While many store their RV away for the winter months, “snowbirds” are packing for their next getaway. Snowbirds take advantage of the winter travel season and escape the icy chill of their home up north for warmer RVing destinations in the South. If you’re thinking of driving in search of sunnier weather this winter, check out RV Trader’s six tips for planning a snowbird RV trip.
1. Choose Your Destination
First, decide where you want to go for your snowbird getaway. Since you’re a snowbird, you already know that you’ll be traveling south, but where? You have your pick of anywhere in the southern United States and, if you have a passport, you can also travel south of the border to Mexico or Central America.
When choosing a southern destination, you should consider how much you want to spend, who you’re traveling with, and what you want to do when you get there. For example, if you’re traveling with kids or a large group, but don’t want to break the bank, you might choose an area with an array of free or budget-friendly attractions and activities. Or, if you’re trying to save money, you’ll likely want to avoid the most popular destinations that come with more competitive campground costs.
If you do decide to travel internationally, make sure you’re aware of any regulations when crossing the border, especially if you’re traveling with pets.
2. Decide How Long You’ll Travel
Many snowbirds spend months on the road or at their southern destination, traveling throughout the winter season. Longer trips give you the opportunity to explore multiple destinations or make one locale feel like your winter home away from home.
You could also plan shorter snowbird trips for a weekend or a few weeks at a time. Shorter trips are a great way to get out of town for a bit, then return to your residential home for the rest of the season. If you have children with winter/holiday breaks at school, consider taking a snowbird RV trip. Even if it’s just a long weekend, any escape from freezing temperatures can be a welcomed reprieve.
3. Book Your Campground
Once you know where you’re going and for how long, you can start looking at campground and RV park reservations. Similar to planning an RV trip in peak camping season, you’ll want to reserve your spot early, especially if you plan on being there for a long period of time. Remember, RVers aren’t the only types of travelers seeking a warm-weather escape. Be sure to keep in mind any holidays and long weekends, when travel is busier, as you’re booking your campground reservation.
If you decide to skip the campground and boondock instead, you may want to make a few calls in advance. Boondocking is typically free, dispersed camping on public lands outside of organized campgrounds, which can range from the wilderness to business parking lots, such as a Walmart or Cracker Barrel. Keep in mind that boondocking does not include any electrical, water, or sewage hookups. To make sure you’re welcome at a potential boondocking location, make a call before you go to ensure there are no specific requirements for parking in a business lot. Check out our previous article for more information on overnight parking at Cracker Barrel.
4. Get Your RV Ready
Before you go on your RV trip, you’ll want to make sure your rig is ready by performing any routine maintenance. Here are a few tasks to add to your checklist before you hit the road:
- Check the roof to ensure all seals are intact.
- Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper PSI.
- Check tire lugnuts for tightness.
- Inspect the levels of all fluids and refill as needed.
- Inspect the air, oil, and fuel filters and replace as needed.
- Make sure lights and horn are working properly.
If you have a fifth-wheel or travel trailer, you should also make sure that your hitch and towing equipment are in good working order.
Although you’re traveling to a warmer destination, you still have to depart from the chilly temperatures of your current locale. Make sure that all of the exterior seals of your RV, including around your doors, windows, and slides, are in good shape. Cracked seals will not keep the freezing air out, which could mean a cold ride south in your RV.
If you are driving in below-freezing temperatures for a part of your ride, you should also keep an eye on your camper’s temperature monitoring system to make sure your pipes aren’t at risk of freezing. Depending on how long your drive is, you may even be able to keep your RV winterized while you travel and de-winterize once you get to your destination. This is a great option if you don’t need your RV’s water systems as you’re driving in cold weather. If you do this, it can be helpful to pack a few water bottles for the ride. Read our previous article to learn the steps for winterizing your RV.
5. Prepare Your House
If you have a residential home, you should also take a few steps to make sure it’s ready for you to leave for either a few days or the whole winter season. Unlike traveling in the spring or summer, cold winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your home if you aren’t prepared.
- Turn your heat on at a low temperature to keep your pipes from freezing.
- See if your water heater has a vacation setting.
- Put your mail on hold.
- Clean out your refrigerator and dispose of any trash.
6. Pack the Right Clothes
Depending on how far you have to travel, you should pack not only for your destination, but also the temperatures of the places you may stop along the way. Check the weather ahead of your trip for every stop along your route to make sure you’re dressed properly.
Even though you’re traveling south, it’s always a good idea to pack a jacket and long pants just in case. The southwest has warm days but chilly evenings. A huge perk of RVing instead of flying is that you aren’t restricted to the size of one or two bags, which means you can pack plenty of options for a range of temperatures.
Now that you know how to plan a snowbird RV trip, get ready to hit the road this winter. And, if you’re shopping for your next RV, browse the nationwide online inventory of new and used RVs for sale on RVTrader.com.
