First Time RV Owners
May 03, 2021
When to remember when buying your first RV
Thanks to the global pandemic of Covid-19 RV sales have sky rocketed. Dealers can’t keep inventory in stock and manufacturers are working to get units off the lines as fast as possible. The main reason for the growth of sales is because people do not feel safe enough stay in hotels and travel on airplanes for their summer vacations. One of the best way to social distance is to buy or rent an RV. With social distancing restrictions many of the RV sales are to first time owners.
Being a first time RV owner is fun with many adventures to follow but it also has it challenges that will need to be met head on. The biggest of those challenges is towing. While towing an RV for the first time can seem taunting but is a pretty common practice. One way to educate yourself about what it takes to tow an RV is just watch how to videos video. This will give an idea of what to mindful of before you get behind the wheel. Start with a smaller sized trailer. Lightweight trailers have all the bells and whistles of their bigger counterparts but are easier for new owners to handle. Have your dealer install your hitch this way they can match the system to your unit and vehicle. They can also show you how hitch and unhitch so that you are able to do it on your own. Before you take your first trip with your new trailer first tow your trailer around your town during off peak traffic times to get to use of the feel of braking and making wide turns.
Once you feel comfortable with towing your RV you may feel like you’re ready to hit the road for that cross country trip. As exciting as that sounds your few trips should be closer to home. For your first few trips stay at a camp ground close to home. This will give you time to get use to backing in your trailer into your camp site. You can also ask for a pull-thru-site that way you can just pull in and pull out of your site easily. Another reason to stay close to home for first few trips is if something were to go wrong you don’t have a long distance to drive to your local dealer to get the issue resolved.
Now that you are at your camp site it’s time to set up. Create a set-up check list that way you don’t forget to hook something up to your RV. At the top of the list will be to level it with blocks and stabilizing jacks. Next, connect to the electrical hookup and attach your sewer hose and drain hook-up. Be sure to wear gloves during this process. The first time you hook everything will take time but the more you do it the easier it will become.
One common misconception is that when you buy an RV it will come with all the hoses and connectors that you will need. Sadly that is not the case. Here is a list of some of the absolute essentials that you will need for every trip you take.
- Sewer Hose
- Water Hose
- Water Pressure Regulator
- Hose Connector
- 50 AMP to 30 AMP Plug
- Extension Cords
- 30 AMP to 15AMP Adapter
- Leveling Blocks
- Bed Sheets
- Fuses
- Jumper Cables
- Light Bulbs
- Well-Stocked Tool Kit
- Parts Unique To Your Unit
- First Aid Kit
Don’t be intimidated about taking your RV on the road for the first time. As they say practice makes perfect. There are a ton of RV blogs, Facebook groups, and Youtube Channels that deal with anything that can come up while on the road. If you are having trouble with something and need help just ask. Most other campers are more than happy to help and lend a hand. Enjoy the adventure that you are about to embark on.
