Camping in an RV with a furry loved one is every pet parent’s dream, but you’ll often wonder, how do I choose the best RV?
Traveling in a motorhome puts you behind the wheels for several hours in a day, and leaves your pet cooped up for several hours. So, how do you travel with a pet in an RV?
Surprisingly, picking the right RV that’s best suited to your and your pet’s needs plays a huge role in making your trip easier. Here’s a guide to different factors you need to consider when choosing an RV.
How To Pick The Right RV For You And Your Pet
Can you have pets in an RV? Of course, you can. Provided you pick the right kind.
You need to look for an RV model that comes with everything you need to make sure you and your pet are comfortable on the road.
Wondering, “How do I choose the best RV?” Here’s a quick guide to picking the right RV for you and your pet.
Temperature Control
Given the fact that RVs heat up just as quickly as regular cars do, you need to choose an RV that has a top-notch temperature control system. For example, if you’re traveling to colder regions, you need a proper heating system in place.
Additionally, there may be times when you might have to leave your pet in the RV while you tend to other chores. In situations like these, you should be able to control the temperatures inside the RV to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable while you’re away.
ALSO READ: 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy
No Carpets
Carpets are easier to maintain when they’re at home, but they can be a nightmare in an RV. If you have carpets in your RV, it goes without saying that your pup is going to be rolling all over it while you’re busy driving.
With so much on your plate already, cleaning carpets is the last thing you want to do. Look for an RV with no carpets and flooring that is easy to clean.
Size Of The RV
While you’re traveling, your RV is your home. So, the size of your RV matters.
Since your pet is traveling with you, your RV should be spacious enough to carry all the necessary supplies, camping gear, and other personal items like blankets, clothes, boots, and so on and have designated sleeping areas.
When it comes to picking the right size for your RV, you may also have to consider state and national park restrictions.
If you’re looking to camp out at national parks, you might have to make sure your RV isn’t too large.
How Much Room Does Your Pet Need
If you have a small dog, an average-sized RV is spacious enough for your pup to move around and get some exercise. Cats can be among the best pets for RV living, but if you think a cat won’t need a lot of space, think again. Cats are restless creatures that love running and jumping around.
And if you have a large dog onboard, you will certainly need a large RV.
From water bowls to litter boxes, make sure your pet’s essentials have a designated spot in the RV. A cramped RV is harder to maintain and can make for an unpleasant travel experience.
Easy Accessibility
Looking for RV hacks for dogs? One of the most important tricks is to make sure your motorhome is easily accessible.
Older dogs or larger breeds find it difficult to walk or jump in and out of vehicles that have narrow or high entry points. Wide access areas will make it much easier for your pet.
If your dog has trouble jumping, a custom-made foldable ramp is an add-on feature you can look for. It will also be convenient to load and unload luggage from your RV onto camping grounds whenever needed.
Size Of The Windows
Picking windows for your RV is a lot like picking windows for your home. If your dog or cat loves looking out of the window and enjoys the scenery, you could choose large-sized windows. They will also be great for ventilation and light.
Having said that, if your dog’s a natural jumper and is likely to leap out of the window at the sight of a squirrel or a bird, you might want smaller windows with an attached mesh or grill for extra protection.
Budget
Leaving your specifications aside, the right RV for you and your pet must also fit your budget and not break it. If your requirements are minimal, you should be able to get an RV well within your budget. But if you’re looking for specific add-on features, it could be a cause for concern since you also have to invest in camper van insurance.
The only way to decide on a budget is to do your research and figure out what you really need the RV for. If it’s going to be a lifetime investment, you could afford to loosen the purse strings.
Washing Options
Having a washer and dryer machine in your RV is always an optional feature, but if you’re traveling with your pet, it’s a great feature to have. Pets can also be prone to motion sickness and some tend to urinate more frequently on long road trips. IN that case, you might want to wash the soiled sheets immediately.
From dirty paws and wet fur to spilled food, there are plenty of occasions when you’d be thankful for a washer/dryer in your RV.
ALSO READ: Best Toys for Your Dog to Play With
Top 5 RVs That Are Suitable For Pet Owners
For the best RV trips with dogs, you need an RV that meets your camping and traveling goals to a T. Sometimes, even the smallest dog breeds in the world need an RV that’s spacious and sturdy. Here are our top 5 picks for you to consider.
Winnebago Travato 59k
The slickest Class B motorhome in North America, the Travato 59K by Winnebago is a great pick for traveling with pets. Designed to withstand the toughest of road conditions, this RV comes with ample space, a large and clean bathroom, and the coziest bedding options.
Dogscamper
Specifically curated for dogs, Dogscamper is a Class B camper van that is perfect for backpackers on the move. Its inbuilt dog ramp offers easy accessibility. Stacked with an outdoor shower facility, a pop-up roof for sleeping space, and a built-in kennel, the Dogscamper has it all.
2013 Forest River Berkshire
Luxury at its best, the 2013 Forest River Berkshire is an upscale and extravagant RV to suit your every whim and fancy. It’s a large model that can easily house your pet and 6 adults. With ample room for a tiled kitchen area, a large bathroom, an air conditioner, a heater, and a television set, the 2013 Forest River Berkshire is ideal for long family holidays.
A.C.E. Class A Motorhome
Pet-friendly and budget-friendly, the A.C.E. Class A Motorhome is embellished with top-quality RV features to please every kind of traveler. Studded with a 32-inch TV, a large bedroom, a neat kitchen unit, and a nice bathroom, this model is everything you’d imagined an RV to be.
2018 Georgetown
Built to handle roads effortlessly, the 2018 Georgetown is ideal for camping with your pets and family. It features a king-size bed and pull-out panels that make your camping experience fun and comfortable. This classy RV comes with a generator, proper temperature control, a microwave, and more!
Final Thoughts
If you’re buying an RV for the first time, you’re probably thinking, “How do I choose the best RV?” Hopefully, you now have a clear overview of all the things you need for that perfect RV for you and your pet. Pick an RV that both you and your pet will enjoy and cherish.
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