RV tips?

[billytommymommy]

When we mentioned going for a long weekend at the beach this summer, the in-laws graciously offered us thier motor home, which will not only make things much cheaper, but will be easier with the boys.

I know some of you have motor homes, and take your dogs along do you have any tips? We plan to bring their crate, should we have them in that while we are moving, or would they be happier in their car seat sitting up front with my husband (I get really motion sick so I doubt I will sit up front with him). Do we need to fasten their crate down somehow, will it slide when we turn or anything?

Anything that someone inexperienced in RVing with dogs might not think of? I want a little time so I can shop on line if need be.

Thanks!

[maddoxies]

It is a personal choice if they would be happier secured in their car seat up front, or crated/seatbelted in the back with you.

Yes, the crates should be secured. My personal preference was to put the crates on the bench seating at the table and seat belt the crates. they were secure but had a good view. You do not want them becoming missles if you have to stop quick or corner.

Lots of pooh bags, something to restraint them at campsites: expen or screw stake for the ground, or long leashes attached to the RV. If they don't have rabies tags on their collars, then I would take some sort of proof of vaccinations with me just in case the campgrounds ask. Maybe mix up some of the lemon/rosemary bug repellant to take along? Extra doggie towels? And of course, a camera so you can share with us when you get home again.

Have a great trip.

[Orchid Crazy]

We don't RV with Buddy, but we do camp in a pop-up with him and he's travelled extensively in my truck in hte almost 4 years we've had him.

A few tips, feed VERY lightly in the morning. Like a few peices of kibble and maybe a treat here and there on the road; just enough to tide them over without giving a full meal until you know they will not vomit. Always carry wipes, a roll of paper towels and multiple grocery bags. I feed Buddy bottled water on the road and then camper water when we get to our destination since we have a filter.

In the vehicle, you can use children's pool noodles to level your crate or car seat and then please do fasten those crates down during travel either with a seatbelt or something else; just be sure to have them as stationary as possible.

In your glove compartment, have a folder with rabies certificiates, copies of shot records, vet records of any issues they may have. If you know your destination, print out vets in the area, both regular and emergency. As I do with my kids, I carry photos of my pupper with his documents just in case.

Carry extra food, kibble and leashes.

Most of all, have fun and take LOTS of pictures!!

[billytommymommy]

Okay I had planned on taking vet records baggies, and the basics like food. I am thinking now that they will be in a car seat as I think their crate is too wide for the bench, so I will probably fold it up and put it under the bed while we are moving.

Thank you for making me think about a tie out though, I bet the in-laws might have one in there, and pictures is a good idea.

My in-laws dog is a 100 lb golden, so while the RV is dog proofed, it is not small dog proofed, so I wanted hear what you guys thought.

[maddoxies]

This may be more applicable in Canada camping, but Skunk Shampoo for just in case !!! You don't want to get caught without a remedy for a skunk encounter on the bedtime pee.

General travel stuff:
Doggie first aid kit. Gauze, Koban tape, first aid scissors, a couple of long shoe laces (emergency muzzle), tweezers, rubbing alchohol, Polysporin cream

Small tarp as shade for expen, or ground cover if lots of ants, etc

Travel size bottle of doggie shampo for after the beach, etc

Sample/trial size package of doggie wipes, or sample/travel baby wipes

Now you see why my dogs have more luggage than me when travelling :rofl:

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Make sure they wear harnesses since most doxie's can slip a collar.

[doxyangel]

All great tips. We have a 5th wheel and we take our babies with us. We have a x-pen that we take with us and set up outside. We are with them always we don't leave them by theirselves. ALso if you go somewhere and leave your puppers there. Make sure the a/c is working also put a sticker with pets in RV in case if something happens. Also you might want to leave your # with who ever is on duty in case their is a problem We do that. Have fun camping it does make it cheaper and so much easier.

[kpm_tex]

Xpens are a must and I would recommend a baby gate to place across the doorway.. I don't use it like I would at home.. but just keep it in place with a chair or something so that if you are some place and want to just have the screen door open you can prop the baby gate up and you don't have to worry about them falling out or messing the screen up. I have a chair in my travel trailer that I use to keep the gate in place.

[mom2otis&rufus]

We are converting an old school bus to an RV - we planned a special area into the floorplans just for securing the crates when we are rolling.

I can hardly wait to complete the "project" so we can hit the road with the boys!! Otis already thinks that the bus is his personal playground - I sure hope he will share it with me once it's finished! HA!

I think the first road trip will be Arizona to Minnesota - hopefully sometime next summer. If I can survive my old man and two doxies in a 32 x 8 foot area for 2000+ miles, it should make for quite an experience! :crsfnger:

[doxyangel]

you should have a lot of fun LOL. Are you going full time or just part time? DH and I want to go full time some day. :Sun2:

[mom2otis&rufus]

Just part-time for now. Still got one kiddo in school and I have to work...

[doxyangel]

Wouldn't it be nice to go full time? One day. our puppers love to travel.:Sun2:

[Paul]

Wouldn't it be nice to go full time? One day. our puppers love to travel.:Sun2:

I already have a diesel pusher picked out so when we win the lottery, we can quit our jobs and go. :D I can't complain though because we have a 5th wheel and go as much as possible in the summer.

Mom2Otis&Rufus, if you come to Minnesota next summer, watch for woodticks and deerticks on your puppers. Lyme disease (from deerticks) is prevalent in Central & Northern MN. If you want, PM me and I can give you campground suggestions.

[mom2otis&rufus]

:thanx:Thanks for the tick tip.....if and when the bus gets rolling, I will defintely bug you for campground info.

[schroeders mom]

We don't have a motor home, just a 32' travel trailer, but the pups ride with us in the suburban, either seatbelted in the back seats or crated (crates tied down). We also have a crate in the camper, we just keep it in the back bedroom (that way it smells like them and they are comfortable in it). Lots of great tips given, you should be good to go!
Have fun and take lots of pics!!!