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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Fundamentals to Gaining Confidence as a RV Newbie
Unless you’re a seasoned driver with heaps of experience in towing and mechanics, you’re bound to feel a bit uneasy about navigating an RV.
Setting out on your first RV trip can be a nerve-wracking experience. I mean, who wouldn’t feel anxious about getting behind the wheel of a behemoth of a vehicle for the first time? After all, driving an RV is different from driving your everyday car. And let’s not even get started on the adjustments you’ll need to make when it comes to actually living in one.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to build your confidence and ease those pesky nerves. You don’t have to know everything all at once – heck, even the most experienced RVer still has things to learn along the way.
I’ve some helpful tips that’ll have you driving like a pro in no time.
Get a Video Tape for Your RV Walkthrough
First, you need to get a walkthrough from the dealer if you’re in the market for a new or used RV.
Ensure you understand everything before you hit the road, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and take notes. And if possible, bring along a friend or family member to videotape the walkthrough with their smartphone.
Trust me, having a visual reference to refer back to will be a lifesaver when you’re out on the road and can’t quite remember how to operate a specific component.
But let’s say you’ve already completed your walkthrough and are still uncertain about some things. In that case, the internet is here to save the day. With just a quick search on YouTube, you can find many explainer videos covering everything from basic operations to more complex repairs.
Just type in the make and model of your RV and the topic you need help with, and you’re bound to find a video that suits your needs.
Learn How To Hook and Unhook Your RV
Hooking and unhooking an RV is one of the trickiest parts of managing an RV, even for seasoned RVers.
But it’s easy if you’ve a clear understanding of the process before you even attempt to hook up your RV.
You must also adhere to the necessary safety precautions when hooking up your RV, especially if you’re using a weight-distribution hitch or sway control. Ensure you learn to properly use these tools and practice putting them on and removing them.
And if you’re traveling with a partner, don’t be afraid to enlist their help in cross-checking your setup. Having a second set of eyes on the process can help ensure you don’t overlook anything.
So, take your time, be safe, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. With a little practice and some good old-fashioned teamwork, you’ll hit the open road confidently in no time.
Consider an Easy Trip For Starters
The first RV trip is among the most daunting experiences for newbie RVers. The thought of driving a massive vehicle out of the driveway and onto the open road can be quite nerve-wracking, and the fear of hitting something is always lurking in your mind.
But you can always build your RV confidence by starting with something easy and manageable, like a short trip to get your feet wet. Take it slow and steady and plan your journey outside peak traffic hours to alleviate unnecessary stress.
This approach will give you ample time to get the feel of things without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Camping Nearby For The First Time
It’s only natural to feel apprehensive when embarking on your first RV adventure. That’s why many seasoned RVers recommend starting with a nearby camping trip.
Camping nearby is like a dry run or shake-down trip where you can get used to your RV and test its components before heading out on a more extended journey.
If you’re lucky, some dealers will let you stay overnight on their lot to test everything out after purchase. This can be a huge help as the dealer can immediately work out any punch list items. It’s like having your tech support on hand!
Staying at a state park nearby is also a great idea to try everything out and get used to the RV. It’s a fantastic way to get into the swing of things and test all your gear in a real camping environment.
Plus, it’s always helpful not to camp far away from a big-box retail store if you forget something. This way, you can purchase any necessary items as needed, and it might even help you pack less since you won’t need to bring everything with you.
Practicing How to Back Up
Backing into a campsite can be a nerve-wracking experience for many RVers. Even after years of experience, I still run into tricky situations where I must back in cautiously.
While practicing in an open parking lot can help, it’s not comparable to backing up in a real campground.
You should find a less-crowded campground and take the opportunity to practice your backing-in skills.
Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings and be aware of any traffic or people in the area. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like a pro.
Good Communications Tools for Backing
Backing into a campsite can be tricky – it’s not just about avoiding damage to your RV but also ensuring your relationships with your camping companions stay intact!
That’s why good communication is key. If you have someone helping you spot while backing in, using cell phones or walkie-talkies is necessary to keep everyone on the same page and ensure the experience is safe.
Using cell phones with your spotter works best. Have your spotter use a Bluetooth headset and run the phone through the tow vehicle speaker to make things smoother.
This way, as the driver, you can stay hands-free and focused on maneuvering your RV into the site. Of course, this assumes you have cell service – but what if you don’t?
That’s where walkie-talkies come in handy. However, they can be more challenging for the driver to use while backing in.
Still, with a little practice and patience, you and your spotter can make it work – and avoid any unnecessary bumps (both material and relational) along the way.
Remember, You Can Say No to Help When Backing In
Veteran RV owners are some of the most helpful people you’ll ever meet – especially if you’re a newbie.
However, there’s a time and place for all that kindness. If you’re trying to back into a tricky site and half the campground decides to pull up and advise you, it can be more annoying than helpful.
I’ve been there. When I was just starting, all that attention made me more flustered. So don’t be afraid to speak up and kindly explain that you want to learn independently – even if it takes a few hundred tries!
Of course, that’s not to say you should ignore the helpful tips and tricks that veteran RVers have to offer.
Take That Pressure Off
We all make mistakes, especially when we’re learning something new. So, don’t sweat it if you take a turn too sharp or need to back up ten times to get into a spot. Just take a deep breath, correct your course, and try again.
It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. Putting pressure on yourself to perform perfectly is a surefire way to worsen things.
So why not take a step back, cut yourself some slack, and approach your RV adventures with a sense of humor?
If you’re feeling unsure about your driving skills, there’s no shame in practicing in an empty parking lot.
After all, that’s how many young folks learn to drive and build up their confidence behind the wheel. And guess what? It’s just as effective for us older folks too!
So go ahead and permit yourself to make mistakes. Laugh them off, take it
slow, and try again. You’ll be a pro-RVer in no time and have the stories (and scars) to prove it!
You Can Talk To Your Campground Neighbor
RVers are some of the most welcoming and helpful people you’ll ever meet. If you’re missing a tool or don’t know how to tackle a particular task, don’t be afraid to ask your neighbor for help. They’ll likely be happy to lend a hand or share some advice.
And if you happen to mess up or make a mistake, don’t sweat it too much. It happens to everyone, and your fellow RVers will be there to laugh it off and swap stories.
It’s all part of the fun and camaraderie of the RV lifestyle!
Considering Testing Everything
RV issues are to be expected, so be prepared for issues when you drive from the dealership. Another thing to remember during your inaugural RV adventure is that it’s more of a testing ground than a typical camping trip.
The objective is to make sure everything is in proper working order. Don’t be alarmed if you discover a few kinks that need ironing out under warranty.
In my experience, all of my RVs have required some post-purchase repairs. Keep a list of any issues you encounter, and take advantage of your warranty to resolve them.
After your trip, schedule an appointment with your dealer to take care of any necessary warranty work.
It may take a few weeks to get in, but ensuring that your RV is functioning perfectly is worth it.
You Don’t Want To Get There Hungry
It’s a fact – arriving at a campsite on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster! Setting up camp requires a lot of energy, and it can quickly become stressful if you’re hungry and tired.
I’ve seen it happen often – tempers flare, mistakes are made, and relationships can be strained.
To avoid this, I always pack some snacks and drinks in the tow vehicle to have a quick bite before starting the setup process.
Trust me, a protein bar can work wonders! And if you’re feeling prepared, consider bringing an easy-to-prepare dinner for the first night.
After all, nothing beats a hot meal after a long day on the road. So, the next time you hit the road, remember to fuel up before you get back in!
Conclusion
In conclusion, gaining confidence as an RV newbie requires proper preparation and practice.
While RVs may feel different to drive compared to cars, getting comfortable behind the wheel takes time and patience.
Remember to pay attention to blind spots and adjust your driving habits accordingly.
With some experience, you’ll soon be cruising in your RV like a pro.
