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We recently asked experienced RV campers on Reddit to share the number one thing they would tell new RV campers. Their responses were full of important reminders and helpful tips for new RV owners.
Here are 10 things experienced campers want new RV owners to know!
Contents
Every RV Will Have Issues
One of the most common responses to our query was that every RV will have issues and need repairs. The experienced RVers emphasized that new campers should be prepared and have a sense of humor.
Some specific pieces of advice included the following:
Bring a sh*tload of tools, duct tape, zip ties, rubber gloves and zen-like patience.
Reddit User Serious-Employee-738
Things will break. No matter what you do. Learn to fix stuff and carry a small set of tools. YouTube is your friend. Either learn to fix things yourself or prepare to spend a lot of money and wait.
Reddit User kevin6513
Your First Trip Should be Close to Home
Another common piece of advice from veteran RV campers was to stay close to home on your first trip. The first trip can serve a a shake out trip to help new owners identify any potential problems with their RV.
Of course, it is much simpler to handle problems if you are close to home (and the the repair shop). Staying close to home will also make your first trip less stressful and more fun!
Some RVers even camped in their own yard before heading out on their first trip.
Play with it for little while before taking off for the summer. Learn how the water heater works by making some hot water, etc. Then just go overnight close by to figure out the hookups, backups, messups etc.
Reddit User popsblack
We did a “camp at home” with the camper for 2 days before we took it anywhere. We tried everything, and that’s how we made our list of little warranty fixes they needed to do… instead of finding them 200+ miles from home in the woods somewhere.
Reddit User withoutapaddle
Read your Owner’s Manual
Many of the long-time campers we surveyed emphasized the importance of learning about your RV and its features. One easy way to do this is to read the owner’s manual from cover to cover.
If your RV did not come with a hard copy of the owner’s manual, it can usually be found online. Another common recommendation is to find and join your manufacturer’s online forum where you can connect with campers who own the same make and model.
While most RVs are similar every RV is different and your owner’s manual is full of basic information like how to winterize your rig and the location of appliances.
Reddit User Ok-Border-3156
Chock the Tires
One simple newbie RV mistake that can lead to distarious results is not chocking the tires. Experienced RV owners want new campers to remember always to chock their tires.
RV tires should be chocked immediately after parking. For travel trailers and fifth wheels, tires should always be chocked before unhitching from the tow vehicle.
RULE 1: CHOCK Immediately after side-to-side leveling. RULE 2: REMOVE CHOCKS LAST when leaving. I had a couple of surprise rolls in my first few years by forgetting that rule.
Reddit User King_Moonracer
I almost lost our rig into a tree filled ravine because I didn’t chock first. Scared me to death, and I almost pooped my pants. CHOCK PEOPLE!
Reddit User Lumbergod
Avoid a Messy Mistake
Learning how to dump the RV holding tanks is an important task for any new RVer. Emptying the RV gray and black tanks is simple, but any mistake can lead to a giant mess.
Experienced RV campers warned new RVers to slow down to avoid making messy mistakes. Forgetting to close the black tank before removing the sewer cap seemed to be a common newbie RV mistake.
ALWAYS And I mean ALWAYS…. make sure the black tank is closed before you a remove the septic cap at the dumping station… Unfourtantely, I speak from experience
Reddit User brcajun70
Practice Backing Up
Another common piece advice was to practice driving and backing up your new RV before hitting the road. Most experienced RVers recommended setting a day aside to practice backing up and turning before you actually have to park at a campsite.
Practice driving with your trailer and backing up too. Make sure you have visibility of the sides with your mirrors and if not, buy extended mirrors.
Reddit User amickay
Find a large parking lot and practice, practice, practice reversing and parking it. Nothing worse than pulling into a campsite late with the kids screaming for dinner and trying to figure it out (speaking from experience)
Reddit User BHJarvis1
Prepare Camping Meals in Advance
Many campers recommended preparing meals for the first night (or the entire weekend) in advance. Having dinner ready to go makes the trip more relaxing and leaves more time to enjoy other activities.
I like to premake 1st nights dinner. I absolutely hate cooking once we’ve been traveling to the destination and setting up camp. Change it up with the season. Chilly weather is great for chili or stew that just needs to be heated up. Hot weather is good for cheese, salami, and crackers with fruit.
Reddit User wannabezen2
Pre-make some pasta salads, coleslaw, tuna pasta salad, something that can go a couple days refrigerated…When you come back from an excursion, often times later than you expected, having something quick and ready to eat is amazing when your tired and STARVING! You will thank and pat yourself on the back.
Reddit User shagad3lic
Use Checklists
Another commonly echoed piece of advice from hardened campers is to always use checklists. Checklists should be used on travel days and when winterizing and de-winterizing the RV.
Using checklists can prevent campers from forgetting important tasks and damaging their rig. We highly recommend continuing to use checklists long after you don’t think you need them anymore.
New campers can download and print our free RV travel day checklists.
Checklists will save you time, money and aggravation.
Reddit User ZagiFlyer
We have:
- a packing checklist (includes house items like close the blinds etc)
- a winterizing checklist
- a hooking/unhooking checklist
I took the time to write as much down as possible, edited them and then typed them up, added pictures as needed and then my wife laminated them…
We don’t really need them anymore but still use them every time!!
Reddit User NorthernWussky
Use an RV GPS
RVers who have been traveling for years suggested using an RV-specific GPS to help you avoid low clearance bridges and steep grades. If you don’t already have an RV GPS, we highly recommend the RV LIFE app.
Always be aware of your height clearance (including the AC unit). An RV-specific GPS can help you avoid low bridges and overpasses but not necessarily a low tree branch.
Reddit User martyzion
Pay Attention to your Roof
The final piece of RV advice experienced RVers wanted to share was to pay close attention to the condition of your RV’s roof. Over time, the seals on RV roofs will wear and tear. If they are not repaired, water damage will ensue.
Learn about RV maintenance and make sure to inspect your roof regularly.
I would say inspect your roof twice a year. I got complacent and suffered the fate of having the roof of my TT rip and blow up like a balloon. This occurred while traveling on Interstate 40 last week. Insurance won’t cover a replacement. Inspect your roof folks. Don’t be me.
Reddit User SomeguyfromNewJersey
SEALS, Roof seals primarily. Check your seals periodically. Check your seals….oh and CHECK YOUR SEALS!!!
Reddit User shagad3lic
Happy Camping
We hope you learned some RV tips that will make your camping trips less stressful and more fun! If you are new to RVing, also check out these common newbie RV mistakes to avoid!
Happy Camping!
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book.
