Tips for First Time RV Owners
The moment is finally here: you’ve got the desire to camp, you’ve got some vacation time, and now you have an RV. But are you prepared to go?
Actually, probably not. It’s not enough to buy an RV and take off. It’s much easier to put in some effort ahead of time, rather than finding out that you’ve forgotten all the cooking utensils or that you don’t have anywhere to park your RV for the night. Seasoned RVers generally have their pre-camping checklist down to a T, but it may be a little difficult to know where to start if this is your first time. Here at Trailer Source, we’ve provided some quick starting points so you can get the basics for your first RV journey. After a few trips, you’ll be able to hone your checklist to fit your needs. If you’re still looking for the perfect RV, stop by one of our locations in Wheat Ridge, Littleton, Erie, or Colorado Springs, Colorado. We also proudly serve the area of Denver.
Plan Ahead
As fun as it may seem to hit the road with your RV without a care or a plan in the world to tether you anywhere, there’s a lot of merit in planning ahead. At the very least, try making an outline of your trip, where you’ll end up every night, the roads you’ll be taking, and other basic considerations. The biggest advantage to planning your route is being able to reserve camping spots in advance. This is especially helpful in the summer months when campgrounds will be filled. It will also prevent you from driving around in the dark when all you want to do is sleep.
Another advantage to planning ahead is you can choose roads you’re more comfortable with. Some RVers like to take the backroads or scenic highways so they can see parts of the country you miss living in the big cities. While others are comfortable with windy roads, they prefer the generally straight and narrow interstates. Knowing your route can also help you find attractions you might miss otherwise. Just make sure the places you go will have RV friendly parking.
What to Pack
Packing can be surprisingly difficult once you get started. You need to balance your limited space with the additional supplies you’ll need for your trip. Not only will you want to conserve space, but you’ll also want to stay within your RV’s weight limit. Start by packing only the necessities. This should include dishware, cooking utensils, linens, and cleaning supplies. Try to leave behind things you don’t need or can buy on the road, like firewood. You may want to leave a set of supplies in your RV at all times, including the ones we’ve listed, as it can take the stress off your next packing extravaganza. Also make sure you have basic tools and safety equipment, including a first aid kit, in your RV. Once you’ve got all the necessities, then you can start thinking about packing the luxury items. When you hit the road for your trip, stop by the first weigh station to make sure you’re not overloading your vehicle (check with your RV manufacturer and your tow vehicle manufacturer, if you have one, about weight limits).
Organizing your Space
Once you’ve got all your supplies gathered, make sure it’s all properly secured and organized. By no means you have to fill every empty space, but make good use of the storage space you have. Try to keep supplies spread out so you’re not too heavy on one side. If you’re towing your RV, make sure 60% of the vehicle weight is in the front half of the RV, near the hitch, and the remaining 40% tapers off the back half. Don’t forget about the storage space below the RV. Most RVs come with a vast amount of storage space, so make good use of it.
There’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready for your first RV trip, but one of the most important things to remember is to have fun. RVing is about having fun with family and friends and spending time in the great outdoors. Preparing may be a little stressful at first, but with time and practice you’ll become a pro. If you’re still looking for that perfect RV, stop by Trailer Source in Wheat Ridge, Littleton, Erie, and Colorado Springs, Colorado near Denver.
