RV Camping 101: Tips for Your First Road Trip

RV camping combines the freedom of the open road with the comforts of home. Whether you're renting your first motorhome or just bought a travel trailer, this guide will help you navigate your first RV adventure with confidence.

Choosing the Right RV

There's an RV for every budget and travel style. Here's a quick breakdown:

Motorhomes (Drivable)

Class A: The largest and most luxurious option

• Best for: Extended trips, families, full-time RVers
• Pros: Spacious, loaded with amenities
• Cons: Expensive, challenging to drive, poor fuel economy

Class B (Camper Vans): Compact and versatile

• Best for: Couples, solo travelers, weekend warriors
• Pros: Easy to drive, good fuel economy, can fit in regular parking
• Cons: Limited space, fewer amenities

Class C: The middle ground

• Best for: Families, first-time RVers
• Pros: Easier to drive than Class A, more space than Class B
• Cons: Cab-over bunk can block rear view

Towables (Require a Tow Vehicle)

Travel Trailers: Traditional campers

• Best for: Families, budget-conscious campers
• Pros: Detachable (leave at campground, explore in your car), variety of sizes
• Cons: Requires towing experience, need appropriate tow vehicle

Fifth Wheels: Large trailers requiring a pickup truck

• Best for: Extended trips, snowbirds
• Pros: Very spacious, stable towing
• Cons: Requires heavy-duty truck, can't fit in all campgrounds

Pop-Up Campers: Lightweight and affordable

• Best for: Beginners, tent campers wanting more comfort
• Pros: Easy to tow, affordable, stores compactly
• Cons: Setup required, less insulation

Essential Pre-Trip Checks

Before hitting the road, go through this checklist:

Exterior

• Check tire pressure and tread (including spare)
• Test all exterior lights
• Inspect roof for leaks or damage
• Ensure awning is secure
• Check hitch connection (for towables)

Interior

• Test all appliances (fridge, stove, heater, AC)
• Check propane levels
• Verify smoke and CO detectors work
• Secure all cabinets and drawers
• Test water pump and hot water heater

Documentation

• Driver's license appropriate for RV size
• Registration and insurance
• Campground reservations
• Roadside assistance information

Driving Tips for Beginners

RVs drive very differently from regular vehicles. Here's how to stay safe:

Know Your Dimensions

Write these numbers down and keep them visible:

• Height: Critical for bridges and overhangs
• Length: Important for parking and tight turns
• Width: Especially with extended mirrors

Take It Slow

• Allow extra following distance (at least 4 seconds)
• Brake earlier than you would in a car
• Accelerate gradually on hills
• Use lower gears on steep grades

Master the Turns

• Swing wide on right turns
• Watch your tail swing on left turns
• Use your mirrors constantly
• Consider a spotter for tight spots

Highway Driving

• Stay in the right lane
• Watch for crosswinds on bridges and open areas
• Don't rush—you're on vacation!
• Take breaks every 2-3 hours

Setting Up Camp

Arriving at your campsite? Follow these steps:

1. Level Your RV

An unlevel RV affects:

• Refrigerator operation
• Sleeping comfort
• Door function
• Water drainage

Use leveling blocks under your tires and adjust stabilizer jacks.

2. Connect Utilities

Electric (Shore Power):

1. Turn off RV's main breaker
2. Connect power cord to RV first
3. Then connect to campground pedestal
4. Turn on breaker

Water:

1. Use a food-grade potable water hose
2. Connect a pressure regulator
3. Check for leaks before leaving

Sewer:

1. Connect sewer hose securely
2. Ensure downhill slope
3. Keep gray tank valve closed until full

3. Slide-Outs and Awning

• Extend slide-outs after leveling
• Deploy awning if weather is calm
• Always retract awning in high winds

Campground Etiquette

Be a good neighbor with these tips:

• Quiet hours: Typically 10 PM to 7 AM
• Generator use: Follow campground rules, usually limited hours
• Speed limits: Usually 5-10 mph within campgrounds
• Pets: Keep on leash, clean up after them
• Site boundaries: Don't encroach on neighboring sites

Must-Have RV Accessories

Invest in these essentials:

Safety

• Fire extinguisher
• Wheel chocks
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• First aid kit

Setup

• Leveling blocks
• Sewer hose kit with support
• Water pressure regulator
• Surge protector

Convenience

• Extra-long electrical adapter
• Folding chairs and outdoor table
• Welcome mat (keeps dirt outside)
• Flashlight/headlamp

Finding RV-Friendly Campgrounds

Not all campgrounds can accommodate RVs. Look for:

• Full hookups: Electric, water, and sewer at your site
• Pull-through sites: Easier than backing in
• Big rig friendly: Sites for larger RVs
• 50-amp service: For larger RVs with more appliances

Dump Station Protocol

If your campground doesn't have sewer hookups, you'll need to use a dump station:

1. Pull up so your sewer connection is over the hole
2. Connect your sewer hose securely
3. Open black tank first, let drain completely
4. Open gray tank to rinse the hose
5. Close both valves
6. Rinse the dump station area
7. Wash your hands thoroughly!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' experiences:

• Forgetting to retract steps before driving
• Leaving the antenna up and hitting an overpass
• Not checking propane before needing heat
• Overpacking—your RV has weight limits!
• Driving tired—RV accidents often involve fatigue

Ready to Hit the Road?

RV camping offers incredible freedom to explore at your own pace. Start with shorter trips to build confidence, and don't be afraid to ask fellow RVers for tips—the community is incredibly helpful!

Search for RV campgrounds near your favorite destinations, or browse our RV-friendly options to start planning your adventure.

Safe travels! 🚐