8 things you should know before going on your first RV vacation
Currently, I am traveling through Canada in an RV with my friend Sabrina. For both of us it’s the first RV vacation and let me tell you: We’ve learned a lot in these past few days.
Pick-up time
At Canadream we had to schedule a pick-up time, they give you a 3 hour window (12n to 3pm), you pick a time. We chose noon. By the time we had signed all documents, watched the how-to videos and been shown our vehicle, 3 hours had passed. So, do not think you’ll be doing anything on day one of your vacation. You will be picking up the RV. All we fit in before setting up camp was a grocery run.
Gas money
Budget for enough gas money. First time we filled up it was C$190, and the tank was still 1/4 full. Just saying.
Deposit
You need a credit card at check in that won’t only be authorized, but charged. A C$750 deposit will be charged and refunded once the RV is back in good condition.
Park fees
National parks charge fees for entering, even if you just come to hike. Obviously also when you camp inside a park. Usually around C$10 or less, but check on the website of the park before you go.
Septic tanks
If you plan on using the toilet in your RV, you’ll have to empty out the black water tank. Or you can pay Canadream to do it for you. Most campsites have septic tanks where you can dump your waste water.
Parking
Parking in the cities is tricky and something you want to plan before you go. But there is something to say for being able to park at any rest stop in the middle of nowhere, going to the back of the car and making lunch.
Heating
In case you, like us, decide to go during the beginning or end of the season you’ll need to heat your RV at night. We were given an electric heater by Canadream, which saved us! There is also a thermostat in the RV, connected to a furnace. But there seems to be no middle ground, it’s either freezing or boiling. We also used a hot water bottle at night, just because 🙂
Hook ups
Once you’re at the campground you’ll hook up your RV to city water and electricity, but that is a science in itself. They’ll explain it at the rental place though. If they don’t: ask!
Let me know what other questions you have in the comments. I am 10 days into my first RV vacation now and have plenty more stories to tell after this one 🙂
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