As we were rolling along in our RV on a 9,000 km journey, my husband and I started brainstorming why we were enjoying our vacation in our RV so much. With two young kids in tow (3 and 1 respectively) and one active border collie, we certainly had our hands full. Here’s the ten reasons we came up with on the why you need a RV for your next family trip:

1. Potty Stops
Young children’s bladders are not big. When you’re trying to put in a good day of driving at least 8-10 hours, you have to stop for potty. Although we do use Pull-Ups, just in case, we wanted to continue to promote potty habits on the road. The RV rocks because you just have to pull over, open the trailer and voila. Instant potty stop.

2. Chronic Overpacking
I’m a self-admitted overpacker. I feel like I should bring everything, just in case. The RV restricts you to less for weight limits. However, when you consider having to pack for a flight into one 50 lb bag, the RV’s nooks and crannies seem spacious.

3. Gluten, Gluten, Everywhere
Eating with food sensitivities on the road can be a real challenge. When we were in the States, I had a hard time finding gluten-free foods at restaurants. It is hard to know what the gluten-status is of any given restaurant so you are really taking your chances every time you try a new place. The RV rocks for food sensitivities because you bring all your own food and can cook it. Instead of pulling into a restaurant, we would just pull into a grocery store instead.

4. Diaper Changes
With my other child still in diapers, we have been on many quick trips into Edmonton where we needed stop to change a diaper. Although, I can change a diaper on the bag of our pick-up truck gate, it isn’t the most warm or hospitable of places to do so. The RV rocks for this! We had a diaper caddy ready to go at our front bedroom and then would pop into the RV for a quick change (preferably while the other one was having a potty stop!)

5. Bears!
We live in wilderness. Camping involves nature, whether or not you like it. Nature in my neck of the woods consists of everything from bears to cougars. My husband is not comfortable with sleeping in the wilderness with only a thin nylon layer between himself and the bears. The comforting tin sides of his trailer suit him fine, thank you very much.

6. Hotels are Expensive
Before we had an RV, we would shell out anywhere from $80 (flea bag) to $150 (decent) a night for a hotel. Add in adventure dog (pet upcharge between $10-15). Add that all together for a week and you’re talking $500+ for a week. Campsites on our 9,000 mile RV journey costs us anywhere between FREE and $40/night. That’s a far cry from a hotel, and the bed is more comfortable too.

7. Lighting
I love tents. However, there is no easy way to light one up. It’s a combination between a head lamp and hanging a flashlight from the ceiling (provided there’s a hook or way to rig one up). Add in trying to see the food you’re cooking at night outside, and trying to set up a tent in the dark, and it can feel like a thankless task. The RV takes this task simple, you pull in, flip a switch and your battery does the rest. (We still think headlamps are fun).

8. Heat
With nights in spring and fall ranging from +12 C during the day to -5C at night, heat is a necessity. In my new to the mountains stage, I went tent camping with a friend in August. I packed lightly in the sleeping bag and blanket department used to Ontario’s heat at night. That night, the temperature dipped to -2C and the two us spent the night shivering. Although I realize it was my poor packing that contributed to my cold night, I have come to appreciate the heater in my RV to keep the family warm during this night time dips.

9. Experience in Nature
The reasons why children need nature more than ever are many. We spend so much time in urban living centres, we’ve forgotten key survival skills, and our connection to the land. Getting children into nature (even in RVs) is a step in the right direction. Time spent discovering new surprises outdoors just goes hand in hand with being there.

10. It’s just plain fun.
But don’t take my word for it – rent a trailer and try it out!

Why do you love your RV? Comment below and let us know.