There’s always the temptation to take all the comforts of home with you when you go camping. Even if you don’t really think you’ll need it, what if something happens and you’ll wish you had packed it? Hindsight is 20/20. Always be prepared, right?
Except when your RV or holiday trailer is overloaded, it actually becomes unsafe to drive. So the next time you’re planning on what you need for your trip, take these things into consideration.
Stay Safe on the Road: An overloaded RV is just as dangerous on the road as an overloaded semi-trailer, which is why they get weighed on certain highways. An overloaded vehicle puts stress on the axles, suspension system, transmission, brakes, and tires. Ever see those big parts of ripped apart tires on the highway? There’s a good chance that was from a blowout, which can definitely happen if your RV is overweight. Pack light and try to keep the weight of your items distributed as evenly as possible. It’ll be safer for you and everyone else on the road.
Food for Thought: We all know how it feels to crave something, only to discover there’s none in the house. However, that doesn’t mean you need to bring the entire contents of your fridge and pantry. Try doing some meal planning and only bring what you need for those meals. Fewer choices mean you’re more likely to eat what you brought, rather than having a bunch of food you don’t even look at. It’s less wasteful and will save you money in the long run.
Clothes: It’s camping, not a five-star resort. No one expects you to have your entire wardrobe in the great outdoors. Yes, you should bring a jacket, but check the weather in the area you’re going to, just before you go. If it’s going to be crazy hot, you probably don’t need three pairs of long pants. You might think you’ll need 5 types of footwear, but chances are you only need comfortable walking/hiking shoes and a pair of sandals. But do bring a few extra pairs of socks – no one likes wet feet.
Toy Box: It’s nice to have a variety of fun things to do when camping, but it isn’t necessary to bring all the pool toys, board game, bicycle, stuffed animal, dirt bike, kayak, and ATV on every trip. Consider the location of your campsite and think about what you’ll actually be able to do there. If you don’t think the fishing will be great, leave the gear at home this time. If you think you might want togo kayaking, but you mostly just want to relax and read a book, don’t bring the kayak.
Packing means Unpacking: Anything you decide to bring, you’re going to have to clean up and put away when you get home. So think long and hard about how much work you want to do once you’re back. The clean-up process will be much more efficient if you travel light.
Remember camping isn’t supposed to feel like home, that’s why we do it after all. The simplicity, the shutting off, and less complicated lifestyle is what makes getting away into the great outdoors so rewarding. To ensure the longevity of your RV and your safety on the road, always remember less is more.
