When deciding whether to travel by vehicle or by plane, there is one factor that often goes in favor of hitting the road: the scenery. Taking a road trip is a special experience that allows you to see nature outside your window. Road trips are engaging and immersive. You're not simply a passenger while a pilot carries you to your destination.
States like Arizona are perfect for going on an RV road trip. There are famous locations like the Grand Canyon, but there are plenty of other beautiful places to see in the desert. We'll discuss some of those, along with the logistics of riding in an RV.
You need to shop for RV insurance if you're going to use one of these vehicles. It's also important to know what to look for when you are shopping for an RV. We'll review these things and other tips to create your ideal road trip in Arizona.
Enjoy the Beauty of Arizona
There's a certain perception of what Arizona is like. Some people think it's nothing but dry desert, but there's quite a lot of beauty to behold beyond sand and rocks.
Driving around in an RV can help families and friends enjoy the beauty of Arizona. In fact, coupled with the weather and the opportunity to visit 37 federal parks, there are many reasons why Arizona is in the top 10 of the best states for full-time RV living.
You can get a great view of some of the bodies of water around Arizona that lend themselves to boating, fishing, and kayaking. Stop by during your road trip at a place like Lake Havasu, which is one of the prettiest bodies of water in the entire region. It presents a lot of opportunities for sightseeing and hiking as well.
If you don't have time to stop and enjoy some of the physical activities around the state, simply driving by these areas gives you a glimpse of the wonders of Arizona. This is where it is such an advantage to drive instead of fly on your vacations. Looking out your window at the nature around you while on a trip is something that will never get old.
How to Buy an RV
If you are a beginner with RVs, you need to understand how to find the right one for your trip. If you simply want a trailer on the back end of your car, then search for something smaller. Not everybody needs an RV to serve as a second home. Some people just need a little extra space for their stuff.
Small trailers and RVs are much cheaper than big ones and are much easier to maneuver. If you've never driven an RV before, you should test several out to get used to how they drive compared to other vehicles.
It takes a lot of skill and patience to drive an RV. Taking a class to learn how to better drive an RV might be helpful. Buying a smaller RV can also help you as a beginner. You could also rent different trailers and RVs when you are experimenting with what you want. This will prevent you from making a purchase you will regret later on.
See whether you need different fuel for your RV, and try to pick out the vehicle with the best gas mileage. Fuel is more expensive for RVs than other vehicles, such as sedans. When you are driving through the Arizona desert in an RV, it's going to cost a lot of money to fill up with gas. This is one of the only negatives to using road trips as entertainment.
We also need to talk about one of the other major financial responsibilities of buying an RV: the insurance for it.
Get Insurance for RVs
The purpose of your RV and its size has a lot to do with what insurance policy you need for it. If you just get a small add-on trailer for your car or truck, you may be able to add the trailer to your normal insurance policy. It will cost an extra fee every month, but it's better than taking out a whole different policy.
If you have an RV you are using as your main vehicle on a trip, then you will need a specific policy for the RV. This is because large RVs often serve as secondary homes for families on road trips and have a lot of extra possessions in need of protection.
People bring valuables on RVs, install appliances, and add technology to the vehicle. These items need to be protected from vandalism or theft by comprehensive coverage. Bringing extra stuff in your car usually isn't covered by basic auto insurance, but it is covered by homeowners insurance.
Property Insurance for RVs
You need to look into getting personal property insurance on your RV. It will treat the vehicle as a house, and the coverage is similar to a homeowners policy. Even if you don't live in your RV, you could use it as a replacement for your home on a long road trip.
Companies like GEICO and Progressive have some of the best RV insurance in the industry. They have a lot of great extra features like roadside assistance for your RV or even an injury sustained by your pet during an accident on the road. Shop around for what is best for your specific vacation needs.
Look out for Emergencies in RVs
When you're on an RV trip in Arizona, there are a few things you need to consider in relation to emergencies. Arizona is very hot. Make sure your RV has great air conditioning. It's a health hazard not to have this in your RV when in Arizona.
You should also make sure you pack extra supplies like water and flashlights in case you break down in your RV. Help will be on the way if you have roadside assistance, but you need enough supplies in the meantime.
Enjoying Arizona in an RV
You can see how an RV trip through Arizona can be exhilarating. You just need to know where you are going and what it takes to drive an RV. Prepare for your trip properly, and there could be a lot of fun in store for you.
(Photo : Shawn Laib)
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. He wants to help people understand how to navigate the trials and tribulations of a road trip.
