Photo by Togo RV on Unsplash

Keep these quick tips in mind. You’ll be a veteran before you know it.

RV Camping has exploded in popularity this summer. And why not? After all, RV Camping allows you to escape crowded city areas and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. And right now may just be the perfect time to try something new such as RV Camping if you haven't already done it before! RV Camping in a sense means you get to enjoy your own private indoor and outdoor spaces. And in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many newbie RV Campers are heading outdoors in great masses as staying indoors all day long doesn't sound quite refreshing at all. So, if you are also planning your first ever RV Camping trip and want it to be a stress-free experience then make sure to avoid these 6 mistakes.

Here are our top 6 mistakes to avoid on your first RV camping trip:

Mistake #1: Skipping a test drive

Photo by Togo RV on Unsplash

Driving an RV is totally different from driving your car. Whenever you're preparing to hit the road in an RV, it's always a good idea to take it for a spin and test drive it. Not only will you be able to get the feel for driving your RV but you will also be able to check and see if there are any issues with the RV itself. Unless you’re a veteran RV driver, maneuvering an RV presents its own set of challenges. Practice backing into tight spots and always pay attention to the turn radius. Since the vehicle is huge in every aspect, you should also check the overhead clearance while driving an RV. Start getting comfortable with driving your RV and your trip will directly become more easygoing with each new day. If learning on your own is too difficult, you can always take a RV driving class and learn from the experts themselves. Remember nobody takes off on their bike before learning how to ride

Mistake #2: Underpacking/Over-packing

Photo by Togo RV on Unsplash

No matter the size of your RV, it's important to pack only the essentials for your trip and not overpack it with everything you think you might need later on. Let me make this clear to you, you really don’t need every RV Camping gadget in the world. Even if you have a large RV, it can start to feel cramped if you don't organize your stuff. Too much of anything, especially if you have to live in a tight space, will drive you crazy later on. So, plan ahead and make a list of things you need before hitting the road. The same goes for those who pack way less. Underpacking too has its downfalls. Not packing enough supplies can be disastrous when you're in the great outdoors.

Mistake #3: Not making reservations

Photo by Izabela Mierzejewski on Unsplash

If you have decided to go RV Camping on a whim without considering to make reservations for a site, then you are in for a shock. Most of the popular campgrounds will either be overpacked with very little space for you to park your RV or they will all be booked by other RV Campers. Campgrounds can get booked and crowded very quickly in the prime seasons of RV camping. You have to take your time out to make a reservation beforehand if you wish to secure a good spot at your favorite campground. The earlier the better! It will be far less stressful to head out when you’ve made sure to book a spot before it gets too crowded.

Mistake #4: Not watching the gas gauge

Running out of gas is probably the last thing you want during a trip outdoors. Most of the time there won't be gas station nearby at a walking distance when you're out in the great wilderness. So, avoid yourself the pain of spending the night in the middle of the jungle by wathcing the gas gauge every now and then. Become acquainted with the capabilities and milage of your RV, and also keep the proximity of the nearest gas station in mind. This is especially important when you're driving in remote locations where getting help or gas in this case can take a lot of time.

Mistake #5: Not following a budget

Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash

RV Camping means a relaxing getaway filled with fun and excitement. Plus, you get to spend time in a natural setting far away from the crowded cities while still having all the comfort of a cozy lifestyle. However, this fun does not come at a small cost. it's easy to go overboard when buying gear and supplies- not to mention gas! So, avoid unplanned extra expenses and stick with your budget. You can search for free campgrounds and rent out quality gear to stay under budget. It's also very important to make a checklist of everything you need and keep the expenses to a minimum throughout the trip.

Mistake #6: Not being level

Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash

Lethargically or forgetfully, some people tend to not properly level their RV during the start of their road trip. The result – they will have to deal with the consequences throughout the trip, even when at a campground. Think about having to walk uphill every time you want to use the bathroom, or sleeping on a completely uncomfortable angle. You wouldn’t want to deal with these during camping, would you? The only simple solution to this issue, as mentioned, is to level your RV right at the beginning of your trip rather than expecting your campsite to be level.

Final Thoughts:

Photo by Togo RV on Unsplash

There are many important things to consider especially when you’re a newbie on the road. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, there’s still always a chance you’ll make a mistake. But with time and experience, you’ll be able to discern the good from the bad. And you’ll learn that most of these mistakes are preventable and will figure out ways on how to avoid them.

If you are still in need of more tips on how to have the best RV camping experience, check out our blog, 6 Essential Tips For RV Camping, here.