10 RV Traveling Tips for Your Military PCS
by PCSgrades Staff - April 6th, 2022
Is your next military PCS happening in an RV? If you're doing a personally procured move (PPM, formerly known as a DITY move) and you have a motor home or camper, this might be the perfect time for a cross-country adventure. Moving an RV requires some forethought and planning, but these ten RV traveling tips will help you make the most of your PCS!
PCSing with your RV is one way to make your PPM affordable and fun. Staying in military campgrounds and RV parks can save you money, ultimately allowing you to pocket what's left from your PCS travel reimbursement! Military campgrounds and RV parks are often located on or nearby military bases and managed by MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation). They offer many amenities for less than the cost of a civilian campground and a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Most site reservations start at just $15 a night!
10 RV traveling tips to make your Military PCS easier
1. Check military campground eligibility
MWR campsites and RV parks are available to active duty military, retirees, National Guard and Reserves, Disabled from 0-100%, and most recently they extended reservations to civilian personnel. You can stay at a facility managed by any military branch, no matter your service member’s affiliation.
However, keep in mind that just because you are eligible does not mean there will be a site available at the military campground. Active duty service members and those on PCS orders are always a top priority, so be sure to mention your PCS orders when making a reservation.
If the military campground doesn't have availability, you can ask to be placed on a waitlist, especially during peak PCS season in the middle of summer. The sooner you call to make a reservation, the better chance you have of securing a spot, so make those calls as soon as you receive PCS orders and begin planning your driving route.
Bonus: check out our top 11 military recreation areas to see if you'll be passing through our favorites!
2. Ensure base access
When making your reservation, ask for check-in instructions and for base access details. Due to heightened security precautions, many installations will only allow access to RVs through a specific gate. If COVID restrictions are in place, these might also impact base access.
Sometimes, military campground entrances are closed after hours and on weekends, so plan your arrival time accordingly. And of course, keep your military ID cards handy at all times when you are traveling.
3. Create a PCS binder (especially if you're doing a personally procured move)
No matter how you PCS, you should always have a PCS binder. Keep your important documents with you at all times. Your PCS binder (or folder) is a great way to keep everything organized during your move. Use it to save all your travel receipts, including gas for the RV and campground reservation costs.
A PCS binder can also hold your travel itinerary, your RV campground information, and your updated emergency contact information.
4. Know your RV weight and cargo weight limits
Many families use an RV to store extra belongings during a PCS, and then file reimbursement for a full or partial PPM (DITY move). While it is tempting to load everything into the RV, remember that there are many types of RVs, and each has its own cargo weight limit.
Common types of RVs include:
Motor homes, classes A, B, or C. These are RVs that are self-contained and drive themselves.
5th Wheel trailers, which attach directly to the bed of a pick-up truck.
Travel trailers that tow behind a tow vehicle. These can vary greatly in size and weight.
Pop-up campers, which are the lightest class of travel trailers. These usually allow very limited cargo weight, but are also light to tow.
Whichever type of RV you are using on your trip, follow this rule: Don’t overload! Not only will you use more fuel and have a more difficult time navigating hills, but you also risk causing an accident. If you are above the cargo weight limit, your insurance can find you liable and not cover your damage claims.
5. Have RV insurance
Speaking of insurance, make sure you are fully covered throughout your trip! When moving an RV during your PCS, always call your insurance agent and update your information. RV coverages vary from state to state.
Once you receive your PCS orders, give them a call and verify your policy for coverage while traveling to your new duty station. Be sure your policy includes roadside assistance, which you may need during your move. In some cases, insurance premiums may increase when you cross state lines.
6. Don't forget the s'mores!
It’s not RVing if you forget the marshmallows! Even though a PCS can be stressful, make this part of the trip a fun adventure. If you are traveling with kids, they need something to look forward to after a long day on the road. Make time to take a break from your travel and relax. Camping is supposed to be fun! Enjoy the ride.
7. Inspect your tires
This is another reason why your RV weight is important. Before your trip, prepare your vehicle and do routine maintenance, which may include rotating your tires. Invest in a good tire pressure monitor system. This will help avoid accidents on the road.
If you are towing your RV, check the tire tread and tire pressure on both the trailer and your two vehicle.
8. Surge protectors
Depending on your RV, you will have either a 30 or 50 amp connection. Having a surge protector is vital to protect your RV's electrical system. It acts as a buffer between your RV and the power coming out of the electrical outlet from the campsite. You never know when you might end up camping during a storm, so it’s best to prepare by setting up proper surge protection at every site.
9. Track your travels with a sticker map
If you are traveling with kids (or if you’re a kid at heart!) sticker maps are a great way to track your RV travel. Most RV and camping stores sell U.S. sticker or scratch-off maps. Update your map each time you reach a new state. You can also use a magnet map on the side of your RV.
Many RVers have a different opinion on when can you add a sticker. Did you drive by the state? Did you do an activity in that state? Did you stay overnight? For our family, we count staying overnight and doing a family activity. You make your own rules to keep track of your adventures!
10. Train your co-pilot
Teach your co-pilot to drive and let him or her take the wheel often. All adults traveling in your party should be comfortable driving alone, so that they won’t be stranded if one gets sick or is hurt.
We recently updated our RV from a motor home to a fifth wheel. To be honest, I would rather drive the motor home. I still need some practice on the fifth wheel. But helping out your partner and sharing driving duties will help reduce driving fatigue.
What are your favorite RV traveling tips? Have you done a PPM (DITY move) in an RV? Share your military PCS tips and stories with us!
