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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of packing up your RV ready for another vacation, but if you’ve got several destinations in mind and plenty of miles to crunch, you may be wondering how far you can push your RV in one day.
Knowing what both you and your rig can handle means you’ll be able to plan each day’s drive with ease and not push your RV too hard.
So, how many miles per day should you drive an RV?
The number of miles per day you should drive in your RV depends on several factors such as the type of your RV, whether you’re the sole driver, weather conditions, harsh terrain, and time of day. Generally, to keep an RV in good condition, you shouldn’t drive it more than 500-600 miles per day.
When you have limited time to reach a location, it can be tempting to put your foot on the accelerator and complete mammoth drives to get to your desired destination. This isn’t always the best idea, however, as not all RVs can handle hundreds of miles in one journey, and if you’ve been on the go all day, the likelihood is you won’t be able to handle hours of driving either!
So, let’s discuss how many miles per day you should drive your RV, and how to prepare your RV for a long journey!
How Many Miles Per Day Should You Drive An RV?
Generally speaking, most RVs can handle a maximum of 500-600 miles per day but to maintain your rig’s best condition, it’s wise to do less mileage than this. Driving for long periods can also be tiring, especially if you’re the sole driver, and if tiredness starts to creep in at some point during your journey, it’s best to safely pull over and park up for the night.
If you’ve been on the road all day and it’s getting close to nightfall, you’ll likely want to find a wild spot or campground to pull up in and get set up before the day comes to an end.
The number of miles you can drive in a day in your RV will depend on a few different factors, and it’s important to consider them all when you’re tackling big journeys in your RV. So, let’s explore these factors one by one!
1. Type Of RV
There are many different types of RV and each one will handle long journeys slightly differently.
If you have an older RV like me, you’ll likely be used to not hitting much more than 50mph on the highway and crawling up steep inclines. Newer, smaller RVs however, have technology on their side and you may be able to drive considerably faster and longer in a modern RV.
2. Solo Driving
Traveling alone has many pros and cons, and one of the disadvantages of adventuring alone in an RV is the solo driving you’ll have to do. It’s essential when completing big drives to take breaks, rest up, and keep hydrated.
It can be easy to forget about drinking and stretching your legs when you have a destination in mind, but taking care of yourself is essential and means you’ll reach the location feeling happier, fresher, and a little less exhausted after the miles you’ve completed.
Sleepy or drowsy driving can prove fatal, and it’s important to be aware of the first signs of tiredness like yawning, drifting from your lane, or forgetting the past few miles driven.
3. Weather Conditions
The unpredictability of the weather can be frustrating, but it’s vital not to push yourself to drive if conditions get progressively worse and your RV starts to struggle. Windy conditions are one of the biggest concerns as RVs are notably tall vehicles, and they can be susceptible to tip-over if the wind picks up enough.
Staying safe on the road needs to be your number one priority, so if the weather becomes wet and windy and you can feel your RV being moved around on the road, slow down, and try to find a safe place to pull in and park until the bad weather passes.
4. Type Of Terrain
The type of terrain you’re driving on can have a huge impact on how many miles your rig can complete, along with your driving time. Rough ground such as dirt tracks can slow you down a lot, and if you’re driving over mountain passes, you’ll need to add a considerable amount of additional time to your itinerary.
The beauty of traveling with an RV, even if the terrain you’re driving on is poor and the weather isn’t on your side, is that you can pull over, jump in the back, and have a lie-down, cook a meal, make a hot coffee, and so much more.
Having these features at your fingertips is comforting and reassuring, and if your RV can be powered by solar and get charged up without the need for a generator, you know you can keep powered up too.
5. Time Of Day
The time of day can affect how many miles you drive in your RV, as it’s best to reach your goal destination during the daytime when there’s plenty of light to help get you set up.
Trying to level your RV, set up the awning, hook up to electricity, and connect to water can be a nightmare in the dark. It’s therefore wise to drive earlier on in the day, giving you ample time to set up your RV and enjoy the last part of the day in your goal destination.
In the RV world, there are rules known as the 2-2-2 rule and the 3-3-3 rule, and if you’re new to RVing and need a helpful routine to follow, these rules may be useful.
The 2-2-2 rule means limiting driving to 200 miles a day, arriving at your destination no later than 2 pm, and staying at the location for a minimum of two days. Similarly, the 3-3-3 rule means traveling no further than 300 miles per day, reaching your destination by 3 pm, and leaving after three days.
Arriving with extra time is useful when you’re traveling in an RV, as unlike a hotel holiday, there’s a lot to do when you reach a campground. Factoring in the time it will take you to get everything set up in your rig means you’ll be far less stressed when you reach the campground, especially if your grey and black tanks are full and need emptying.
The video below is from full-time RVers and includes some useful tips when it comes to completing big drives, and how to make the most of your time on the road.
As you can see, it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry when you’re on the road in your RV, and refraining from pushing yourself or your rig too hard can help prevent accidents.
Deciding how many miles to complete per day in your RV is a personal decision, and it’s also worth factoring in new, unfamiliar locations where you’ll likely drive slower, and the number of times you’ll have to stop to rest and refuel.
How To Prepare Your RV For A Long Journey?
There’s a lot to consider before you head out on the open road in your RV, and it’s vital to check your RV is in the best shape possible, especially if you haven’t driven it in a while.
Keeping on top of RV maintenance even when you’re not regularly using the vehicle saves you time when you decide to head out on an RV vacation.
1. Check For Leaks
Like all vehicles, RVs can leak both from underneath the vehicle and also through various components such as windows, vents, and doors.
If you’ve not used your RV in a while, it’s a good idea to check the entire vehicle for leaks before heading off on a big trip, as the last thing you want to be dealing with when your hours from home is a leaky roof!
2. Pump Up Tires
Having tires that are inflated to the correct pressure not only improves the driving experience inside the RV but also increases the safety of the vehicle as you’ll be less likely to have a blowout on the highway.
It’s worth also checking there’s plenty of tread on your tires, and if it’s running low, you may want to think about replacing the tires on your RV before going on a big trip.
3. Inspect The Mechanics
Although it may not be the most fun job in the world, inspecting the mechanics of your RV is a golden rule before hitting the road. Checking things like oil and coolant levels, along with brake fluid and windshield washer liquid, ensures you won’t run out suddenly when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
It can be useful to carry items such as spare oil in the back of your RV for emergencies, as you never know when a breakdown may happen!
4. Change Filters
Over time, filters can get clogged up with dirt and debris and will need replacing. It’s important to check your engine air filter and cabin air filter along with the oil and fuel filter, as if they haven’t been changed in a while, they may be clogged up.
Changing various filters and completing mechanical tasks on your RV may seem daunting if it’s not something you’ve done for a while. If you’re feeling nervous or struggling, there’s no shame in asking a clued-up friend or family member for help, and if that fails, the professionals are just a phone call away!
5. Check Brakes, Belts, Hosing, and Wiring
Along with checking the filters throughout your RV, it’s also worth taking a look at your brakes, belts, hosing, and accessible wiring, and seeing what shape they are all in.
The brakes on your RV may need replacing if you’ve completed lots of miles in your RV, and if you’re unfamiliar with the process of changing RV brakes, you’ll want to get them fixed up in a garage by the professionals.
6. Check RV Features Work
The last thing you want to be dealing with after you’ve been driving for hours is certain features in your RV not working. Therefore, before heading off on your vacation, it’s worth taking a bit of time to walk through your RV and double-check that everything is working.
It can also be a good idea to inspect the condition of your battery and give it a charge if needed.
7. Pack Sensibly
Preparing for a mighty trip in your RV is a big deal and you’ll likely want to pack everything you can think of onboard, but it’s vital to not overload your RV. Packing sensibly and remaining considerate of how much items weigh in your RV will help avoid adding too much weight and overloading the vehicle.
An RV that’s carrying too much weight can be harder to control and bring to a stop, so it’s essential to be mindful when loading up your RV with belongings and equipment.
Closing Thoughts
The amount of miles per day you should drive an RV depends on several factors, but generally, it’s wise to stick to a maximum of 500 miles per day.
Ideally, you’ll want to hit less mileage than this to keep your RV in better condition and give yourself less time behind the wheel. Before heading off on an RV vacation, it’s essential to prepare and make sure your RV is capable and ready to tackle a big, new adventure!