Choosing the best RV to travel in with your pet doesn’t have to be a challenge. As a beginner, you’ll need to consider a few criteria before investing in an RV. Ultimately, traveling by an RV should be fun and more importantly safe for your pet.
So, what is the best RV for traveling? Let’s dive into how to choose the right model and what features to look for.
What To Look For In An RV To Travel In With Your Pet
When it comes to choosing the best RV to travel in with your pet, remember that the basic idea is to make it feel like home. After all, your home is where pets feel most comfortable, so creating a similar space in an RV can help them adjust better.
Here are the things to keep in mind when shopping for a pet-friendly RV:
Size
The size of your pet will determine which camper you go with. Small dogs can comfortably fit into a basic camper, but bigger dogs and even cats will need more space.
Additionally, it’s wise to check if RV size restrictions are set by the national or state park you intend to camp at. Once you have an idea about these possible restrictions, you can choose an ideal RV size.
Easy Access
Pets should be able to comfortably board and exit an RV. Too many steps or a high access point in an RV means constantly lifting smaller dogs and cats into and out of the RV.
To avoid this, choose an RV with a wide access point, ramp, or fewer, spacious steps to make it easy for pets to move in and out.
Window Sizes
Choosing an RV with the right window size is important to avoid pets from leaping out. Some dogs and cats will enjoy the view unperturbed by outside distractions. Others may instinctively jump out of an open window or forcefully push against the glass if they spot a squirrel or bird.
To stop pets from exiting a moving RV, avoid buying one with floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re wondering, how can I keep my dog safe in an RV?, consider choosing a model with smaller windows or protective grills – don’t leave their safety up to chance.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is important if you’re planning to hit the road during the warmer months. The air conditioning should be on during the peak hours of the afternoon to keep pets cool in a camper.
For chilly months, this feature will also come in handy to keep the insides of the RV warm.
If you’re thinking, can I leave my dog in my RV?, you can do so with the air conditioning left on when you stop to stock up on essentials. Just remember to slightly crack open a window to encourage air circulation, just in case your RV stalls or runs out of power.
No Carpet
Make it easy to keep your RV clean by avoiding carpeted flooring. While fur can be easily vacuumed, accidental spills and dirt will be harder to eliminate. It’s best to stick to tile flooring that can easily be mopped a few times a week.
Washer/Dryer
A washer will come in handy if your pet experiences motion sickness or unexpected bouts of diarrhea or vomiting. Choosing an RV that can accommodate a washer or dryer will keep pet essentials such as bedding and towels clean.
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Best RVs For Traveling With Pets
In the coming sections, we help you with choosing the best RV to travel in with your pet so that your trip is a fuss-free experience. Let’s take a look at pet-friendly RVs that are worth investing in:
The Dog Liner T730
This motorhome is designed with dog-friendly features that will make road trips a thrilling adventure. Its Fiat Ducato interiors can accommodate four people at a time.
The RV is fitted with a kennel niche that can fit up to two large dogs comfortably. The padded dog mats and non-slip water bowls will make travel a breeze.
To easily mount and exit the motorhome, the RV features a retractable ramp for dogs. The vehicle has a doggy doorway with a water hookup to conveniently clean muddy paws. You can also keep an eye on your dog in the kennel by viewing live footage from your dashboard screen while driving.
A.C.E. Class A Motorhome
The RV’s integrated and installed high-end technology, generous storage space, fully equipped kitchen, and luxurious sleeping area are just some of the things that make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The RV’s Ford F-53 chassis allows you to take this bad boy to any state or national park with ease. The best part? It includes five pet-friendly floor plans that let you choose the most comfortable layout for you and your dog.
Class B Motorhomes/Camper Vans
Class B motorhomes (or camper vans) do not have an attached cab like Class A or C motorhomes, but they incorporate their main features in the B motorhome van itself. Class B motorhome vans can convert into comfortable living spaces for you and your pet.
Camper vans include basic facilities such as a kitchen, wet bath, sleeping area, and bench seats. They’re perfect for travelers who want a compact vehicle that is easy to drive and pack anywhere.
Winnebago Travato 59K (Class B Motorhome)
This camper van is a favorite pick for adventure seekers who need a motorhome that can keep up. Not only is the Travato energy-efficient but it is designed to offer up to 9600 watt-hours of power. Whether you plan to travel in the summer or winter, the camper van’s side walls and roof are well-insulated.
To keep your furry companion secure, the van includes a pet loop attachment along its aluminum running boards. Plenty of storage space means that you’ll be able to pack pet essentials and travel gear with no trouble. As a Class B motorhome, this spacious RV is ideal for newbies on the road.
Airstream Flying Cloud
This RV combines modern-day luxuries with practical, pet-friendly interiors that make it great for families on the road.
The rear hatch that was reserved for special edition models is now included in the 25FB and 27FB Flying Cloud RVs. Pop the hatch to make loading travel gear, pet essentials, and luggage easy. You can also leave it open to enjoy a breathtaking view with the whole family during mealtime.
The RV is fitted with everything you could possibly need to keep you and your pet comfy. There’s plenty of storage, sleeping, recreational, and floor space that make the Flying Cloud a dreamy pick.
Rockwood 2516g
The Rockwood RV is specifically designed to take on the challenges of the outdoor world. The automatic awnings are a welcome addition to this RV since other companies incorporate manual awnings that are tedious to mount. When you need a shaded spot to camp at, the awnings will provide much-needed shelter for you and your pet.
The RV’s interiors are decently spaced out to provide comfort on the road. It’s the best pick for those who have medium-sized or small pets. This lightweight pop-up camper can be hooked up to a car and towed easily when you’re on the road.
Lance 650 Truck Camper
This camper is designed specifically for half-ton pick-up trucks with 5-foot and 6-foot beds. Its lightweight, aluminum-frame construction makes it a hassle-free pick for beginners on the road.
The camper includes a spacious queen bed, galley with a burner stove, radius acrylic-tinted thermopane euro windows, ducted heat, and plenty of overhead storage for travel and pet essentials.
There’s plenty of space on the RV for cooking and cleaning up after. The pop-up awnings make it easy to pick a shaded spot for camping. Pets can comfortably move in and out of the camper by using the hitch-mounted, backlit step that you can choose as an additional upgrade.
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How Do You Travel With A Pet In An RV?
Plenty of travelers take their pets on the road. The best way to get your pet acclimatized to its new surroundings is to slowly introduce them to an RV – don’t simply toss them in and set off on your adventure!
Since most pets are territorial, they take time to adjust to new unfamiliar spaces – especially one that moves all by itself. It will take a fair bit of patience and positive reinforcement to get them to readily board and occupy the RV.
Start by placing your pet’s blanket and soft toys around the RV to help them associate the space with familiar smells. They may not jump into the vehicle right away, so place one or two scent items close to the RV’s access point.
Gently encourage them to enter the RV where they can continue to sniff out the things that you strategically placed around the vehicle.
Take short drives and trips around the area to see how your pet reacts to being on the road. Bear in mind that it may take two weeks to a month to get them ready for outdoor travel. Additionally, do speak to your vet or a trainer about the best course of action to prep your dog for road trips.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right RV will require in-depth research, so take your time to explore your options before you make a final decision.
The idea of traveling with your pet can feel unnerving at first but with the right information and approach, you’ll be able to pull it off!
Tags: RV
