Using The 3-3-3 Rule for RVing – A Smarter Way to Travel in 2025
Have You Heard About The 3-3-3 Rule for RVing?
Whether you’re a full-time RVer or just hitting the road for your first season, the 3‑3‑3 Rule is one of the best-kept secrets in the RV community. Surprisingly, many seasoned RV enthusiasts have not heard about this time-tested method for traveling and RV living. It’s a simple travel formula that helps you enjoy the journey, stay safe, and may even help to protect your RV from unnecessary wear and tear – including your RV windows and glass.
Let’s break it down and explain why it matters.
What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?
The 3‑3‑3 Rule goes like this:
- Drive no more than 300 miles in a day
- Arrive at your destination by 3 PM
- Stay at least 3 nights before moving on
Some travelers even add an extra “3”:
- Stop every 3 hours to stretch, take breaks, enjoy the spontaneous scenery, and walk around your RV to check for any mechanical issues.
While it might sound simple, it’s backed by a lot of wisdom from experienced RVers and industry experts alike.
Why It Works (According to Experts and Real RVers)
The team at Cruise America points out that driving too far in one day can cause driver fatigue – sometimes with effects similar to being intoxicated! The 300-mile cap helps you stay alert and avoid burnout. It also allows you to be relatively fresh still once you have parked for the day, so you can enjoy your surroundings and even visit with your neighbors if you are a social camper.
Oliver Travel Trailers emphasizes that arriving by 3 PM allows you to set up your rig in daylight, settle in without rushing, and catch any potential issues early – including damage to windows or mirrors. You will also have more time for shopping, cooking, and leisurely exploring.
And in this Islands article, the rule is praised as a “genius” way to reduce stress, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey – not just the destination. It’s so easy to get caught-up in the A-B-C way of traveling from destination to destination, without really enjoying the adventure. The Three 3s rule can help you to be more mindful of your road adventure, consistently.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Many RVers fall into the trap of pushing too hard on the road for various reasons. Common mistakes include:
- Driving too far in a single day
- Skipping rest stops and even meals in order to beat the clock or sundown
- Always rushing from one campground to the next
- Not inspecting your RV until something breaks
The 3‑3‑3 Rule helps you to avoid these habits by building rest and routine into your schedule. That’s good for your body – and your RV.
✅ Try This 3-3-3 Travel Checklist
Rule | Why It Helps You | Why It Helps Your RV Windows |
Drive less than 300 miles per day | Less stress, more alertness | Less vibration, better glass integrity |
Stop every 3 hours | Stretch, rest, stay fresh | More chances to inspect your glass |
Arrive by 3 PM | Easier setup in daylight | Spot cracks or leaks by daylight |
Stay at least 3 nights | Time to relax & explore | Schedule repairs if needed |
Travel Smart. Stay Safe. Protect Your View.
The 3-3-3 Rule isn’t a hard-and-fast law—it’s just a simple and easily remembered method to make RV travel safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. And by helping you pace your journey, it also gives you the time and awareness to care for one of the most vulnerable parts of your RV: your glass windows!
If you DO notice damage on your trip, don’t panic. At Custom Glass Solutions, we specialize in nationwide RV window replacement and windshield repair – from door and window glass for towable RVs to RV windshields for countless beloved RV brands. We’ll help you find the right glass and get your rig back on the road with a clear, safe view.
Need help? Please contact us with your questions!
Need help right away? Use our easy online form to get your repair/replacement project started with 3000+ glass shops coast-to-coast who partner with Custom Glass Solutions.
Enjoy the road (remember the 3-3-3!) and thanks for reading.
Written by Matt Eder
