Between the excitement that comes with owning your first RV and all the things a new RV owner needs to learn and remember, it is hardly surprising if a few mistakes are made during your first trip. We here at Florida RVs, LLC want to make your transition into the RV-owning lifestyle as smooth as possible. That is why we have created this guide to help first-time owners avoid some of the more common mistakes in using a camper.
1. Practice Transporting The Camper Before Your First Road Trip
Assuming that your experience operating a normal commuter vehicle will translate directly into towing or driving your RV is a huge mistake. With towable RVs, the extra weight affects important factors like the turning radius and stopping distance. Motorhomes are far larger and heavier than normal cars and trucks, meaning they need more space to maneuver and more time to stop.
We highly recommend that you take the time to get used to how your RV handles before your first trip. Find a low-traffic neighborhood or parking lot and practice basic maneuvers like parking, backing into tight spots, stopping safely, driving up and down hills, taking corners, and dealing with wind resistance. Just like learning to drive your car, you should start slow and build up to longer trips.
2. Become Familiar With Your RV
Another key part of RV ownership is knowing all the important details about your model. For example, certain roads, bridges, and tunnels have size restrictions on what vehicles can use them. Learn your RV’s height and width so that you seek alternate routes when necessary. You should also know how your RV’s appliances, electrical system, and sewage system work, as well as how these systems may differ from the systems in your home. This knowledge can be absolutely vital when it comes to maintenance. Finally, study the caution labels on your RV’s exterior and in the owner’s manual so that you are alert to potential hazards.
Your ownership manual is an invaluable source of information and holds recommendations directly from the manufacturer itself. By reading it over, you can gain valuable insight into how to take better care of your camper, as well as how to get the most out of it. You can also try doing a practice run before your official first trip. Set your camper up at home or a nearby campground and practice basic camping tasks like cooking a meal and emptying the water tanks. This is a great way to catch any items you might forget to pack and learn what you need to practice before your trip.
3. Research The RV Campground In Advance
Not all campgrounds will be well suited to your camper or camping style. Make sure that your site has enough room for your RV, as well as compatible electrical and water hookups. Campgrounds can fill up fast, especially during peak camping seasons and at more popular destinations, so make your reservation as soon as possible. You should also research the campground itself, as the services on offer can vary wildly. Some sites have their own Wi-Fi, while others lack bathroom facilities, so it always pays to do your research beforehand.
We here at Florida RVs, LLC wish you luck on your first RV trip, as well as any future trips. For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned RV models, visit our dealership in Dublin, Georgia. We are proud to serve central Georgia, as well as those visiting us from out-of-state communities like Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida.
