Top RV camping Tips for Beginners in 2024
If you do not own an RV, don’t worry, you can still have an RV camping experience without much hassle. RV rental companies like RVnGO offer a wide selection of RVs from brands like Airstream, Winnebago, Jayco, Forest River and more. Not only does RVnGO make finding an RV near you quick by connecting you to real RV owners nearby. You can also pay for your rental with convenient installments plans! In this blog, we’ll go over some essential RV camping tips for beginners.
For beginners to camping, renting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort without breaking the bank. Affordable rentals from RVnGO are perfect for saving on vacations and trips with friends, family, or by yourself. From fishing trips to long days of hiking, an RV rental takes your camping experience to the next level. Keep these camping tips in mind and create a free account at RVnGO.com today to start planning your next RV vacation!
1. Make Reservations well in Advance
When deciding to go RVing, one of the most important things to plan for is where you’re going to stay. It is becoming increasingly tougher and tougher to find spots in popular parks as the number of RVers looking for a spot is hitting an all-time high. It is safe to say most of these places are booked anywhere from one year up to two or sometimes even more ahead of time. Out of all the RV camping tips, making sure your campsite is reserved is one of the most important.
For those who are looking for a little adventure and don’t mind stepping out their comfort zone, boondocking can be a great way to camp without being tied down by reservations. Organizations like Boondocker’s Welcome offer memberships that allow RVers access to different spots other than just parks, such as wineries, farms, and even private properties – with permission of course – all without having to reserve any kind of specific spot. Some have hookups while some don’t, but it still offers an interesting take on RV camping!
2. Practice Driving
Practicing driving isn’t just helpful in cases like this – it’s important any time you take your RV or trailer out on the road. Even if you’ve driven RVs before, traveling with one is significantly different from moving around in your car or truck – so make sure to get comfortable with your rig by taking some practice runs. Take note of your speed and braking capabilities, so that you can adjust when necessary as you drive through town or along highways/interstates. With enough practice, both heading out on an adventure and navigating new areas will become much easier!
3. Pack Essential Tools
Next on our RV camping tips list are essential tools. Having the right tools can make any RV adventure go smoother. From removing a stubborn lug nut on a wheel to replacing a worn out hose in the sink, having tools available means you don’t have to make an extra trip from your campsite to get help. Even if you don’t want to consider yourself a DIY person, carrying some essential tools could help you out of a jam if something goes wrong while camping.
When packing your essential tools for your RV campground trip, it’s important not to over pack. Start by creating a checklist so that you know what type of spares and parts you need to bring along with your toolbox.
A typical RV toolkit should include items such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, spare tires and lug nuts or bolts, spare hoses, tape or duct tape and electrical wiring. The Gear list contains both basic and specialized items like pumps for heaving liquids or for draining clean water tanks that might come in handy during your trip.
4. Practice Leveling Your Vehicle
The art of leveling an RV is something you definitely want to practice before embarking on your journey. This can help you get used to the procedure, which can be particularly tricky depending on the terrain at your campground.
Unleveling an RV can occur due to the ground being raised or dipping in certain areas or if you park on a slope. If this happens, your sleep might be disturbed, and your refrigerator and other appliances may not even work properly, so it’s best to try and make sure that everything is level beforehand.
Today, many newer models come with pre-built leveling systems, like the Leisure Travel Van Unity model. Still, you should bring a level along with you, just to make sure that everything is even. You’ll need blocks for each wheel as well as chocks for the wheels too if needed.
The blocks should raise all four corners of your vehicle equally so that it stays stable once placed; these only take a few minutes to put in place when done correctly. Practicing leveling your RV ensures that you are comfortable doing it during your actual camping trip – it could make all the difference for a better RV experience!
5. Rent a Smaller RV like a Camper Van or Travel Trailer
Renting a smaller camper van, travel trailer, or RV is an ideal choice for first time campers. Not only are they cheaper and easier to maintain than larger models, but their smaller size eliminates the intimidating factor of navigating unfamiliar trails and camping grounds.
Plus, having the comfort of your own home on hand – complete with all the necessary amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room – provides just enough security for brand-new campers to gradually become accustomed to this amazing outdoor lifestyle. Renting a smaller camper van, travel trailer or RV is a great way to break into the camping world without breaking the bank!
6. Measure the Height and Weight of Your Rig
Measuring the height and weight of your RV is an important step in ensuring that your rig is ready for travel. Knowing the specifications of your vehicle will help you to avoid any potential problems with it on the roads. As such, before you start any trip, be sure to take some time to measure out the exact height and weight of your RV. It is important to have an accurate record of these numbers so that you can always have proper clearance while travelling as well as ensure that your vehicle does not exceed its payload limit.
To measure the height, check that all add-ons to your RV are in place such as any roof coverings or awnings, and then use a tape measure to measure from the ground up to get a precise number taking into account all additions. Also use either heavy duty bathroom scales or dedicated camping scales placed under each wheel separately, and do this one side at a time for accurate readings.
Taking these measurements before departure will ensure limitless carefree travels during your holidays and guarantee safety for yourself on the road. Additionally, if you want more detailed tips on selecting campsites, be sure to check out online resources such as videos or forums where veteran campers share their tips and tricks acquired over years of experience.
Find the Right RV Rental with RVnGO Today!
Finding the perfect RV rental to fit your needs can be a challenge. With RVnGO, you can easily and quickly find RVs for rent in your area or around the United States. You can compare vehicle features and amenities, check availability of dates, and even communicate directly with the other party before making your selection. So if you’re looking for an RV to accommodate your travel needs, let RVnGO make it easy and convenient for you – no matter where you’re headed!