Whether you're a family of weekend campers or a retired couple looking to travel full-time, every RV beginner has to know a few important things before making the maiden voyage. Here are six quick tips to consider before you pile in and head out.
Tip 1: Decide Whether to Buy or Rent
This isn't always an easy decision, with pros and cons for both. However, when you consider a few key factors, the answer becomes clearer.
- Buy: You plan to go RV camping often or full-time and you have storage for the times when you aren't traveling.
- Rent: You plan to go on a single trip, or want to test the waters before making a purchase.
Tip 2: Get to Know Your RV
With little road experience, it's especially important that RV beginners take time to learn how the motorhome works, even if it's just a rental. If something breaks, you should be able to assess the problem, and potentially fix it. This saves time and money spent at a mechanic.
When you get to know your RV, you're less likely to make operational errors. For example, if you don't know how many amps your main breaker can handle, there's a good chance you'll blow it. This is a potentially expensive error that can be avoided by getting to know your rig.
Tip 3: Take a Practice Drive
Consider the roads you plan to drive on, and take a smaller trip on similar terrain. As an RV beginner you don't yet know what will move around in the living area or how hard it will be to switch lanes, ascend hills, and park.
Once you know the intricacies of driving an RV, you can make necessary adjustments. For example, if your drawers pop open, which they often do, you need to find a way to keep them shut.
Tip 4: Bring Tools and Spare Parts
Pack a well-stocked tool kit, and add in the things that your RV might need, like extra fuses, light bulbs, jumper cables, nuts, bolts and connectors. In addition, be sure to bring parts that are unique to your rig. Without these, you risk having to wait for the part to be ordered and shipped.
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