Advise for First Time RV Buyers
Advice for a First Time RV Owner...
From our Community of RV Owners
Embarking on the RV lifestyle is an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming for first-time owners. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or considering full-time RV living, here’s some essential advice to help you navigate your new journey with confidence.
Know Your RV Inside and Out
Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with every aspect of your RV. This includes understanding your vehicle’s dimensions, weight capacity, and how all systems work. Kimberly Hamilton, an experienced RVer, advises, “Plan for the unexpected, put a budget together, and ask a lot of questions.” Take time to learn about your electrical systems, water tanks, and appliances. This knowledge will prove invaluable when you’re out on the road and need to troubleshoot issues.
Create Checklists for Setup and Teardown
One of the most common pieces of advice from seasoned RVers is to create comprehensive checklists for setting up and breaking down your campsite. As Gary S., an Outdoor Adventures member, suggests, “Make a checklist of everything that has to be done when setting up the RV. On the back of the checklist, write down everything that must be done when packing up the RV. Then use this list every time you camp.” This simple practice can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you don’t forget crucial steps in the process.
Practice Driving and Parking
Maneuvering a large vehicle or towing a trailer requires skill and practice. Before your first trip, spend time in an empty parking lot practicing turns, backing up, and parking. Many RV owners recommend using walkie-talkies or cell phones to communicate with a spotter when backing into tight spaces. Remember, as one Reddit user advises, “Swing wide, need extra room on turns.”
Invest in Essential Equipment
While it’s easy to go overboard with RV accessories, focus on the essentials first. These include a sewer hose, drinking water-safe hose, water pressure regulator, surge protector, and levelers. Colleen S.G. recommends, “Be as prepared as possible for small issues and repairs that will come up.” As you gain experience, you’ll discover which additional items truly enhance your RVing experience.
Plan Your Routes Carefully
Utilize RV-specific GPS devices or apps to plan your routes. These tools can help you avoid low bridges, weight restrictions, and roads unsuitable for RVs. Tiffany Bonner, a Class B RV owner, emphasizes the importance of research: “Learn as much as you can about the type of RV you want before making that investment.”
Be Mindful of Your RV’s Limitations
Understanding your RV’s weight capacity and towing limits is crucial. Pam Whyte, an experienced RVer, warns, “First, figure out your towing capacity and buy slightly under the capacity. There is nothing worse than spending a lot of money on an RV you’ll need to sell in a year.”
Arrive at Campgrounds During Daylight
Setting up in the dark can lead to mistakes and frustration. Janine Pettit, founder of Girl Camper, shares a cautionary tale: “One woman thought she was filling her fresh water holding tank. But in the dark, she’d put the water hose in her gas tank.” Plan your travel days to arrive at your destination with plenty of daylight left for setup.
Embrace the RV Community
The RV community is known for its friendliness and willingness to help. Join the NuCamp Owners Group on Facebook and ask questions! Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or assistance when needed. Join RV forums, attend rallies, and engage with fellow campers. As one KOA blog suggests, “Make friends first.”
Take It Slow and Enjoy the Journey
In your first year of RVing, resist the urge to see everything at once. Julie and Reet Singh, full-time RVers, reflect on their first year: “We saw a little of each destination, but we didn’t really experience them.” Take time to explore each location fully and enjoy the journey as much as the destinations.
Stay Flexible and Patient
Remember that RVing comes with a learning curve. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this new lifestyle. Stay flexible in your plans, as weather, mechanical issues, or unexpected discoveries might alter your itinerary.
By following this advice, first-time RV owners can set themselves up for success and enjoyment in their new adventure. Remember, every experienced RVer was once a beginner, and with time and practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your RV lifestyle.
Here's what members of the Nucamp Owners Group had to say...
