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Travel trailer roadtrip with your dog
Roadtrip in a Travel Trailer with your dog: our tips for a successful adventure
Traveling by Travel Trailer is already a great adventure. But when you add a dog to the equation, everything becomes even more memorable and fun! After three months on the road with our Alto 2124 and our companion Whisky, a 5-year-old Labrador full of energy, we've learned quite a few things we'd like to share with you. If you're planning a roadtrip with your pooch, here are a few simple and practical tips to make the experience as enjoyable for you as it is for him.
1. Familiarize your dog with travel
Before you embark on your adventure, remember to get your dog used to traveling. Some dogs, like our Whisky, adapt easily and stay zen for hours on the road, but this isn't always the case for every doggie. If your dog is not used to long car journeys, start with short trips to get him used to movement.
Here's a nice little tip: take along his favorite toys or blanket, so that he can feel at home in both the vehicle and the Travel Trailer. In our case, we had a Subaru Ascent SUV and plenty of space in the back to accommodate the dog mat during trips. We took care to move it into the Travel Trailer as needed during overnight stays. Whisky never felt out of place.
2. Adapt your trip to your dog's temperament
Not all dogs react in the same way when traveling, and it's important to adapt the roadtrip to their personality.
For calm dogs (like Whisky): long journeys are a breeze. Feel free to plan slightly longer legs, but be sure to take regular breaks so he can stretch his legs and relieve himself.
For energetic dogs: plan frequent stops. Choose parks or rest areas where your dog can run, exercise and release excess energy. Have him drink regularly.
For anxious dogs: routine is key. Keeping set times for meals and breaks will help calm his anxiety. Also consider anti-stress toys or certain painkillers prescribed by your vet to help relax your dog.
3. Choose dog-friendly campsites
Not all campsites accept dogs, so be sure to ask before you book. However, some campsites offer space for your dog to run and play freely. On our trip through the American West, we chose campsites with plenty of space for Whisky to stretch out after a long day on the road. Many of these spots were on BLMs (Bureau of Land Management), which are government public lands, very popular in the USA. When it got really hot, we spent the night in serviced campsites to use the air-conditioning. The KOA network of campsites is interesting if you want services and space for dogs. We stayed there a few times.
Tip: Use apps like AllStays or RoverPass to locate dog-friendly campsites. Another relevant app on the road is Ioverlander.
4. Create a cozy corner in the Travel Trailer
Just as you need your own cozy corner in the Travel Trailer, your dog deserves his own space too. Whether your dog is calm or restless, give him a corner with his bed, blanket or favorite toy to make him feel at home. As for us, our dear Whisky was a faithful companion to our 8-year-old boy, with whom he shared his bed for much of the journey...
Tip: For more restless dogs, a non-slip mat or crate can make the journey safer and more comfortable.
5. Plan activities adapted to your dog
A roadtrip in a Travel Trailer is the perfect opportunity to share plenty of activities with your dog. Hiking, swimming in rivers or lakes, exploring parks: there are plenty of ways to have fun together. For active dogs, it's a must! During our roadtrip, mountain biking was the order of the day in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Whisky was a great partner!
Note: if your dog likes to exercise, choose destinations with hiking trails or beaches where dogs are allowed. Note that US National Forests are often more permissive and flexible than large US National Parks, which have more restrictions on the amount of space allowed for pets.
6. Take care of your dog's health on the road
A first-aid kit for your dog is essential. Don't forget your dog's usual medicines, and always have basic items such as bandages, disinfectants and, of course, up-to-date health documents (vet's health booklet and up-to-date vaccinations) on hand.
7. Watch out for the heat!
During the summer, temperatures in a vehicle and a Travel Trailer can rise rapidly. Whether your dog is calm like Whisky or more active, it's essential to maintain good ventilation and never leave your dog alone in the Travel Trailer Trailer in hot weather. If you're going on an activity without your dog and you're thinking of leaving him in the Travel Trailer Trailer, stay at a serviced campsite where you can activate the air conditioning. Very practical when spending time in Arizona and Nevada 😊.
Traveling with a dog in a Travel Trailer is a unique adventure, full of unforgettable moments. Whether your dog is a bundle of energy or a great relaxer like Whisky, the important thing is to prepare your trip carefully. With these few tips, you'll be able to hit the road with complete peace of mind and create magical memories with your four-legged best friend. Enjoy your roadtrip!