Do not travel while ill or with anyone who is ill. (Common sense, please). If you think you are infected with COVID-19, stay away from others and only travel if you can be alone in an RV and not around anyone else. In fact, if you are ill, having an RV could be a good way to self-isolate until the contagion period passes. Consult CDC guidelines for the details on the period of time you must self-isolate. 

Only a few states still have restrictions on camping because of this “pandemic.” Many people want to get outside and getting around in an RV is a great recreation option as you can stay apart (by at least 6 feet) from other families and maintain social distancing in RV parks relatively easily. Going to the beach and getting outdoors for hikes in forests have been shown to be therapeutic for your health. Just maintain your social distancing and use common sense. (Notice a theme here?) 

One story in USA Today in June of this year said RV vacations could see a boom as some of the corona virus restrictions have lifted. However, some states where restrictions were lifted did start to see higher numbers of exposures and more positive tests for having had exposure. Interestingly, at least 50% of those who tested positive for the virus were asymptomatic.

But RV Camping is going through a renaissance of sorts. In this era, many people are interested in getting out in nature to go camping while having their own space and being able to maintain social distance. Many campgrounds are taking extra precautions, depending on the state. Check-in transactions are often contact-free. Facilities are getting cleaned more frequently.  

The size of groups may be limited and some amenities, like playgrounds or swimming pools, may be temporarily off limits. But overall, they are seeing a resurgence in reservations as summer is in full swing. State parks in most states are open for camping now. Again, just check with the state and park you are planning to visit. All will need reservations to be admitted. National parks are open for the most part but not all have opened their campgrounds. Please check with the specific park you are interested in visiting to see what their status is.  

The industry is planning on a comeback thanks to Americans who are dealing with cabin fever yet want vacation options that allow for social distancing and aren't far from home. Those who own or rent an RV – be it a motorhome or trailer – can stock it with their own bedding and personal items to give them a safer option than flying or staying in hotels. Also, one can pack kitchen ware and food and cook their own meals if dining out is too risky. 

So, let’s say you’ve decided to hit the open road in your own or a rented RV. How can you make it safe for yourself and your family? Here are some valuable tips. 

How to clean your RV:  

Using the CDC guidelines, we recommend the following cleaning and disinfecting guidelines: 

Hard surfaces (countertops, sink, toilet, etc) 

  • Clean dirty surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfecting. 
  • To disinfect, you can use diluted bleach solutions, alcohol-based products with 70% alcohol, or other EPA approved household disinfectants for hard surfaces. 

Porous surfaces (carpeting, furniture, rugs, drapes, etc) 

  • Vacuum visible debris or clean stains with what you use on these surfaces. 
  • If possible, launder these items and/or disinfect using EPA approved products for porous surfaces.  

Laundered items (linens, clothing, etc) 

  • Do not shake dirty laundry; this minimizes the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air. 
  • Wash all items using the warmest water possible based on the care instructions. 
  • Remember to clean and disinfect hampers as well, using the guidelines above for hard/porous surfaces. 

How often? 

It’s recommended to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Don’t forget your RV’s steering wheel, dash controls, and door handles, either! 

Staying Safe While on the Road 

In addition to the cleaning guidelines above, there are some easy ways to help prevent the spread of Corona virus, in accordance with the CDC. (We’d say these are good practices to have in place anytime!)  

Thoroughly Wash Your Hands 

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. 

Other Precautions 

  • Be sure to have hand sanitizer with you in case you don’t have immediate access to soap and water.  
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. 
  • Coughs and sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. 
  • Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash hands or use hand sanitizer. 

Remember at Road Bear RV, we are constantly cleaning our RV’s and sanitizing them as soon as they are returned so they will be safe and clean for the next customer. As an experienced and trusted provider of RV rentals for 40 years, Road Bear RV maintains extremely high standards for motorhome cleanliness. Our procedures adhere to all guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 and we are fully confident of customer safety within our RVs.