Have you ever dreamt of exploring the country in your own RV? If so, you’re certainly not alone. The freedom it provides goes beyond any standard vacation. You can explore every nook and cranny of the United States, travel at your own pace, and carry all the belongings you could need.
However, RV travel is not something you want to race into without the right level of preparation. The several advantages of owning an RV can make you overlook the challenges of the ride.
If you’re in the process of purchasing an RV, this guide is here to help you avoid some of the common mistakes newcomers make.
Mistake #1: Avoid going on a test drive
You must take your RV for a test drive. While this is a given for any vehicle, it’s even more imperative considering you’re maneuvering a house on wheels.
Do not just limit yourself to a test drive before purchase, either. Once you have purchased your RV, ensure you go on a few practice runs before setting off on your maiden voyage. Head to a large parking lot and simply drive around, as this will give you a greater feel for the vehicle. Also, attempt backing into a spot with your new RV – you definitely want to practice this in a stress-free setting!
Mistake #2: Packing way too much
An RV supplies a large amount of space for you to bring your possessions. While this is one of the main benefits of going on vacation in an RV, you should try and avoid the temptation to over-pack.
Why? Well, this is a space where you are going to live in for an extended period of time. You want it to be as comfortable as possible. If you cram in all of your possessions, that roomy RV is soon going to feel cramped. Forget about taking all those books you won’t read and kitchen gadgets you’ll never use. Leave them at home and save on space.
Mistake #3: Being spontaneous and not planning ahead
For most, the biggest enticement of RV travel is the freedom it offers. You can travel to virtually anywhere you want, whenever you want. However, RV parks don’t have an unlimited amount of space. This is particularly evident from Memorial Day to Labor Day, where campgrounds get full quickly. It is wise to book ahead of time when possible or phone ahead to find out availability.
Once you have an idea of where to visit on your trip, make sure to plan your route. This can be done with ease by using an app known as AllStays Pro.
Mistake #4: Not upgrading your mattress
You know how essential it is to have a comfortable bed. Well, the same applies to the bed in your RV. While you could decide to stick with the mattress that comes with your RV, this is not an ideal option. You want something that delivers premium quality, ensuring you always have a great night’s sleep to recover from your vacation activities.
In this case, you should look towards something like a memory foam mattress, which is designed specifically for an RV. For example, GelFoamBed specializes in creating superior memory foam mattresses for RV. When you splash out the cash for an RV, you might as well spend a little more for the best quality bed!
Mistake #5: Leaving essential tools behind
While you don’t want to be filling up your RV with any old junk, there are a few essential tools you’ll want. The following list is items that can help make your journey that much more comfortable and easier:
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Screwdriver set
- Socket set, including extensions and adapters
- Bungee cords and hooks
- Headlamp
- Tire pressure gauge
- Hatchet/hammer
Mistake #6: Forgetting to keep an eye on the gas gauge
When you’re in the middle of the excitement of driving your RV for the first time, it’s easy to forget about certain trivial tasks. This includes filling up your gas tank. The last thing you want to do is see that tank hit empty and end up stranded in the middle of nowhere away from civilization.
To avoid this from happening, first learn about the capabilities of your RV. See what speed it causes your gas to deplete. More importantly, keep a close eye on the proximity of any nearby gas stations. If you’re heading for the wilderness where no stations exist, ensure your tank is full!