Camping is all about having fun and trying new things. RV camping is among the best ways to develop that adventurous spirit. Using a recreational vehicle can be the best option for anyone wishing to go camping.
Here are 10 RV Camping Tips for beginners and you would be glad you are here, so let’s dive right in.
1. Buying or Renting Your RV
These come with pros and cons but the decision lies whether you are going to be just a weekend RVer or a full timer.
Renting is an absolutely less risky investment than buying for a beginner and you would want to learn everything about RVs, the must have features that suit your lifestyle, knowing the must have for summer, winter and spring before you commit to buying one.
Renting also gives you the idea and information on how RVs work, from learning how to drive to knowing how to operate the various features.
You are able to experiment before taking the bold step of committing to buying one.
You definitely will be saving more when renting, as you don’t have to worry about repair and maintenance costs.
You can read our full article on the pros and cons of renting or buying RVs here.
2. Choosing the right RV for your trip:
It’s important to know the different types of RVs that are available and which are suitable for your camping needs.
This will guide you to making the right choice of campsite and space needed.
Motorized RVs:
Class A motorhomes: These are the biggest drivable RVs and are often associated with luxury and comfort.
Class B motorhomes: These are called campers vans and are the smallest drivable RVs.
Class C motorhomes: These are the most rated RVs on the road with great performance on inclines and hills.
Towable RVs:
Fifth Wheel:
These are the biggest towable RVs and one of the most popular RVs for full-time living. They are longer and heavier with the most comfortable and luxurious features.
Toy Haulers:
They are designed to carry motorcycles, off road utility vehicles, kayak, dirt bikes or any other toys inside of the RV
Travel Trailers:
Most popular because they are versatile and come in different length and weights.
Pop-up Campers:
Functions like hybrid RV tents.
Tiny Travel Trailers:
These are micro trailers with small and flexible living spaces.
Truck Campers:
They sit in the bed of a pickup truck and they require a 1-tonne or dual rear wheel truck. They have limited storage but are easy to drive.
3. Reserve your camping spot
It’s extremely important you make your campground reservations as far in advance of your trip as possible.
You would also want to have these questions answered:
- Check-in and check-out time
- Are generators allowed at the campground?
- Are there RVs dimension limits?
- Are supplies readily available? Like foods, drinks, diesel, fuel etc.
- Is there a map for the campground?
- Are pets allowed?
- Are there water, power, and dump facilities?
- Are there hookups for RVs?
- Any other questions you may have for your RV camping needs
4. Get a realistic budget
Rving may cut down your expenses and save you some amount of dollars but if you love eating out and spending more time outside the campground, you might be spending way more.
You want to consider;
- RV renting cost
- Auto insurance
- Amenity cost (Wi-Fi, cable etc.)
- RV repair and maintenance
- Gas and diesel prices
- Toll costs on the highway
- And many more.
5. Learn RV campsite rule and etiquette
Knowing and abiding by the campsite rules and etiquette will increase the likelihood of a better camping experience.
You can be kicked out of the camp ground if you break any of these rules;
- Quite hours
- No leak allowed
- Keep dogs on leash and pick up after them
- No under RV storage: Storing things under your RV might attract rodents and insects. And the sight is mostly unpleasant.
- Don’t walk through other people’s campsite
- Spray the dump station after using it.
- Don’t leave trash behind
- Never drive through empty campsite as a shortcut
6. Setting up your RV campsite
It’s better if you arrive at the campground during the day but if it’s at night you would need a bit of lighting to get a proper set-up.
RV set-up takes longer time than tent setup, though you may think everything is already arranged in your RV.
Setup Tips:
- Disconnect any towed vehicle or toy attached to your motorhome.
- Park in such away you still have enough space for sit out
- If it’s a trailer you would need a wheel chock to keep it from rolling while parked
- Setup your sitting area outside your RV
7. Prepare your dump tank
At the beginning of this article, we talked about choosing your RV. Now if you have chosen an RV with built-in toilet, bathroom and kitchen, you will have to plan for holding and dumping tanks.
Here are some quick guides:
- Dump stations: This is the location where your waste sewage is dumped, get to know this on-hand when booking for your campsite.
- Hook ups: This is best for RVs with hookups at each campsite, it saves you the stress. of going to the sump station.
- Black tank: This is where your bathroom’s waste goes when you shower.
- Gray tank: This is where shower and dish water go when used in your RV.
If you have a campsite with full hookups, you will be able to connect your holes to the valve tank and empty them into the septic tank of the campground.
It is important to avoid leaks from the hookups and holes, so as not to allow the smell of waste around your campsite.
And also, you would want to have a different color for your holes, so you can differentiate the fresh water holes from the dump station holes.
Now you’re ready for your RV camping!
While RVing is fun, it’s important to stay safe throughout the camping period and here are some tips to watch out for;
- Frequently check your RV health, tire and fuel gauge
- Do not over speed while driving
- If you have a tall RV, always check for bridge clearance and weight restrictions
Happy Rving and go explore the world.