Extreme RVing - Pushing Your RV and Your Driving Skills to the Limit to Discover Unreal Adventure

Extreme RVing can take your regular road trip to the next level! Of course, any RV trip is going to be an adventure. Whether you travel near or far, the simple fact that you’re driving a home on wheels down the highway is an endeavor that not everyone is cut out for. It takes a special set of driving skills and knowhow to operate a large vehicle and a full-size motor home is an undertaking that should be taken seriously. If you’re bold enough to go for it, an RV trip can be the voyage of a lifetime leading to numerous memories that will turn to stories you will tell family and friends for years.

So, who would ever want to take RV driving to the next level? Are there any of you out there who feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel of an RV and really want to see how good your driving skills truly are? There are some really amazing and unforgettable locations off of the beaten path that take effort, skill, and a touch of reckless abandon to get to. And while some of these spots don’t seem like your average RV destination (and they’re not average, by any means), if you find yourself in need of an extra adventure, they all will push your driving skills to the limit. So, buckle up and let’s take a look at some ambitious RV adventures that are not for the faint of heart but absolutely unreal, if you’re brave enough to give it a go.

US Highway 101 – Northern California

Northern California has a storied reputation for beautiful terrain featuring rugged beaches, untouched coastlines, and old growth forests. This region is truly one of those locations that seem to capture the imagination in awe-inspiring beauty alongside a touch of wild and imposing nature. Big waves crash along cliffsides and the redwood trees reach ever onward towards the blue skies above. US Highway 101 travels right through the heart of this magical area and is a fun and rewarding drive. The highway is full of sharp turns with steep and drastic changes of elevation, making it a challenging endeavor in an RV.

Narrow stretches along scenic vistas with cliffs as large as sky scrapers demand you keep your eyes on the road and not the scenery. Twisting switchbacks down into the lush coastal forests allow access to the magic that is Big Sur. This section of road from Monterey down to Big Sur is a recommended favorite to experience. Driving an RV here is challenging and requires plenty of focus and skill. Play it safe by always going at or below the speed limit. Take the curves and switchbacks at an even slower pace and keep your rig in low gear while descending. There are several campgrounds in Northern California along the way that offer amazing seaside ambiance and a great chance to relax after a bit of white knuckle driving.

Trans-Canada Highway

The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the main arteries through the country and covers some amazing land from open prairies to soaring mountain tops. This stretch of highway is scenic and iconic and spans nearly 5,000 miles, making it one of the longest highways in the world. It can make for a great RV road trip while offering visitors to Canada a great taste of the country as is passes through many of the major cities and landmarks.

While the eastern section of this highway can be fairly flat and easy to navigate, the fun really begins once you get west of Calgary. The road slowly starts to ascend as you drive deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies in all of their splendor. The Trans-Canada highway between Calgary and Vancouver offers amazing mountain views as it passes through the well-known city of Banff, known for its many outdoor activities in summer and winter. Banff makes a great pit stop for some great food or is an excellent stopping location for the night before pushing further into the mountains.

This section of the Trans-Canada Highway can be challenging for any driver and those behind the wheel of an RV need to pay even more attention. Steep grades and mountain passes can push your engine to work extra hard so be sure it is in great operating condition before embarking on this one. Adverse weather can come in quickly and you will need to be prepared for snow about 9 months out of the year. The summer season is the safest time of year to brave this highway but if you have good snow tires, chains, and the gusto to give it a go, a winter drive through the Canadian Rockies can lead to unbelievable views and plenty of powder skiing. The highway is narrow and two-lanes at some points so remember to go slow and keep your rig under control.

Alaska

For some people, Alaska is one of the ultimate RV driving destinations. Just hearing the name of this wild and vast land sparks adventure in the minds of any of us who love to travel. The first step to Alaska in an RV is simply getting there. While some companies do offer RV rentals in Alaska, brining your own rig up from home is a grand adventure in itself due to how far you must travel to get there. Driving through the entirety of coastal Canada to get to Alaska is an ambitious undertaking for any driver but it all builds hype and leads you towards the crown jewel on many RVers bucket lists.

Related Read: How Bad is the Drive to Alaska?

The summer season is obviously the best and easiest time to visit and drive around Alaska. Seemingly endless summer nights leave lots of time to get around and see the imposing mountain ranges and spectacular wildlife that this region is famous for. Nighttime driving is not recommended as wildlife can venture onto the highways and cause a lot of damage, even to an RV. Be safe and cautious when driving an RV around Alaska but if you’re bold enough to make it up north, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best RV opportunities and adventure in the world.