Quick Tips for RV Beginners

Ahead of Memorial Day, “the unofficial kick-off to summer,” and National RV Day which fell on June 7, travel trailer rental sites have seen an increase in sales. According to RV Business, as campgrounds and RV parks have been allowed to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, they have seen a dramatic increase.

A desire to venture out while still social distancing drives interest in motor homes. If you’re brand new to this unique travel lifestyle, you may find it intimidating and overwhelming. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or getting ready to take on the challenge of full-time RV living, here are a few tips and tricks for RV beginners.

1. Create Checklists
Being a newbie to the RV life, checklists can be a lifesaver! Make a few checklists and keep them with you for reference until you get the hang of things. A couple lists to create:

• Packing Checklist. This checklist will change as you learn from each trip things what you do and don’t need, like things you packed “just in case” and then found out you never touched it while on your trip.
• Pre-Trip Checklist. This list can include checking the RV tires, making sure the awning is pulled in, everything is latched and secured, and finally that all passengers are accounted for!
• Setup Checklist. This checklist is needed once you arrive at camp. This should include leveling the RV, securing the wheels, hooking up water and sewer, setting up lawn chairs and more. 
  

2. Get to Know Your RV
With little road experience operating a RV, it is especially important for beginners to take time to learn how the motorhome works, even if it’s just a rental. If something breaks, you should be able to assess and potentially fix the problem. When you get to know your RV, you’re less likely to make avoidable, operational errors to your rig.

3. Take a Practice Drive
No matter what kind of RV you end up traveling with, it’s going to take some time to get used to driving it. Whether it’s an extra-large motorized coach or a towable vehicle, chances are the driving experience will be different than your day-to-day vehicle. It is a good idea to give yourself a little cushion to get used to the RV driving life before your first camping trip.

4. Be strategic when choosing campsites
If you’re going to a popular location, make a reservation in advance. Popular destinations can be booked up to a year in advance, so call before you go. In addition to making reservations, here are a few helpful tips to finding a good campground:

• Check reviews. You’ll get the inside scoop on the park and location and the condition of the facilities.
• Use Google Maps Satellite View. This will help you get a feel for how navigating around the campground will be like, where to enter, the spacing between campsites, and more.
• Check weekly or monthly rates before making your reservation.
  
  5. RV Insurance
  If you plan to take your RV on the road, it is important to have RV insurance. This helps protect you from unexpected out-of-pocket costs in the event of having damage or injuries caused to your RV due to a covered event. Take a look at AmShield’s motorhome coverage for more information.
  
  6. Take your time
  One of the most important RV camping tips for beginners is to always take your time. Once you have your RV keys in hand, it is easy to try to plan an RV trip that takes you everywhere as quickly as possible, but it’s also a good way to get you burned out before you even get started on your journey. 

 With RVing you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to bed each night or trying to cram as much travel as possible in a few days. Take the necessary time you need to travel and fully enjoy the freedom and excitement of each RV trip.