Travelling in an RV in the United States or Canada: A guide for memorable vacations

Determining your destination and travel itinerary

There is no shortage of vacation destinations in Uncle Sam’s homeland, or anywhere else in North America, whether you’re into beaches, trekking, cities, countryside, theme parks, history, and so forth. Our TourBooks®, available in digital format, showcase various locations to visit, points of interest, hotels and AAA/CAA recommended restaurants. CAA-Quebec members have free access to these, and the most popular ones are translated into French.

Once you’ve chosen your destination, you can use the Triptik® Travel Planner to create your own itinerary, according to your preferences and road habits. The tool allows you to assess distances and plan the details of your journey, taking into account the travel time and the places you want to visit. You can specify the avoidance of toll booths or plan your stops at precise intervals (every 2 to 12 hours, for example). Thus, your personalized route will be designed according to your needs. Don’t forget to add 20% to the travel time to account for the stops you will make along the way. 

Tip 

Try to keep your journey to a maximum of 400km per day and to stop before 4pm in order to set up your camp while there is still daylight.

The choice of routes to take

The preferred route depends on several factors when traveling in an RV:

• Size and type of RV: regulations vary from state to state or province to province.
• Number of towed objects: the number allowed is also subject to variation.
• Gas transport: if you are transporting propane or butane, passage through tunnels is often prohibited and some ferries may impose specific rules. It is recommended to plan an alternative route to bypass them.
• Urban restrictions: some cities, like Manhattan, do not allow the passage of RVs. It is important to inquire about local restrictions and plan an alternative route if necessary.

Foreseeing tollbooths

The United States comprises about 8000km of toll roads. Each state or region has its own toll system and rates. Plan your route accordingly to avoid them or allocate a budget for this expense. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the platform of each one you will cross on your way before leaving home.

Good to know: The fee to pay at the tollbooths is based on the number of axles on your vehicle. The more axles your RV has, the more you will have to pay (consider this if you plan to rent an RV).

Setting up your travel budget

The budget for an RV trip will vary depending on several factors such as the trip length, the distance to be covered and the route, the locations to be visited, the number of passengers, etc.

If you don’t already possess your own equipment, the cost of renting an RV will be your biggest expenditure. This amount will vary according to the vehicle chosen (motorhome or trailer) which in turn will vary according to the number of people coming aboard. In addition to the rental fees, you will likely also have to add kilometrage fees.

Plan your daily expenses for the duration of your trip:

• Fuel expenses: the bigger and heavier the RV, the more fuel you’ll be using;
• Tolls: toll rates vary from one place to another, so make sure to find out about payment methods;
• Camping grounds;
• Meals: do you plan to go to the grocery or to a restaurant?
• Propane: be sure to check the amount of propane you are allowed to transport;
• Activities;
• Shopping and souvenirs: will you take full advantage of your time down south to go shopping? Double-check the purchase amount to which you are entitled (the notorious personal exemptions!) depending on the length of your stay.

Other RV travel expenses you shouldn’t overlook:

• RV Assurance
• Travel insurance
• A budget for the unexpected: for instance, a flat tire or repairs to your RV, etc.

Inspecting your RV

Read your RV manufacturer’s owner’s manual and follow the maintenance recommendations it contains. Regularly check lights and headlamps, as well as panel sealing to prevent water ingress, and test the following accessories and equipment:

• toilet
• shower
• faucets and water heaters
• electric awning
• air conditioner
• appliances
• smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• thermostats and air-conditioning systems

Looking for peace of mind on the road? If you haven’t already done so at the start of the season, why not take advantage of your departure to arrange for a professional annual inspection of your RV, either at the dealership itself or at a specialized garage.

Reserving your campsites in the United States

Book as early as possible for a wider choice. Campsites in national parks are often fully booked several months in advance. Those that are commercial (like the KOA chain) offer plenty of services and activities for the whole family, but often little privacy. Expect to pay between US$40 and US$125 per night—the cheaper ones will be located on the outskirts of major cities and popular attractions, and will offer fewer amenities or services, while the more expensive ones are generally right in the thick of the action and will probably have more extensive or newer facilities.

Some superstores allow overnight RV parking. While not considered a campsite, it’s a practical option for RV travellers looking to stop for a night or two.

Reviewing your insurance coverage

Do not travel to the United States unprotected. The Automobile Insurance Act requires RV owners to purchase liability insurance of at least $50,000. This covers both damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident in which you are not at fault, and property damage or physical injury caused to others in the event of an accident in which you are at fault. That’s why CAA-Quebec recommends a two-million-dollar liability policy, as lawsuits in the United States can be very expensive.

Renting an RV? Carefully review the coverage provided by your own car insurance or by the credit card used to rent the vehicle. Perhaps you already have sufficient protection. Some rental companies will require you to purchase their insurance. In such cases, the prepaid option is often the cheapest. If it’s possible to do so, ask to remove a few unnecessary options to lower the rate.

Health care costs south of the border are among the highest in the world. Don’t leave the country without travel insurance tailored to your needs. If you plan to use the travel insurance offered by your credit card company, take a moment before you leave to check the benefits and coverage, along with any restrictions and exclusions, to make sure you’re well covered. You can always top up your coverage with individual travel insurance.

Preparing your travel documents

Double-check the requirements for entering the United States by land, so that each person travelling with you has the right documents (passport or birth certificate, depending on age). You should also have your vehicle registration certificates, proof of insurance and driver’s licence at the ready while making sure they’re not about to expire.

Building a list of everything needed for your RV trip

So many things to keep in mind! Check out our checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything:

• medication
• sunscreen
• kitchenware
• dry food (plan to buy fruit, vegetables and meat at destination)
• bedding
• clothing
• sports and camping gear
• sunglasses
• games and toys, books
• first-aid kit
• electronic devices
• charging cables

When renting an RV, certain items, such as bedding, kitchenware and camping equipment, may be included free of charge or for a fee. Just ask!

Preparing for mechanical or road problems

Whether it’s due to an accident, engine overheating, a flat tire, getting stuck or any other kind of misfortune, no one is immune to mishaps on the road. Your CAA-Quebec membership card gives you access to AAA Roadside Assistance in the United States, but only for your motor vehicle, unless you also have the RV Option (which includes Roadside Assistance for recreational vehicles).

In order to quickly fix even the smallest issues:

• bring a portable air compressor to inflate your tires,
• jumper cables,
• and an emergency kit for the car

Good to know: a number of these items are on sale at the CAA-Quebec Boutique, which offers members rebates in CAA Dollars.

Of course, to avoid ending up in an unfortunate situation, it’s best to exercise caution: observe speed limits, lock doors and windows when you leave your installation, and don’t leave any items lying on the seats for burglars to spot.