RV for Dummies: Are you an RV Newbie? Top 10 things a new RVer should know when owning an RV!
What do you need to know to jump in your new RV and start having fun? Want to know some of the need-to-know RV basics? Marc and Tricia from, Keep Your Daydream, use their lessons learned from over 25,000 miles in the US, Canada and Mexico. Skip the speed bumps and head strait for the fun by following these 10 tips.
1. You don’t need as much as you think.
If you wait until you are 100% ready…you’ll never go. In today’s day of gadgets and gismos you could start to feel overwhelmed and call the whole thing off. But don’t! Get your rig, some fuel and a good attitude because any RVer will tell you…your about to make memories of a lifetime! You won’t be a RV Newbie for long, so enjoy the feeling of anticipation.
2. What tools are essential?
Most likely your trailer will not come with a proper lug nut wrench. I know, crazy. You may already know this…but your lug nuts on your rig are not the same size as your truck. The best tool to have is a 4-way wrench and you’ll be covered.
Wrench Set: You will want a wrench for every bolt on your rig. Make sure you check under your rig for all bolts. Check the screw faces in your rig and be sure you have the correct bit. Our rig has all Robertson’s in other words a square face. Making it a challenge to tighten any loose doors or screens along the way.
Tire Monitoring:
Knowing how your tires are doing on your journey is essential! There are several ways to do this. You can get a digital tire gauge, Laser Infrared Thermometer or a TPMS system to monitor directly from your cab! Pretty cool!
Here are some extra tools that you might find helpful!
Leveling Blocks
Collapsible Wagon
Two Way Radio
3. Tires
If you’re buying a new RV (particularly a travel trailer or 5th wheel), it’s a good idea to check the date on your tires. Just because your rig is new doesn’t mean your tires are. Crazy right! There is usually a 4 digit number on the back of your tires to check when they were made. Have a peek.
It’s also a good idea to lookup the weight of your RV and match on the tires load capacity PSI chart. Then you can find the proper PSI to ensure safety and a smooth ride.
You may even consider upgrading before you leave. We took our last “bad” tire and made it a spare to our spare. You heard that right. We have one “upgraded” tire and one of the “old/bad” ones that came with the trailer and have it as a spare to the spare.
4. Avoid Mistakes and Accidents
This might seem obvious, but it’s not in the moment. Slow down…and not just driving, in everything. Mistakes are more likely to happen when you are feeling rushed. There will be times when you feel like you need to be doing something faster or better but its just a feeling so let it sit in timeout. Enjoy the process. Slow down. The party started when you left the house so no worries…one day you will be the expert and just smile at the new guy trying to figure out his sewer system…and because you are a seasoned RVer…you’ll be the first to pitch in and help…because that’s just the way RVers are…helpful!
5. Communication
Different situations call for different communication. Before you get to your site have a talk about who is going to do what. That might mean that the driver says in the car. Navigator gets out to check the site and direct the driver. “Extras” being kids, friends, or family stay in the car or leave the immediate area to explore the park. This simple format releases stress for the driver and expectations are clear.
Its easy to get frustrated with your spouse and family when under pressure. It’s also easy not too. We all have different communication styles. However, in RVing there are many moving parts so communication must be clear and free from fighting words like; you should have, why didn’t you, you did that wrong. Instead create a positive way to express what you need and have a plan so expectations are clear. And…like your mom would say…remember your manners…they really do go a long way. Simply telling your family thank you or please really does help.
6. Know your measurements
Know how HEIGHT
There may be bridges etc. that are too short for you…I’m looking at you East Coast! Until you have that number engrained in your memory bank it’s not a bad idea to post it in your cab somewhere
Know your LENGTH
The sticker next to the door of your RV only tells you the length of your rig. It is not a true measurement because it doesn’t consider anything added to the back (bikes) the front (tongue and hitch) or if you are in a 5er or TT your Truck. You will need to know this overall length.
Know the DISTANCE between your tires.
You will want to know and keep an eye on the distance between your tires. In other words…your axils. If the space is getting bigger or smaller you may have a bigger issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The distance is often not exact because of the flex in the leaf springs, but if you have a big problem, you’ll notice. If the distance isn’t the same, it mean you have a broken center pin or a bent axle. You could be one massive bump or pot hole away from a real problem, so it’s good to keep an eye on this.
7. Boondocking
I’m sleeping in a parking lot??!! Boondocking comes in many different forms. The traditional sense of the term is to use rural land to camp without hookups. A very cool way to do this is by using BLM land (Bureau of Land Management.
The other is using the overflow parking at places like Wal-Mart and Cabela’s. This concept is usually CRAZY to a new RVer. However is it a fantastic way to get from A to B. Might seem a little strange as an RV Newbie, but after a couple nights, you’ll be an expert.
8. Know your tanks
How much can you hold?
How much can your fresh, gray, and black tanks hold is something every RVer figures out. Here is an insider tip…most likely your black and grey indicators will fail you at some point. Sorry. So after a few trips you should get a feel for how much your rig can hold and do some anticipatory math if you are going to Boondock for any length of time. Especially for your fresh water…more on that later.
Do your best to prevent water from going in your grey tank. You might be surprised how fast your grey tank can fill. Little tricks like putting a small container in your sink for washing dishes can help you prevent water from ever getting in your tank. You can take what is in the container and discard outside. That is, if you are not using chemicals that are harmful to the environment around you. Especially if you are camping by a lake or stream.
Fresh Water – Tank and Potable
Your RV will have a fresh water holding tank but remember to bring gallon size in your rig and if you are out for an extended amount of time it may be wise to bring large 5 gallon potable water as well. This way you will have plenty of water for drinking and household needs.
Is your Fresh water really…Fresh? Cleaning out your fresh water tanks on a regular basis is not a bad idea. Find a system you like to clean them. We use a ratio of bleach to water and then drive to “swish” the water then dump the water…refill and dump again to be sure all chemicals are gone. Find something that works for you so you can depend on the tank to deliver you the fresh water you are expecting.
9. Plan your route
ALLSTAYS
This is a fantastic app (for your smartphone) that can help you locate RV Resorts, camping locations, or BLM areas. This is our “go to” app while on the road.
10. Document
You will look back on these trips with fond memories. That is if you document them. Like Marc says, “If I don’t record it…it didn’t happen” ☺ Make sure your precious memories are time capsules by film, recording or journal.
Write down what you liked, didn’t, what when wrong, and what you loved. This way you have a point of reference for what to do next time. This way you are always getting better at this RVing thing.
OR don’t read at all and watch the video!
I am looking for the tire extension stem you showed on one of your youtube.
I like how you suggested knowing the measurements of your RV. My parents recently had to get their own RV repaired after it was damaged by a storm. I appreciate the information on everything to know about RVs.
My rv been sitting for a year. Getting ready hit the road and wanted start getting it ready..everytime I go in it in getting eat up with like mosquito bites but I cannot see any bugs, flying, crawling around. Nothing is in carpet, cabinets, etc. No bed bugs, etc. Anyone have any clues?ideas? Please help
Try some licesol spray it could help, you may have a mite problem mattresses that have been sitting could have mites.
AllSTAYS looks great, this will really help me to find an RV site. My wife and I are planning a trip so we have been looking around for a good spot. Thank you for the other tips, it’s going to be easier to travel with them.
This post was from 2018 but I was looking for this app for my Android and could not find it. Is it only an OSi app?
They state in their FAQs that it is only available on fruit phones. They are discriminating against people with real phones, Android phones!
We bought our first RV at the beginning of the year and can’t wait to take it out. I have already started looking into places to go this summer in it. I appreciate you mentioning to check the tire dates to make sure you understand when they need to be replaced.
How is it going for you? We just bought our first RV together. I have had a small one in the past….seven or eight years ago. It’s surprising how much you forget in that time frame. Plus, this one is MUCH bigger! It will involve some getting use to! I’m hoping you are feeling like an expert by now! Sure thankful for this site!
I have been looking at RV roadside assistance for my motorhome… who do you folks use?
BTW
Great videos and great info
We use good sam. It seems okay. AAA is better. Coach net is likely better yet, but we don’t have experience with it.
We’ve had Good Sam for years and they have been good until this spring when they massively raised the cost of roadside coverage for an RV. Looking around now.
Thanks for suggesting some tools that may come in handy when I need to repair my trailer. My neighbor is selling me their old trailer at a really good price, but it will need to be fixed up before I can use it. I’ll have to take your advice an pick up a wrench set in case of breakdowns, but in the meantime, I’m going to have a professional check it out.
It sure was nice when you said that when it comes to buying an RV, it is best to make sure to check the weigh of the vehicle and compare it on the PSI chart to make sure that the right tires were chosen for it. I will be sure to mention this to my mom since she seems to be excited to get an RV. I know that it is no ordinary vehicle, so she better be prepared to take care of it. Thanks for sharing this info.
Hey there Tammy –
Thanks for looking out for your mom! If she has any questions as a Newbie we have lots of videos on GVWR, how to dump etc etc. She can always reach out and ask…we will get back with her and it may even give us an idea for a new video to make. We love when people get the confidence to explore our Beautiful America by RV! All the best, Tricia
We’re Canadian NEWBIES and hoping to leave our newly purchased “baby” in the sunny south for the winter instead of storing it at home in the ice and snow. I’m looking for an INDOOR/LOCKED/SECURE facility ANYWHERE in Florida that would allow us to leave the unit from October to April for a reasonable fee. Any recommendations? I want someone I could use EVERY year! 🙂
My wife and I are wanting to get an RV to take camping this summer, so thanks for sharing this. I like your point about checking the water holding tank to ensure you can store enough fresh water. I’ll be sure to check this so we know if we need to bring more on trips or not.
We’re newbies for less than 24 hr (355 Miles). We’ve always respected big rig drivers and try to be good fellow motorists – allowing extra room to pass, clearing merge lanes whenever possible, etc. while driving in our regular vehicles. Now in an RV rig, in addition to the things mentioned, are there other things we should keep in mind when sharing the roads with Big commercial rigs?
PS thx for your videos
Hey guys, We are moving from Tampa to Denver this summer, (#SummerToRemember); and are of course bringing our camper with us! What did you end up going with on upgraded tires for Grand Ginger? I am concerned about the manufacturer installed heating up too much on our journey, and hope that upgraded tires would help with the temperature threshold as well as potentially being able to exceed 65pmh on the interstate.
Thanks, Israel
What do you use to confirm your travel route? We are getting our first travel trailer in 2 weeks and have been doing a lot of reading and my wife and I wanted to get your suggestion.
We have been looking at apps and the garmin physical gps, I use Google Maps today but dont want to find out I am going down a road with a low bridge or a narrow road.
Thanks!
We just use Google maps. Not fool-proof, but it works for us. There are a bunch of options out there, but we like it on our phone and it’s so easy to use.
Seems to me you traded out your hitch system. What are you using now?
We have the Hensley now. Very nice. Eliminates sway. http://bit.ly/Hensley-Hitch
very new! waiting for my 5th wheel to be installed, then wash /wax outside of RV; then a thorough interior cleaning, then re-stock all supplies
very new! waiting for my 5th wheel hitch to be installed, then wash /wax outside of RV; then a thorough interior cleaning, then re-stock all supplies
still waiting for 5th wheel hitch to be installed, wash/wax exterior. Lots still to do
I really liked it when you said that in order to have a safe and hassle-free RV living, one of the things that the person needs to pay attention to is the tires and their distance from one another. You said that overlooking this can cause serious trouble in the future. I will share this with my brother since he is intending to be a full-time RVier. The tire part got my attention because that is the one thing that he often forgets about. Thank you for the reminder.
Thanks for that advice to get a four way wrench. Not knowing that the trailer lug nuts were different could’ve been a problem if you didn’t know. Make sure to get regular maintenance to keep your rv in good condition.
We are very new RVers and want to know when trailer is idle – between camping trips- does anything special need to be done to battery, propane, etc.
Thanks for suggesting that we have a designated navigator to get out, check the site, and direct the driver. We recently purchased an RV and are preparing to take our first camping trip in it! I hadn’t realized that my husband might need to be directed at the campsite. I’m glad you pointed it out so we’ll be more prepared!
Thanks for the idea to check the date on tires when buying an RV. My wife and I want to explore the other side of the country in which we have never visited before, and we thought that buying an RV for travel would be a great idea. As we seek out the right RV for us, we will be sure to double check our tires as well.
Do you have any experience with RVing using the Garmin Dezl (the 5XX oe 7XX series)? You can indicate that you are a semi and set your weight, height, and length (if I understand all this correctly. It also has easy access to rest areas and truck stops for fuel. It should help you in those cases where a standard Garmin may route you on a road that starts out good but progresses to a single track goat path (hate that).
we are going to the balloon festival in N.M. then up to Utah and work to Portland. do you think we’ll need a/c as a lot it boondocking. have a honda 2000 inverter but probably needs a soft start system for the a/c.
Hi!
As a New Mexican, I can say that temps in Albuquerque in October are usually pleasant-to-chilly. A/C is probably not needed. Some parts of Utah will also be cooler then. You could look up seasonal temperature averages for wherever you plan to go, just to be on the prepared side.
Seems to me you traded out your hitch system. I want someone I could use EVERY year!
thanks
Of the things that you said, what got me was the idea of checking the tire load capacity chart in order to make sure that the ride is always smooth. I have a knack for choosing the wrong tires, so this suggestion grabbed my attention. I will keep this in mind since I intend to buy a fifth wheel soon. Of course, I would not want to have the wheels bursting while I’m in the woods.
I appreciate the mentioning of proper equipment, in addition to the trailers themselves. I think that thinking about the purpose of the camper will be beneficial in the long run to know what to look for. My wife is itching to get a camper and head on a vacation.
I like the emphasis of proper equipment and tools, in addition to the trailers themselves. I think that thinking about the purpose of the camper will be beneficial in the long run to know what to look for. My wife is itching to get a camper and head on a vacation.
There’s some great information here about owning an RV. I like how you said that having a 4-way wrench and a good set of wrenches is smart. We’re thinking of buying an RV soon, so I’ll have to remember to get the tools and parts needed when we do.
It got me when you mentioned the importance of knowing the height of the RV so that I can avoid hitting the bridges and other areas that are too small for it. This tip got to me because I once miscalculated the height of a sign, and I ended up hitting it with my face. I am sure the same principles apply, but this time, the consequences are much worse. Thank you for the advice. I plan on getting an RV, and I will make sure to remember this.
I’m using my Cadillac to tow. Cool?
It is my dream to buy an RV and visit the attractive place and this article helps me a lot to understand the basic aspects of RV maintenance. Lack of maintenance affects the performance of the RV in a very adverse way. So, the condition of different components of the RV should be subjected to inspection and any sign which indicates that the RV has some sort of mechanical abnormalities should not be ignored. The reason behind the appearance of such a sign needs to be identified and repaired in time to keep the RV in working order.
I like the helpful info you supply for your articles. Thanks for sharing a smart thought.
My husband and I are thinking of going full time to pay of debt and become debt free! Did you have a checklist of everything you needed to do before going full time
Thank you, we love your show
Keep up the great work! Thank you so much for sharing a great posts.
Thanks for spreading your experience. Great tips explained. Covered almost every little aspect. Hope this might help campers and hikers. I really appreciate your article, you have given a good insight and a clear picture.
So much info on a single post. Great to read thanks
My wife and I discovered your channel last fall and have followed along ever since. Thanks for the great entertainment and advice, good stuff.
We have RV’d with the kids for many years, however, that was 15 years ago! Man time fly’s. We purchased a new travel trailer late last summer (just a baby; a 20′ mom and pop version). We have only camped in it twice so far. (Michigan winters are a bit chilly for our tastes) We are really looking forward to hitting the road this summer. One of the things we didn’t have back in the “old days” was tire pressure monitoring systems. I remember watching the videos of your first season and all the tire troubles you had. At that time you discussed a tire pressure monitoring system. I haven’t heard you mention it since the original Ginger. I have researched lots of different models with widely varying reviews for each model. So, thats a lot of words to find out your thoughts on TPMS. Need, don’t need, dash mount, smart phone app version, etc.
Thanks for your channel, we just love watching.
(Love my new hat!)
Scott and Sheri
question on the 2019 f250. you replaced the fuel tank, how much payload did that take away form the truck? we are trying to use a 2019 f250 for hauling a fifth wheel 30 foot. but truck only has a 2020 payload, it is a king ranch with all the toys, guess that is why on 2000 payload as your has 2200.
Walkie Talkies are a must for communication! I think that is the one thing that saves my relationship when parking the RV. Planning is key to RV life. Great list I wish I would have thought to do more research before getting into my first RV. I had no idea what I was doing and not sure how I survived the last 5 years of RV life lol
Where was this video taken? Would love to visit that spot.
Cavecreek Regional Park in Carefree, AZ
Hi there,
I’m a newbie too. I have watched a lot of Utuber videos. Have not gone anywhere yet in my now 2yr old class C 22j. I wish I could find a buddy who could show me how to maintain and use this rig. I don’t have a lot of confidence and know how but wish I did. Seems like I could use a good TPMS system but am clueless on which type. Help!! This RV intimidates me.
We are just buying our new camper. It is a 2021 Grand Design 2670 MRK. They have offered us a MaxGuard protection inside and out ( no price has been told as of yet) We are trying to keep the price under control, so can anyone tell us how necessary this is? We thought Grand Design, as advertised, already had better protection on the outside (now fading logos etc.) We would also like to keep any additional harmful fumes out of the interior. Any advice or suggestions?
We have had such a great time watching your videos. It has really helped us get things together for our first RV. We can’t wait to hit the road for the first time on October 3,2020. Thank you for all you do – hope to see you on the road.
very informative
Great list for newbies! Love the document it or it didn’t happen one. And, figuring out the essentials seems to be the hardest part to downsizing since it feels like you can always use everything. lol
I’ve wanted an RV for so long. Next year might be the time to go ahead and take the plunge.
My wife and I are looking for an RV. We’ll check the tires and their dates while we do it. That way we can avoid having bad tires on our new RV.
I thought it was interesting when you mentioned that it is important to know measurements when you own an RV. My wife and I would like to rent a motorhome. Since we are going to be renting, we want to make sure that we do everything we can to not damage the motorhome.
Thank you for helping me to understand what is important for RV newbies to know. I would think that it would be important to keep an RV in good shape as well. It would be important to replace the parts on an RV.
I liked how you recommended knowing the measurements of your RV. My husband and I are thinking about getting an RV and going camping around a few states. It seems like knowing these would help us with camps and make traveling easier.
I want to get a nice RV, but I want to make sure that I use it properly. It makes sense that having a nice place to park it for camping trips would be beneficial. I’ll be sure to find a nice RV park for that.
I do agree when you shared that it is best to discuss who is going to drive the RV to get everyone to the camping site. My friend just mentioned the other day that he is planning to take his children on a camping trip as he wants to spend quality time with them. I will suggest to him find a reliable site that is nearby and decide who is going to drive there.
I do agree when you shared that it is best to discuss who is going to drive the RV to get everyone to the camping site. My friend just mentioned the other day that he is planning to take his children on a camping trip as he wants to spend quality time with them. I will suggest to him find a reliable site that is nearby and decide who is going to drive there.