Before purchasing an RV, you do your best to educate yourself, but there are certain things that can only be learned via experience. Also, by reading this article...
What our RV Lifestyle members wish they had understood about RVing before traveling was a topic that was recently raised.
Guess what else? RVers wish they had known a lot of things. Nearly 300 people commented on the page, offering advice that RVers had learned while traveling.
RVers' Wish List of Knowledge
The following list includes all the information about RVing that our RV Lifestyle members wish they had known before hitting the road. If RVing is new to you, their errors and discoveries might help you be ready!
#1. Variable Gas Prices
The changing cost of petrol is the first thing on our list. Of fact, most people shouldn't be surprised anymore given the recent spike in petrol costs has severely affected all of us.
Many RVers wished they had known how to improve RV fuel efficiency.
Kari, a member of our RV Lifestyle community, posted the thread's initial remark. The big red exclamation point at the end, not the fact that she brought up shifting petrol costs, caught my attention.
Depending on how far you go and the kind of rig you purchase, gas may be one of the biggest recurring costs for RVing.
Your vacation plans may be affected since a place that was previously within your budget may no longer be. Many folks will ultimately choose to remain nearby.
Any vehicle you're seeking to buy should have size and fuel efficiency in mind.
Connie, another RVer, also spoke about her discovery that fuel treatment may assist overcome this difficulty. She said that it "gets me 7 extra miles per gallon."
#2. Tires
All about the tires. This is yet another crucial element of RVing. That's because your vehicle's tires are the only thing separating it from the road you're on.
Before becoming an RVer, a lot of our members remarked how crucial it is to understand tires.
Chinese tire bombs, that's all John L. said. Later, he clarified that this meant that you should be cautious when buying things since cheap tires from China may blow up on you.
Another participant concurred since he had his own significant tire blowout.
Make sure your vehicle always has sturdy tires, but be aware of the expense. In the short term, buying quality tires is expensive, but in the long run, they may save you money (and a lot of headache).
The preventative maintenance that every RVer should do also includes having healthy tires.
#3. Unforeseeable Costs
Caroyln, a different participant, made a statement about growing total costs. She highlighted the growing expense of RV parks and petrol.
RV park owners are feeling the effects of inflation just like the rest of us. That indicates that they are shifting the expenses to you.
According to Carolyn, they decided to live in an RV full-time in order to save a third of their salary. They discovered that they were unable to save as much as they had hoped due to escalating RV park prices.
She also said that although the accommodations she stayed in while visiting Florida were about $1,200 per month last year, they would cost $2,000 per month starting in 2019. Over the course of a year, the price has increased by almost 66 percent. Ouch!
#4. Avoid overpacking
Leave all that STUFF at home, Hank said. He wasn't the only one who felt this way.
Susan M. added, "Take half of what you anticipate you would utilize (in terms of items)."
Our two members have a strong point. Most of us fill our RVs too full. Yes, it makes sense to keep some products on hand that you may need but won't always use.
Pack, however, with care. Do you really believe you will utilize something? Also, don't forget to include these little items for a lengthy RV trip.
After a few travels, if you find that you no longer need anything, you may choose to remove it from your RV. That may save up useful space in the gear.
Additionally, it may make the whole car lighter, which over time may result in gas savings for you!
#5. Be aware of your water system!
Knowing how your valve system works is another crucial point Julia brought out. She said that knowing about the grey and black tanks is important information, and she is correct!
Before your first journey, it is a good idea to test these systems out. By doing this, you avoid wasting water or harming your sensitive system while traveling to your destination.
#6. Where and When to Buy Alcohol
Although it was a humorous message, it may be significant to some of you.
Not all states allow the sale of alcohol in typical supermarkets. In some places, supermarket stores only carry beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Additionally, several states prohibit the selling of alcohol on Sundays, often on a county-by-county basis.
Pay heed to local and state alcohol rules if you want to purchase any alcohol while driving.
#7. Let It Go
Another suggestion that surfaced in the comment thread was to rent out your RV while you're not using it to generate money!
It may not be for everyone to rent out their RV. Cleaning and delivering it in between rentals is labor-intensive. In the long term, repairs and wear and tear may cost you money.
However, some individuals like and are quite successful at renting out their equipment!
The quantity of information available about RVing may be overwhelming to a novice RVer. We were when we opted to live full-time. We've put together information on RV life that we've learnt since we started traveling in 2015 in this article. We decided to compile all of these RV starter ideas in one spot since there are so many novice RVers these days.
Welcome if you're reading this and you've never traveled in an RV before! These novice RV instructions are intended to provide you the necessary knowledge to go out there fast and securely. Even seasoned RVers may pick up a few tips here.
For you to learn all you need to know to get started as a new RVer, we've aggregated links to our most useful articles and produced some new stuff as well. without being required to do much research.
#1. How to Buy and Shop for an RV
We've previously published a few articles on the topic if you're looking for an RV but don't yet possess one:
How to find and purchase an RV
What are the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing an RV new vs used?
On our YouTube website, we also offer a collection of RV, truck camper, and trailer tours. Check out these RV excursions if you want to explore various manufacturers and floor plans:
Tours in a Class B camper van
Best motorhomes under 30 feet
Tours in a small travel trailer
We don't know how to match tow cars to trailers since we've never hauled our house. However, we have seen salespeople mislead RVers in order to close deals. Therefore, for safety information on GVWR and cargo, check out this post by Marc and Trish at Keep Your Daydream whether you're searching for a tow vehicle or a towable RV (or both).
Because everyone's needs are different, we are unable to advise you on the kind of RV that is best for you. We can guarantee that you won't locate the ideal setup on your first try since there isn't such a thing.
We began towing a Jeep Wrangler with a Class A motorhome and eventually downsized to a 44 truck camper since a compact car is better for the way we travel. But when we originally began, there was no way we could have realized that. It was crucial that we choose the RV that suited our needs at the time.
#2. How to Rent an RV
Renting an RV allows you to take advantage of RV travel's benefits if you're not quite ready to make the commitment to purchase one. There were not many RV rental firms when we first began looking at them in 2014. There are several alternatives available today, ranging from regional businesses that focus on Class B vehicles to international rental firms like Outdoorsy and RVShare.
These substantial RV rental businesses effectively act as a market for RV rentals. You may search for the manufacturer and model of your choosing depending on what is offered in your region when private owners advertise their campers for rent. You may also do a brand-specific search for products you're looking to purchase, like a Storyteller Overland MODE4x4 or a lightweight travel trailer weighing less than 3,500 pounds.
Maybe a fifth wheel toy trailer or a luxury Class A RV are more your thing. Depending on pricing and availability, you can probably locate whatever RV you're interested in renting.
Renting an RV is a wise first move even if you do want to purchase. Through Outdoorsy, we hired a Hymer Aktiv to go about Maui. Read about our experience renting an RV in Maui.
#3. An Overview of RV "Classes"
The many RV classifications may seem extremely confusing to someone who has never owned an RV before. Why is a Class B smaller than a Class A or a Class C? What does the term "Class B" mean?
Before we continue, we thought we'd give you a brief rundown of the many sorts of RVs available. As RV rookies, we remember how it felt to be a little confused in these categories.
RVs with motors
Class A: Our first recreational vehicle was a Class A motorhome. These are the enormous trucks with flat front windshields that resemble buses. They are available in both gas and diesel types and may be anywhere between 25 and 45 feet long. Here is a video of our first RV being walked through.
Class C: A Class C RV is likely what comes to mind when you think of a traditional motorhome. They are constructed on a truck chassis, often a Chevy or a Ford, and feature the cab-over bunk.
Super C: Super C RVs are easy to see when driving. They are still constructed on a truck chassis, but the vehicle resembles a Freightliner, giving them an 18-wheeler appearance rather than an RV one. The custom Super C manufacturer's Indiana factory tour is seen here.
Small C or class B+: "B plus" RVs are modest Class C RVs in terms of size; they typically have a length of 25 feet or less. Like Class B vans, they are constructed on a van chassis, but with a broader and larger box-like body that provides additional internal room and sometimes even slideouts. You may get a sense of a Class B+/Small C RV by watching this video tour.
Class B: Camper vans are considered Class B RVs. These motorized RVs are smaller and thinner than other motorized RVs because they are constructed using various van chassis and van bodywork. We have tested and lived in a variety of camper vans, including a front wheel drive ProMaster camper van, a custom Class B van, and four-wheel drive Sprinter and Transit Class B vans. We also briefly lived out of a DIY camper van that we constructed. Watch one of the day-in-the-life films below or visit our collection of van life videos to get a feel for living in a camper van.
Truck camper: Our mobile house is a truck camper. An actual truck camper is a camper shell that is placed within the truck bed. View our truck camper tour in the video player below or view our truck camper life video collection.
RV trailers
Although we haven't lived in a towable RV permanently, we have visited several of them and are familiar with many other RVers who do.
Fifth wheel: The biggest towable RV is a fifth wheel. Because the front pin of the trailer rests in the truck bed, the truck axle serves as a type of "fifth wheel" to a double axle RV, giving five wheels its name. They range in height from 30 to 45 feet and are often rather lengthy.
Travel trailer: Travel trailers, also referred to as "bumper pulls," connect to a conventional ball hitch so that the weight of the trailer lies completely behind the vehicle rather than over the back axle. These may be as little as a few feet (like tiny teardrop trailers) or as long as 30 feet.
Pop Up: While most travel trailers are completely hard-sided, pop up campers employ folding canvas sides to reduce height and weight. As the name implies, you pop them up to full height for usage when you arrive at your campground. Due to their minimal weight, they may be pulled by a variety of vehicles. Some pop up campers even have a toilet. There is a reason why pop-up campers have been preferred by families for so long.
The various RV courses that are offered are now complete. Let's go on to the part after this.
#4. Driving (or Towing) an RV
It might be intimidating to learn to drive an RV. We were drenched in perspiration when we test-drove our first 45' Class A motorhome at an RV show. However, we rapidly felt at ease behind the wheel.
Finding a big, vacant parking lot is where we recommend you practice driving the most. To determine how much space you need, test out tight turns. Go left and right. Especially if you're pulling a trailer or fifth wheel, practice backing up.
Simply put, get used to the space you need and the way your RV moves.
You may also have fun with this. See how close you can come to some cones or overturned buckets that have been set up in a "slalom" pattern without actually hitting or driving over them with your vehicle.
You'll feel prepared on the road after you've spent a few of hours training without risking damage to your car or any other vehicles. If you must drive, avoid congested roadways. There won't be any sharp curves, little roads, or stop signs for you to be concerned about.
We advise utilizing a pre-departure checklist before your trip, regardless of whether you are an experienced RVer or not—but particularly if you are just getting started. Follow it in the other direction when you get there to set up camp. It's the greatest method to make sure you don't forget to do anything crucial before you leave, including pulling back the awning, closing drawers, or removing your power cable from the pedestal.
An RV-specific GPS device was essential when we first began traveling in our Class A RV, but we no longer use it because our current vehicle is so tiny (we have a pop-up truck camper). To map out your itinerary beforehand, you may use utilize software like RV Trip Wizard.
In conclusion, be careful not to try any route that cannot accommodate the size of your RV. Nothing is worse than having to decide if your roof (and air conditioner!) will clear a bridge or low overhang as you approach it.
#5. Essential RV Accessories
We just put up a list of essential RV accessories. However, we are aware that spending money on items for your new (or new-to-you) RV rapidly adds up.
Even if you don't purchase anything else, be sure you have:
For acquiring fresh water at the RV filling station, bring a fresh water hose and an RV water filter.
Whatever kind of electrical wire your RV comes with, it's a good idea to keep extra adaptors on hand so that, in an emergency, you can connect it into 20, 30, or 50 amp outlets.
Protect your RV's electrical system with a surge protector or EMS.
If you have a black tank, a sewage pipe and a clear elbow for dumping (more on sewer systems below)
Adjusting bricks
A wheel chock (if you have a towable RV)
Don't miss our list of the top 15 kitchen tools for RVers if you like cooking as Kait does. We offer what we've discovered about cooking in an RV kitchen since it's different from cooking in a home and necessitates some special gear with little room. Including some amazing Instant Pot recipes, which are the best buddy of any RV cook.
#6. How to Locate Campgrounds
More than any other subject, finding amazing campsites is perhaps something we've written about the most. One of the things that novice RVers are most apprehensive about is something we are often questioned about. especially if, like us, they are going without bookings.
Identifying your travel style is the first step in choosing the ideal campground for you. Do you favor free camping without connections at boondocking sites? Or would you rather stay in an RV community with plenty of facilities, entertainment, and a flat concrete parking pad like the one seen in the video below?
You'll know what to search for after you decide on the kind of camping you like.
When looking for a spot to sleep in your RV, here are a few of our go-to sources:
Top RV Travel Applications: We compiled a list of all of our preferred RVing apps. Some of them will assist you in choosing a place to stay the night. Others will monitor the weather for you or assist you drive more affordably.
Allstays: It is among our best RVing applications, but it is still important to mention. On Allstays, you may discover almost whatever you're searching for, including paid campgrounds, free campgrounds, propane, water, sewage dumps, and more. Visit our Allstays Camp & RV App Review for additional details.
Harvest Hosts: This is ideal for anyone who wish to locate a lovely place to stay AND buy locally. You may stay at farms, vineyards, and other local locations for a nominal yearly fee thanks to Harvest Hosts. Normally there are no connections, but sometimes you may spend the night alone in a vineyard. We think the exchange was well worth it. The only thing the landowners want in exchange is that you make a purchase from them. Who, after all, doesn't desire local wines or organic food? Read our review of Harvest Hosts.
Dispersed camping on National Forest land: Sleep beneath the stars without any amenities and, often, no neighbors by dispersed camping in a national forest. We have a sizable collection of blogs and videos on the topic since this is how we like to spend the night.
Visit this page to learn about some of the locations we've stayed when RV camping throughout the years:
Our travel destinations page for a state-by-state breakdown.
Our archive of entries about campgrounds
We traveled quite a bit in our first year as full-time RVers and compiled a list of our favorite paid and unpaid RV spots.
Finally, create a post listing RV resources that also lists COVID-specific options to assist RVers who need a place to stay in case the rules governing their camping location change.
#7. Internet access for RVers
For nomads, internet access is a major concern. Even senior RVers who just want to stay in contact with relatives and sometimes watch a TV program face several difficulties. The stakes of having a reliable internet connection are very significant if you are operating a company or working a full-time job while traveling.
To assist you in staying connected, we developed a guide on RV Internet since this subject is so crucial.
#8. RVing with Dogs
We had two sizable dogs with us when we first began RVing. It wasn't as easy as just loading the dogs into the RV and leaving for the next adventure, as we soon discovered. When it came to the number of days spent traveling and living in the RV, there was an adjustment period for both them and us.
We provide advice and lessons gained to help you get started RVing with your four-legged family members in our Beginner's Guide to RVing with Dogs.
Even though we don't now own any dogs, we used to travel extensively in our RV across the United States with our dogs. We learnt a lot about how to leave the dogs behind securely since there were times when we couldn't tour a location we wanted to see with them in tow. Our list of must-have canine gear for RVers includes a few necessities.
Check out some of our dog-friendly blogs for suggestions on where to go and what to do if you are traveling with a dog or plan to. Some of our preferred dog-friendly activities are listed below:
Asheville, North Carolina's Biltmore Estate
Williams, Arizona's Bearizona Wildlife Park
Fort Collings, Colorado Brewery Tours
Camping in Florida's Disney's Fort Wilderness
Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park
Arizona's Tucscon Pima Air Museum
#9. Tips for Living Small
In many respects, living in an RV is akin to living in a small house. Additionally, you must be somewhat resourceful in terms of where and how to keep items if you like the portability of compact RVs like ours. Some of these small living tips may be useful to you even if you drive a 45-foot Class A diesel pusher.
These are a few strategies we've used to keep organized in a tiny environment with two people.
#10. RV Restrooms
You are undoubtedly already aware that an RV's plumbing and sewage systems function differently from those of a home.
Most RV toilets drain into a single holding tank (ominously referred to as the "black tank") rather than straight into the sewage system since you're moving rather than being in one place. You will ultimately need to empty your black tank or other sort of RV toilet as a result, so bear that in mind.
RV dumping, fortunately, is not as awful as it may seem. If you do it correctly, it becomes a routine task. If you get it wrong, well... Simply read our advice on how to do it properly.
We've written a lot about RV toilets since we've had a variety of them ourselves. Here are all of our entries on toilets in case you have an unconventional RV toilet configuration or are deciding if you'd like one:
RV Toilets: The ultimate guide to every kind of RV toilet imaginable.
Composting Toilets: We had a composting toilet on our very first RV. Here is our summary of this well-liked and environmentally responsible choice for RVers.
What are cassette toilets? How are they emptied? Is this awful? All of these solutions, plus more.
We presently utilize portable camping toilets in our pickup camper. We discuss how portable toilets operate, what it's like to use one, and other things.
Oh, and if you're interested in reading more about our brief experience with a composting toilet, go here to see the post about our 2-week bucket toilet experiment.
#11. Preparation and Safety for Travel
On the road, safety issues vary somewhat from those at home. Since you're probably traveling further distances at a time—and taking your whole home with you—the possibilities of a breakdown are significantly larger.
In addition, there may be times when your family and friends are unsure of where you are due to your mobility and intermittent mobile service in certain wilderness areas.
In order to address these issues, we published articles on RV safety, must-have items for your RV, and utilizing a pre-departure checklist.
#12. Memberships
If you utilize RV memberships effectively, you may save a lot of money. Since you'll meet other like-minded travelers at member campsites like Harvest Hosts, they may also provide you a built-in community. Some companies, such as Escapees, also provide further services like mail forwarding and permanent locations for habitation. For additional details, see our review of the Escapees RV Club.
This article lists a few valuable RV memberships.
#13. Sending mail
One of the most common queries we get is how to deliver mail while traveling. Receiving mail might be a little difficult if you're traveling for weeks or months at a time or if you live in an RV full-time.
You have more alternatives than you may think for obtaining mail when traveling in an RV, as we explain in this piece.
#14. Health Insurance
Insurance for full-time RVers is one of the most often discussed subjects around the campfire. We all hope we won't become ill when traveling, but we also want to be ready in case it does. And to be honest, if you've never had to obtain insurance on your own, navigating the full-time RVers insurance market may be very intimidating.
We talk about our experiences with health insurance while traveling as well as the alternatives that are available to other RVers in this post on RV health insurance.
#15. Get More Use Out of Your RV
While there are many full-time RVers on the road, the number of part-time RVers who utilize their camper for lengthy road trips or weekend vacations is far higher. These RVs are most likely waiting for the next adventure in storage when they aren't being utilized for camping.
Here are some tips to make the most of your RV since purchasing a drivable or towable RV may be pretty expensive.
Summary
That was a lot of information, and we appreciate you sticking with us through our RV beginner's guide. There is a lot to learn about RVing, as you have surely realized, but don't let that intimidate you.
If we could leave you with just one thought, it would be that it was all totally worthwhile. Along the way, you'll discover abilities you had no idea you had and see stunning locations.
Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions regarding RVing, and we'll do our best to respond.
And welcome to all of the RV newcomers out there! We are eager to see you on the road.
