RVing is truly a fun activity for families and adventure seekers. If you are new to the camping world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with what you need to know. Before you hit the road and enjoy the outdoors, learn the common mistakes first-time RV owners make so that you do not experience them.
Lack of Trip Planning
Preparation plays a huge role in the success of your camping trip. Whether you need to understand different RV types or plan campsite reservations, it pays to do your research before embarking on your adventure.
Is your RV fit for the great outdoors, or is the campground site suitable for your needs? There are different types of RVs, each with unique features and capabilities. When planning your camping trip, make sure your RV is suited for the routes you are taking and the campsite you are staying at.
Map out RV-friendly roads and plan your stops. Checking the areas you are visiting is essential to avoid stressful situations like steep roads or low-clearance tunnels. Do not forget to monitor the weather forecast and reserve your campsite in advance. Additionally, be sure to have a backup plan for routes, places to stay and activities in case there are issues with the original locations.
Overpacking
If this is your first time RVing, you are likely to bring all sorts of items. While overpacking seems better than underpacking, this principle might not apply to your RV.
Most RVs already have the basic equipment, so you will not have to bring much. RVs often come with built-in mattresses and bedding for comfort. Some units have a full kitchen with the essentials like a stove, oven and cookware.
Do not compromise your safety by filling up your living area with extra items. An overloaded RV can sway or tip when navigating uneven surfaces. Plus, overpacking adds strain to the suspension, brakes, tires and other components.
Not Leveling the RV
As part of your RV checkup and maintenance, level the vehicle to provide a stable sleeping environment. Proper leveling reduces strain on your unit’s system and potential damage to the structure. It also helps keep appliances, especially the refrigerator, cooktops and microwave, upright.
Keeping the tires chocked is also a crucial step when hitching to ensure everything is balanced and avoid unnecessary accidents, like rolling on slopes and hitting other RVs. Additionally, use leveling blocks to get an even distribution of weight on the leveling jacks. You want the tires to remain on the ground, but the leveling jacks help to take the weight off of them and the suspension.
Forgetting Essential Items
Traveling without important tools and emergency supplies is a recipe for disaster. Anything can happen while you are on the road, so be ready for an adventure full of surprises with essentials packed in your RV, such as:
- RV tools like leveling blocks, hoses, towing chains and cables
- Safety equipment like a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and emergency tools
Not Checking RV Systems
As a new RVer, getting used to how everything works may take some time. An RV is a complex system that needs special care and maintenance, from the tanks to the appliances and electrical networks. For this reason, your manual is your best friend. Do not skip the instructions and guidelines in the manual. Otherwise, you will have to learn your RV the hard way.
While mastering your RV takes some time, there are basic care tips to prevent inconveniences along the way. For example, always check your tanks. Regularly checking RV holding tanks ensures you always have clean water, and you never deal with unpleasant odors while onboard. In addition, be mindful of the battery levels.
Ignoring Weight Limits
Bringing too much stuff can be dangerous, especially if you go beyond the RV’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). While modern RVs can carry sufficient weight, always consider the limit to avoid excess stress on the tires and frame. Exceeding the limit also makes it harder to control the vehicle.
Poor Driving Habits
Is this your first time driving an RV? You should know that there are different types of RVs, and each comes with certain driving performance specifications when you hit the road.
To get used to driving your RV, consider heading to an empty parking lot to practice driving and parking your rig. It is also a great frame of reference to put an RV across parking spots to get a visual of how long and wide it really is. Poor driving habits such as speeding, heavy braking and sudden changes of steering that will induce sway make it more likely you will get into an accident or cause damage to your RV.
Keep your speed down while driving for your safety and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Not Securing Items Inside the RV
Whenever you are out RVing, always secure valuable items in the vehicle. Never assume that your surroundings are safe, even if you are in a well-maintained campground. Leaving your RV unlocked and unprotected welcomes intruders, both humans and animals. Installing a security system is a practical investment, as well as securing equipment and items in place, like your awning and valuables.
You also want to make sure you secure items like dishes, food and chairs so they do not move around when you are on the road. They can get broken and damage the interior of the RV — even a microwave glass plate can do a lot of damage if it flies out on a turn.
Failing to Maintain the RV Properly
Whenever you begin your next adventure, make it a habit to check the RV for worn or uneven tires, loose awnings or busted pipes. RV maintenance prevents hefty repairs, helping your equipment last longer. More than your unit’s working condition, routine check-ups keep you safe and comfortable while on the road. Set a maintenance schedule to tackle common issues with the water system, electrical components, tires, roof and other key areas.
Disregarding Campground Rules
A campground setting is one of the best places to bask in the beauty of nature and unwind. As scenic oases after hours on the road, these campgrounds have specific rules to ensure a delightful camping experience for everyone. Whether it is parking in your designated site or adhering to quiet hours, campground rules are set to create happier and smoother camping memories.
Extra Tips for a Seamless and Memorable RV Adventure
Make your first RV camping experience one for the books through these helpful tips:
- Navigating RV insurance options: Before your trip, make sure your insurance is current, provides enough coverage and offers a proper roadside assistance plan for the type of RV you are using.
- Joining RV clubs and online communities: Join RV communities, enhance your RV camping experience and enjoy many benefits. With Kampgrounds of America, for instance, you can save more with KOA Rewards.
- Creating a pre-trip checklist: Enjoy a trouble-free adventure with a checklist of things you need to inspect and bring, from RV systems to camping gear.
- Knowing how to tow a vehicle safely: Learn the basics of towing a vehicle and feel confident and comfortable on the road.
Why Trust Kampgrounds of America for RV Information?
KOA has been helping both first-time and seasoned RVers make their camping dreams a reality. As the largest system of independently owned and operated campgrounds, they support RV users in their quest for a fun, relaxing and memorable camping experience. Solid industry experience and strong brand legacy showcase KOA’s dedication to bringing people together through the outdoors.
Count on KOA for reliable RV information and camping ideas. Relevant tips and up-to-date guidelines give you peace of mind, knowing you are getting insights from the experts. Find out everything you need to learn for your first RV trip through different travel tips, auto safety and more. Trust KOA for your RVing and all other camping adventures.
Learn More About Successful RV Camping With KOA
KOA is your go-to campground partner throughout the United States and Canada. With detailed guides and practical insights, KOA can help you plan a successful RV camping trip. Find and reserve an RV Site today.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
