Top 5 RV Travel Day Tips for Families
Top 5 RV Travel Day Tips for Families
Travel days in an RV can feel a little chaotic—kids bouncing around, last-minute packing, and trying to remember if you really did unplug the coffee pot. But after almost four years of full-time RV living, we’ve found that travel days don’t have to be stressful. With a little teamwork and routine, they can actually run pretty smoothly (most of the time 😉).
Here are our Top 5 RV Travel Day Tips for Families to help your move days go off without a hitch.
1. Give Everyone a Job (Yes, Even the Kids!)
Assigning everyone in the family a role keeps travel days running smoothly and teaches responsibility. In our house, Rob handles outside chores (tanks, cords, tires) while I manage the inside (slides, dishes, water bottles). The kids pack up their totes, check cabinets, and help tidy the floor before the slides come in. Teamwork makes a big difference.
2. Always Do a Final Walkthrough
Before pulling out, we always double-check:
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Windows and fridge locked
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Water pump off
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Awnings and rugs in
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Cabinets secure
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Outside compartments and doors locked
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Backup lights working
Even seasoned RVers forget things—this quick sweep has saved us from plenty of headaches!
3. Keep Travel Days Short & Snack-Friendly
We try not to drive more than 4 hours or 300 miles in a day. It’s the sweet spot for keeping everyone sane and still having time to set up camp without rushing. Packing lunches and snacks ahead of time avoids hangry meltdowns and saves money on fast food stops.
4. Make Screen Time Work for You
Travel days are when our kids get iPad time, but we keep it intentional:
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Teaching Textbooks for math
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Duolingo for language learning
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YouTube Kids for fun
We also use the Bark app to monitor content and Kidslox to manage screen limits. This way, kids stay occupied, and we have peace of mind.
5. Use Apps to Save Money & Find Adventure
Travel days don’t just have to be about getting from point A to point B. We use:
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Mudflap & TSD/TST apps to save on fuel
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Roadtrippers.com to find fun stops along the way (like our quick detour into Arches National Park!)
These little tools turn long drives into part of the adventure.
Final Thoughts
RV travel days don’t have to be overwhelming. With a set routine, clear jobs, a final walkthrough, shorter drive times, and the right tools, you can keep everyone happy and make travel days something to look forward to.
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