10 Common Mistakes New RV Owners Make

The RV lifestyle can seem fascinating and a dream for travel enthusiasts, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you make some rookie mistakes.   

Are you a new RV owner and planning your first trip? Then avoid these common mistakes to make your RV journeys memorable in a good way. 

1. Not Making a List of Requirements

Buying an RV is a big decision in terms of both budget and usage. Whether you are planning a week-long road trip or full-time living in it, the RV should have everything you need. 

Thus, to avoid unnecessary features or appliances and get exactly what you need, make a checklist of your RV requirements or must-haves beforehand. 

Start thinking about every big and small thing, like the size of the RV, the number of travel companions along for the ride. If you are planning to expand your family, the size of the bathroom, propane tanks and overall gas tank size, and whether the camper is fully motorized or towable with a truck. Trust me, it's better to list rather than regret your choices later. 

2. Speeding & Stopping

RVs are not your regular car, and you DO NOT want to drive it as such.... it is not a sports car. Firstly, RVs are way heavier than regular cars, so they need longer stopping distances. 

If you are speeding with an RV and need to make a sudden stop, you won't be able to do that, especially if the weather is snowy or with icy conditions. There's a chance of the vehicle losing control and rolling over. 

Treat your RV tires right, and you are less likely to have any trouble down the road, even at high speeds. You can have a tire blowout due to stress and flat tires can be dangerous if you're on a highway or in a remote area. 

Moreover, always have your RV inspected annually and ensure you have all systems working 110%.

3. Not Practicing RV Handling

Before hitting the road and taking your first big trip outside your hometown, you should practice enough as a new RV owner. Just like when you got your first automobile license.

RVs are larger and more complex than cars. New owners need to understand the layout, controls, and features of their specific RV model. Pay special attention to the safety training, like how to operate the RV's safety equipment, such as the brakes, turn signals, and emergency lights,

Besides, RVs are more difficult to maneuver than cars, especially in tight spaces or on winding roads. Practicing in a safe environment can help you achieve the skills you need to drive safely on the open highway. 

4. Not Planning your Travel Route

Travel trailers and RVs can't be driven on certain roads. So, even if you're familiar with a route because you travelled there with your regular car, you might still need to make an RV-friendly route plan. 

Instead of using regular Google maps, try an RV-specific GPS. It can help you avoid potential hazards, such as low bridges, narrow roads, or areas with restricted access and spot dump stations and gas stations. 

5. Not Knowing enough about the Campgrounds

If you're traveling with a pet or motorcycle or anything additional like that, learn about the policies before making the campground reservations. 

Not every campground allows everything, and you wouldn't want to learn about the campground rules after arriving there.

It is best to ask them for an email compiling all the rules, or you can first go through their website to check if they've mentioned anything. 

6. Picking the Wrong Towing Vehicle

The biggest RV mistake you can make as a beginner is cutting the budget for your tow vehicle, and it can turn out to be a very costly mistake. 

A wrong tow vehicle can not only increase your driving time but can cause more fuel consumption, frequent emergency repairs, and affect the vehicle's longevity. 

To pick the right tow vehicle, you first need to know your gross vehicle weight (GVW) and the towing capacity of your Truck to pull your new recreational vehicle. 

You should also look at the engine power, transmission, brakes, hitch and weight distribution. Always leave a 20% weight margin while calculating towing capacity for unexpected situations. 

7. Not having the Right Insurance Coverage

Insurance is used to avoid costly repairs, but new RV owners frequently make the mistake of either over-insuring or under-insuring. 

Based on whether your RV is financed or not, your insurance requirements might change. Some insurance might not cover full-timing in your rig; some might even ask you to get separate coverage just for the roof. So go through every little clause to ensure you're not under-insuring.  

On the other hand, over-insuring can cost you more in the long run. Don't pay for things you wouldn't be using or that don't apply to your RV setup. 

8. Missing out the maintenance  

One of the most common mistakes new RV owners make is neglecting regular maintenance. RVs require consistent care to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Skipping maintenance tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections can lead to mechanical breakdowns, safety hazards, and costly repairs.

Again, always have your RV inspected annually at the very least and ensure you have all systems working 110%.

9. Not having the Right Supplies On-Board

Another common mistake is being unprepared with the necessary supplies. RVs have unique needs, and not having the right tools, equipment, and supplies can lead to inconvenience and even emergencies. Essential items include a basic tool kit, cleaning supplies, sewer hoses, a first aid kit, emergency flares, and a portable generator.

It is better to carry things that you might need instead of regretting during emergencies. We have all seen RV with Robin Williams, don't let a trip like that happen to YOU!

Expecting good WiFi from campgrounds 

Many new RV owners mistakenly assume that all campgrounds will provide reliable and fast WiFi on-site. While some campgrounds offer excellent internet connectivity, it can be more rare in remote and Northern wooden areas. 

So, if you need WiFi, make sure to have your own setup on-board. 

Contact Sturgeon Woods RV For Your RV Needs

If you are looking to buy a new or pre-owned RV from Keystone, Crossroads, Dutchmen, Gulfstream, and more, or if you need end-to-end servicing of your RV, we can help. 

Why us? Because we have been dealing with RVs for the past 30 years, so we know what we are doing. 

So, contact us today to get your RV problems solved.