Purchasing your first RV is a very exciting time. Before you hit the road, there are ten very important things you should know as a new RV owner.
An RV Isn’t A Car
All the years you spent driving a car aren’t going to prepare you for handling an RV. This is especially true when it comes to parking, turning, and reversing. Take your RV out for a few test drives and practice parking, backing up, and making wide turns.
Don’t Venture Far from Home
You should schedule your first trip in your new RV close to home. Camping and traveling with an RV can test your nerves, so you should spend time learning your new RV in safe proximity to home to help build your confidence.
Bring Proper Vehicle Tools
While an RV may be a home on wheels, it’s still a vehicle that could suffer the same maintenance issues out on the open road. Make sure to buy all of the proper roadside maintenance tools to fix your RV should an issue occur. You may need to purchase new tools for the RV if the tools to your regular vehicle aren’t a match.
Choose A Private Campsite
An RV can give you an incredible sense of freedom that makes you want to drive to a distant national park and camp under the open skies far from civilization. Resist this urge on your first or second trip. Opt to camp in a local private campsite where the staff is present and other campers can provide tips or advice should you have an issue or a question.
There’s A Weight Limit
While an RV is built with durable materials to hold an immense amount of weight, there is only so much weight that the tires and frame can handle. Be sure to read over your manufacturer’s handbook for specifics regarding your RV’s weight limit to prevent damages or malfunctions.
Carefully Choose Your Campsite Reservation
As a new RV owner, you do not want to show up to your campsite only to find that you’ve chosen a tiny spot that can’t accommodate your RV. Plan and reserve a pull-through site for your first camping trip. They’re easier to pull into and out of while you’re still learning your RV.
Make A Checklist
You may not remember to pack everything you need on the first trip. Creating a checklist of necessary items, supplies, and tools will help to ensure that you have everything you need.
Utilize Clever Packing
The limited room in your RV means that you’ll have to learn how to pack what you need in the least amount of space possible. There are packing tricks and tips for RV owners available online for you to utilize.
Overestimate Travel Expenses
An RV can add a lot of extra numbers to your travel expenses, mostly because of the amount of gas it requires. Always overestimate your travel expenses, so you’re not caught in a financial emergency during your trip.
Heed Your Measurements
When driving under bridges, signs, or through underpasses, be sure to keep the measurements of your RV in mind. You don’t want to get stuck or damage your RV by trying to pass under a structure that’s hanging too low.
The most important tip to remember as a new RV owner is to have fun. Study the basics, and everything else will be learned through experience.