Your first RV adventure might take place in a rented camper or your brand-new motor home. Wherever you’re headed, make sure you know the basics before you hit the road.
RV parks have a limited number of spots. These spots are restricted by the amount of electricity and water hookups that the camp has available.
Finding a place to park won’t always be a problem, especially if you travel in the off-season. But if your vacation takes place during a busy time of year, you should call ahead and make sure a spot is reserved.
Know Your Weight Limits
Every recreational vehicle has a maximum amount of weight it can carry. If you go above this number, you’ll notice a significant reduction in gas mileage. Excess weight can also make it difficult to maneuver the vehicle.
Find out your RV’s weight limits and try to stay under them. You can weigh your RV at most truck stops to see how much it currently holds. Don’t forget to factor in water, fuel, passengers, and stored items. The more people you bring with you, the more your RV will weigh.
Get a Good Mattress
Often, people get so focused on the RV they forget that sleeping inside one, especially for the first time, can be very uncomfortable. There’s no point in starting a campout if you won’t be able to sleep through the night. Get a quality mattress for your RV that you know will give you plenty of rest and let you wake up the next day refreshed and ready to travel.
Make a Checklist
RV camping involves a lot of movement. Even though your “camp” is compacted in a single vehicle, you still need to set up and break down every time you visit a new location.
Make yourself a checklist for when you arrive and a separate checklist for when you leave. Including things like placing jacks under your wheels, opening and closing slide-out sections, and flushing tanks before refilling.
Teach everyone in your group to follow the same steps at each new campsite. This will prevent you from driving away with your satellite antenna still up or forgetting to refill the water before you leave the campsite.
RV camping is an exciting and unmatched experience. Follow common sense and take safety precautions while you’re on the road. If you take a little extra care with your vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to go wherever and do whatever you like.