Full-time RVers may be on the road a great deal more than regular Campers, but they are not truck drivers. There is no need to drive long periods of time to get someplace in a hurry. A Full-Timer knows his or her driving limits.

 

Most Full-Timers stick by the 250-300 miles a day rule. That may not sound like much, yet when you are towing an eight-ton fifth-wheel or driving a 38′ motorhome with a tow vehicle it is far enough!

 

Vacationers and Seasonal Campers who have a destination planned will drive excessive distances (or straight through) to arrive at their destination sooner. That is fine for those with shorter time frame, however, not for a Full-Timer.

 

A rest stop should be included every two hours whether you feel you need one or not. A ten or fifteen minute break at a rest area, picnic area, truck stop or even a little souvenir stand is enough time to stretch your legs, grab a beverage and free your mind from the road.

 

Busy highways or stressful roadways (mountains, curves, step grades) require a rest stop every hour. Even if there is no designated place along the road, pull off somewhere safely (and legally) to allow yourself a few minutes.

 

Breaking up a drive, especially a monotonous one (desert, plains, remote highway) with music or an audio book helps. It is also a great time for you and your passengers to discuss sites you would like to see before and near your destination.

 

If you have children or teens traveling with you, there are many road games you can play. A favorite is finding the most out-of-state license plates. This game is more interesting now that many states have multiple designs. A great addition to this game is to have an almanac with you. Once a state has been spotted, look up the state in the almanac and mention one state fact (such as the capital) and tell the children. The next time that state is spotted, they must remember that state fact.

 

Sign-phrase games are always fun and can create non-stop giggles for several miles.  To start a sign-phrase game, have one person say a phrase to use for the next fifty miles (or designate a particular time). The phrase should be something silly from your RV, like “in the Pringle’s can”. Every time some spots a sign, they must quickly read the sign and add the phrase. For example: Men at Work in the Pringle’s can or Fuel Stop Ahead in the Pringle’s can. It is a silly game, but will make the day go much quicker for children and it will encourage them to read and give them an idea about places they are traveling through.

 

Small (and quiet) travel games can be found in camping supply stores for a reasonable price.

 

If you are planning on staying in campgrounds along your route, do not drive after dark. Most campgrounds are extremely difficult to find after hours and many offices are closed. Most do have after-hours drop boxes to find and pay for your site, but quite often these are not good spots with limited amenities (i.e. Cable TV) and you are still paying full-price for them. To really take advantage of campgrounds, you should arrive before closing hours.

 

There is nothing wrong with over-nighting in a rest area or truck stop. They will be noisy, but they are free for the night.  Many truck stops have areas just for RVs and may even have a dump station. Just make sure that there are no signs indicating you can’t over-night or designated a maximum amount of time to stay. Most rest areas do allow you to stay up to eight hours and some even allow up to twenty-four hours.

 

A rule among RVers is that if you do stay overnight in a rest area,  truck stop or Wal-Mart parking lot (make sure they allow it) there are several things you should not do such as put out your awning and lawn chairs. You do not want to set up “camp” there.  You also want to make sure you do patronize the business. If it is a truck stop fuel your RV up or perhaps eat inside their restaurant. If it is a Wal-Mart, go in and buy some groceries or any extra supplies you might need.

 

When in doubt if you are allowed to spend the night or a few hours, contact the manager. Some places do require a note in the window or prior permission (often take your license plate number). There are several books out, as well as websites that have lists of places you can overnight.

 

Knowing your limits can make your time on the road less frustrating. A handful of breaks throughout the day and a proper rest in the evening can make every day a new day on the road!