Hey friends and RV lovers! It’s been about two years since my husband and I bought our first RV. Let me tell you, it’s been an unforgettable journey. Filled with breathtaking landscapes, cozy campfires, and yes, even a few mishaps. When we first brought the RV home I remember feeling excited, but also so overwhelmed! Where should we start? What should we do first? Do we have everything we need? Now with some time under our belts I thought I’d put together a little guide to RV camping for beginners.
Are you itching to explore and considering the RV life? Maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the unknown. Don’t worry, friend! I’m here to share some essential tips on RV camping for beginners that will make your journey smooth sailing (smooth driving?). Learn from our mistakes and you’ll be a pro in no time. Buckle up and get ready to hit the road with confidence!
1. Know your RV
Before you blast off on your grand adventure, get familiar with your RV. Understand its size, weight limitations (trust me, you don’t want to overload!), and how to operate the essential systems. There will always be unexpected quirks and noises that pop up, but if you know what’s “normal” you can spot issues early.
Most dealerships offer tutorials. I would absolutely recommend having your dealer do a walk through of your new RV before you leave the lot. If the dealer has an RV mechanic having them do the walk through is even better. The salespeople will know the features of the RV, but the mechanic will know the ins and outs of how everything works.
If you are purchasing your RV secondhand, be sure to ask the former owners for a walk through. Since they have experience with your RV they should know any quirks to look out for. If you are purchasing second hand it is also a good idea to have a third party inspector look over the unit. Most RV campers are trust worthy folks, but you don’t want any hidden issues!
Pro Tip: Film a video of the walk through so you can easily reference it later.
When you get your RV home open every cabinet, look at the underbelly, turn everything on and off, and be sure you know what panels come off for access to plumbing and electric. As an RV beginner it’s important to know every inch of your new camper!
2. Start Small
Don’t jump straight into a month-long cross-country trip. Test the waters with a short weekend getaway to a nearby campground. This will help you iron out any kinks and get comfortable with your RV living before diving headfirst into the deep end. If anything goes wrong, at least you’re close to home.
When we purchased our RV we met a gentleman who was picking up a brand new Class A. He told us he was heading right across the street to the closest RV campground for his maiden voyage. That way, if he ran into any issues he was literally within 5 minutes of the dealer! You may not always have a campground this close to where you pick up your new RV, but you get the point.
Honestly, I would recommend you spend your whole first season with the RV a little closer to home. If you are brand new to RV camping it will take some time to get used to the driving, hooking up, and maintenance. Trips under 5-6 hours driving are ideal.
3. Pack Smart
Space is precious in an RV, so ditch the “just in case” mentality (not including safety items). You’ll find that storage space runs out quick! Have you ever played Tetris? That’s what packing an RV is like. You want to be very intentional with everything you are bringing and make sure it has a purpose.
Pack light, focusing on multi-purpose items and essentials. Invest in collapsible outdoor furniture and storage solutions to maximize space.
It’s also important to think about what you need access to first. You don’t want tools you need for setting up your RV buried in your passthrough. Pack things like your wheel chocks, leveling blocks, and utility hoses last so you can easily get to them once you reach your destination.
When packing your clothing think about what items can be worn with multiple outfits. Packing cubes are a true life saver here! They can really help keep your clothing organized and compact. If you’re saving space using packing cubes you’ll have room for a small portable steamer. Even though your clothes are folded tight you’ll be able to look fresh and pressed!
Not sure what you need? Here’s our Checklist for First Time RV Campers
4. Master the Hookup
Mastering the hookup is very important – it will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. My number 1 tip for RV Camping for beginners? Don’t let anybody rush or interrupt your set up process. Sure your campground neighbors have the best intentions when they come over to say hello, or offer a suggestion for your hook up. But accidentally skipping a step could mean your RV is not stabilized and secure! Buckle down, run through your checklist, and catch up with the neighbors later.
The first step of your hook up will be leveling your RV. This is crucial not only for comfort, but for maintaining your new RV! Pressure on an un-level RV can cause unnecessary strain on the frame and construction.
Be sure to check out our guide on How To Level Your RV for RV camping beginners.
Depending on your campsite, you might need to connect to water, electricity, and sewage. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. But familiarizing yourself with the process beforehand will save you time and frustration when you arrive.
5. Embrace the Community
The RV community is incredibly welcoming and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advice from seasoned campers, and share your own experiences. You might make some lifelong friends along the way! Everybody was a beginner at some point. They will be happy to share mistakes they’ve learned from. Each RVer has their own process and way of doing things. You might pick up something you’d never thought of!
Find Instagram and Facebook groups that are specific to your RV make and model. There are also community groups by area or state. This helps share specific tips and tricks that are relevant to your specific situation. It also helps to get more eyes on any issues, and learn how others have remedied them.
Bonus Tip: Download offline maps and apps! Cell service can be patchy on the road, so being prepared is key. Don’t be ashamed to keep an old school Atlas in the glovebox – you’ll be grateful when you’re lost with no cell service.
RVing is an incredible way to explore the world at your own pace, creating unforgettable memories along the way. RV camping for beginners can be a little intimidating at first. With a little planning and these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a confident RV pro in no time. So, what are you waiting for? The open road awaits!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the adventure! Happy RVing, everyone!
