Traveling is always amazing. You get the opportunity to meet new people, visit new places, and experience new cultures. Spending quality time on the road is an adventure that is full of joy, but there are also several challenges that you have to deal with. One of the most effective ways of traveling and enjoying life on the road is by living in a recreational vehicle (RV) that offers you the possibility to move around wherever you want. You are also free to take your spouse and kids with you and bring your belongings as well.
However, things might be so tough when you are just getting started with RV travel. There is so much information that you will need to make good decisions that will make your RVing experience memorable. If you are a starter, then you are in the right place. We are here to offer you the best tips that will prepare you to hit the road and enjoy your RV camping. Read on to discover some of the top RV camping tips for beginners.
Renting vs. Buying
We can’t deny the fact that there are lots of different types of RVs out there and choosing the best can be a daunting task to accomplish. You also have to decide whether you want to buy or rent your RV. For beginners, this isn’t an easy decision to make with advantages and drawbacks for both of them. However, the moment you settle down and consider a few factors, it becomes easy to make a final decision.
If you are a starter, the best option is to rent until you decide the type of RV that suits your unique needs. Consider taking major road trips with different types of RVs and evaluate them critically to determine the best type that can satisfy your long-term camping goals and suit your style. Once you have taken several road trips and established what works for you, consider purchasing your own RV since it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Take Time to Know Your RV
With little road experience, it is critical for RV beginners to take some time to learn how the motorhome works even if you are renting it. If something breaks unexpectedly, you should be in a good position to fix the mess and go on with your traveling and camping. This will save you a lot of money and time that you would have spent calling the mechanic.
Furthermore, when you get t know your RV well, you are less likely to make costly operational errors. For instance, if you don’t understand how many amps your primary breaker can handle, there is a high possibility that you will blow it off. This is a costly error that can easily be avoided by taking some time to understand your motorhome.
Learn to Take Advantage of the Available Resources
Ask any experienced RVer out there, and he/she will tell you that the happiest RVers are those that have perfected the skill of managing their systems well. The prospect of your first time behind the RV wheel or your first time setting up a campsite and enjoying nature can be quite intimidating. However, going in with some advanced knowledge can easily turn the many firsts into successful events.
There is a plethora of blogs and videos that share the aspect of RV camping life are incredible sources of information that will guide you through your first steps of RV camping. There is a lot that you can learn which will help you to feel much comfortable and confident. Therefore, make sure that you watch the videos and read the blogs before you get started, and you will end up making a lot fewer mistakes as a newbie.
Remember to Take a Practice RV Drive
Although driving a big vehicle for the first time might be intimidating, you need to do everything possible to get comfortable as a driver or a passenger. The best way to get rid of that fear before your camping day is by taking a practice RV drive. Keep in mind that you might appear ‘taller” and “wider” when driving an RV but that shouldn’t bother you so much. Practice driving in wide and open spaces and watch for bridges, height clearances at underpasses, low-hanging tree branches and anything else that might block your way.
You should also consider taking some driving courses that will help you drive your recreational vehicle like a pro when you finally hit the road. As mentioned earlier, you should also take some time to know your RV and understand basic things about it. It will be awkward when you realize that it’s too dark inside and you don’t know where the light switch is located. You should also remember to secure all your personal belongings so that they don’t shift while you are driving.
Bring Along All the Essential Tools and Spare Parts
Take care not to turn your RV into a moving auto parts store but don’t forget to bring along some essential tools and spare parts that will come in handy when your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly.In most cases, the RVers are getting away from the busy city life and setting camps in quieter places. However, it is good to note that the further you get away from the city services, the more self-reliant you need to be.
It’s a balance, and you need to remember the fact that each trip will always have its unique challenges, so it is critical to plan wisely before you hit the road. Some of the basic RV tools that you shouldn’t miss to pack include; the digital tire gauges, heavy gauge jumper cables, and the T-handle style lug wrenches.
