gets in the way of the fun.

Glamping is our specialty—we like our adventures with a touch of comfort. Coffee and a hairdryer are must-haves for us, and when we hit the road, we always aim for a full hookup whenever possible. For events like NASCAR in Phoenix, where full hookups aren’t available, we rely on our two Westinghouse generators to power our favorite appliances and keep the comforts of home close by.

In a camper, the floor plan can make all the difference. If you’re shopping for one, take the time to consider what’s truly important to you and what you can compromise on. Think about how you’ll actually use the space—do you prefer propane or residential appliances? Would you rather have a larger kitchen or a more spacious bathroom? Making these decisions ahead of time ensures your camper fits your lifestyle and makes every trip more enjoyable.

In the early days of RV life, we didn’t fully appreciate the importance of keeping our tanks clean. We started out using store-bought chemicals and cleaning them regularly, but while on the road, we met someone who shared a home remedy. While home remedies aren’t for everyone, here’s our go-to solution for keeping our tank from smelling like a porta-potty:

In a 64 oz. jug, mix 28 oz. of water with 28 oz. of Pine-Sol and shake well. Add ½ cup of bath beads and shake again. For our camper tank, we typically use about 20 oz. of this solution per cleaning. It’s worked wonders in keeping things fresh and odor-free on the road.