Camping trips with the family are a wonderful way to encourage the kids to swap out their gadgets for good old-fashioned fun, like games of tag and stargazing from a cozy inflatable bed. There’s nothing like watching their delighted faces covered in marshmallows and dirt, especially when it’s not in my clean house. But let’s be honest: I’m over the awkward campfire conversations and waking up with back pain, not to mention the chilly showers that require a quarter to warm up. So this summer, we ditched the tent and opted for a 25-foot RV for an unforgettable eight-day journey through the Pacific Northwest.
Here are the top 15 insights we gained from our RV rental experience:
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The First Drive Will Startle You
Starting up the RV with all our gear was nerve-wracking. As we hit the gas, the pots and pans began clattering in the cupboards, creating a cacophony that made me question how I’d survive a week with that noise. Fortunately, we adjusted quickly, though there was that one incident when the fridge swung open during a sharp turn, and food tumbled out – luckily, the wine stayed intact! -
Bathroom Anxiety
Initially, we were excited about having a bathroom on board, but the reality hit hard when we realized we’d have to deal with the waste afterward. Using the RV toilet felt like using the kitchen one, so we avoided it at all costs. Our mantra became, “Find a restroom, quick!” We made pit stops at every available facility in Oregon, shouting encouragement as the kids rushed out. -
Dumping Takes on a New Meaning
Owning an RV means managing multiple tanks: gas, fresh water, grey water, and black water. The latter is the real nightmare, and the reason for those plastic gloves. When we finally emptied our tanks, we felt like superheroes. -
Shower Time Isn’t What You’d Expect
Even though the shower was warm and had decent pressure, the close quarters made it feel less than refreshing. Still, it was a relief to avoid the notoriously grimy public campground showers. -
Fire Safety is No Joke
Our RV came equipped with a full kitchen, but cooking was a challenge with limited counter space. A few mishaps led to smoke alarms blaring as I forgot to turn on the hood fan. Several kitchen items met their fiery fate during meal prep – just part of the adventure, right? -
TV Troubles Aren’t a Crisis
We were told the RV’s TV was fool-proof, but when it failed to work, we thought we were in dire straits. We called for roadside assistance, only to be reassured that we weren’t alone in our TV struggles. Surprisingly, the kids survived the week without it! -
Thank Goodness for Climate Control
Gone were the nights spent shivering in the Pacific Northwest cold. We enjoyed the luxury of heat and even air conditioning, which was a game-changer when it got too warm. -
Benadryl Becomes a Lifesaver
One of our kids caught a cold early in the trip, keeping the whole family awake. After a few nights of sleeplessness, we resorted to Benadryl – and it worked wonders. -
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Traveling at 70 miles per hour felt daunting with all our belongings rattling around. Staying in the slow lane not only felt safer but also eased the pressure of merging into faster traffic. -
Movement is Limited
We imagined we’d be moving around comfortably, cooking and dancing, but the reality was more about holding on tight and trying not to fly into the back of the RV with every turn. -
Gas Station Shock
In Oregon, full-service gas stations meant I was taken aback when the attendant told me our gas bill was $170! But as the trip progressed, I learned to adjust my expectations – we used less fuel than anticipated. -
Designated RV Parking is Genius
Navigating in reverse was nearly impossible without a spotter, which is why those long RV parking spaces exist. Trust me, avoiding tricky maneuvers is key! -
U-Turns Are Not for RVs
There were moments when turning around was a necessity, like when Siri led us astray. I said a few prayers as I attempted a U-turn, hoping we wouldn’t end up off the road. -
The Beauty of Shelter
During a sudden thunderstorm at Crater Lake, we were grateful to be inside the RV, sipping tea while the weather raged outside. It’s comforting to have a solid roof over your head amidst unpredictable conditions. -
Ready for Round Two!
Despite my initial worries, the journey was a success. We managed to keep everything intact – well, except for that little incident with one of the kids at the gift shop, but we found them quickly. I can’t wait for our next adventure!
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Summary
Our RV adventure taught us invaluable lessons about travel, family bonding, and embracing the unexpected. From the quirks of RV bathrooms to the joy of having a roof over our heads during storms, every moment brought laughter and learning. We can’t wait to hit the road again for more unforgettable memories!
Keyphrase: RV rental experience
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