RVing for Dummies: 10 Ways to Make Your RV Last for Years of Adventure
- Check your Tire Pressure and Lug Nuts. Easiest task first. ...
- Change the Oil and Filters. Reach 3,000 miles, change it. ...
- Replace Filters. ...
- Use Biodegradable Toilet Paper. ...
- Maintain Brake System. ...
- Check your Battery. ...
- Service your Generator. ...
- Inspect your Roof. ...
- Lubricate and Clean your Slide Out. ...
- Clean your Awning and Interior. ...
- Take A Practice RV Drive.
- Bring Tools And Spare Parts.
- Dry Run Camping In Your Driveway.
- RV Packing Tips Beginners Need To Embrace.
- Travel Without Water In Your RV.
- Prepare For Different Electrical Outlets.
- Watch Your RV Load Limits.
- Plan For Tank Dumps.
What are the best RV travel tips for beginners?
Here are some more RV travel tips for beginners. 4. Take your time. One of our most important RV camping tips for beginners is also one of the easiest to overlook, especially at the very start of your RVing journey.
How to get started RVing for beginners?
Here’s how to get started RVing for total beginners! 1. Choose the right rig. Let’s start from the very, very top. Because the word “RVing” covers a whole wide range of camping experiences… and some of them bear very little resemblance.
What are the most commonly forgotten RV driving tips?
One of the most commonly forgotten RV driving tips is that you will probably be “taller” and “wider” than you are used to, so practice driving in some wide open spaces and watch for height clearances under bridges, underpasses, low-hanging branches and anything else ABOVE your path of travel.
What is it like to go RV camping in free spots?
RV camping in free spots is called boondocking. Staying in the middle of nowhere allows you to enjoy scenery and nature, but also means you have to be self-sufficient without relying on hookups. The following tips will help you get accustomed to this style of RVing.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for RVing?
By adhering to this simple rule of thumb, you can make traveling easier for your whole family. What is this? First, limit your travel to no more than 300 miles in one day. Second, arrive no later than 3 p.m. Finally, stay at your destination for at least three days.
How much money do you need a year to live in an RV?
We have seen monthly full time RV living budgets from fellow travelers as low as $1,600 and as high as $5,000. If you really want to go minimal, you can easily live this life for around $1,000 per month by finding a free spot to park your rig for extended periods or by becoming a camp host.
How do you RV for newbies?
RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I'd known during my first tripDon't get poop on yourself. ... Remember your toolkit. ... Pack sufficient cookware. ... Use leveling blocks. ... Get into your campground before dark. ... Download camping apps. ... Use RV toilet essentials. ... Wake up early, watch the sunrise, take a nap.
What should a first time RV camper know?
RV Advice. 10 Tips for First-Timers from Experienced RV Veterans. ... Know how much you can tow. Pam Whyte's family of four has been RV camping for a decade. ... Don't arrive in the dark. ... Consider your lifestyle. ... Make friends first. ... Remember to pick up your chocks. ... Slow down and enjoy the journey. ... Invest in good tires.More items...
Is it cheaper to live in an RV than a house?
So the initial cost of RV living is certainly lower than buying a house, and you'll save money by not having to stay at expensive RV parks every night. After all, the average cost of an RV park is around $30 a day.
Is it financially smart to live in an RV?
It is financially smart to live in an RV. Living in an RV means living a lot smaller with a lot less stuff. You have less room for everything – clothes, toys, tools and more saving you a lot of money. Along with less space, you save on utilities and home-improvement projects if you own your home.
How do you get around camping in an RV?
Creative Ways to Get Around at the RV Park or CampgroundATVs. ATV simply stands for “All Terrain Vehicle”. ... Scooters/Mopeds. These are easy to transport and can even be used to travel on public roads. ... Hover Board/Electric Skateboard. ... Bicycles. ... Segway Scooter.
What to know about RV living?
10 Things to Know About Living in an RV Full-TimeDifferent Types of RV Dwellers. ... Choose the Right Travel Partner. ... Select an RV That Meets Your Needs. ... You'll Need to be a Minimalist. ... Roadside Assistance is Worth it. ... Campsites Range From Cheap to Pricey. ... You Can't Boondock Just Any Old Place. ... You Can Find Work on the Fly.More items...•
What does every RV owner need?
The Checklist Every First Time RVer NeedsDrinking Water Hose.Sewer Kit.Surge Protector.Generator.Electrical Adapters.Water Pressure Regulator.Tire Pressure Gauge.Duct Tape.More items...•
Can I get on top of my travel trailer?
Whether or not you can walk on your RV roof depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of support the roof offers for one or more persons. Sometimes, there may be something wrong with your roof vent or A/C unit, and it's necessary to get up on the RV roof to diagnose the problem.
What toilet paper is safe for RV?
If you wish to stay with an RV-approved toilet paper, Thetford Quick Dissolve, Camco RV, Thetford Aqua-Soft and Scott's Rapidly Dissolving (with claims that it breaks down 4X faster than other brands) are well-known for dissolving and moving quickly through the RV black tank.
How to avoid hitting trees in RV?
Take turns wide and slow. Turning in a large vehicle or when towing is tricky. Make sure to slow way down and take turns wide in order to avoid hitting trees, poles, and curbs. Avoid low bridges and steep grades. Low clearances and steep mountain sides are recipes for disaster in an RV.
What is a Class C motorhome?
Class C — A mid-size motorhome that usually includes and over-the-cab bunk. Class B — A small sized motorhome that can also be referred to as a campervan. Class A — The biggest of the motorhomes, these look like buses and are often called coaches.
Is RV rental a confusing place?
The RV rental world is a vast and confusing place. This can leave many new RVers feeling completely lost and overwhelmed as they attempt to plan their first RV adventure.
Is it dangerous to drive an RV in the rain?
Driving an RV in high winds, snow, or even rain can be extremely dangerous. Therefore, we recommend watching the weather and avoiding days that could be problematic in terms of weather. One super important travel trailer 101 lesson is how to back up a trailer.
Can you drive a trailer and park it at a campsite?
If you won’t be having your trailer or motorhome delivered, you will have to drive it and park it at the campsite yourself . Those who are traveling to more than one place will have to do this more than once.
How to set up an RV?
This checklist includes the most important points you’ll go over when setting up camp at an RV park or campground: 1 Upon arrival, pull up in the designated area to complete the check-in. As an RV newbie, you can ask for guidance getting parked and set up. 2 Scout out your lot or site beforehand to see if you need to back in and how to position your vehicle properly aligned with hookups for electricity, water and waste. Check for branches and obstacles and make sure any awnings or slide-outs have enough room. 3 When you’re settled, engage the parking brake and apply leveling blocks and chocks. If you have a trailer, disconnect it and stabilize the hitch. Unfold your pop-out or remove the travel locks and engage the slide-outs. 4 Connect electricity and watch for the right amperage required for your RV. Switch your vehicle (and appliances) to shore power instead of batteries. Set up your power bank for charging if needed. 5 Connect your RV to the potable water source. At this point, you won’t need the internal water pump if you have one. 6 If there is sewer service, run your sewer hose from the sewer drain outlet to the campground sewer (wearing latex gloves!). 7 If you have gas for cooking or heating, you can open the gas supply valve. 8 Check that all connected cables and hoses are stowed neatly to prevent tripping. Extend your awnings and TV antenna if you have them and then settle in!
Why do people prefer a camper van over a motorhome?
A: Many people prefer a motorhome or camper van for their RV because they enjoy a solution where everything is contained in a single vehicle. Opposed to that are trailers, pull-behinds, fifth wheels or truck campers where the living / sleeping compartment is separate from the vehicle.
What is a membership in a camping club?
A membership in a camping or RV club offers discounts at participating campgrounds and RV parks as well as other benefits and is worth considering if you plan to make use of these sites a lot.
How does downsizing a recreational vehicle help?
Just like with any trip, packing and loading your recreational vehicle is an art. Downsizing can help you save space and weight, but you also don’t want to miss essential necessities and basic comforts. To strike the balance that’s right for you, think of stowage and storage solutions and where everything will go.
What is RV show?
RV shows and conventions are opportunities to see a lot of different vehicles up close, though for buying, you local dealer might have a better price. Use an overview of RV vehicles to find the right size and type for you.
Can you tow a trailer with a car?
Trailers can be small and compact thanks to pop-ups and slide-outs so you can tow them with your regular car, van or SUV. Other travel trailers and fifth wheels are not hitched to a trailer ball at the rear bumper but a truck bed hitch close to the rear axle, which offers advantages in pulling.
Is RV travel cheaper than regular travel?
RV travel is not necessarily cheaper than taking a regular vacation where you pay for flights and hotels. You’ll have large initial costs for the vehicle (or down payments) and equipment.
What are some tips for RV driving?
One of the most commonly forgotten RV driving tips is that you will probably be “taller” and “wider” than you are used to, so practice driving in some wide open spaces and watch for height clearances under bridges, underpasses, low-hanging branches and anything else ABOVE your path of travel.
Where to fill fresh water tank at campground?
In other instances you may have to fill your fresh water tank at the fill-up station … usually located at the campground entrance … and then drive to your actual camp spot.
Can you overlook your weight when you are a first time RV owner?
It can be easy to overlook your weight if you are a first time RV owner. Your vehicle has published load limits … know what they are and don’t exceed them … It’s a camping safety thing!
Do RVs have high water pressure?
Some campgrounds and RV parks have high plumbing pressure and you don’t want to damage your RV plumbing as a result. Water Filters allow you to filter out contaminants and reduce bad taste, odors, sediments, bacteria, chlorine and more. Water Wye Valve Inline Water Pressure Regulator RV Water Filter. 6.
Can you use a generator to power an RV?
You can either use a generator or you can operate off of your RV batteries. If you operate using your RV batteries, you will need to keep them charged with solar panels. Check out our Portable Solar Panels For RV Camping VIDEO post for more information.
Is it important to practice camping?
Also, don’t forget to secure your RV from rolling while parked and level it. “Practice camping” is really important for limited mobility camping. For people with physical body limitations, testing your body is just as important as testing your process, packing and patience.
Is a campground plug always female?
RV plugs are always female … campground receptacles are always male. You will need several different adapters to ensure that you are able to connect to electrical power wherever you go. Make sure you have the proper plug or adapters for the receptacle at your specific camp spot, here are some examples….
What do you need for a fifth wheel?
With a fifth wheel, you need to pick a good hitch. It’s pretty much hookup and go. With a travel trailer, you usually need a good weight distributing hitch and need to dial it in for your truck/camper combo. You then have basic systems – electric, water, waste and HVAC.
How many gallons of water can you fill in an RV?
When you are connected to city water, you essentially have an unlimited supply. With your water tank, you’re limited to its capacity (usually 30-90 gallons depending on the RV) until you have to fill it again (may or may not be convenient depending on where you are).
What voltage does a camper run on?
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) For HVAC- campers have heating systems that are generally propane furnaces this runs off of 120v and 12v. A cold night on 12v with the fan blowing can wear on a single battery if you’re only on 12v.
What do you use to empty a camper's water tank?
When the tanks get full (or close to it), you use handles /valves on the side of the camper to empty them. Black first and then gray to clean out the “stuff” in the sewer hoses. Many people run fresh water into the black tanks after dumping a few times to get a better flushing of the system.