Road trips let you see the best sites in each corner of the country. However, they’re not for the faint of heart. These excursions require patience and planning because you have a long road ahead. How can you prepare for this vacation and ensure it goes smoothly? Here are 15 tips for a cross-country trip with a trailer.
1. Wisely Plan the Route
First, your cross-country trip requires planning. Going from coast to coast can take numerous routes, so find the best one for your crew. If you like beach and ocean views, travel along the coast to get the most from your journey. Mountain lovers may enjoy driving through the middle of the country, thus seeing Appalachia and the Rockies.
Letting the open road guide you is fun, but you should know where you’ll stop. While your owner’s manual documents your vehicle’s fuel mileage, consider the extra gas consumed for towing. Pulling a travel trailer burns more gasoline because your engine works harder to move. Stop for gas well before you hit empty to prevent getting stranded.
2. Stop to Smell the Roses
While gas or diesel is your priority, it doesn’t have to be the only reason to stop. Plan time to see the country’s most unique road trip sites and enjoy some history. For instance, Route 66 takes you across one of America’s most famous highways. You’ll learn the country’s history and see quirky statues along the way.
When researching road trip stops, find the places most compatible with your travel trailer. National and state parks are excellent because they expect RV travelers to arrive. Most highway stops have room for your vehicles because of their wide parking spots and amenities. Find truck stops with showers and restaurants to recharge your batteries.
3. Break up the Travel
Unless you’re a professional truck driver, it’s hard to comprehend how long cross-country road trips are. You’ll be driving for most of the day, traveling hundreds of miles. While it may be tempting to be efficient, don’t discount your sleep in favor of making good time. If you do, you could risk crashing and prematurely ending your trip.
A 2023 Nature and Science of Sleep study found getting fewer than five hours of sleep doubled the risk of fatigue-related crashes. Be conservative with how much you can drive in a day, giving yourself plenty of time to rest and refuel. After all, you might not drive as fast as a sports car on the open highway. You’ll need time to get to your destination.
4. Drive Safely
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is speeding with a travel trailer. Your engine works harder and burns more gas to pull your RV. When you exceed the speed limit, you strain the motor further and cut the fuel mileage. Some parts of your road trip could go a long way without a gas station, so be careful about fuel consumption.
Safe driving is also essential because of your towing. Driving a truck or SUV is far different when you pull a trailer on the highway. Therefore, you must be more careful and take it easy even if no cars are around. Give yourself plenty of braking distance and a wide arc when you turn. While many roads are spacious, some streets could be cumbersome for your trailer.
5. Take Advantage of Boondocks
A cross-country road trip means you need lodging every night. While your trailer may be a bedroom, you still need a place to park after sunset. Where can you legally stay overnight for a good rest? Driving along America’s highways presents many campgrounds and RV parks. You should also consider boondocks if you want to save money with a free stay.
Boondocks let trailers and RVs stay overnight for free. The only catch is you won’t get hookups for water, electric, or plumbing. The boondocks could be a solid solution if you’re on a budget vacation. You can find these free overnight stays nationwide in national forests or grocery store parking lots. Before you park, call the site to ensure you can stay the night.
Check this guide on free camping in California
6. Pick the Right Tires
When you embark on a cross-country trip, not just any tires will do. Your vehicle needs superb performance to last the thousands of miles you drive on the highway. Ideally, your tires have a solid load index and support the trailer’s axle weight. Find heavy-duty versions that will last the entire trip and beyond because you don’t want a flat halfway through.
You should also consider the tire type that best fits your travel trailer. While performance tires are great, there might be better fits for your towing. Most travelers benefit from all-season tires because of their superior traction and durability. Experts say they last up to 100,000 miles, so their longevity is crucial to your ride.
7. Use a Durable Vehicle
Before you hit the road, consider the vehicle you use for traveling. Do you trust your current truck or SUV to get the job done? If so, take it on your long journey. If not, you may need to rent a car or consider buying a new one. Your chosen vehicle should have a reputation for durability and towing ability.
You don’t have to worry about a towing vehicle if you drive an RV. Otherwise, you need a solid pickup truck or SUV to lead the way. A sizable trailer requires a heavy-duty tower, so look for a machine with a high capacity. That said, your trailer’s weight matters just as much.
8. Get the Correct Hitch
You must get the correct hitch before you connect your trailer to the vehicle. Without the best-fitting one, your drive could be less stable and more dangerous. For instance, an undersized hitch often causes the trailer to sway on the highway. You need stability for a smooth drive, so weigh your loaded trailer to see what you need.
Your trailer’s weight determines what class hitch you need for the long haul. Travel trailers likely require a class 4 hitch because of its 10,000-pound towing capacity and 1,000-pound tongue weight capability. If you tow an RV, you may need a class 5 hitch because it can tow up to 20,000 pounds. Your cross-country trip becomes much more manageable when you have the right size.
9. Do a Pre-Trip Inspection
Driving cross-country is exciting because of all the fantastic sights you see. However, you shouldn’t rush to get on the road before you do a pre-trip inspection. Make this checklist comprehensive by reviewing each part of your towing vehicle and trailer. Address problems or take the car to a trusted mechanic.
Here’s what you should include in this inspection:
- Engine: Start by opening the hood and inspecting the engine. Ensure the battery is fully charged and the motor isn’t leaking.
- Exhaust: Your exhaust is critical for keeping toxic gases out of your cabin, so it should be on the checklist. Check for cracks and leaks in your pipes, welds, and clamp connections.
- Suspension: A good suspension is even more valuable when towing a trailer. Check the springs, strut mounts, and shock absorbers to ensure functionality.
- Brakes: Braking is more challenging with a travel trailer, so inspect the pads and parking brake. If the brake line leaks, you could be in trouble on the road.
- Lights: Lights are among the most overlooked elements of pre-trip inspections, but they’re crucial for visibility. Ensure all lights — including those on the trailer — work properly.
Related read: Visiting all 50 states in 50 days
10. Remember the Tire Pressure
Tire pressure should be on your pre-trip inspection list and something you watch while traveling. You sacrifice road performance and fuel economy if you don’t maintain adequate pressure. Experts say underinflated tires increase gas consumption by up to 4% and reduce tire life. Make things easier by checking your pounds per square inch (psi) with a tire pressure monitor.
The best PSI for your trailer and truck depends on your make and model, so check the owner’s manual for guidance. Get as close to the recommendation as possible because going above or below hurts the tires. Overinflation causes quicker wear and less traction, whereas underinflation increases friction and tread separation.
11. Top Off the Fluids
When was the last time you changed your oil? If you travel cross-country, it may be wise to get this service before you leave. While oil changes don’t take long at the shop, you can do it yourself and save time and money. The frequency depends on your vehicle’s age and owner’s manual recommendations, so see if yours is needed before the trip.
Experts say modern motors can go up to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change, whereas older engines might be closer to 3,000. Also, top off the other fluids to maximize your road performance. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine coolant top the list for cars, though you shouldn’t forget power steering and windshield washer fluids.
12. Bring an Emergency Toolkit
While preparation is vital, you could encounter problems on the road. Therefore, preparing yourself with an emergency kit to tackle your truck or trailer issues is wise. Your tool collection should include sockets and drivers, fasteners, a torque wrench, and spare parts. With these devices, you feel more confident if something goes wrong.
You should also have an emergency kit for your family, friends, and anyone else in the car. When assembling this pack, start with medications and bandages for physical injuries. The Red Cross recommends instant cold packs, tourniquets, and medical tape, among other items. If you have a first-aid kit, check the expiration dates for your various medicines.
13. Pack Lightly and Smartly
Packing for a road trip requires a unique balancing act. You want enough supplies to last your vacation and prepare for emergencies. However, you don’t want to overload your truck and trailer and add unnecessary weight. Your vehicle could become too heavy if you pack too much stuff, thus sacrificing engine performance and fuel economy.
Cross-country road trips require smart packing, so start with your food. On top of saving easy recipes to cook on the road, bring nonperishable snacks like granola bars, peanut butter, and dried fruit for the road. Your clothing should reflect the climates of your destinations, so bring gear for warm and cool temperatures. You’ll also need chargers and batteries for the various electronics that make your trip easier.
14. Practice Your Trailer Driving
A cross-country road trip shouldn’t be your first time driving with a trailer. While it’s not rocket science, getting used to it can take a while because of the extra length and weight. It’s hard to compare this trip to your typical work commute or path to the park. If you need practice, test your trailer driving skills in the weeks before your vacation.
Practice makes perfect, so find open areas to hone your skills. An empty parking lot could be excellent for preparation because you have plenty of space to work with. Driving on this much pavement lets you train for wide turns and backing up. You can also better understand your braking distance and the room you need behind each car.
15. Service Your Vehicles Afterward
After driving for thousands of miles, it feels nice to get back home and relax. Once you’ve recuperated, it’s time to care for your vehicle and trailer with post-trip service. This preventive maintenance lets you identify issues and wear and tear endured during the travels. You’ll also get a head start the next time you drive your vehicle and trailer.
Your post-trip inspection should start with any problems that arose during your trip. For example, you may have felt the brakes wearing out or had a flat tire. Address these issues first before the rest of your maintenance. Inspect the trailer’s appliances, plumbing systems, and lighting to ensure everything is in working order for next time.
Preparing for a Trip With Your Travel Trailer
Road trips are fun, educational, and essential for broadening your horizons. You’ll meet new people and better understand other regions’ cultures. Seeing the country with a trailer adds to the excitement because it lets you enjoy campgrounds and what nature offers. Before you go, it’s wise to plan your trip and prepare your trailer for the open highways so you get the most you can out of your journey.
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Jack Shaw is the Senior Outdoors Writer for Modded Magazine. Driven by his passion for writing, Jack loves to traverse the wilderness, travel, and explore the unknown. He has over six years of experience writing professionally and loves engaging in new projects. His works have been published in The Travel Magazine, EcoHotels, Trekaroo, and more.
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