First Time RV Owner Tips
Buying your first RV is an exciting experience. With so many important things to remember, you’re sure to make at least a few mistakes. Luckily, new RV owners aren’t in it alone. This list of tips for first time RV owners from Pink Flamingo RV can help you avoid common mistakes and create a smoother overall experience.
Practice Transporting The RV Before Your First Road Trip
One aspect of RV ownership that many new owners struggle with is transporting the RV itself. Even the smallest of motorhomes is heavier than your typical commuter vehicle, so you’ll need more room to maneuver and more time to stop. Towable RV can also be a challenge to handle, since towing an RV changes your turning radius and stopping distance. That’s why we highly recommend that you find a low-traffic neighborhood or empty parking lot in which to practice basic maneuvering skills such as parking, backing into tight spots, stopping safely, driving up and down hills, taking corners, and dealing with wind resistance. Learning these skills now will make later RV trips go more smoothly.
Become Familiar With Your RV
Another important part of RV ownership that many first time owners neglect is knowing key details about your model. For instance, certain roads, bridges, and tunnels have size restrictions. A larger RV might not be able to use these features, so knowing your RV’s overall height and width is important. You should also have a basic understanding of your RV’s appliances, electrical system, and water pipes so that you can better maintain them. Be sure to heed any warning labels found in and on your RV.
If you want to know more about your RV, your owner’s manual is probably the best place to start. It’ll be chock full of useful information, including useful information about how to maintain your model. If you’re worried about making your first RV trip go smoothly, set up your camper at home and practice basic tasks like cooking a meal and emptying the water tanks. This’ll help you identify areas in which you can improve, as well as items that you might otherwise have forgotten to pack.
Research The RV Campground In Advance
Not all RV campgrounds offer the same things. Do some research about prospective RV campgrounds before you visit. Make sure that the site has compatible electrical and water hookups. It’s also important to reserve your campsite well in advance since lots can fill up quickly during the busy season. Not all sites offer things like Wi-Fi or bathroom facilities, so doing research beforehand can really be helpful.
Shop RVs at Pink Flamingo RV in Indio, California. We’re proud to serve communities like Hemet and Palm Desert, California. We hope you’ll come visit us online or in-person!