Tag: rv travel

Hitting the open road with RV in tow can bring a sense of freedom as you explore new areas or simply get away from it all for a while. But even when you want to get away, you still want to be connected. There are several options for internet connection while you’re traveling. Researching the available choices and determining your needs before you set out is the best way to ensure you have the RV internet option that you need while you’re away from home.

What Are My RV Internet Options?

Cellular Data

Utilizing the data on your cellular phone is the simplest RV internet option to use. With cell phone plans generally comes a data plan which allows internet access. You can access the internet with 3G, 4G, 4GLTE, or now 5G connections, but be aware with older devices that, according to the FCC, mobile carriers are shutting down their older 3G and some 4G networks. So, even though using your cellular data works all over the nation, by the end of 2022 it will only work if you are on a more modern and supported network.

Even with all the network changes, most travelers find that cellular data is still the easiest way to stay connected when they are on the road. But if you aren’t like most travelers and you prefer dry camping in remote areas or boondocking deep into national parks, cellular data may not be a reliable way to stay connected. It only works when there are cell towers nearby, so if you are out in the middle of nature, you may find yourself disconnected if you’re relying only on cellular data.

Cost is another thing to keep in mind when determining whether using cellular data is the right RV internet option for your needs. If you don’t have an unlimited plan, paying for data – especially if you are off the beaten path – can get expensive. So, if you’re a full time RVer, you may want to consider some of the other options.

Satellite Internet for RVs

Satellite internet connects you to the web using satellites in space. It’s an RV internet option that, barring some environmental factors, means you have internet access anywhere on earth. There is initial setup involved with Satellite internet, but after that, you have access almost anywhere. In that way, it is similar to cellular data plans.

While cellular data plans may not have good signals if you aren’t near a tower, your satellite connection can be limited by things like storms and heavy tree cover which can impede the satellite signal from reaching your dish. So, you may have the ability to stay connected in more areas than cellular data but your signal can be lost abruptly plus you’ll have the costs associated with a monthly internet charge. If you’re one to do a lot of free camping, it can easily offset these charges.

Wired Cable Internet

The best connection is a wired connection. It is stable and reliable. For full-time RVers who stay parked in the same area most of the year there’s no better choice. Some campgrounds offer direct connections to wired internet so it feels just like your home connection. Go ahead, stream those movies, use your favorite apps or browse away, as long as the internet is live and you’re plugged in, you’ll be connected.

The drawback to this RV internet option is that you can’t take it with you. So, if you enjoy remote camping, this won’t be an option for you.

WiFi Internet

The most common RV internet option is public WiFi. Although there may be an extra charge for access, many campgrounds provide free WiFi as one of the amenities. Upon check-in you get your campsite number, a parking tag and the WiFi password; a few clicks later, you’re connected!

Sometimes the signal can be weak depending on how far you are from the WiFi source, so there’s a chance that your connection may be spotty. It’s a great RV internet option for those who regularly patronize campgrounds.

The downside to WiFi is, again, it requires you to be somewhere that it’s provided. The National Park Service offers free WiFi at many of their visitor centers and other locations. If you are staying at one of these National Parks but your campsite isn’t close enough to get service, you could grab your morning coffee and head down to the visitor center for an outdoorsy coffee shop internet café experience.

If you’re boondocking on public land, you’ll have to rely on one of the other RV internet options.

What RV Internet Option Is Best for Me?

There are lots of different RV internet options and the one that is right for you will depend your RV usage. In fact, having more than one option may be the best option if your camping habits change.

If you are on the move a lot and just need to check in on occasion, you may find that your needs are met between campground WiFi and cellular plans. Those on the other end of the spectrum who have a favorite spot they go and stay put, like full-time RVers, will likely benefit from a wired connection.

Then there are those who like to get back to nature and spend their time deep in the woods or remote reaches of parks. If you enjoy disbursed camping in remote areas but still love your gadgets, a satellite RV internet option is the way to go.

The great thing is that no matter what type of camper you are and what your RV usage is, there is an option – or combination of options – that will keep you connected to whatever degree you need so that you can enjoy your RVing to the fullest.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126 

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When you’re sitting around the campfire enjoying the RV life you want to be nibbling on s’mores not biting your nails wondering how you’ll get your mail. Fortunately, there are a lot of RV mail service options so you can plan ahead and eliminate worrying about your mail while you’re gone.

How to Handle RV Mail Service

Option #1: Don’t Worry About It

This is the easiest option and works especially well if you are only taking a short trip. If you’re a weekend warrior or even take extended weekend trips it isn’t necessary to arrange RV mail service options. If your mail stacks up for a few days, it will be okay until you return from your trip.

It is wise to refrain from shopping online prior to your vacation. A couple of days’ worth of mail in your mailbox isn’t a big deal, but having packages sitting at your doorstep isn’t the best idea. Ideally, arrange for them to be delivered prior to your departure.

Option #2: Ask a Neighbor or Family Member

When you plan to be on the road for an extended period of time, a good option is enlisting the help of your friends, neighbors, or family if they live nearby. Having someone you trust pick your mail up while you’re away means you can avoid the headaches of lost or stolen mail. There’s no cost involved for you; they simply hold it until you return. You can offer to return the favor, or maybe bring them a small token of your appreciation from your travels.

This is a great option, but in order to avoid straining a relationship, make sure it’s only something you do once in a while. If you travel for long periods fairly frequently, one of the other RV mail service options may be a better fit.

Option #3 P.O. Boxes

Renting a P.O. box is a good way to forward your mail, especially if you regularly stay in the same area while you are away from home. P.O. boxes are safe and economical. This reliable RV mail service option allows you to forward your mail with a temporary change of address through the USPS or utilize a mail forwarding service for your mail.

Option #4: RV Mail Service Forwarding

Another option are the many RV mail services which exist specifically for forwarding mail for RVers. Some services provide images of your mail and scans of the contents. One of the biggest conveniences for full-time RVers (or avid online shoppers!) is providing a physical street address where packages can be delivered.

Like any private business, it’s important to do your due diligence before choosing an RV mail service. It can be tricky. Asking other RVers for suggestions is a good way to find a reputable option.

No matter the type of RVer you are, from short-term trips to full-time life on the road, knowing your RV mail service options means you’ll always be in touch with what’s going on at home no matter how far down the road you may be.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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With 50 states, there are a lot of opportunities for RV travel. There are also a lot of different RV rules while driving through these great United States! What you may not realize is that the RV laws while driving can change – sometimes significantly – each time you cross a state line. If you’re a new RV owner, this may not be something of which you were aware. But when it comes to RV travel and state laws, ignorance doesn’t get you a free pass.

Additionally, knowing and ignoring the laws can lead to a citation, accident, injury, or worse. Be sure you know the laws in your state and those you travel through as well as your final destination. Not only will you and your family stay safer, you’ll avoid the chance of incurring added expenses for a traffic ticket on your journeys.

RV Rules While Driving Start With Knowing Your RV Classification

There are several RV classifications and, as such, different laws for different states based on RV classification. Class A/B/C motorhomes are most notably different than any other type of RV because they are considered motor vehicles themselves. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are classified differently because they are considered a separate entity from the vehicle towing them.

Laws in the majority of states do not prevent passengers from being in the rear of motorhomes while on the road for the simple fact that motorhomes are, in essence, one space. So, it is important to know the exact type of RV you have, and the rules that apply, prior to embarking on your journey.

Can You Ride in Your RV While Driving?

Once you know your RV classification, it makes researching the state laws pertaining to your particular RV more straightforward. Passengers are prohibited from riding in a travel trailer or 5th wheel during travel in most states. The direct RV laws while driving mean being in these types of vehicles while moving are not allowed. Their frames are not constructed with the same strength as say, class B or C motorhomes, which have frames offering more driver and passenger protection since they are required to be crash tested and are equipped with airbags as well as seat belts. Since most 5th wheels and travel trailers are not equipped with seat belts, the enforcement of seat belt laws effectively prevents traveling in these types of RVs. It is also not safe for pets to ride in a travel trailer or 5th wheel.

Outside of New Hampshire – the only state without seatbelt laws – there are over 30 states with primary seatbelt laws and nearly 20 states have secondary seatbelt laws. However, simply because there isn’t a law stating you must wear one doesn’t mean that it isn’t a wise choice. There isn’t a magical safety net in New Hampshire; the absence of a law simply means you are trusted to make the safest judgement in your own vehicle in that state.

When it comes to class A/B/C motorhomes, the main rule is the seat belt law in whatever state you are traveling. If you stay seated and belted whether in the front or back part of your motorhome while it is in motion, you are most likely abiding by the law. But because each state’s laws are different, it is wise to check local state laws prior to traveling.

Are There RV Rules While Driving About Using the Bathroom or Kitchen?

Travel enough and there’s bound to be a time when Mother Nature calls at an inconvenient time. You may be thinking that’s the beauty of having RV amenities like toilets. While the facilities do function while the RV is in motion, the safest recommendation is to have the driver pull over to the side of the road first. Specific toileting clauses aren’t generally spelled out in the laws and RV rules while driving. It isn’t necessary because a person is not wearing a seatbelt while using the facilities and therefore is in violation of the primary seatbelt laws, which over 30 states have in place.

Similarly, cooking a meal generally entails standing or moving about in the kitchen area and, therefore, falls under the same said seatbelt laws. Imagine the injuries that could result from making a “quick meal” of macaroni and cheese if the driver had to make a sharp turn or stop abruptly and there was a boiling pot of water on the stove! Need a meal on the road? The tried-and-true cooler full of sandwiches and snacks within arm’s reach of where you are safely buckled into your seat never tasted so good.

RV Safety Comes First

It can be very tempting to utilize all the benefits that your RV has to offer while you’re driving on the road. But arriving safely at your destination is more important than convenience. It may result in more planning than you’d anticipated in order to look up the laws and RV rules while driving for the states you’ll be traveling through. But knowing the laws is important; as is understanding that they are intended to protect you along with other travelers on the road. So, resist the urge to use the facilities or walk around inside your RV while driving to avoid injuries and arrive safely no matter where in these wonderful United States you travel.

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126 

Connect with us on Social Media! 

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