If you are reading this, you may have just transitioned to being a first-time RV buyer, or interested in becoming one. However, you are unsure what things every new RVer should learn before braving the open road. The good news is that there has never been a better time to jump into the RV lifestyle! With numerous resources like YouTube, RV blogs, Road Trip Apps, and information on manufacturer websites, there’s plenty of help online. Still, it can be a challenge to sort through the information to get to the fundamentals. Below we have listed several things that are important for all RVers to know for their first trip or hundredth one!
What Newbie RVers Will Need To Know
As you do your research on things every new RVer should learn, don’t let that overwhelm you. Also, don’t rush. Take the time needed to become familiar with your RV or motorhome. Test its features, run the electrical and water systems, and ensure you know how to connect all its components before shoving off. If you are going to use something on your RV, always get in the habit of testing it. Especially things like leak checking, tank levels, and batteries. In addition, get an RV starter kit of some kind if you don’t have one. This can include items that can be easily forgotten like hoses, parking blocks, surge protectors, and more. So let’s begin!
Ready to Start Your RV Adventure?
RV WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Knowing your RV’s height, length, and limits on weight is important. You may want to put these dimensions on a sticky note or note it on your phone for easy reference. Underestimating your RV’s height can lead to overhead damage from low-hanging structures, fast food drive-throughs, and tunnels. Length is very important for parking and campgrounds. The manufacturer only counts the length from wall-to-wall, and may not include the tongue, hitch, or tow vehicle’s components.
RV TIRE CARE
No one likes getting a flat tire on the road, however, being prepared makes it easier to get rolling again. Other than having one or two spare tires on hand, these tips can save you time. Having a 4-way wrench and bolt wrenches for everything on your RV is a must. Your lug nuts may not match your tow vehicle, or your motorhome may differ from your home vehicles. In addition, owning good tire pressure and temperature gages can help you stay on top of your tire health. Given climate can change based on your location, keeping your tires inflated at the correct pressure will extend the life of your tire and yield better fuel economy. Leveling blocks are also a great item to keep tires in place or assist stabilizers on soft ground when parked.
RV TRIP PLANNER AND NAVIGATING
Using apps like ALL STAYS, overland, and RV Trip Wizard are great ways to make RV route planning easier. These take your route and display all RV camping locations and rest stops along the way. Some even give you a cost estimate based on stops and fuel. Speaking of fuel, gas up before crossing bridges, riding through inner-city rush hour traffic, or starting a long stretch of wilderness. As a precaution, having a filled fuel can in the RV basement or back of your truck bed is a lifesaver. Additionally, keep the weather in mind when planning your route with your RV. Wind, snow, and rain affect all road vehicles, not just some. Avoiding dangerous weather may put you behind a few hours or days, but it will ensure greater safety for you and your RV.
RV MANEUVERING
Every new RVer should learn how to control and drive their RV before hitting the road. Though it may be stressful and difficult at first, you will need to learn how to back your towable or motorhome into a parking spot or driveway, merge into traffic, and navigate through gas stations and tight areas. Patience is key, and like all things, hauling or driving your RV will become second nature. Before your first big trip, take your RV for a test drive just to make sure everything operates and moves as expected.
DUMPING GREY AND BLACK TANKS
At some point, you’ll have to navigate an RV dump station empty your water waste tanks. Make sure your hoses are readily accessible, so nothing must be moved around to grab them. Don’t rush and make sure you empty the tanks completely. One thing you can do to save your grey tanks from filling up quickly is to wash your dishes in a bowl and then dump the bowl outside the RV if the soap is eco-friendly.
RV MEAL PLANNING
Not only will you need to know how much food you can store, but also how much you really need for your trip. Obviously, bringing too much means you lose space. However, bringing too little means more stops or going hungry! Have your checklist of items that are needed for your meals, including spices and cooking utensils.
AVOID OVERPACKING
One thing you’ll realize quickly is how much less space you have in RVs to store things, especially clothes. Every new RVer should learn to make the more with less. Fight the temptation to bring a month’s worth of clothing when the trip may only be 1 or 2 weeks. Plan for the weather and activities, but don’t bring backups to the backups. Also, be a minimalist on kitchen dishware, gadgets, and anything else you can’t neatly put into a cabinet or storage. Even if you can fit it, doesn’t mean you should bring it, especially if it’s heavy. Any unnecessary weight is dead weight which will cost more on fuel and take up space that may be needed for other things. In addition, things like dishes and clothes can be washed and reused, so no need to take more than you need.
At Courvelle’s RV, we love seeing the excitement in our customers when they purchase their first RV or motorhome. It’s an amazing feeling and gets better with each adventure you take in it. Don’t let the learning curve worry you. There is plenty of help, including our RV dealership in Louisiana. Reach out to us any time, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions on camping, RV accessories, or quotes for new or used RVs for sale.
