RVs provide a great compromise between home comforts and mobility. The opportunity to get a great night’s rest wherever you may be is reassuring and can allow you to explore the wilderness and new locations more freely.
Being able to use the bathroom on the road, shower, and prepare food is definitely something that is unique to RVs. Whether you want to take it for a test run locally, or if you are ready for your first family camping trip, these are some useful tips that can help you prepare for your RVs first camping trip.
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Check For Leaks
Firstly, while it can be easy to ignore and pay less attention to, especially if your RV is brand new, it’s important to check everywhere for any signs of leaking. Fill up the water tanks and try to reinforce the seal if possible.
Another way to test this is to fill up the relevant tanks before taking the RV for a short drive. Around the block a couple of times should do the trick. Then, you can take a closer look at the tanks for any sign of leakage.
You will not want to deal with this once you are on the road, so it’s best to carefully check everything ahead of time when it’s easier to fix.
It is also worth checking the engine and getting somebody to take a closer look if you are unsure what to do. This can help you fix any issues and ensure that your RV is ready for the road.
Research Waste Disposal
Another thing which you should check beforehand is where the waste disposal units are located in the campsite you are headed to. It’s highly recommended that you use a campsite for your first RV trip, so that you can access the necessary facilities if you find that something is not working how it should be.
Check where the black pipe and waste water should be dealt with ahead of time, as this can prevent overflowing tanks and unpleasant odors within the RV.
Check Everything Works
Of course, this is easier said than done, but you should try to spend more time inside your RV to see how everything works and how you need to access certain features. These include TV satellites, sound systems, generators, and more essential things such as AC and bathroom cassette removal.
This is another reason why you should head to a campsite for your first RV trip, because it can allow you to understand how everything works without having to rely heavily on anything in particular.
If your RV is new and has not been owned by anybody else, then you shouldn’t have to worry about everything working. However, there are some exceptions, and it’s always worth keeping an eye open for faulty systems and equipment.
Pack Light
Try to avoid over packing, because this can weigh down your RV and take up valuable storage space. It’s generally recommended that you bring several layers of clothing in case the weather is cold, and avoid stockpiling foods such as canned goods.
You will be surprised by how little you need, and you should try to bring foods that are simple and easy to prepare within the RV kitchen, or outdoors on the grill. Of course, you should consider bringing something to keep children and adults entertained, but avoid going overboard.
Games with multiple uses such as a simple deck of cards, building blocks, or a ball are perfect. They can keep large groups entertained and avoid the dreaded “I’m bored!”.
Trial And Error
Finally, it’s worth being kind to yourself and understanding that the best way to learn how everything in your RV works is to start using it. You will learn so much from your first trip, and it can allow you to learn from common mistakes as well as understand what would be useful to pack the next time round.
Learning how your RV works is best done through trial and error. This is because it’s easiest to provide a visual and build up some level of muscle memory over time.
Summary
There are a lot of things to understand and appreciate within your RV, but most of this knowledge comes over time. Everybody must start somewhere, so there is no point trying to become an expert overnight.
Try to pack light, and head to a campsite for your first overnight stay in case anything goes wrong. More importantly, remember to enjoy the freedom that comes with using an RV to explore your surroundings.
