RVing for Beginners: Choosing an RV, Campsite Selection, and More!
Looking to get into the world of RVing? You’ve come to the right place! In this article we will take a look at our top tips for RVing for beginners. From choosing the right rig and picking out a campground to parking the RV and hooking it up, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product link.This post contains affiliate links. RVshare may receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a product link.
Our Top Tips for First-Time RVers
Below, we will break down RVing for beginners. After reading this, you’ll be ready to dive in with confidence!
#1. Find the Right RV
Figuring out which kind of RV experience you’re after is an important first step toward enjoying the trip of your dreams. It’s worth doing some research into the various types of RVs available ahead of time. That way you will know if you’d rather have a towable rig or a driveable option and about how big you’d like to go.
Some choices include:
- Driveable, bus-like class A motorhome
- Drivable class C motorhome on a van chassis
- Class B campervan
- Small, lightweight, soft-sided pop-up camper
- Hard-sided travel trailer
- Larger fifth wheel trailer
Still not sure what’s best for you? Renting an RV can help you figure it out and are the perfect introduction to RVing for beginners.
RV rentals can also be a good solution if you want to go RVing but don’t plan to go out often enough to make ownership worthwhile.
#2. Pick Up the Right Gear
There are certain items you’ll need in order to use your RV. Before you hit the road, be sure to grab the following items:
You’ll also want to pack the RV with clothing, toiletries, a first aid kit, a tool kit, cooking gear, linens, towels, outdoor games and toys, and anything else you might need on a camping trip.
#3. Understand How the RV Functions
Obviously, it’s important to have a good understanding of how your RV works before you set out on your first camping trip. Read this section about RVing for beginners to learn all you need to know.
Driving
Driving an RV is quite different from driving a car. You’ll be hauling a lot of extra weight, meaning stopping takes longer, and the larger size of your vehicle means turns have to be wider than you’re used to. Additionally, the wind will likely catch your RV a lot more easily, making it more difficult to control at times. (You’ll also feel this when being passed by semi trucks, in a way smaller vehicles rarely notice.)
Before you hit the road, make sure you read up on how to tow your trailer or your tow car. You’ll also want to learn about RV driving laws, and if you’ll be in a rental RV, the rental laws in the states you plan to visit.
It’s also a good idea to practice driving the rig in a big, empty parking lot before you take to the highway. Figure out how turns feel, where your blind spots are, how long it takes to stop, how well your brakes work, and generally get a feel for things until you’re comfortable maneuvering this larger setup.
Parking
Parking an RV can also be tricky. Again, we highly recommend practicing in a big empty parking lot before your first trip. Make sure you always have a spotter when backing your RV up to 1) avoid running into things, and 2) help you get into the spot correctly.
You and your spotter may find it easier to communicate with one another via phone call or walkie-talkie. Also, a good rule of thumb for backing up a trailer is to envision its back end going in the direction of the bottom of your steering wheel rather than the top.
If you don’t feel totally confident in this particular maneuver by the time you leave for your first trip, make sure to book pull-through sites at campgrounds whenever possible, which will allow you to pull in and out of campsites without backing up.
Either way, once you’re in your site, make sure to use leveling blocks under the tires to level your rig out as much as possible!
Hookups
With your RV parked, the last thing you need to do is hook up to water, electricity, and sewer. The list of must-have items above will help with this. Connecting all of your utilities will ensure you are 100% comfortable while camping.
#4. Find the Right Campground
RV campgrounds can vary wildly from one to the next. For example, some resort-style campgrounds come stacked with all sorts of extras and amenities, from swimming pools and sports fields to organized community events. On the other end of the spectrum, those looking for boondocking sites (like the ones in the wilderness you often see on Instagram) will have no hookups, no assigned spots, no nothing.
When looking for a campground, ask yourself the following questions to determine what might be best for you:
- What is my budget?
- What amenities do I need? Are hookups necessary? If so, which ones do I need?
- Am I looking for a primitive camping experience, or a resort RV experience?
- How long is my RV? Are the sites big enough for me?
- Can I park my RV in a back-in site, or is a pull-through site necessary?
- Is the campground kid-friendly and/or pet-friendly?
- Do I plan to stay long term?
#5. Stay Safe While RVing
Obviously, you’ll want to make sure you and your family are safe while on RV adventures. Fortunately, this is easy enough to do.
Trust Your Gut
Always, always trust your gut while RVing. If a parking lot doesn’t feel safe, skip it. If a campground creeps you out, move on to the next one. Your intuition might just be onto something, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Carry Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck on the side of the road. Make sure you have RV-specific roadside assistance to help you out in case you find yourself in a bind.
Drive Safe
Make sure you go over the hitching, towing, and driving tips above and use them! Driving a big rig can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, but a little bit of research can go a long way when it comes to keeping your family safe on the road.
Be Weather Aware
RVs are a lot more vulnerable to severe weather than a regular stick-and-mortar home. Because of this, you should buy a weather alert radio and download some weather apps, making sure to allow push notifications. This way you will be alerted to dangerous weather situations.
In these instances, having information is the best defense. When bad weather hits, the radio will buy you enough time to seek safe shelter.
Follow Outdoor Safety Rules
You’ll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors while RVing. Be sure to follow outdoor safety rules. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, carry a map and compass when hiking, thoroughly put out campfires before walking away, and stay well away from wildlife.
#6. Take It Slow
Once you have those keys in your hand, it’s all too easy to plan a trip that takes you absolutely everywhere as quickly as humanly possible. Unfortunately, as freeing as that might sound, it’s also an easy way to burn out quickly.
The cool thing about RVing is that you don’t have to worry about figuring out where you’re going to go to bed each night. That gives you the time and headspace you need to take things slow and enjoy the journey. So do that!
Rather than cramming as much travel as possible into a few days’ time, take the time you need to fully enjoy each stop along the way. This will allow you to fully explore your various destinations while also giving you time to recover and maybe indulge in the occasional Netflix binge.
There you have it—our top tips for RVing beginners. Use these as you dive into the world of RVing and you’re sure to have an amazing time!
