10 Essential Tips for New RV Owners
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, there are some essential tips that will help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Get to know your vehicle
Knowing the basic dimensions of your RV is an important first step to getting comfortable with your new vehicle. Knowing the length, width, and height of your rig can prevent you from getting stuck in tight spaces. For instance, some bridges have lower clearances than others, or you may have a difficult time 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 also 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 in case something does go wrong.
You will eventually experience RV problems that require repairs. Some of the most common repairs that are covered under most warranties include electrical issues, toilet problems, water system malfunctions, and more. These repairs often cost more than the warranty itself, so buying an extended warranty will save you money in the long run.
3. Weigh your RV
Ensuring that your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) weight and PNBV weight are not exceeded is absolutely essential for safe travel. The consequences of exceeding these weights can be major, as it can lead to axle-bending and tire blowouts.
Most truck stops have certified weighing scales on which you can weigh your RV on; alternatively, you can try a local concrete company or the RV Safety and Education Foundation for certified scales as well. 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 takes into account all of its contents. Weighing your RV on a CAT scale usually costs between $10-$15 – a small price to pay 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 important items you should consider getting include:
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- sewer hose Camco 20' (39742) RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer...
- hose for drinking water Automavenn RV Water Hose 50 Ft, 5/8'' Premium...
- inline water filter Camco TastePURE RV/Marine Water Filter |...
- water pressure regulator Renator RV Water Pressure Regulator for RV...
- inline surge protector RV Surge Protector 30 amp, POWSAF RV Power...
- electrical adapter (either 30 amp to 15 amp or 50 amp to 15 amp) Kohree 30 Amp to 50 Amp RV Plug Adapter 18",...
- wheel chocks Camper Wheel Chock Stabilizer 2 Sets, Double...
- levelers CARMTEK Camper Leveler Kit - Curved RV...
- Additional Fuses 140 Pieces Fuses Automotive - Standard Blade...
- sewer hose Camco 20' (39742) RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer...
When purchasing these parts, make sure to take the time to find reliable brands and high-quality products. This will ensure your RV is properly 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 a basic GPS device may give you the shortest route from point A to point B, it won’t be able to tell you whether it’s an acceptable route for your particular vehicle. Garmin RV 780 GPS Navigator with Traffic
Low-clearance bridges, tunnels with weight capacities and restrictions, roads that may be too small or winding to fit larger vehicles – all of these 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 that are compatible with large vehicles. Some models even include features like information on RV-friendly campgrounds, fuel stops, and points of interest. That way, you can be sure that your route is safe and that your journey is smooth and hassle-free. These GPS systems can be expensive, but they offer a great return on the investment – both in terms of safety and convenience.
6. Avoid driving at night
When you are still getting used to driving an RV, it’s best to avoid night driving. Driving at night can be especially challenging for new RVers since their vehicle is larger and more difficult to maneuver.
It’s also important to try and 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 make sure you have plenty of time to set up your RV before the sun goes down. This will save you time and eliminate a lot of the stress that comes with 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, there are a few things you should do to ensure it’s properly prepped for winter storage.
- Make sure to drain your water system. Failing to do this can result in burst water pipes and expensive repairs. After draining your waste water and fresh water tanks and ensuring that all water has been removed from the pipes, pump nontoxic RV antifreeze into all of your drains, traps, and low points in the water system to prevent them from freezing.
- You should decide on a proper place to store your RV. If possible, 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
- Invest in a cover designed specifically for your RV to ensure further protection from the elements. Along with this, make sure you cover your tires as well.
- Make sure to 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 the winter months.
- Make sure to add a fuel stabilizer to your gasoline tank and run the engine for a few minutes so that it 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 the size and maneuverability of your RV. Spend some time getting comfortable with turning, backing up, and parking your vehicle.
Also spend a few minutes getting used to driving on the highway and in other traffic situations, if possible. 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 any RV owner wants to do is forget to place their wheel chocks or forget to unplug the electric cord. To make sure that doesn’t happen, it’s important to make a checklist of all the things you need to do before driving away and when setting up camp.
This will help ensure that nothing is forgotten, but also make sure that all of your RV’s systems are working properly before you hit the road. A checklist also helps ensure that nothing is left behind when it comes time to pack up and leave.
Creating a checklist is an essential part of every RV adventure, and checking off items can provide peace of mind that everything is in proper order.
10. Carry basic tools
Finally, it’s a good idea to carry basic tools in your RV. These can come in handy if you need to make small repairs on the road or even adjust an awning. Basic tools can also help with cleaning, maintenance, and other tasks you may encounter on the road.
Some basic tools to keep in your RV include screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and a hammer. If possible, you should also carry spare parts like fuses, light bulbs, and other items that could be needed in a pinch.
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set,...As a new RV owner, you now have the ability to hit the open road and explore all that this great country has to offer. With these 10 essential tips, your journey is sure to get off on the right foot. Do your research, take your time packing, and don’t forget to plan for emergencies. By following these simple tips, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way.
