New to RV ownership? Congratulations!
Owning and traveling the countryside in an RV can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel the country. The freedom of the open road can be truly exhilarating and there's nothing quite like waking up in new and exciting places throughout your trip.
But if this is your first RV, learning how to care for it, and routinely maintaining or repairing your recreational vehicle can be a bit overwhelming as well.
And that's why we've put together the following beginner's RV guide to help you learn the ins and outs of RV ownership.
Below, we cover the most important skills you'll need to learn, the best tools and items to keep onboard, and the most important mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Your RV Systems (And How They Works)
Motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers... They're all different in terms of their design and how you travel with them. But they all have the the same systems you'll need to learn about. These are the electrical system, the water and wastewater system, and the propane or gas system.
Here's a quick look and breakdown of each system found in an RV, motorhome, or travel trailer.
- RV Electrical Systems - Powers your lights, outlets, appliances, and devices. Your RV's electrical system can run off shore power when the rig is plugged in at a campsite or park, a generator, which is useful to have when visiting remote locations, or the RV’s batteries when you're boondocking it off-grid.
- RV Water Systems - RVs and trailers typically have a potable water tank, and then a grey water or black water tank. The potable water tank delivers fresh water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, while the wastewater tanks hold grey water (run-off from sink drains) and sewage (black water). Wasterwater tanks need to be dumped once filled. RV water systems can run off-grid (using tanks) or they can be connected to freshwater hookups and sewer lines.
- RV Propane Systems - Most RVs have propane systems to power the stove, oven, furnace, and sometimes the fridge or water heater. Propane is a clean, efficient energy source that keeps your RV warm, and your family comfortable, even when you’re off the grid.
RV Setup Basics: From Campground Water Connections to On-Site Power Hookups
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Pulling up to your first RV campsite or trailer park can be exciting. But all that excitement can be checked by the fact that you now need to setup your camping gear, hook up to a water and power supply, which might be a bit intimidating.
So to help make the experience as easy as possible, here's quick rundown on how to set up your RV campsite.
Parking Your RV Safely
When you arrive, the first thing to do is to park in a good location. Most campsites have power and water hookups on-site. So you'll want to maneuver and park your RV as close as possible to these connection points.
Once parked, use a set of wheel chocks to make sure your tires don't roll. Then, use your RV's stabilizers or a set of leveling blocks to make sure your rig is level.
Pro tip: We always recommend checking your RV tire pressure before and after each trip. So once you're parked, do a quick inspection of the tires and cover them with a set of TireShield Pro RV tire covers to protect from sun, dirt, and weather exposure.
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Connecting Water, Power And Sewer
Next up, it's time to connect your RV to the water and power supply, as well as the sewer system if your site has one.
Connecting the power supply is usually as simple as plugging in to an on-site outlet. But you do want to make sure you're using a RV-specific power cable with a surge protector to protect on-board electronics, appliances and other devices.
Then, use a RV drinking water hose to connect your water supply. And if the site has a sewer hookup, you can connect your RV directly to it, which allows you to use the toilet, shower, and plumbing without filling up your grey or black tanks.
Once everything is hooked up, double-check your water and sewer connections for leaks. If needed, you can use TitanPatch Pro RV Sealant Tape for emergency sealing.
Set Up Camp
Finally, it's time to set up camp and get comfortable! You're not quite there yet, but it's almost time to sit back and relax.
Most RVers set up their awning first for a bit of shade. Then, you're free to pull out your chairs, portable tables, maybe crack open a well-earned beer, and set up any other amenities that can help you enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Must-Have RV Accessories for Beginners
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One of the best parts about camper life and RV living is that you get many of the same comforts of home life, without actually having to be stuck at home.
But to ensure you're set up properly, there are a few essentials you'll need to have onboard. Here's a quick run down of the best RV accessories to add to your shopping list before hitting the road.
- Sewer hose kit - Ensures you can safely hook your RV up to on-site sewer connections or dump your wastewater tanks safely, while also minimizing odors and leaks.
- Drinking water hose - There's nothing worse than drinking funny-tasting water through a conventional garden hose. Use a drinking water hose and you'll have safer, better-tasting water.
- Surge protector - This ensures you can safely plug your rig into RV park or campground power supplies, without the risk of damaging RV appliances or onboard electronics.
- Tire covers - Using RV tire covers keeps your rig's tires protected from UV damage and moisture. They can extend the life of your RV's tires and reduce your risk of blowouts or flat tires while traveling.
- Sealant tape - To fix and prevent RV roof leaks, we recommend having a good quality sealant tape, like TitanPatch Pro on hand at all times.
- Tool kit - Every RV should have a basic tool kit onboard, which should include a hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches or ratchet kits, and other basic tools to handle small repair and maintenance jobs.
- Wheel chocks and leveling blocks - These ensures that you can park safely and make sure your rig is perfectly level for a more comfortable RV camping experience.
- Safety essentials - Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and smoke/CO detectors, fireproof storage bags, and an emergency roadside kit (reflectors, jump starter, gloves, flashlight).
You can also check out our comprehensive guide on the best RV items and must-have accessories you'll need as a first-time RVer. Read it here: Best RV Accessories for New RVers
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Driving Tips for First-Time RVers
Even if you've been driving for 20 or 30 years, nothing compares to the size and handling of an RV. RVs are far larger, require much wider turning breadth, and have far more blind spots compared to regular vehicles.
Here's a quick list of tips to help you handle your RV when driving it for the first time.
- Practice turning, braking, and parking in open areas before your first trip
- Know your clearance height and the RV's weight
- Know your blind spots and use your mirrors
- Secure all loose items inside the cabin
- Drive slower and allow for longer braking distance
- Don't forget your pre-trip inspections (every time!)
- Use Google Maps or other navigation apps to avoid getting lost
- Avoid driving at night whenever possible
- Close and secure all doors and vents while traveling
- Always check the weather before heading out on a road trip
These are obviously just a handful of basic driving tips. But most importantly, you need to know the difference between driving a conventional automobile and an RV. You also need to feel comfortable and confident while on the road to keep you and your family safe.
RV Maintenance 101
Owning an RV requires quite a bit of maintenance. Your systems need to be inspected regularly, fixed when broken, and maintained to ensure your rig is in good working order at all time. On the bright side, knowing how to maintain your RV isn't as complicated as it might seem.
Plus, learning how to clean and maintain, repair and care for your RV, and doing it all by yourself, can fill you with a sense of pride that every RV owner will come to appreciate in time.
Here's a quick list of the important maintenance tasks you'll want to perform regularly.
- Check roof seals, vents, and seams regularly.
- Inspect your roof for soft spots or leaks (again, use a good quality sealant tape for temporary fixes)
- Monitor tire condition and pressure during trips and while parked
- Keep fluids topped and batteries charged (owning a RV jump starter can help you boost dead batteries)
- Tire rotation yearly or installing new tires as needed
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Storage & Winter Prep
When the winter rolls around, most RVers either A) head south to avoid the snow or B) winterize their RVs and store it until the weather warms up. So, if you're not heading south, here's a quick look at how to prepare your RV for winter storage.
- Clean your rig inside and out
- Inspect your RV's roof, vents, AC unit
- Patch with RV sealant tape if needed
- Drain water system and wastewater tanks to avoid freezing
- Add antifreeze to plumbing system
- Cover tires with breathable RV tire covers for protection from ice and snow
- Disconnect and store batteries indoors
- Remove food, clothing and valuables
- Place rodent traps inside or use other pest control measures
- Cover and store the RV
You can also check out our comprehensive guide on RV winterization for more RV tips about storage.
Common Mistakes New RV Owners Make
The RV lifestyle isn't complicated. In fact, it can leave you feeling more care-free than when you're living your day-to-day life back at home.
However, whether you're heading into the woods for some free camping or planning on staying at Camping World parking lots while traveling cross-country, there are a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid.
Here are some of the most common mistakes we see new RV owners make
- Overpacking and improper weight distribution
- Forgetting wheel chocks or stabilizers
- Not checking weather or terrain
- Driving in bad weather
- Ignoring maintenance intervals
- Not having road assistance or the tools to change tires
- Getting lost and poor route planning
- Not taking RV safety seriously
- Not booking private campgrounds in advance
- Forgetting to inspect tires along the way
These mistakes are all easy enough to make, even for more experienced RVers. But all it takes is a bit of careful planning and some forethought and you're sure to have a safer trip, with far fewer inconveniences along the way.
RV Checklist: Before You Hit the Road
By now, we've covered pretty much everything you need to know as a first-time RV owners. So, you should be well-equipped to hit the road.
But before you head out, make sure to run through the following checklist to ensure your RV or trailer is in good working order.
- All tires inflated & RV tire covers packed
- Check your oil, gas and fluid levels
- Make sure interior and exterior lights function properly
- Roof & seals inspected
- Electrical, water & gas lines checked
- Propane tanks filled and stowed properly
- Emergency gear packed
- Make sure you have your license, registration, insurance and valuables stored safely
- Windows and vents closed, slide-outs secured and locked in place
- Secure all loose items
- Appliances turned off or unplugged
Once you've made your way through your pre-trip checklist, always do one final walk-around to make sure your tires are in good shape and that nothing else is out of place.
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Frequently Asked Questions - What To Know As A New RV Owner
Purchasing your first RV can be an exhilarating experience. But it can also be a bit complicated and overwhelming when you start learning about all the moving parts, which is why it's important to learn about your RV, how it works, and how to it properly before hitting the road.
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our readers.
What should every new RV owner buy first?
A surge protector, water pressure regulator, sewer connection kit, drinking water hose, and wheel chocks and leveling blocks are the essentials you'll need to run your home on wheels. You might also want to consider purchasing an RV starter kit, which should include most of the items we've just listed. We also recommend buying any items you feel will make your RV life safer and more comfortable.
How do I prevent leaks and roof damage?
Preventing leaks is as simple as regularly inspecting your RV roof throughout the season. If you see loose, cracked, or dried-up sealant, remove it and replace with fresh sealant or RV-specific sealant tape. On top of that, you should re-seal your RV roof to make sure it stays waterproof throughout the camping season. You can also check out our comprehensive RV roof repair guide to learn more about finding, fixing and preventing RV roof leaks.
How often should I service my RV?
It really depends on how often and how far you drive your RV. But at a minimum, you should service your RV at least once or twice per year. Have your engine and drive-train serviced every 50,000-100,000 miles, inspect belts and fluid levels as needed, and change your oil and filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Don't forget to inspect your tires and brakes periodically when taking longer trips.
What safety gear should I have on my RV?
As a general rule, every RV should have at least one fire extinguisher, a working smoke, carbon monoxide and propane gas detector, a fully-stocked first-aid kit, and an emergency roadside kit that includes reflectors, flares, jumper cables, and tow straps. However, we also encourage RV owners to keep themselves and their valuables safe by having an emergency RV jump starter and by using a fireproof bag or case.
How do I store my RV when not in use?
At the very least, you should ensure your RV tires are properly inflated and covered while your RV is not in use. But if you're storing the recreational vehicle for the winter, you'll also need to winterize your plumbing and sewage system, disconnect your battery, and park the RV is a save place away from trees.
What should I do before every RV trip?
Before every RV trips, it's important to do a quick inspection of your entire RV. This means checking your tires to ensure they're inflated properly, checking oils and fluid levels, and making sure that your electrical, plumbing, wastewater, and propane systems are all in good working order.