20 things you should know before traveling in an RV, according to a couple who drove one through 48 states

Joey HaddenOct 3, 2021, 21:35 IST

Marc and Julie Bennett are experts when it comes to RV life.RVLove

Marc and Julie Bennett are seasoned RV-lifers with years of experience traveling around the US.
The couple shared with Insider key things you should know before embarking on your first RV trip.
There's a hack to finding cheaper campsites and everyone needs a paper atlas.

When you're traveling in an RV, your vacation begins as soon as you drive off, Marc and Julie Bennett told Insider.

Marc and Julie Bennett driving their Class B+ rental RV in Florida. RVLove

But keep in mind that it won't drive like a car, Marc said.

Marc fills a Class A motor home with fuel. RVLove

Driving during business hours will help you avoid traffic and make roadside assistance more accessible if needed, according to the Bennetts.

The Bennetts drive across the 7 Mile Bridge in Florida. RVLove'

But Marc and Julie said that you can't rely on a navigation system meant for regular cars.

Don't just use Google Maps, they said. Joey Hadden/Insider

Instead of an electronic navigation system, you're going to need a paper road map, they said.

A paper atlas is reliable, according to the Bennetts. LUVLIMAGE/Getty Images

When it comes to packing, Julie said you don't need as much stuff as you think. "You'll probably end up wearing the same shirt, shorts, and flip-flops or hiking shoes every day," she added.

People load an RV for a trip. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

When it comes to packing, Julie said you don't need as much stuff as you think. "You'll probably end up wearing the same shirt, shorts, and flip-flops or hiking shoes every day," she added.

It's also important to know that RVs have weight limits, and exceeding them could damage your tires, according to the Bennetts.

A man changes the tire of an RV. Paul Sutherland/Getty Images

In an RV, you need to check the tire pressure more frequently than in lighter vehicles, Marc said.

Check your RV's tire pressure often. Tetra Images/Getty Images

If you're looking to save money, traveling slower is cheaper, according to the Bennetts.

Marc drives with a rainbow in view. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

Weekday campsite reservations are easier to get and sometimes cheaper than weekends.

Marc and Julie camp at Henry's Lake State Park in Idaho. RVLove

To avoid paying for campsites altogether, Marc and Julie recommend staying the night off-grid.

Marc and Julie boondock in Quartzsite, Arizona. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

Some businesses will even let you park overnight for free, from Walmarts to vineyards, Marc and Julie said.

Marc dressed as Forrest Gump in front of their motor home while touring the South. RVLove

Cooking your own food will save you money on the road, too, according to the Bennetts.

Marc cooks a hearty breakfast in a renovated motor home. RVLove

If you're planning on visiting National Parks, the couple recommends getting an annual park pass to save money on entrance fees.

Marc and Julie take a selfie on the left and enjoy Yosemite on the right. Courtesy of Marc and Julie Bennett

Unless you're living in it full-time, it might be more cost-effect to rent an RV, according to the Bennetts.

A Monaco Cayman recreational vehicle for rent is seen at Abel RV Center in Bartlett, Illinois, in 2003. Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Your RV will likely have some problems off the lot - especially if it's new, Julie said.

Marc and Julie pick up a rental RV. RVLove

When it comes to parking, the Bennetts said that in nature, level ground is hard to find.

Marc and Julie take their camper to a secluded, off-grid camping spot in Utah. RVLove

If you have any troubles, RV-lifers are generally very approachable and helpful, according to the Bennetts.

Marc and Julie camping with RV friends in Florida. RVLove

And dealing with waste isn't as scary as you think either, Marc said, as long as you follow the right procedures.

Marc uses a RhinoFLEX sewer hose. RVLove

When it comes to safety, it's important to check the weather everywhere in between your starting point and destination.

Death Valley is a desert valley in Eastern California, in the northern Mojave Desert, bordering the Great Basin Desert. Michael Leggero/Getty Images

Fires are more common in RVs than in traditional homes, the Bennetts said, so they travel with five fire-suppressant foam cans.

One of the Bennetts' handheld foam cans. RVLove

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20 things you should know before traveling in an RV, according to a couple who drove one through 48 states

When you're traveling in an RV, your vacation begins as soon as you drive off, Marc and Julie Bennett told Insider.

But keep in mind that it won't drive like a car, Marc said.

Driving during business hours will help you avoid traffic and make roadside assistance more accessible if needed, according to the Bennetts.

But Marc and Julie said that you can't rely on a navigation system meant for regular cars.

Instead of an electronic navigation system, you're going to need a paper road map, they said.

When it comes to packing, Julie said you don't need as much stuff as you think. "You'll probably end up wearing the same shirt, shorts, and flip-flops or hiking shoes every day," she added.

It's also important to know that RVs have weight limits, and exceeding them could damage your tires, according to the Bennetts.

In an RV, you need to check the tire pressure more frequently than in lighter vehicles, Marc said.

If you're looking to save money, traveling slower is cheaper, according to the Bennetts.

Weekday campsite reservations are easier to get and sometimes cheaper than weekends.

To avoid paying for campsites altogether, Marc and Julie recommend staying the night off-grid.

Some businesses will even let you park overnight for free, from Walmarts to vineyards, Marc and Julie said.

Cooking your own food will save you money on the road, too, according to the Bennetts.

If you're planning on visiting National Parks, the couple recommends getting an annual park pass to save money on entrance fees.

Unless you're living in it full-time, it might be more cost-effect to rent an RV, according to the Bennetts.

Your RV will likely have some problems off the lot - especially if it's new, Julie said.

When it comes to parking, the Bennetts said that in nature, level ground is hard to find.

If you have any troubles, RV-lifers are generally very approachable and helpful, according to the Bennetts.

And dealing with waste isn't as scary as you think either, Marc said, as long as you follow the right procedures.

When it comes to safety, it's important to check the weather everywhere in between your starting point and destination.

Fires are more common in RVs than in traditional homes, the Bennetts said, so they travel with five fire-suppressant foam cans.