Venturing into new territory can be overwhelming. For new RV owners, the allure of freedom and relaxing road trips can cause you to drive your new RV off the lot and straight towards a campsite. Wait just a second! Before you begin your exciting new RV lifestyle, read about common RV mistakes and how you can avoid them!
Not Calling Ahead
As you plan your very first trip, don’t get lost in the excitement and forget to do your due diligence! Despite the well-kept websites for many of the national or local parks across the country, you need to take the time to reach out to them over the phone.
The most important part of this is setting up your reservation. There’s no worse feeling than when you take your new RV to your destination only to find out that every site is already booked. This can be a real problem if you were expecting a long-term RV camping trip out at your favorite park!
You’ll also be able to inquire about other important information for your trip:
- Activities available
- Best times of year to camp
- Any emergency closings/issues
Not every campsite has to-the-minute details for their grounds available online. You’ll always save yourself some trouble if you just take a few minutes to call ahead first!
Skipping the Exterior Inspection
Whether you’re about to start your vacation or packing up after a camping trip, you need to do an exterior inspection. There are a lot of pieces and parts to RVing – slide-outs, doors, awnings and more. It’s critical to make sure these are road-ready before you pull onto a major road or highway.
Any time you plan to drive or tow your RV, do a quick exterior walkaround. Examine any moving parts and make sure everything is where it belongs. If you have chairs and other gear near your RV, put it away first. This helps to prevent visual obstructions, so you can get a clear look at your entire RV. You also don’t want to leave anything behind!
A walkaround only takes a minute or two at most. But it can prevent accidents or mistakes that might cost you hours or more. There’s no benefit to skipping your walkaround – make it part of your routine every time you travel!
Trying to See Too Much
Owning an RV opens the doors and gives you a new freedom that you likely have never experienced before. With that new freedom, you may get the urge to visit a million places and do a million things. Slow down!
The best part of RV camping is knowing that you’re traveling and sleeping on your own time. Unlike hotels, RV camping is inexpensive and flexible, allowing you to set up in campsites and other locations all over the country. There’s no need to pack your itinerary too tightly, and doing so can overwhelm you or ruin the relaxation you would typically get from camping.
Ignoring Maintenance
Like any vehicle, you need to spend time maintaining your RV. Unlike typical cars or trucks, however, RV maintenance can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, once you learn the parts to your RV, you’ll find out that it’s actually very intuitive!
Maintaining an RV is similar to maintaining a house. You need to spend time cleaning the interiors, washing the exterior and making sure that your appliances are running well. If you frequently check in on your batteries, water tanks and more, you’ll find that they’re very easy to manage.
For major RV maintenance, like winterizing or de-winterizing your RV, there are plenty of resources online (like our blog!) that can help you become a well-informed RV owner.
Buying the Wrong RV
With all the types of RVs available to you, a newcomer to the RV world might not know which will be best for them. Don’t make decisions until you fully understand what each type of RV can offer. You may think you’re being a savvy shopper choosing a small RV at the lowest cost, only to realize it doesn’t have enough room for the whole family. On the flip side, you don’t always need the most luxuriously-sized model if you plan to go on trips by yourself!
Do you research! You can learn all about different types of RVs on your own. After that, you can visit us and we’ll be able to answer your questions and help narrow down your search until we find the perfect model for you.
Not Knowing Your RV Height and Weight Limits
When you decide on your RV, the most important two numbers you should learn are its height and its weight limit. These numbers are critical to RV safety!
Even a massive truck won’t be as tall as an RV. In most circumstances, the height of your RV won’t be an issue. The open road is easy enough to travel. But many overhangs, overpasses and tunnels require you to be very aware of the maximum clearance to prevent an accident.
Likewise, the weight limit of your RV is important to know as you begin to load up your own luggage, entertainment and passengers. You never want to overload your RV, and you can’t avoid the issue if you don’t know how much is too much!
Overpacking
New RV owners often overpack, bringing everything they own on you first trip. Overpacking can lead to a cramped and cluttered living space, making the RV less comfortable to live in. It can also put undue strain on the RV’s weight limit, which can cause damage or accidents.
To avoid overpacking, new RV owners should make a packing list and stick to it. You should only pack what you need for the trip and leave behind items you can do without. RV owners should also weigh your belongings and make sure you don’t exceed the RV’s weight limit. Packing light will not only make the RV more comfortable to live in but also save on fuel costs.
Not Leveling the RV
Leveling the RV is crucial for comfort and stability. New RV owners may forget to level your RV, leading to an uncomfortable and unstable living space. An unlevel RV can cause appliances to work improperly, things to roll or fall over, and can even put stress on the frame and tires, causing damage.
If you’re new to RV ownership, you should invest in a leveling system or at least a simple bubble level to ensure your RV is level. You should park the RV on level ground and use leveling blocks to adjust the height of the wheels as needed. Checking the level of the RV regularly during the trip and after moving locations is also recommended.
Not Planning the Route
RVs are not like cars and require a bit more planning when it comes to routes. New RV owners may not plan your route properly, leading to difficult-to-navigate roads or routes with no RV-friendly stops. This can make the journey more stressful, tiring, and even dangerous.
New RV owners should plan their route carefully before setting out on their trip. You should research the best routes for RVs, avoiding roads with low clearances or weight limits. RV-friendly apps can also help plan the route with recommended stops, fuel stops, and campgrounds along the way. Checking the weather forecast before leaving and making adjustments to the route to avoid extreme weather conditions is also recommended.
Not Understanding the RV’s Water System
RVs have different water systems than houses, and new RV owners may not understand how to use them properly. This can lead to water damage and plumbing issues. It can also put the RV’s water system at risk of freezing and bursting in cold weather, causing significant damage.
Always take the time to understand how the RV’s water system works. You should learn how to fill, drain, and sanitize the water tank properly. You should also understand how to use the water pump and turn it off when not in use to avoid wasting water and causing wear and tear on the system. Knowing how to properly protect the RV’s water system from freezing by using a heating system or antifreeze solution is also crucial. It’s recommended to have the RV’s water system inspected and winterized by a professional if the RV will be stored during the winter months.
Find the Perfect RV for You – Contact RV Wholesale Superstore
Are you ready to buy your first RV and travel the country? The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for your budget! Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (866) 596-7767.
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