Life on the Road /RV Safety Tips
Read these 6 Life on the Road /RV Safety Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about RV tips and hundreds of other topics.
Taxes
If you are earning income while you are on the road there are some special tax issues you need to consider. Some states deem any money you earned while in the state to be taxable by that state. So even though you do not have residency in that state you may be required to file an income tax return. Some states base this on the length of time you are in the state and some by the amount you earn while in that state.
More taxes
Check with you accountant about any special tax issues you have regarding income earned while on the road. If you file in error you could be liable for back taxes and interest from when the origianl return was filed.
Keep Track of Assignments
If you plan on 'Motor home schooling' your kids make sure to keep track of what you do. Have them write a daily journal of where they went, things they saw and concepts they learned.
Make money
There are lots of opportunities to make extra income while traveling. From working at the park you are staying at to selling at local Flea Markets there is something for eveyone to do.
Driving Your RV Across the Canadian/United States Border with a Pet
Crossing the Canadian/United States border with a cat or dog is fairly simple. The animal must have a rabies vaccination certificate, issued by a licensed veterinarian, which shows the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the border crossing. The document must also have an accurate description of the animal. A letter from your veterinarian certifying the overall health of the animal is not required, but acts as a back-up. Cats and dogs under three months of age are exempt. Animals and your RV are subject to inspection at the border.
Pet birds more than three days old may be imported, subject to a health inspection at the border. Owners must sign a declaration that they have owned the bird for at least 90 days prior to entry. Special rules apply for birds on the endangered species list. Special permits are required for exotic pets such as amphibians, reptiles and aquarium fish.
The rules sometimes vary depending on which country you are entering. If visiting Canada, its best to check with the Canada Border Services Agency. If traveling to the United States consult the U.S. Customs and Border Service and/or the USDA, United States Department of Agriculture.
Don’t forget your own valid passport and make sure the registration and insurance on your RV will be valid for the duration of your trip.
RV Traveling With Your Cat
The RV lifestyle is perfect for taking your four-legged family member on vacations with you. But what if your pet purrs instead of barks? Is it possible to have a good RV experience with your favorite feline? The answer, of course, is yes. It just takes a bit more preparation in order to outsmart your cat, while at the same time keeping him content.
Use a Cat Carrier
Don’t expect your cat to ride in one of those small, taking-me-to-the-vet cat carriers for hours on end. Spring for a larger model, line it with a soft blanket and a few familiar cat toys and most cats settle in pretty quick. Some will serenade you when you start out, but the “singing” usually ends once the cat figures out nothing bad will happen. Many cats end up spending the night in the open carrier, getting up just in time to remind you about breakfast.
Setting Up the Litter Box
Campgrounds frown on letting cats run loose, and in most cases doing so is unsafe. A few cats will walk on a leash, or rather walk you. But most cats stay inside, and seem to prefer it that way as long as there are nice big windows to look out of.
One of your biggest challenges is figuring out where to set up the litter box. The bathroom is the obvious choice, if it is big enough. A separate shower is ideal. Make sure you put the box on a big towel or pad to keep stray bits of litter from going down the drain. Having this stuff gum up your gray tank is no fun. The covered litter boxes work best. Special pads that go in front of the litter box door also help. Another option for larger RVs is to put the litter box in a hidden corner of a separate bedroom. Again, those pads will keep your cat from tracking litter all over your rig.
Trial Run
If your cat isn’t used to traveling, taking the carrier and the cat out to the RV for a trial run in the driveway works wonders. Leave the cat carrier door open during part of the trial run so your cat can wander around the RV. Put out food, water and set up the litter box just as if you were spending the night. Curiosity will do the rest. You may have to repeat this process for especially irritable and antsy cats.
Consider doing a trial campout in your driveway or maybe a weekend trip to a local campground. The latter gets your cat used to the sound and feel of the RV when it’s in motion. The turning on of the engine and driving down the road for the first time tends to bring out the kitty serenade in full force. But once you’re parked and settled for the night, chances are your cat will stake out a favorite window seat and just watch the scenery.
Sooner or later your cat will figure out he can sit in that window in perfect safety, no matter how many dogs sit outside and bark. The word “tease” comes to mind.
