Traveling in an RV for a family adventure offers a variety of benefits you can't take advantage of when you're flying or driving in a car and staying in hotels – optimal comfort is always at your fingertips, the kids and pets don't get bored as easily, and you can save some money on travel and hotel expenses. But sometimes accidents and breakdowns happen, and it's a good idea to be prepared so your trip isn't ruined or stressful on your family or the pets. Use these easy tips to reduce the stress of RV repair while you're on the road:

Invest in Obedience Classes

One of the best things you can do for your furry family members before heading off on a traveling vacation is to invest in a few obedience classes. You'll want to make sure that your dog sits, stays, and comes when you call at all times. Otherwise, you run the risk of your dog getting lost in the commotion if an accident or breakdown occurs.

Make sure you're present for the classes so that you can learn to use the same techniques that the trainer uses. Even if your pup has learned basic obedience commands, a refresher course will help both you and pooch feel more confident while on the road.

Carry Collapsible Crates

You might find yourself having to wait outside your RV for a tow truck or a taxi cab to transport you to a hotel while your rig is being repaired, so having a way to contain your pets during periods of waiting will relieve stress and potential danger. Invest in one collapsible wire crate for each pet you're traveling with, and you can store them under a counter or bed in the RV when they aren't in use. Make sure the crates are big enough for your pets to stand, turn around, and lay down comfortably in case they have to wait inside for more than a few minutes at a time.

Pack a Special Bag

You may find that you don't have enough time to grab the essentials out of your RV after an accident or a breakdown before it's towed off to be repaired, especially if everything is scattered in different areas of the vehicle. Packing a special bag with pet treats, basic clothing, and a few pieces of entertainment for the kids will allow you to take cover at a hotel for the night without having to worry about meeting your family's needs. Just keep the bag by the front door or in an exterior storage compartment for convenient access if it's needed.

Obtain Health Certificates

If you're traveling across state lines, chances are that your pets will need health certificates signed by their veterinarians in order to visit in the states you are traveling through. Many hotels and campgrounds require proof of vaccinations too, which are typically documented on health certificates. Make sure each of your pets are seen by the vet to get certificates within 10 days of your departure to ensure that you're complying with state laws and to make sure that you can find a hotel to stay in if you end up having to wait for your RV to be repaired before continuing on with your travels. It's also a good idea to have your pets microchipped and to attach clear address and phone number labels on their collars for easy identification.

These prep steps might take a little extra time in the days leading up to your trip, but they can save you money, time, and heartache once you take off to experience an ultimate adventure. Talk to an RV repair person for more about this topic. They may have some other suggestions for checking up on potential maintenance issues in your RV to ensure it is ready for your trip.