On my recent mother-daughter Las Vegas trip I was able to try out the RV lifestyle. We rented our home away from home for the week and stayed at the Las Vegas RV Resorts. Since this was my first time staying in an RV, I was unsure of what to expect but I am happy to report that this trip exceeded my expectations. Not only did I fall in love with the idea of traveling this way, but I learned a few RV tips for beginners that I am excited to share.
Expert Advice
RV Tips for Beginners
Amber, a first-time RVer, shares her tips and advice for others who are considering RVing for the first time.
Explore All of Your RV Options
There are many different types of RVs, some towable and some drivable. Determining which type is right for you is the first step to becoming a happy camper. So, try out these RV tips for beginners.
Check out GoRving.com to explore the different types of RVs available. This will allow you to see all the different features and options so that you can make an informed decision before selecting which is right for your needs.
Rent or Buying An RV? Which Is Right for You?
Renting an RV is the perfect way to dip your toe into the RV lifestyle without making a commitment. This allows you to try out different styles and gives you the option to have everything done for you by the RV owner.
Since I was flying into Las Vegas, I was able to save tons of travel time by renting an RV through Outdoorsy. This site is basically Airbnb for RVs and a top addition to the RV tips for beginners. The RV we selected came equipped with all the basics like bedding, dishes, towels, and even a bin full of movies to enjoy on the flatscreen. All we needed to do was arrive and get a 30-minute rundown from the owners about the basics of this RV and then head to the local store for supplies.
Rental Tips
When you arrive at the campsite, be sure to take small videos of the owner’s rundown so you can refer to them later. This way you will be able to correctly operate the different functions of the RV without having to rely on your memory. It can be overwhelming at first to take in all that information so having a video to reference can make a big difference.
RV Purchase Tips
When you have decided that you are in love with the RV lifestyle and want to purchase your first RV, be sure to check out the first-timers tool kit, the compare RVs feature, and the find my RV quiz to help find the RV that's right for you.
Emptying the RV Holding Tanks
As a beginner, I had no idea about the black and gray water tanks. I guess I just assumed that because the RV was parked at a campsite that the tanks were not needed. I quickly learned that this was not the case and that I needed to learn how to empty the tanks.
As I tend to do, I let my anxiety get the best of me and immediately felt overwhelmed since this was unfamiliar territory. Lucky for me, I was able to read up on how to do this simple task and it turned out to be much easier than I had first thought.
Tips for a Smooth RV Experience
Prepare for the unexpected. If your RV comes equipped with an awning it is best to get yourself into the habit of taking it down before leaving the campsite or heading to bed. High winds and inclement weather can damage the awning, so it is best to stow it away when not in use.
Secure items and clear off countertops before traveling with your RV. This may seem like a no-brainer but when you are excited about your next adventure it can be easy to overlook this beginner mistake. There are many items available for purchase to help keep cabinets, appliances, and furniture secured during travel. These items are well worth the money and will last years after the initial purchase.
Create a routine and follow a checklist to make sure everything is secured each time you head off for an adventure. It can be easy to overlook the basics so be sure to include every step of your routine on a checklist. If you are traveling with a partner, it can be helpful to run through the checklist together each time, to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect RV Campground
The campground you choose for your adventure is not just a place to park. When selecting the perfect campsite for your vacation there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
Amenities- Does your perfect vacation include swimming, relaxing in a hot tub, or playing a game of pool at the end of each day? Be sure to select your campground based on what your family will most enjoy when spending time at their home away from home.
Location- When selecting the area that you want to travel to, be sure to map out the distance from your campsite to the attractions you plan on visiting. If you are using a towable option, you can speed up travel time by unhooking and traveling through town with your car. If you are traveling in your home away from home, be sure to add some extra time for buttoning everything up in the back before heading from place to place.
Use this campground finder tool to discover the perfect campground for your next adventure.
I hope these RV tips for beginners have inspired you to try out the RV lifestyle and I wish you the best of luck on your exciting journey. Happy travels and please share these RV tips for beginners.
