Killer Tips for New RV Owners In 2023
Killer Tips for New RV Owners
So you decided to take the leap and purchase your first RV. Congratulations on taking the first step toward fulfilling your appetite for adventure.
For nomads and adventure seekers alike, owning an RV can be a convenient and comfortable way to travel and immerse yourself in nature.
Before getting started there are useful rules and procedures to follow to ensure that everything runs smoothly for all new RV owners.
Keep Up With Vehicle Maintenance
If you are a new RV owner then you need to guarantee that your RV operates properly, you must make sure to perform routine maintenance. This may be difficult to remember for new owners, especially if the RV is used infrequently.
However, neglecting to do so can create major issues with the overall functionality and cause the vehicle to decline at a quicker pace.
Fixing the damage can also be very costly and issues that remain unresolved can jeopardize your safety. Below is a list of the maintenance required to keep you RV in working condition.
-Change the oil and filters regularly
-Service your RV generating according to schedule
-Perform regular inspections of the roof
-Replace the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters
-Get your brakes checked
-Take care of the sewer system
-Have your rubber roofs treated annually
-Check your tire pressure
-Regularly check your batteries
-Store your battery properly
Don’t Forget the Essentials
To have a successful trip, you must make sure that you bring the necessary equipment to properly operate and maintain your vehicle.
Some essential items include the water pressure regulator, the hose for the sewer and freshwater systems, wheel clocks and leveling blocks, a 15M/30F amp power adapter, and cleaning items such as a sponge, cleaning agents, and RV wax.
Along with these items, make sure to pack the appropriate amount of food, clothes, and other essentials based on the length of the trip and the anticipated weather.
Keep in mind that overpacking can be just as detrimental as underpacking if you exceed the legal weight limit and can also cause you to feel cramped. Making a list to go over when preparing for a trip is beneficial until you become more familiar with the process.
Have a Tool Kit on Hand
Even with a well-maintained RV, new RV owners tend to forget that sometimes mechanical issues are unavoidable. Having the tools and knowledge to repair minor issues instead of visiting a mechanic or using roadside assistance can save you a substantial amount of money in the long run.
Some items to include in your kit are nuts, bolts, connectors, a hammer, a lug, wrench, and extra tires.
Invest in a GPS
The capabilities of a GPS app on your smartphone are limited to areas with phone service and are prone to inaccuracy at times.
Therefore, investing in RV-specific GPS can make navigating to your destination a breeze. This system will also make you aware of any possible obstacles regarding the size and weight of your RV, such as narrow roads and low clearance bridges.
Formulate a Plan
Although it may seem like a good idea to hit the road and see where the journey takes you, taking a trip without a general plan regarding where your heading and for what length of time can cause you to run into many obstacles.
Something new RV owners need to keep in mind is that If you don’t book your RV sites ahead of time, you may have trouble finding sites in your targeted location, especially during peak travel seasons.
Taking a trip without knowing how long you will be on the road can cause you to run out of necessary supplies before the trip is over.
Although your trip won’t always go exactly as planned, it’s helpful to stick to the plan as much as possible or problems may arise.
Start Small
Before embarking on your big cross country road trip, its important that the first few trips you take are close to home in case you run into any issues or forget essential items.
This will allow you to gain experience in the preparation process and operation procedures. Once you are confident in your knowledge and abilities, you can begin planning longer trips in faraway places, but make sure you bring along enough supplies.
Prepare for the Worst
Your safety should be your top priority when preparing for your trip, especially when traveling to desolate areas with harsh terrain and climate.
All new RV owners should download an app that allows them to find alternate campsite options in case things don’t go as planned and they need to settle down in a hurry.
Make sure to keep track of the weather in the area you’re traveling and plan accordingly.
Create an itinerary for your trip to give to a person you trust so someone knows your whereabouts if things go sideways.
Become knowledgeable of the location of the closest hospital at all times and make sure to have an adequate amount of emergency gears such as flares, a first aid kit, and protective items such as bear spray depending on the wildlife in the area.
Always make decisions with your safety in mind, wildlife and nature can be very beautiful but also very dangerous if you don’t plan accordingly.
Check the RV Before Pulling Away
Before pulling out of your driveway or away from your campsite, you must ensure that everything is pulled in and secured(something most new rv owners tend to forget).
Creating a checklist to go over each time before departing can prevent you from skipping over important steps. This checklist should include the following:
-Pull in the steps and close the roof fans
-Turn off the water pump and heater
-Pull the slide-outs inside and retract jacks
-Lower the antenna
-Secure all loose items
With more experience, it will become easier to remember all of these steps, but don’t become too confident in your memory and ditch the checklist, even the most knowledgeable owners forget steps from time to time.
At the end of the day, remember to always enjoy the journey throughout the entire process.
All the steps associated with owning an RV may seem overwhelming at first but this is how every new RV owner felt at the beginning, with each trip, you will begin to feel more and more comfortable.
So get out there and experience the beautiful things in life, you’ll love every moment of it.
If you enjoyed my Tips for New RV Owners check this articles:
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