Are you a newbie RVer getting ready for your first camping trip? I hope you can find some RV camping ideas in this awesome list of RV tips. BTW, for this post a RV is a camper, travel trailer, class C – you get the picture….
Without further ado, here’s my list of RV tips and tricks:
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- Test everything at home first before you hit the road. You don’t want to discover something is broken after you arrive at your destination or while traveling.
- Consider camping in your RV for the first time at home if you are a beginner or have a new to you RV.
- Practice backing up before heading to the campground. Those narrow campsites can be boogers to back into for beginners. Go to an empty school parking lot to practice. Raise your hand if you have stood at the campsite trying to direct someone backing into it – in the rain – with an audience of other campers – on a narrow national park campground road that people parked their cars on in front of campsites . Confession: I personally have never backed our camper – my hubby does it.
- If there are two adults using the camper, both should know how to drive it/tow it in an emergency. Okay, I confess again… I have never drove while pulling our fifth wheel. So do as I say, not as I do! (I really need to do this too.)
- Check your tires on a regular basis. Be sure they have the proper air pressure and are in good condition.
- Take a toolbox and tools. You never know when you may need some basic mechanic tools, a drill, a driver etc.
- Take a small level – don’t count on those tiny levels on the side of the camper.
- Inspect the roof and check the caulking at seams, around sky lights, and the air condition unit.
- Also check seals around doors and windows. A water leak can cause terrible damage to a RV. Ask me how I know….
- Use a water regulator.
- Unplug the camper before you leave. I am always worried we will forget to do this. Which leads to my next tip…
- Do a walk around your RV before you leave the campground and your home.
- Always chock/block wheels. We like these chocks and stabalizers.
- Ask fellow campers for help, if needed. Most campers are a friendly bunch.
- Make sure cabinets doors are shut and nothing is left out on counter tops before driving. If not, you may arrive to find items on the floor. We once had an entire roll of paper towels unroll from the hanging towel holder while driving.
- Consider getting extra keys made. Hide one or give an extra to another family member traveling with you.
- Know the height of your RV and pay attention to underpasses, bridges, and low hanging branches.
- Consider buying a GPS specifically for RVs. They have the best routes laid out for big rigs.
- Learn to read a road map if you don’t know how. If never hurts to have a old fashioned map for a back up to the GPS.
- Keep an eye on your fuel levels. Gas stations can be few and far between when traveling remote areas or long stretches of the highways. And not all stations sell diesel fuel if you need it for your truck or RV.
- Use an outdoor carpet/door mat.
- A paint brush can be used to whisk sand off you when you are camping at the beach or sandy locations. Some people say baby powder removes sand from feet, legs etc., but I haven’t tried it.
- Watch your awning, don’t leave it out unattended, and put it up at night when wind may be an issue. I know people that have returned to their campsite on a windy day and found their awning a mess.
- Terro ant bait works! Ants can be a big problem in a camper. I also store food like cereal and crackers in plastic containers.
- Keep the black tank closed until it has plenty of water and waste – it will empty better.
- Empty the black tank first – your gray tank will help flush it out when you empty it.
- Put unglazed tiles in the oven to help distribute heat.
- Bake on a ceramic stone. Be sure it fits in your oven – check out this small stone. I love using a baking stone at home too!
- Learn to conserve water, even when you have water hookups. This will help prepare you for boondocking or dry camping.
- Use a small, electric heater to supplement the gas furnace when camping in cooler weather. Your campsite fee includes electricity so conserve the propane when you can.
- Try a mattress in a box if your mattress is miserable! They are easy to get in the RV and are so comfy and affordable. Just check the measurements – most RV mattresses are shorter so be sure a new mattress won’t hang off your mattress platform too much.
- Rubber shelf liner placed under seat cushions can help keep them from sliding. Some people use velcro tape.
- Command strips are great for hanging pictures.
- Keep a camping journal of your favorite campgrounds, sites, and experiences.
- Be sure the campground you are heading to can accommodate your camper/RV. Some campgrounds have camper size restrictions due to entrance roads and campsite size.
- Winterize, winterize! It would be a serious bummer to discover a busted pipe when you get ready to go camping in the spring!
- Put moisture absorbers in the camper when not in use. They will help prevent mold and musty odors.
- Just remember, sometimes the worst experiences can become the best stories!
- I pray before we head out on our camping adventure. I pray for protection, fun times, and an opportunity to experience God outdoors!
Related Post: Where to Go Camping: The Best Campgrounds for Beginners
RV Must Haves:Essentials Every RVer Needs Before Hitting the Road
Okay, it’s your turn! Share your favorite RV tips and hacks in the comments below!
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