If you are a first-time RV owner or renter, there are a few things you should know before you head out on the open road. While RVs may seem simple, there are a few instances where researching and educating yourself prior to hitting the road can make a huge difference.
Don’t allow small inconveniences to pile up due to lack of knowledge, keep these tips in mind before hitting the road, and you can ensure yourself a wonderful RV experience.
Practice Towing
If you are a first-time RV owner, and you opted for a trailer rather than a motorhome, it can be a great idea to practice your towing in a large parking lot, and practice driving with the trailer attached, in areas you feel comfortable.
Knowing how your vehicle and trailer well before you head out on your adventure can save you hassles and confusion on travel day.
Dry Run Setup Close to Home
Before heading out on a long trip, it can be a good idea to camp close to home for a dry run. Find a campground near you to go for a weekend. This will give you time to fully set up your RV and work out any bugs. It will also give you the time you need to learn how to set up your unit, rather than get caught thousands of miles from home and realizing you don’t know how to use certain systems.
For some people, this will mean learning the battery capacity or teach you to remember to check water levels if you are at an unserviced site. Set everything up as you would for a vacation, learn to set up your awning, remember to close vents and windows for travel, and will show you what items may need to be stored differently. All in all a dry run can save you time and frustration and help you find any larger problems before you stray too far from home.
Smart Packing and Checklists for Essential Items
Learning what to pack, what to leave, and what items are essential is one of the biggest learning curves that come for first-time RV enthusiasts. Air compressors, extension cords, and other accessories are often recommended as essential items by the experts and you can find many lists to help you plan your perfect trip at smartexploring.com/best-12-volt-air-compressor. Following expert advice and ensuring you have the perfect checklist for packing can save you from the annoyance of not having the right items, or having too many insignificant ones.
No matter what you do, having a solid checklist is one of the most important steps to take when preparing for your RV adventure.
Plan Your Destinations
While it might seem exciting to hit the road and not have a destination, this lack of planning can lead to frustrations when trying to find services for your RV. While RVs are wonderful for portability, there are some requirements that need to be met, to ensure you are optimizing the use of your RV.
You will need to refill your freshwater holding tanks and be able to find locations to dump your sewage and grey water tanks. If you don’t plan where you are going, you may find yourself with no water, or holding too much sewage, leaving you unable to utilize the washrooms and other facilities furnished in your RV.
Having a general direction and knowing that you can encounter the required services for your RV will save you unnecessary inconvenience and frustration.
Understand your RV Tanks and Capacity
Building on tip 4, it is important to understand your tank capacity levels. Make sure that you consistently check your available water levels, as well as checking your sewage and grey water tank levels, so you can plan when to dump and when to fill.
This is one of the simplest reminders on this list, but also one of the most overlooked. Don’t wait to run out of water before you remember to check your tank levels and save yourself time and frustrations.
Doing your homework before settling on a specific RV is important. With a little effort, lots of people have managed to successfully find class B camper vans that fit their needs. Researching the types of RVs available, and the features each model offers can help you find the perfect RV for your next adventure. In addition, it’s important to consider how many people will be traveling with you, how much storage space is needed, and what type of amenities are necessary for an enjoyable experience. Once you have a good idea of what you need, you can compare different models to choose the one best suited to your needs.
Always Do a Final Check
One of the easiest mistakes to make when setting off on your vacation is thinking you’ve got it all covered and forgetting an essential item. Always check your propane and water levels, tire air pressure, and ensure you have everything on your checklist. Final checks can mean the difference between inconvenience and enjoyment when you start your trip.
Don’t allow improper planning to dampen your first-time RV trip, make sure that you are well prepared, and keep these tips in mind when heading off on your first RV adventure.