Travel season is gearing up to be in full swing again, and if you’ve upgraded to a larger RV, your mobile home may be considered a big rig. Though RVers argue over the technicalities of exactly what constitutes a genuine “big rig,” most parties agree that the term refers to an RV that is 40 feet or more in length.

If you’re used to a travel trailer that is quite small in comparison, the switch can be noticeable, as there are many items you may need to take into consideration that you previously didn’t have to think about.

Don’t let the differences catch you off-guard and ruin your next RV trek. Before you hit the road, here are some tips for big rig traveling that will help your vacation go smooth and easy:

Starting Small Helps You Learn

When operating a larger RV than you’re accustomed to for the first time, it’s a good idea to start small, as going 65+ miles on the freeway can be intense when you’re driving something that’s over 40 feet long.

Instead of planning a cross-country road trip where you’ll be on the freeway for hours on-end, orchestrate a trek that’s not terribly far from your home and take the back roads if possible. This will allow you to get comfortable in the driver’s seat as well as give you some real experience being on the road in your big rig.

Research Which RV Campgrounds Are Big Rig Friendly

Many RV campgrounds advertise that their parks are big rig friendly, but if you fail to heavily research the details, you could end up quite disappointed. Some RV parks tend to use the term “big rig friendly” more as a marketing strategy to attract more patrons than an authentic statement, as their accomodations end up being less-than-satisfactory.

For example, their campsites may be wide enough in theory, but with the twists, turns, and trees taken into consideration, a genuine big rig will still have trouble maneuvering into the park.

To prevent this from happening, research the RV campgrounds you’re interested in visiting in-depth before committing to one. You can do this by reading online reviews from real visitors, calling and asking the park attendant, or browsing through a campground directory.

However you go about your research, here are some key items you should inquire about:

  • Do the trees provide enough clearance? Low-hanging or robust trees can often create obstacles for a large RV entering a park, making it extremely difficult to navigate to your campsite. Also, drooping branches can cause damage to your vehicle, so you’ll want to confirm the park has a clear path for you to drive on.  
  • Do you have enough swing room when making a turn? While the actual campsite might be large enough for your rig, getting there could be a hassle if the roads leading up to your site are narrow and winding. To avoid a headache of an entrance, make sure you will have enough swing room to turn safely and easily. Finding this information out in advance will ensure you can get in and out of the park with ease.
  • Are the hook-ups and amenities designed to configure to a big rig? Most campground amenities are designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes, but finding out ahead of time that your parking space is wide enough and the hook-ups can work with a large RV will give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to get what you need during your stay.

Learn Which Route Options Best Serve Your Large RV

The larger your RV, the more restrictions you may face when traveling on the road. Each state has different laws regarding how big an RV can be to legally operate it, so you’ll want to brush up on each state’s regulations regarding maximum RV width, height, and length, as well as trailer size limitations.

Similarly, many states also have restrictions on certain routes where big rigs are not allowed, as there many not be enough clearance on the narrow roads for travel to be considered safe. This is why you should always map out each route very carefully and contact local authorities in each state you’ll be passing through in order to get the most current and accurate information.

Traveling for the first time in your big rig can take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to relax into the luxury of a larger space. The most important things to keep in mind is to take it slow, know the details of each campground you plan to visit, and learn the state laws that are relevant to your RV travels. If you commit fully to these three things, you should have nothing but blue skies and happy trails ahead of you.

Like the thought of owing a big rig?  Here’s a list of over 6,500 big rigs for sale on RVT.com!

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