7 Common RV Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

RV mistakes are normal, yet no one wants to appear inexperienced on the road. It can be nerve-wracking to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. When it comes to an RV trip, not understanding your surroundings may even result in potential danger or costly fees. Thankfully, by researching beforehand and prepping for your journey ahead of time, many rookie mistakes can easily be avoided. Here is a list of typical beginner blunders when RVing and how they can easily be prevented.

1. Not making reservations

When it comes to RV parks, there can be specific limitations and requirements that may catch the average RVer off guard. While seasoned professionals may be familiar with every park within a 100-mile radius, most people are not. Imagine arriving at the RV park you’ve been dreaming of after a tiring day of travel, only to find out they don’t have any available sites. Several reasons can contribute to this situation, such as some parks only accepting RVs and trailers that are less than 10 years old, certain RV parks catering exclusively to the elderly, limited availability of spots long enough for large Class A vehicles, or the park being fully booked by the time you arrive.

To avoid such disappointments, it’s crucial to do your research, make calls to potential campgrounds, and make advance bookings before starting your journey. By taking the time to gather information about the parks along your route, you can ensure that you have a reserved spot waiting for you at the end of a long day on the road.

2. Not planning your route

Driving an RV without following specific routes or plans may be appealing for those who enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, getting lost in an RV can be a significantly more stressful experience compared to getting lost in a regular car. The concerns and challenges that arise in such situations can quickly escalate. Questions like finding a safe spot to turn around, avoiding low bridges that might pose a risk, understanding the legality of certain maneuvers, and navigating through intersections without causing traffic congestion can add to the pressure.

To avoid these pitfalls and alleviate stress, it’s highly advisable to plan your route ahead of time. Taking the time to map out your journey in advance can help prevent mistakes and ensure a smoother travel experience. By planning your route before hitting the road, you can proactively address potential issues and make informed decisions along the way. Knowing the road conditions, identifying suitable spots for turning or maneuvering your RV, and being aware of any height restrictions or legal limitations can go a long way in avoiding unnecessary stress and complications during your trip. Planning ahead allows you to take into account all the relevant factors and make more confident choices, making your RV travel more enjoyable and worry-free.

3. Not following camp etiquette

While a campsite can feel like a cozy home away from home, it’s important to recognize that it is not your personal backyard. To ensure that every RVer has a fantastic experience, it’s crucial to follow some simple guidelines. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Drive slowly: When navigating through the campground or RV park, maintain a slow and cautious speed. This helps promote safety and minimizes disturbances for other campers.

• Keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them: Ensure that your furry companions are always on a leash and under your control. Additionally, be responsible and clean up after your pets to maintain a clean and pleasant environment for everyone.

• Read and follow campground regulations: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the campground or RV park. Following these guidelines helps ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all campers.

• Keep the volume of your music at a considerate level: Enjoying music while camping is wonderful but be mindful of the volume. Keep it at a level that doesn’t disturb your fellow campers, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy their time in nature.

• Respect others’ personal space: Avoid wandering through the campsites of other RVers unless invited. Respecting others’ privacy and personal boundaries contributes to a peaceful and respectful camping environment.

• Avoid leaving your engine running for extended periods: Leaving your engine running for an extended period can be bothersome to neighboring campers. Be mindful of this and limit engine idling time to minimize noise and disturbance.

4. Being underprepared at the dump station

Being unprepared at the dump station with a queue of people waiting to hit the road behind you is a quick way to become the camp’s least popular person. Before you pull up to the station, do some research regarding how to dump your tanks. This may be accomplished by reviewing your RV handbook from the RV manufacturer, viewing YouTube videos, or just asking folks in the park. If you rent an RV, make sure to question the owners about your tanks when you take it home. It’s critical to gather everything you’ll need for your unique RV adventure in one convenient location. This enables for simple access when pulling up to the dump station and simple cleanup when leaving.

5. Forgetting to do a walk-around

You should walk around your RV before you take the road and check as much stuff as possible. Check to verify that everything is stored and in its right location for highway travel and you’re up to date with all your RV maintenance. Repeat the process. Two walk-arounds may appear excessive but believe me when I say that spending a few more moments checking your RV is preferable to driving away with your awning hanging out or your sewer hose trailing behind you.

• Check the security of your cabinets and refrigerator doors.
• Check if your storage doors are shut and locked.
• Check the safety of your turn signals, brakes, headlights, and tire pressure.
• Check your antenna, lights, tow vehicle connections, windows, and vents.
• Know your RV weight limits

Here’s a great checklist to check everything you may be missing.

6. Moving quickly

RVs are useful for a variety of purposes. One of them is not moving swiftly. Driving under duress may result in some poor judgments. You can pack too rapidly and neglect to secure stuff both inside and outside the rig. Or you might drive excessively quickly and endanger yourself and your passengers, not to mention other drivers on the road. An RV, whether a motorhome or towed vehicle, should not be speeding along the road. And the truth is that attempting to cover too much terrain in a short time is really stressful. Avoid packing too much experience into your limited vacation time. Slow down and take it one day at a time to truly appreciate the RV lifestyle.

7. Giving up on your dreams because you think you’re not up for it

Embracing the RV lifestyle may come with its challenges, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Within the RV community, you’ll find a network of helpful individuals ready to lend a hand, whether you’re a first-time buyer or searching for the perfect RV that suits your needs. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge any mistakes or uncertainties and seek guidance from fellow RVers. Many mistakes are minor and can be chalked up to gaining experience, often resulting in memorable stories to share around the campfire.

There is an abundance of breathtaking beauty waiting to be discovered in an RV, from national park campgrounds to awe-inspiring sights. By conducting thorough research, paying attention to details, and maintaining a calm and collected mindset, you can navigate the RV lifestyle with confidence and enjoy the wonders that await you. The RV community is a supportive and knowledgeable network that can offer guidance and assistance throughout your RV journey. Whether you need advice on purchasing your first RV or tips for finding the most stunning destinations, there are always people willing to help.

Embrace the opportunity to learn from others, admit any mistakes, and grow as an RV enthusiast. Remember that many mishaps are minor and serve as valuable lessons and entertaining anecdotes. From the enchanting landscapes of national parks to the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, the RV lifestyle opens doors to remarkable experiences. Approach your RV adventures with thorough research, attentiveness to detail, and a calm demeanor, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the beauty and serenity that awaits you on the open road.

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