High Anxiety

Suggestions:

• a "pre-flight" checklist, both for things to pack and mechanical things to check
• take an RV driver training course; Lazydays offers them and probably others
• a setup checklist for when you get to your campsite
• another checklist for when you get home
• purchase duplicates of items you want both at home and in your RV; for us we are even buying a second wardrobe that we will leave in our coach so it is ready to go within an hour! We also have duplicate kitchen appliances, dog bowls, cellphone chargers, etc. The only thing we aren't leaving in the coach are food and medicine but if we had shore power where we store it we would leave some food items in the fridge
• plan for short travel days. And "short" has different meanings for different people. 500 miles is a short day for us but you might want to stop at 300 or less

I would think it would be simpler in a class A as it pertains to preparation, set-up, and takedown, at least that's why some state they chose this class of RV. Most will say traveling by this class of RV is less stressful as well.

Since our TT is a second home it has everything we need onboard, it is always plugged in when stored in our side yard at home, and fridge is left on during the active RVing months to simplify the process that much more.

Since our 3/4 ton Chevy gasser tow vehicle is dedicated to pulling our 10K# 33' TT wherever we plan to go, it is always packed with firewood and all the other RVing necessities, which are protected by a rolling metal bed cover.

We don't have a list we follow per say, it has become second nature as most of the packing is already done. We leave freshwater tanks filled and batteries are always fully charged and ready to go, just hitch up and away we go.

Although we are approaching 60' when hitched up, we have a very comfortable towing experience. We primarily travel on interstates to get most places here in the West, my DW doesn't mind doing a couple of hours here or there.

RVing is not for everyone, main reason why there are so many slightly used RVs on the market. Next door neighbor has a nice fifth wheel and a newer diesel powered truck to easily haul it around, even so it hasn't been used in years.

Our other next door neighbor went though every class of RV before settling on a class A rig, they are in their 70s and they still go out often. They stated having a class A is the only way they are able to enjoy RVing, just jump in and go.

Risks vs Rewards. If the rewards are not great enough then move on. RV'ing is only one form of traveling. Close that chapter on your life and go onto the next chapter of traveling.

The more time you RV the more you'll understand that the best time is when you shut the key off. Lot's of people feel that way, not just you. I've known FT'ers that turned snowbirds, that turned VRBO travelers. No worries, just go to the next stage.

After several years of this, you should just learn to live with it. It's not going away.. lists or not. It's like stage fright - you just deal with it if you want to keep doing what you're doing.

We just don't worry too much. Used to work to make sure we had everything we could ever possibly need, then unloading everything when we got back, most of which had never been touched. Now we load the essentials, especially our medicines, a few staples in the fridge and pantry, and bath. Minimum necessary clothing. Our findings after many years is that we are never very far from a Walmart, it it turns out we need something, just go get it.

Sounds like too much anxeity. Maybe you should sell out and stay home.

Many times my favorite part of the vacation is the drive. I find it quite relaxing in a little pickup with 5th wheel trailer on behind.

The suggestion to create a list is a great one! It will definitely lower your anxiety over whether you packed everything or checked everything before flight. Eventually, if you continue camping in the Class A, you will memorize everything and it will become second nature to you. And the more you drive the rig, the more comfortable you will become with it. Even if you're not camping, take it out on a drive around the county you live in. Get used to driving it on secondary roads as well as on interstates. Familiarize yourself with all the systems and how each of them works. The only true way to get comfortable with it is to use it!

Have a pre-trip checklist. Then, just go down the list, fix what needs fixing and you are good to go. No worries. As for being white knuckle during the drive I used to be in the beginning but now that I know my RV, I'm not any more.

This topic hits a bit of a nerve with me...There were times I'd go crazy packing....now we do a bit at a time and have learned to buy certain items (one for house, one for coach)....We travel with many medicines for both us and the dogs and know what our limits are for the day....and try not to push it...sure there are white knuckle places..(the Chesapeake tunnel for one) so I try to hit that off peak and when it is over, it is over...I try to map out my routes thru places I know or are RV friendly...It does get easier the number of times you do it...