10 Essential Tips for New RV Owners

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

10 Essential Tips for New RV Owners

Becoming an RV owner is an exciting venture that promises a wealth of adventures. However, it can also be overwhelming for those new to this unique way of traveling and living.

• Understand Your RV: New owners must grasp RV specifics promptly.
• Maintenance is Key: Regular maintenance sustains the RV’s optimal condition.
• Invest in Proper Insurance: RV-specific insurance is indispensable for protection.
• Plan Your Routes: Careful route planning is crucial for RV travel.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Being prepared enhances safety and peace of mind.

Navigating the world of RV ownership can be intimidating for new owners, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re brand new to RV ownership or just trading in your old model, some essential tips will help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Get to know your vehicle

Knowing your RV’s basic dimensions is an important first step to getting comfortable with your new vehicle. Knowing its length, width, and height can prevent you from getting stuck in tight spaces.

For instance, some bridges have lower clearances than others, and you may have difficulty navigating narrow campground roads.

Taking the time to familiarize yourself with these measurements will ensure you don’t get stuck while driving your RV. If you aren’t sure about your RV’s dimensions, consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer.

Along with the RV’s dimensions, it is important to know the brand, model, and year the vehicle was manufactured. This will ensure you purchase the correct parts for any maintenance or repairs you perform on the vehicle.

2. Consider purchasing an extended warranty for your RV

Just as you would purchase a warranty for a used car, it’s a good idea to consider buying an extended warranty for your RV. RV repairs can be expensive, and an extended warranty will give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.

You will eventually experience RV problems that require repairs. Some common repairs covered under most warranties include electrical issues, toilet problems, water system malfunctions, and more.

These repairs often cost more than the warranty, so buying an extended warranty will save you money in the long run.

3. Weigh your RV

Ensuring your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and PNBV weight are not exceeded is essential for safe travel. Exceeding these weights can have major consequences, including axle bending and tire blowouts.

Most truck stops have certified weighing scales on which you can weigh your RV; alternatively, you can also try a local concrete company or the RV Safety and Education Foundation for certified scales.

Whenever you decide to weigh your RV, don’t forget to load everything that will be traveling with you onto it first. That way, you’ll get an accurate reading that considers its contents.

Weighing your RV on a CAT scale usually costs between $10 and $15, a small price for much-needed peace of mind while traveling.

4. Essential items you will need to purchase for your RV

Whether you are a first-time RV owner or a full-time RVer, there are some essential items that you need to purchase before enjoying life on the road. Some of the most critical items you should consider getting include:

• Sewer hose
• Hose for drinking water
• Inline water filter
• Water pressure regulator
• Inline surge protector
• Electrical adapter (either 30 amp to 15 amp or 50 amp to 15 amp)
• Wheel chocks
• Levelers
• Additional Fuses

When purchasing these parts, take the time to find reliable brands and high-quality products. This will ensure that your RV is adequately cared for and that you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey.

5. Purchase an RV-specific GPS

Something not many new RVers know is that relying solely on a traditional GPS isn’t always the best option for navigating their RV trip.

It may be tempting to plug your destination into your phone’s GPS, but this can result in a lot of stress for the driver.

While an essential GPS device may give you the shortest route from point A to point B, it cannot tell you whether it’s an acceptable route for your particular vehicle.

Low-clearance bridges, tunnels with weight capacities and restrictions, and roads that may be too small or winding to fit larger vehicles make regular GPS navigation more of a hindrance than a help in planning an RV trip.

That’s why so many RVers rely on specialized mapping technology made specifically for their kind of travel.

RV-specific GPS systems are designed with a database of roads and destinations compatible with large vehicles. Some models even include information on RV-friendly campgrounds, fuel stops, and points of interest.

That way, you can ensure your route is safe, and your journey is smooth and hassle-free. Although these GPS systems can be expensive, they offer a great return on the investment in safety and convenience.

6. Avoid driving at night

It’s best to avoid night driving when you are still getting used to driving an RV. Driving at night can be incredibly challenging for new RVers since their vehicle is larger and more difficult to maneuver.

It’s also important to arrive at your campsite before the sun sets. Pulling into an unfamiliar campground after dark can be a frustrating experience, so it’s better to ensure you have plenty of time to set up your RV before the sun goes down.

This will save you time and eliminate the stress of arriving in the dark.

7. Make sure your RV is prepped for winter storage

If you plan to store your RV during the colder months, you should do a few things to ensure it’s appropriately prepped for winter storage.

1. Drain your water system. Failing to do this can result in burst water pipes and expensive repairs. After emptying your wastewater and freshwater tanks and ensuring that all water has been removed from the pipes, pump nontoxic RV antifreeze into all your drains, traps, and low points in the water system to prevent them from freezing.
2. It would help if you decided on a proper place to store your RV. Store your RV under a carport, in a garage, or on a level ground surface to protect it from the elements. At the very least, park it in a place that is least likely to be affected by high winds. Also, be cautious of any trees that could fall on your rig.
3. Invest in a cover designed specifically for your RV to ensure further protection from the elements. Also, make sure you cover your tires.
4. Unplug and remove your batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Though they will still lose some of their charge, this will help preserve them during winter.
5. Add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline tank and run the engine for a few minutes so that the fuel can circulate through the fuel lines. This will help keep your RV ready to go at the start of the next camping season.

8. Practice driving and backing up your RV

It’s essential to practice driving and backing up your RV before hitting the open road. Get familiar with your mirrors and take it slow – you’ll be driving a much larger vehicle than you’re used to, and it’ll take some time to get comfortable with the size.

Practicing in an empty parking lot is a great way to get used to your RV’s size and maneuverability. Spend time getting comfortable turning, backing up, and parking your vehicle.

Also, if possible, spend a few minutes getting used to driving on the highway and other traffic situations. Knowing how your RV performs in different situations will make you a more confident and safe driver.

9. Always make a checklist

The last thing an RV owner wants is to forget to place their wheel chocks or unplug the electric cord. To prevent this, it’s important to make a checklist of everything you must do before driving away and setting up camp.

This will help ensure that nothing is forgotten and that your RV’s systems are working correctly before you hit the road. A checklist also helps ensure that nothing is left behind when packing.

Creating a checklist is essential to every RV adventure, and checking off items can ensure that everything is in proper order.

10. Carry essential tools

Finally, it’s a good idea to carry essential tools in your RV. These can come in handy if you need to make small repairs on the road or even adjust an awning. Essential tools can also help with cleaning, maintenance, and other tasks you may encounter on the road.

Some essential tools to keep in your RV include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a hammer. You should also carry spare parts like fuses, light bulbs, and other items needed in a pinch.

As a new RV owner, you can now hit the open road and explore all this great country offers. With these ten essential tips, your journey will surely get you on the right foot.

Do your research, pack, and don’t forget to plan for emergencies. By following these simple tips, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way.

How do I Prepare for RV Life?

1. Plan Your Budget: Living in an RV has its expenses, including fuel costs, park fees, maintenance, and repairs. Make sure to account for these in your budget. It’s also wise to have an emergency fund for unexpected costs.

2. Learn Basic Maintenance Skills: From changing a tire to fixing a leak, knowing essential RV maintenance can save you time and money. There are plenty of online tutorials available to help you with this.

3. Downsize Possessions: RV living requires minimalism. Start downsizing your possessions, keeping only what is necessary. Remember, there is limited storage space in an RV.

4. Try Before You Buy: Consider renting an RV for a short trip before purchasing one. This can give you a good feel for what to expect.

5. Stay Connected: If you plan on working or staying in touch with family, ensure you have a reliable internet connection. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot might be necessary.

Final Words

In conclusion, it is imperative to highlight the essential tips for new RV owners that can significantly enhance their overall experience and ensure safety during travels.

Firstly, understanding your RV’s unique specifics is paramount. This includes its operation and involves grasping its dimensions, weight, and other constraints that may impact its maneuverability and functioning.

Secondly, regular maintenance of your RV cannot be overstated. This is crucial in ensuring the longevity of your vehicle and maintaining its optimal condition.

Moreover, investing in proper insurance specifically designed for RVs is indispensable. This provides an extra layer of protection against potential damages or losses, ensuring financial security for the owners.

Additionally, careful route planning plays a pivotal role in RV travel. To avoid surprises, one must familiarize oneself with the terrains, road conditions, and facilities available on the selected route.

Lastly, preparing for emergencies should never be overlooked. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit, emergency toolkits, and knowledge of basic troubleshooting techniques can considerably enhance safety and peace of mind during your journey.

These essential tips for new RV owners can make the difference between a stressful or an enjoyable RV experience.

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