Welcome to the world of RV travel! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just getting started, there’s always something new to learn about hitting the road with your home on wheels. RVing can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges and considerations.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of essential Dos and Don’ts to help you navigate your journey more smoothly. From avoiding common pitfalls to embracing helpful habits, these tips will ensure you make the most of your adventures while being a considerate and prepared RVer.
Don’t: Buy ‘All the Things’
There are so many items on the market for RVs that the list can get very overwhelming, very quickly. We go over this list in our RV Tips for Beginners post, but these are the essential items you need to get started:
Sewer hose and connections, a hose for potable water, an RV surge protector, electrical adapters (20, 30, and 50 amp), wheel chocks, leveling blocks, tire pressure gauge, black tank treatment, and flashlight. Check out our full list of RV Essential Gear here.
Don’t: Be In A Hurry
That’s when mistakes happen. The worst thing you can do is try to rush, whether it’s leaving the house, traveling on the road, or backing into a campsite. Take your time, check your list, and make a plan ahead of time.
If you are in a tight spot, have your travel companion or a helpful volunteer help guide you in or out of a campsite. On a number of occasions, I have guided our RV around gas pumps, parking areas, and even backing out of a dead-end road (thanks GPS).
This will also be on our checklist, but I want to stress the importance of guiding an RV into (and sometimes out of) a campsite. After 4 years of traveling, we still stop in front of our campsite, look around at utilities, trees, uneven ground, etc. to come up with a plan. I stand at the back of our RV while on the phone and provide guidance while the RV is backing into a campsite.
Now this may not be as big of an issue with a smaller rig, but for those big guys out there, an extra set of eyes never hurts. And scraping a tree, backing into a ditch, or catching the water hookup can be a costly (and avoidable) mistake that will certainly put a damper on the weekend.
Following an RV Setup Checklist can be very helpful, especially when you first start RVing.
Don’t: Be Afraid to Ask for Help
RVer’s are some of the friendliest people we have met on the road. They are always willing to lend a hand if needed. Whether you need help backing into your site, help with a dead battery, or maybe just borrowing a tool.
P.S. Don’t worry, your neighbors are already watching you back in.
Do: Be Prepared- Things Are Going to Break
This doesn’t mean you bought a bad RV, or that it is a bad product. An RV is basically an earthquake on wheels when it is riding down the road. From experiences as an RV Tech, the best made, most expensive RVs out there… still have things that break.
Have a plan on when (not if) something breaks and how you are going to handle it. Are you prepared to fix it yourself, take it to the dealership, or maybe call an RV Tech?
Do: Follow Campsite Etiquette
Most, if not all campgrounds, state parks, etc. will have a list of rules and regulations for campers to follow. This may include information about quiet hours, generators, campfires, and check in/checkout times.
However, there is also general campsite etiquette that campers can follow to be good neighbors and good campers. After all, you are in pretty close quarters with the people around you and everyone is here to have a good time. Some of these guidelines are even campground rules but overall, it’s just common courtesy.
- Keep Dogs on a Leash: Always keep your pets leashed and under control. Your dog may be friendly, but the one they run up to may not be.
- Respect Noise Levels: Avoid playing loud music that can be heard well beyond your campsite.
- Respect Privacy: Don’t walk through other campers’ sites.
- Leave No Trace: Make sure your site is free of trash.
- Consider Lighting: Turn down or switch off outside lights late at night. Many state and national parks are even considered dark sky parks.
Do: Have A Great Time!
Embarking on RV adventures is both thrilling and challenging. By following these Dos and Don’ts, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable journey. Remember, the key to a successful RV trip lies in preparation and patience.
Equip yourself with essential gear, take your time with setups and travel, don’t hesitate to ask for help, be a considerate camper, and have fun. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating unforgettable memories on the open road.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide- RV 101: 5 Quick Tips and Tricks for Beginners.
Happy Travels!
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