How to Get Your First RV Trip Right

Contributed post.

The US is the perfect place to take a road trip due to its long and extensive highways that can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go without the kind of crowding you find in many smaller companies. Trips are expansive, exciting and often quirky thanks to the abundance of quaint roadside diners and unusual roadside attractions, so it is not surprising that more and more people are choosing to explore the country in recreational vehicles.

If this is something you would like to do, but it’s your first time and you don’t know what to expect, here are some tips to make sure your maiden RV voyage goes well. 

Start small, stay close

For your first RV outing, it is probably a good idea for you to resist that urge you have to travel cross country and pick someplace a little closer to home. That way, if something feels confusing or you forget an item, it is not a major problem.

A shorter trip also gives you a chance to learn how everything works without pressure. You will figure out how to manage water tanks, power connections, and storage systems more easily when you are not exhausted from long driving days.

Learn your RV before you leave

It’s a good idea to spend some time getting to know your RV before you set off on your first trip. Practice hooking it up to water and electricity and familiarize yourself with the dash, test the appliances and learn the right way to empty the tanks, and so so when you’re at home so you are not left in a tricky situation.

Knowing where things are stored saves frustration later. It is much better to troubleshoot in your driveway than in a campground after dark.

Book the right campground

Staying in the right place is really important if you want to ensure a successful trip. So, be sure to research RV parks and read recent reviews.  Look for locations with clear instructions, full hookups if you want them, and amenities that match your comfort level.

Beginners often find that parks with paved sites, level ground and reliable utilities make life easier for them, and some places even offer pull through spots that make parking your RV as simple as can be. 

Oh, and try to remember that booking ahead, especially during peak seasons, reduces last minute stress.

Pack smart

Space in an RV is limited so you need to be really clever about only bringing what you really do need without overpacking. So try to choose clothing that can mix and match. Pack simple cooking supplies and easy meals.

Remember that you are not moving permanently. You can always adjust what you bring on future trips.

Keep frequently used items accessible so you are not digging through cupboards every time someone needs something.

Your first RV trip will be as daunting as it is exciting but if you bear the above in mind, go into it with an open mind and take plenty of breaks, you will get through it and have fun, and any mistakes you make will simply be good learning moments that will help you on your next trip.