Your new RV opens the door for a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Before long, you’ll be an expert on RV ownership and camping. But before your very first trip, there are some basics you’ll want to know to avoid potential headaches and hiccups. Fortunately, we have some RV camping tips for beginners that can help you get the most out of your first RV vacation!
Do a Pre-Vacation Dry Run
There are two major steps that every new RV owner should take before a big trip: spending the night in their RV, and taking a test drive around town. These dry runs are the best way to get familiar with your RV without the pressure of getting to a real destination or sticking to a schedule.
For your first overnight stay, you can likely just sleep in your RV right in your driveway! You’ll be near your home, but try to take advantage of your RV amenities. Cook in your RV kitchen, relax on your RV furniture and get used to living in an RV. Use this time to understand what you may need or may not need on your first trip.
A driving dry run is also an important stepping stone for RV beginners before their first camping trip. Most people haven’t had experience either driving a vehicle the size of a motorhome or towing a travel trailer. Driving around your town – where you’re already comfortable with the roads – will let you familiarize yourself with your new RV stress-free!
Plan Your Camping Trip
No list of RV camping tips for beginners would be complete without a recommendation to take your trip planning seriously! RV camping trips give you a new freedom that regular vacations may not typically offer. That means good planning can save you time, free up your budget and let you have more fun!
Planning your first RV camping trip should start with picking a location. From there, do research and make some calls! Confirm that the campground will be open and how busy it is. Many campsites are “first come, first serve” so you’ll want to know when to get there.
After you know where you’re going, start the logistics for packing. Depending on how long you’re going, you’ll need to pack the right amount of clothes, entertainment and food.
Unlike normal vacations, an RV vacation means you could save big cooking your own meals instead of paying exorbitant bills at tourist trap restaurants. It all comes down to how you want to enjoy your trip.
Take What You Need, But Pack Light
If you’re a prepper, you may be prone to overpacking. RVs give you a lot of room for storage, but many new RV owners take that as an opportunity to pack everything and the kitchen sink! One of our top RV camping tips for beginners is to think critically about what you actually need and not to overpack.
Use your RV storage space to bring your changes of clothes and food appropriate for your trip. If you’ll be staying in or near a city for a long trip, you’ll always have the option to stop at a store for necessities.
One of the most common mistakes to make is loading up your water tanks before you hit the road. Water is heavy! If you’ll be somewhere that has working hookups to fill up your water tanks, wait until you arrive. It’s a notable savings on fuel economy and lets you pack other, more important things without worrying about your RV weight limit.
Respect Your Neighbors
Arriving at your campsite for the first time in your new RV will be exciting. But remember – unless you’re dry camping out in the wilderness, you’re in a shared space. RV camping should be fun for everyone, but not everyone camps the same way.
When you’re in a public area, respect other people’s boundaries and experience. Keep your noise in check, clean up your space and be courteous to others using public access RV dump stations or other amenities.
Don’t Forget Your Tools
New RV owners can invest in some RV basics that will help simplify their camping life. In addition to a set of standard tools like screwdrivers and flashlights, keep these helpful RV tools handy:
Leveling Blocks – You need to keep your RV level. Not only is it important for safety, RV appliances like fridges can be damaged when operating at an angle. Leveling blocks are easy to use and let you make minor adjustments when your campsite isn’t perfectly level.
Wheel Chocks – An important part of towing any trailer is making sure it stays put when it’s not hooked up. Wheel chocks are necessary to avoid runaway trailers at home or at the campsite. Never be without them!
Tire Pressure Gauge – Being proactive with your tires is one of the easiest ways to keep your RV safe and avoid costly maintenance. A tire pressure gauge is a quick and easy tool to use that lets you know when your tires need more air.
Depending on how handy you are, you can consider more advanced tools like air compressors and replacement parts for your tow vehicle or RV. These are all good to have on hand for a quick repair, especially if you love to camp in solitude!
Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126
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