Ten Tips for New RVers to Enjoy the RV Lifestyle

Acquiring your first recreational vehicle and then embarking on your first RV adventure is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As a new RV owner, preparation and knowledge are your best friends. To help you navigate this new and exciting lifestyle, we’ve assembled ten essential tips that every new RVer should know.

1. Expect the Unexpected 

No matter how much planning and advice you gather, unexpected situations can still happen. With an RV, you’re essentially taking your home on the road, and things can go wrong given enough time or miles. To minimize any potential problems:

• Keep your towing truck or motorized RV fully fueled at all times.
• Regularly check tire pressure for all vehicles.
• Have a contingency plan for alternative campgrounds in case plans change unexpectedly – weather washouts, sold-out sites, etc.
• Use a weather app or radio to monitor conditions to where you’re traveling.
• Share your detailed travel plans with a trusted person who will NOT be on the trip, including campsite information and vehicle details.
• Research nearby hospitals and veterinary services in advance in case of emergencies.
• Pack enough water and food to last a few days in case of emergencies.
• Include essential road emergency gear such as flares, hazard triangles, flashlights and rain ponchos.
• With RV insurance, make 100% sure that you have full coverage in case of accidents. Look into full-timers RV insurance if you plan on making your RV your permanent residence.

By staying prepared, you can handle unexpected situations with greater ease and continue enjoying your trips!

2. Rent Before You Commit

The booming RV rental market provides a great opportunity for first-time RVers to learn what they truly want before making a purchase. With options from companies like RVShare and local dealerships, renting allows you to test different RV types and features. This experience is very beneficial in helping you to avoid the costly mistake of buying the wrong RV, especially when new RVs can diminish in value by up to 30% in the first year.

Veteran RVers often suggest that you should buy your third RV first—meaning, by your third RV, you’ll know exactly what you want. But why wait? By renting several times, you can gain valuable knowledge and specific insights to make a more informed decision when you’re ready to become an RV owner.

3. Know Your Travel Style

Understanding your travel style is key to selecting the right RV. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you be RVing in winter climates? A four-season RV, with features like insulated tanks and double-paned windows, may be necessary.
• Do you plan on boondocking or dry camping often? Look for an RV with a large fresh water tank and a reliable power source, such as a generator or solar panels.
• Are you interested in off-road adventures? Make sure your RV is built to handle rough terrain.
• What type of RV suits your needs? From travel trailers to Class A, B, and C motorhomes, each type offers different benefits and requires different levels of responsibility. (See Tip #4)

Taking the time to evaluate your needs guarantees that you wisely select an RV that complements your lifestyle.

4. Meet the Classy RV Family

RVs come in various classes, so it’s important to know the differences in order to choose the best one for you. The most popular classes are A, B, and C, and they don’t follow a natural progression in terms of size based on their class letter.

• Class A Motorhomes: The largest and most luxurious, resembling touring coach buses. This motorhome might not be the best for beginners unless you’re experienced with large vehicles and operating them on the road. Class As are also the most expensive due to their many features and size.
• Class B Motorhomes: This motorhome resembles compact camper vans, with limited space. Ideal for couples or solo travelers, but not for those needing more room or who have growing families. Class Bs are often RVers first recreational vehicle and remembered fondly.
• Class C Motorhomes: A mid-size option built on a truck or van chassis, but offering a good balance of space and maneuverability. A great choice for families or small groups. Renting a Class C motorhome is often recommended for first-timers, providing a comfortable introduction to the RV lifestyle.

5. Hit the Road with Confidence!

Handling an RV on the road or even in an RV park, especially for the first time, can be daunting. Before embarking on a long journey, take your RV out for a few practice drives. Get comfortable with turning, reversing, and parking, particularly in tight spaces. It’s also beneficial to practice backing into campsites and maneuvering around obstacles like trees and posts. The more familiar you are with your RV’s size and capabilities and how it moves, the more confident you’ll feel on the road!

6. Must-Have RV Accessories

Outfitting your RV with the right accessories can make your travels much smoother. Consider buying:

• A quality surge protector to protect your RV’s electrical system.
• A water pressure regulator to prevent damage to your plumbing.
• Leveling blocks to make sure your RV is stable on uneven ground when camped.
• A portable waste tank for easier dumping at campgrounds without full hookups.

These accessories can help you avoid common issues and really supe-up your overall RV experience.

7. Map It Out 

While spontaneous road trips can be fun, it’s wise to plan your route and stops, especially as a new RVer. Use RV-specific apps to map out your journey, so that you avoid low bridges, narrow roads, and other obstacles that could pose a problem for your vehicle. Additionally, research RV-friendly campgrounds along your route and make reservations where possible so as to avoid arriving at a full campsite after a long day on the road. THAT is never fun!

8. Learn Basic RV Maintenance

Being able to perform basic maintenance tasks for your recreational vehicle can save you time, money, and headaches on the road. Learn how to:

• Check and top-off your RV’s fluids, including oil, coolant and transmission fluid.
• Inspect and maintain your RV’s roof, seals and tires. A leaky roof is not enjoyable during a rainstorm.
• Properly winterize your RV if you plan on storing it during the off-season. This will prevent damage that you might not discover until on-the-road the next year.

Having these skills will help you keep your RV in good condition and extend its lifespan, while saving you money.

9. Don’t Forget the Essentials: Height, Weight, and Licensing

When driving an RV, certain technical details are crucial:

• Know the Height: Be aware of your RV’s height to avoid collisions with low bridges or tunnels. For example, Zion National Park has height restrictions, and knowing the height of your RV will help you avoid a collision that could add hours to your trip and serious damage to your vehicle.
• Understand GVWR: Your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum safe weight, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Exceeding this can lead to dangerous situations like tire blowouts or axle failures – events you don’t want to encounter especially while traveling.
• Licensing: Most RVs under 26,000 pounds don’t require a special license, but it’s wise to check with your state’s DMV for specific regulations. Some states are more stringent than others.

Knowing these details means you are able to have a safer and more enjoyable trip!

10. Park Smart 

Selecting a campsite isn’t just about the view. Parking under the wrong tree can lead to costly damage from falling branches, particularly to your RV’s roof or windshield. To avoid such mishaps, carefully choose your parking spot, making sure that there are no overhanging branches or other potential hazards, especially from dead branches that tend to break-off during wind events.

However, even with the best planning, accidents can and will happen. If your RV windshield does sustain damage, don’t worry. Custom Glass Solutions offers RV windshield replacement and repair services with a network of over 3,000 preferred glass shops coast-to-coast! Our expertise in RV glass replacement and repairs guarantees that you’ll receive quality service no matter where your travels take you. See our guide for replacing OR repairing your windshield, here.

With our extensive network, high-quality RV windshields and side windows for countless brands, and consummate commitment to customer satisfaction, Custom Glass Solutions makes it easy to get back on the road safely and quickly. Don’t let a cracked windshield ruin your adventure – find an RV glass expert near you today and enjoy peace of mind on every exciting journey in your new RV lifestyle. Enjoy the ride!