How to Do RV Camping For Beginners
Planning on going on an RV camping escapade for the first time? If you’re a beginner, RV camping sounds a bit intimidating at first. But with a little bit of time, practice, and research, you’ll surely be a pro in no time.
Check out these beginner-friendly, handy tips if you’re already planning to start your RV camping journey.
RENTING OR BUYING?
Decide whether you would want to rent or buy an RV. It could be a challenging decision but always consider a few key factors.
If your goal is to RV camp full-time or if you’re going on frequent RV camping trips several times a year, buying your own is probably the better and wiser decision.
If your plan is to test whether RV camping would work out for you or if you’re only going on a single trip, you’re better off renting out.
KNOW YOUR RV
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to buy or rent an RV. If you don’t know how the motorhome works, then you’ll be spending thousands of dollars on a mechanic.
This is the reason why it's imperative that you spend time getting to know more about an RV’s motorhome. This will help you save time and money - and you’ll be less likely to commit an operational error as well.
GET YOURSELF COMFORTABLE
As with any vehicle, getting yourself familiar with the switches, controls, and the overall layout of your RV is a must. If you’re not confident of driving it on the road yet, take some time to practice.
Bring your RV on a wide, open area where there are few cars to none. Once you familiarize yourself with the feel of driving in an RV, it’s now time to practice in an actual road setting.
Make sure that you bring someone who already has experience in driving in an RV. Practice switching lanes, maneuvering in a narrow road, and make sure to get plenty of exposure.
It’s highly likely that once you go on your maiden RV camping journey, you’ll encounter different terrains. Having lots of preparation beforehand will make navigating easier!
PLAN YOUR ROUTE AHEAD
The joy of an RV Camping trip lies in its spontaneity. The USA is an enormous country with lots of picturesque and breathtaking sites to see. We doubt if you could explore the entirety of the United States in just a single trip.
No matter where you wish to go, make sure that you know your route well. The extra effort that you spent studying the alternative roads and shortcuts to get you from Point A to B means that you’ll have a smooth sailing journey.
Use technology to your advantage. Consult apps like Google Maps or Waze so you’ll know the traffic conditions without spending the time (and wasting a lot of gas in the process) just trying to go to your next destination.
WHAT TO PACK
Being in an RV means that you could practically store your whole house in there and you’ll still have a lot of space left for the things that you’ll be purchasing along the way.
But traveling with only the necessities is a good practice and an arguably better approach.
Here’s a checklist of what you can pack:
- Extra clothing and toiletries
- First-aid kit
- Cooking utensils and cooking supplies
- Camping gear
- Spare tools and parts for your RV
- Garbage bags
- Fire-starter kit (With waterproof matches)
- Compass
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper
- Aluminum foil
- Utensils (Plates, spoon, fork, knife, and drinking glasses)
- Insulated water bottles
- Water purification tablets
- RV Roof Sealant Tape (We recommend the XFasten RV Roof Seal Tape)
- Instant cook foods
- Non-perishable foods
- Binoculars
- Umbrellas
- Flares
- Pocket knife
- Pet gear and supplies (If applicable)
- A collapsible garbage can
- Prescription medicines
- Heating pads
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
Emergencies may happen when you least expect it. Wouldn’t it be better if you’re prepared for it? Before going on your trip, make sure to consult your trusted doctor. That way, he/she can assess if you are conditioned enough to travel long distances.
You’ll also be thankful that you did when you already know beforehand the activities that you can and cannot do. Remember to follow your doctor's orders. You want this experience to bring up good memories for you and your family - not the other way around!
If you’re bringing your pets with you, make sure that their records and vaccines are kept updated. Consult with your veterinarian for professional advice.
When going to your next destination, always make sure that there are a good number of emergency clinics, veterinaries, and police stations that are easily accessible from your campsite.
For clinics and veterinaries, make sure to look for the ones who can cater to your needs at any time of the day.
With all these tips, you’re now well-equipped and prepared to go on your first RV camping experience! If you’ve got more useful hacks and tips that you can share with us, feel free to leave your comments down below!
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