Whether you’re new to owning an RV, prepping for your first big RV trip, or just shopping around for your very first RV, it's good to know that you're not alone.
There are plenty of new RV owners just like you who are just getting their feet wet for the first time. And the good news is there are actually a ton of online resources just for you!
If you're shopping around, you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all the different types of RVs out there, which range from motorhomes and travel trailers to various classes like Class A, B, and C, and all sorts of popular brands to choose from.
New RV owners should take pride in their choice of RV and the unique features that each brand offers.
But if you're new to the RV lifestyle, it can be tricky to find reliable and accurate information.
And that's exactly why we've put together the following list of some of the best online resources, blogs, and forums for new RV owners.
Planning Your First RV Adventures - Getting Ready For The Road
New RV owners might also want to consider taking a comprehensive course to learn the fundamentals of RVing, safety, maintenance and navigating the challenges you might run into on the road.
No matter how big or small your next trip is meant to be, you’ll want to make a list of essential items, supplies, and emergency equipment, like a jumpstarter, FireShield safety bag, and a first-aid kit to pack into your rig.
Having these items on hand ensures that you’re ready for adventure, no matter what the open road throws your way.
Don’t forget to add outdoor gear and kitchen tools to your checklist. These items can make camping and cooking more fun for the whole family.
Having the right supplies and utensils to cook meals in your RV kitchen is essential for preparing your favorite dishes and bringing everyone together even when you're away from the house.
One clever trick is to always pack extras beyond the essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable RVing experience.
By taking the time to plan and prepare, you’ll make it easier to spend quality time with people you love, explore new places and states, and create memorable adventures, all while enjoying the routines and joys of traveling in your RV.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
Top 5 Blogs And Online Resources For New RV Owners
Here are some of the best places to learn, connect, and get inspired as you begin your RV journey.
Of course, these are just some of the most popular online resources available for new RV owners. But they're a good starting point for where to look first.
After all, building a strong connection with the RV community and knowing the best online resources is essential for finding support when you need and ongoing learning about RV life.
StoryChasing
StoryChasing is a comprehensive site for people who are new to RV life. Amber's blog has been around since 2017 and covers a wide range of RV and van life topics, including budgeting, buying your first RV, mail management on the road, and a tone of basic RV lifestyle tips and tricks.
Camping World Blog
Camping World's Blog is jam-packed with information on shopping for RVs, buying guides, how-to's and so much more. It's a great place to find real-life insights on setup, trip planning, making the most of outdoor gear, and enjoying fun activities with family.
Outdoorsy Blog
One thing that's great about Outdoorsy's Blog is that there's a dedicated section of top articles for beginners. Here you'll find content on RV rental, the best RV parks in the US, travel trends, safety gear and camping essentials, and tons of packing list ideas and tips for not forgetting important items.
Leisure Travel Vans Blog
Leisure Travel Vans is a beginner-friendly blog aiming to ensure smooth and enjoyable RVing for newcomers, including learning the features of your RV and being ready for the road. You'll also find dedicated article categories about travel stories, food and drink, reviews, tips, tools, etc.
Escapees Forums
Whether you’re new to owning an RV, prepping for a big trip, or shopping around, it’s good to get in touch with other like-minded RVers. Escapees Forum is a great place where you can build connections with other RVers, join conversations, share stories, and find helpful information on maintaining or repairing your rig.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
10 More Must-Visit RV Resources
Want to find even more online resources for new RV owners? Make sure to check out and bookmark the following blogs, forums, and websites too!
-
RV Life (rvlife.com) – A powerhouse resource with trip planning tools, campground reviews, and a strong online community.
-
The Dyrt (thedyrt.com) – The go-to site for finding and reviewing campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada.
-
IRV2 Forums (irv2.com) – A massive online forum where RV owners share repair tips, modifications, and troubleshooting advice.
-
RV Travel (rvtravel.com) – A weekly newsletter and blog packed with RV news, maintenance tips, and travel stories.
-
Do It Yourself RV (doityourselfrv.com) – A goldmine for repair guides, maintenance tips, and DIY upgrade ideas.
-
Technomadia (technomadia.com) – Chris and Cherie’s site dedicated to helping RVers stay connected on the road with internet and tech solutions.
-
Love Your RV (loveyourrv.com) – Hands-on repair tutorials, product reviews, and full-time RV living advice.
-
KOA Blog (koa.com/blog) – Great for campground and travel planning, with tips for both new and seasoned campers.
-
Xscapers (xscapers.com) – A community designed for working-age RVers balancing jobs with travel.
-
RVillage (rvillage.com) – A social networking platform that connects RVers by location and interests.
These are all great websites and resources to all to your RV tool kit.
But we also encourage all new RV owners to familiarize themselves with their rig and learn how to perform at least some basic maintenance and repairs jobs that can save you money over the years.
Why DIY RV Maintenance Matters
One of the most overlooked parts of RV ownership is learning how to maintain and repair your rig.
Many new owners assume that every issue requires a professional mechanic, but the truth is, a huge portion of RV upkeep is straightforward and easy to learn.
From changing a water filter, patching a roof leak, checking your propane system, to swapping out fuses... Most tasks can be done with just a few basic tools and some guidance.
RV shops can charge upwards of $100 to $200 an hour for labor, meaning even simple fixes can become expensive fast. By doing the basics yourself, you’ll not only save money but you’ll also gain peace of mind knowing how your RV works inside and out.
This knowledge makes you more self-sufficient on the road, reducing the chance that a small breakdown will ruin your trip. You should also prioritize security measures and having the right gear on hand to protect your RV and ensure safety while traveling or camping.
When you know how to handle the essentials, you’ll have more confidence exploring remote places without worrying about being stranded. A little DIY knowledge goes a long way in making your RVing experience smoother, safer, and more affordable.
RV Repairs Aren’t as Complicated as You Think
If you’re new to tools or worry you’re not “handy,” don’t stress! A lot of RV maintenance doesn’t require expert-level skills.
Most recreational vehicle repairs are about following step-by-step guides, watching tutorials, and completing basics tasks. The online RV communities, YouTube channels, and forums we’ve listed here today are full of walkthroughs that break things down for beginners.
Think of owning your RV like owning a house on wheels: if you can unclog a sink, check a breaker, or tighten a loose screw, you already have the foundation for DIY RV care.
The key is building your skills little by little, starting with preventative maintenance (inspecting your roof for leaks, monitoring tire pressure to prevent RV tire blowouts, flushing tanks) and then moving into small repairs as they come up.
Every job you tackle builds your confidence and saves you money.
What might have been a $500 shop bill could be a $25 DIY fix and an afternoon learning something new.
Over time, you’ll realize that keeping your RV in shape isn’t complicated. It’s just about being willing to learn and giving yourself the chance to get better with practice.
As you continue your RV journey, make it a habit to regularly review your maintenance routines and repair skills to ensure ongoing confidence and safety. You can also check out our dedicated RV Repair Blog to find more tips, tricks, walkthroughs, and guides for new RV owners