RV road trips: ferry bookings and seasonal routes

Build an RV itinerary around the complete vehicle’s dimensions, realistic stops and current road access. For a ferry, book the correct vehicle size and check that operator’s arrival rules. A reservation, fare and hazardous-materials permission are separate questions; confirm propane restrictions for the booked crossing.

Convert a driving plan into a day’s schedule

Assume a day includes four hours moving, two 20-minute breaks, 30 minutes for fuel, one hour for a meal and 45 minutes to arrive and set up. That is 6 hours 55 minutes before traffic or delays. Leaving at 9 a.m. would put setup completion at 3:55 p.m. under those assumptions.

These assumed stops add 2 hours 55 minutes to the driving time. Adjust the plan for the driver, road, weather and actual stops rather than treating a mileage target as a safe driving limit.

Washington State Ferries: reservation is not the ticket

WSDOT’s oversized-vehicle guidance says fares depend on length, vehicles wider than 8 ft 6 in pay double the applicable length fare, and vessel height clearances vary. Check the actual combination dimensions, including racks and towed equipment.

The vehicle reservation system offers reservations on Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. A reservation does not include the ticket. Its arrival guidance is 45–60 minutes early for Anacortes/San Juan Islands and 30–45 minutes for Port Townsend/Coupeville.

For an assumed 11 a.m. Anacortes sailing, the stated arrival range is 10–10:15 a.m. Allow additional travel time to reach the terminal and follow the confirmation’s check-in requirements.

Do not apply that window to another ferry operator.

Check seasonal access and border requirements separately

Read current road and ferry alerts for each travel date. Confirm propane and other hazardous-material conditions directly with the carrier before arrival; do not infer permission from an ordinary vehicle booking.

For international travel, use the Alaska, Canada and Mexico travel guide for the relevant agency links and document checks. Verify coverage with the insurer, declarations with the border authority and pet-entry requirements for the route.

Keep a permitted alternate stop for a missed sailing or closure. Check campground late-arrival and cancellation terms before scheduling a ferry that leaves little time to reach the site.