Sierra Nevada Airstreams: Owner's Guide - Participating

Rules and Etiquette for Caravans and Rallies

A caravan or rally is a joint effort of many people. To assure effective coordination for the ultimate success of the caravan and its enjoyment by all, the standards of behavior must be effectively communicated, known, and accepted by all participants.

When you make your rules, be sure to include only those rules you will actually enforce. Make the rules very clear so that subjectivity about determining if they are broken or not is minimized. The consequences of violating a rule should also be defined. Provide a copy of the rules to each participant and determine some means for them to acknowledge receipt, understanding, acceptance of applicability and consequences for the rules. Here are some ideas about rules useful for rally and caravan success.

Preparing for the Caravan

• Rig maintenance and preparation - every participant needs to have all of their equipment up to date on maintenance and repair in order provide full participation without undue distractions

• Participant training and preparation - everyone should know what they need to do, when they need to do it, and how to do it right so the entire caravan will run smoothly.

• Identification - Both rigs and people need to easily identified to help in communications.

• Equipment Inventory - a caravan should not be a treasure hunt for unanticipated needs or missing gear.

• See the Owner's Guide Preparing Section for checklists and other preparation tips.

On the Road

• Communication - Attend driver's meetings, travel in small groups, keep an eye on the bulletin board set up at each stop for news, install radios in your rig to be able to keep in touch on the road and in camp, read the manuals and documents your are provided so you know how things work and what is planned.

• Road Etiquette - We want to present a good image of our group. We don't want anyone angry at us. So be courteous on the road and drive safely. Avoid convoys to keep the caravan presence low and less intrusive to others while on the road but do travel in small groups to share the experience and be able to help each other out.

• Coordination of travel plans - Work with the group to gain the benefits of the group. Let the camp host arrive at campsites first so you have a quick sign-in and no confusion about where to park. Stay ahead of the Caboose so the caravan will know if you get lost or break down. Don't take off on your own without coordinating with the Caravan Boss to avoid conflicts with caravan plans, accidental mass invasions at unplanned stops, or other problems.

• See the Owner's Guide Driving Section for ideas about courtesy on the road and other travel issues.

At Camp

• Arrival - allow the camp host to get there first so he or she can make proper arrangements and see that everyone gets parked in the right spot and informed about camp requirements and activities.

• Parking - follow the directions of the parking crew so you get properly positioned in your spot.

• Set-up and Tear-down - manage your camp for a comfortable stay.

• Meetings and in-camp activities - be sure to attend the caravan meetings so that you are not left in the dark about plans, events, and activities.

• Departure - coordinate your moves with others to minimize conflicts and congestion. Don't distract others when they are doing important tasks such as hitching up.

• Trash and waste disposal - Use only the properly designated sites for disposal and waste. Dump black or gray tanks only as indicated appropriate for the specific site.

• Hook ups - be considerate of any limitations in hook-ups and be equipped to share electricity or water connections with others by having adapters and pass through connections that don't restrict utility service.

• Quiet hours - operate things that make noise, such as generators, only during designated hours and in designated locations

• See the Owner's Guide Living Section for ideas about setting up a safe and comfortable camp.

At Events

• Car pooling - coordinate with the group to ease transportation and parking related problems

• Image - you represent your group. Make it a positive image.

• Be informed - know what is expected of you and what to do if something unexpected happens or you get lost or isolated from the group

In General

• Set the example - enjoy yourself but keep in mind others' sensibilities and the rules, regulations, and customs of the people and cultures we visit. Exercise restraint, for example, in the use of alcohol and use mugs or glasses for imbibing outside your RV. Many caravans are no smoking affairs. Firearms are often prohibited on caravans.

• Do your part - volunteer, learn about, and serve the needs of the group in both its organizational matters as well as in staffing. If you have special skills or capabilities you can offer, make sure the caravan boss knows what you can offer and the conditions that need to be considered.

• Show your colors - follow proper international protocol in showing the flags of countries or states.

• Get acquainted - Take advantage of the group activities or other opportunities to meet folks and make new friends.

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