Buying the wrong size RV. New owners often go too big thinking more space is better. IN reality, larger RV’s can be stressful to drive, harder to park, and limit where you can camp.
TIP: Think about where you’ll go, National parks, small campgrounds, long distances, and consider your comfort driving level.
Not understanding hookups. Electric 30 vs 50 amp, water, and sewer hookups can be confusing at first.
Common mistake: Plugging into the wrong power source or mishandling sewer hoses.
TIP: Practice setup before your first trip.
Driving away with the antenna up, steps out, or slides extended. Make sure you walk around the RV more than once as you are getting ready to leave to ensure that everything is tucked way, closed, and ready for travel.
TIP: Create and print out a pre-trip checklist.
Overloading the RV beyond weight limits (GVWR). Many people overload there RV without realizing it, especially with water, gear, and passengers.
WHY IT MATTERS: Exceeding weight limits can damage your RV, reduce fuel efficiency, and even be dangerous.
Not chocking the wheels before unhitching or parking on a slope. Even with the emergency brake on this can end disastrously.
Forgetting to raise stabilizer jacks before driving off.
Leaving awnings out in high winds or storms. Awnings are not made to withstand high winds and can easily be damaged when hit with a gust of wind.
TIP: Never leave your awning out when you are away from your RV.
Leaving the black tank valve open. This is a classic rookie mistake.
WHY IT MATTERS: Liquids drain out, but solids stay behind creating a very unpleasant situation.
TIP: Keep it closed until it’s time to dump.
Not planning routes for travel. Regular GPS doesn’t account for low bridges, tight roads, or weight limits.
TIP: Use RV-specific navigation apps or plan routes carefully.
Running out of water or power. It is easy to underestimate how quickly batteries drain or water tanks empty, especially when boondocking.
TIP: Monitor levels daily and learn your RV’s limits.
Skipping basic maintenance. Things like checking tire pressure, sealing roofs, and maintaining batteries are easy to overlook. Small issues can turn into expensive repairs.
Not practicing driving and parking. Backing up an RV or towing a trailer is very different from driving a car.
TIP: Practice in an empty parking lot before hitting a busy campground.
Overpacking. You don’t need as much as you think, and extra weight adds up quickly.