Hit the Road Prepared: Essential Advice and Books for the New RVer
If you're new to the world of RV life, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there. From choosing the right RV for your needs to learning how to properly maintain and operate it, there's a lot to take in. That's why we've put together this resource for new RVers. Here, you'll find advice and tips from experienced RVers on everything from selecting the route to packing what you need. We also recommend some of our favorite books that cover the ins and outs of RVing, from beginner-friendly guides to more advanced ideas like boondocking. Whether you're a first-time RVer or just looking to brush up on your skills, this is the place to start.
Best Advice for New RVers
RVing can be a fun and exciting way to travel and explore new places, but it can also be overwhelming for those who are new to the lifestyle. Here are some tips for people new to RVing that will help make the transition a little easier:
Plan your route and make reservations - Before you leave, plan your route and make reservations for campgrounds or RV parks. Keep in mind that many campgrounds have limited availability during peak season and it's advisable to make reservations in advance. Summer is always a super busy time for camping and reservations fill up about six months in advance. Also, research the best routes and even alternate routes if necessary.
Check Google Maps - Before putting down a deposit on that campground make sure you look at a satellite view, we use Google Maps, just to confirm the surroundings match the campground photos and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
Plan for the road - Knowing your RV-friendly rest stops and gas stations, plus road work areas before you go will save you frustration later. If you have a tall rig, like a fifth wheel, it’s also critical to know about any low bridges along your route.
Be aware of weight limitations - RVs have weight limitations and it's important to not exceed them. Overloading your RV can cause damage to the vehicle and make it difficult to drive. It's important to weigh your RV before leaving, and distribute the weight evenly throughout the vehicle.
Don’t drive too far or too long - 300/3:00 is a great rule of thumb for traveling each day. You don’t want to be driving more than 300 miles per day or past 3:00 pm. Anything over this creates burnout for everyone and grumpiness will be sure to set in.
Learn - If you just bought your RV make sure you are very familiar with all the ins and outs of how it works before leaving. YouTube has lots of great information, but if you’re in the middle of a dead cell area you don’t want to be out of luck. Knowing how to troubleshoot your fridge or water heater and black tank vs. grey tank now will pay off later.
Plan for your pet - If your furry friend is going camping with you understand that most campgrounds have rules against pets being left unattended. Even if they are safe in the RV it’s usually against the rules to leave them behind. And most National Parks don’t allow pets either. If this doesn’t work for your plans then make alternative arrangements.
Kids and RV Trips - Road trips and the modern kid are not as bad as you might think. Our kids have a rule - when our travel trailer is attached to the truck then they can be on electronics. At any other time, their devices need to be put away. Is this a lot of screen time? For us no, it’s a trade-off for a more peaceful ride. And if you stick with the 300/3:00 rule it isn’t too bad at all.
If screens are not your thing, I highly suggest listening to Podcasts, audiobooks, or playing classic road trip games. And don’t forget snacks, always bring double the snacks you think you need. And lollipops. They calm a screaming fidgety toddler better than anything else. We love Yum Earth organic lollipops with added vitamin C.
Create a vacation meal plan now - Understanding how you want to prepare meals while camping is the best way to start. Do you want to grill every night? Do you prefer faster meals in the microwave? Do you dream of oven-fresh muffins every morning? From there, you can build a meal plan to fit your family. Your RV fridge is likely to be much smaller than you’re used to, so plan on small, but frequent grocery stops. TIP - avoid overly complicated meals or dishes that will require unusual ingredients that may be hard to find.
Road trip snacks - Have your travel day meals and snacks already made up and ready to go in your fridge or cooler. Not having to go into a restaurant, convenience store or drive-thru will make your trip much smoother. Not to mention healthier. Our favorite on-the-road snack is cold grapes, I make sure we have plenty of gallon-sized bags of washed grapes in the fridge.
Create proper expectations - Make sure your standards and expectations meet reality. RVing and camping means preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
Something will break.
Something will spill.
Someone will forget underwear and toothpaste.
And your muffins will burn.
But we promise you will look back with fond memories made this summer. We know all of this from first-hand experience.
Pack appropriately - Packing for an RV trip can be quite different than packing for a regular vacation. Make sure you pack enough bedding, clothing, and towels. You should also pack items such as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and other essentials such as a flashlight and emergency whistle. It's also a good idea to bring a basic tool kit and supplies in case you need to make repairs while on the road. This might include things like a wrench, a hammer, a screwdriver, and duct tape.
Practice proper RV etiquette - Be respectful of other campers and the environment. Follow posted rules and regulations, and make sure to leave your campsite as you found it. Also, being mindful of noise levels and respecting the surroundings will be greatly appreciated.
By being prepared and informed, you can ensure that your RV vacation will be safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. We love hearing about everyone's travel plans so be sure to share them in the comments or find us over on Instagram to share what plans you’re making this summer!
Book Recommendations for New RVers
There are tremendous resources now available for RV newbies and wannabe newbies alike. Just a quick internet search will help you find a YouTube channel, blog, magazine, and several books related to learning about your new hobby. These are just a few of our favorite books with links to Amazon, if you do purchase using our links you help us at no extra cost to you.
RV Camping Everything I Wish I Knew Earlier: Practical Trailer Organization Tips and Tricks for Beginners - Learning from an experienced RVer can save you many headaches and questions at the campground. This book goes through the basics of RV travel as well as organizing your new small space.
See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors - Front to back this is the book for every new RVer. Even if you don’t own an RV this will help you buy one and get you excited for all the new adventures in your future.
All Things Camper Renovating: How to DIY your way through an RV renovation and transform an ugly camper into a stylish home on wheels - If you happen to be renovating a new-to-you RV this book is an amazing resource. Whether it’s a facelift or major repair I guarantee Sarah has seen it all. Also, if you’re not following her blog, you really should.
RV Vacations (Outdoor Adventure Guide) - when it’s time to start planning where to go on vacation with your new RV, this book is FULL of ideas. And I think all of the ideas are fantastic. You can use it as a bucket list or a checklist!
50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do - I borrow this book from the library anytime we’re planning a new RV trip to get more ideas of what to see and where to go. Another great book is 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas.
Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping & Boondocking on America’s Public Lands - Boondocking may not be the best idea for your first camping trip, but once you’re ready it can open up a whole new world. This book is an essential resource for learning how to boondock and do it the right way.
In conclusion, RV vacations can be a great way to explore the great outdoors and bond with friends and family, but it's important to be prepared and informed before heading out on your trip. Whether you are new to RVing or a seasoned pro, researching and planning ahead is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. Reading books and articles on RV travel, learning about the parks and campgrounds you plan to visit, and familiarizing yourself with the operation and maintenance of your RV are all essential steps in preparing for your trip. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can hit the road in style and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Bring Along Autio - The Perfect Road Trip Companion
Autio is the perfect road trip companion that everyone needs to have on their next trip because it offers a network of stories told by master storytellers that bring the landscape, its people, and its history alive as you pass through it. The audio vignettes are professionally edited and narrated and provide answers to questions that you might have about the places you are passing through. Story subjects include history, sports, culture, music, geology, and more. Autio offers an invitation to discover and connect with the sum of our experience, to enrich our lives with the stories of today, and inspire the great storytellers yet to come. With Autio, you can start your next journey with a richer and more meaningful experience. Download it for iOS here.