Five Mistakes New RV Owners Make

Five Mistakes New RV Owners Make

Posted on November 25, 2022

And How To Avoid Them

More than 9.6 million households plan to buy an RV in the next 5 years, according to Truly Experiences magazine. The struggles of the last 2 years have sparked a rise in RV ownership. But few people know how to look after one. Do you need tips for new RV owners? Owning an RV requires responsibility, knowledge, and a bit of planning. You must keep your vehicle in top shape to enjoy the RV life. What should you avoid? What are the essentials? How much should you drive your RV? We have a guide full of tips for new RV owners. Read on and let's hit the road!

1. Buying the First RV They See

You're excited about owning an RV for the first time. We get it. But rushing out and buying the first RV in the lot is almost always a mistake. Some states have better prices for RVs than others. If you live in Canada, you might find better deals over the border. You wanted a road trip, right? Used RVs are a great option if you're on a budget. Make sure the dealer has performed all the essential checks and maintenance. If you're buying from a fellow RV owner, ask about the mod cons and book a check-up at a garage. Choosing a smaller RV than you need is a big mistake. If you have a family or pets, excess space is better than being crunched in together. But huge RVs can be a pain to drive and park, so seek a balance. You could rent for a few trips before you find the best RV.

2. Not Paying Attention to Maintenance

You should check your RV before each trip, each month, and before each season. Topping up the anti-freeze and winterizing your RV helps stop cold weather damage. Waxing your exterior protects your gleaming paint job. Lubrication helps reduce wear to moving parts. Detailing helps avoid rust by filling in chips and scratches. Walk-around checks help you spot any issues. Check the jacks for corrosion or damage. Test fog lights, brake lights, indicators, and headlights. Mechanical checks include oil changes, lug nut torque levels, and suspension performance. Check your battery storage and generators at regular intervals. Even when at home, run your RV engine as much as you can. You should check your tire pressure when they are cold. Invest in new tires before you need them.

3. Using the Wrong Tow Vehicle

Choosing the right tow vehicle can be harder than it sounds. RV dealers may be unaware of your needs or too eager to make a sale; make sure you can handle your camper trailer. A midsize travel trailer can weigh several thousand pounds. That is a lot of weight for your tow vehicle, and you need to ensure it is the right vehicle for the job. The wrong tow vehicle increases your chances of a breakdown or accident. You will be safer on the road, and your fuel economy should be more efficient. You will have higher maintenance costs with the wrong tow vehicle. Factor in your budget, of course, but it is better to save for longer than cheap out with the wrong vehicle. Accidents and breakdowns will cost you more in the long run.

4. Not Planning an RV-Friendly Route

Online maps have their place in your route planning. But trusting them too much is a mistake. You need to make sure your route is RV-friendly. GPS route planners work well for car trips, but with the weight and size of an RV to consider, things get trickier. Metrics like road width, bridge heights, and inclines are all make-or-break factors. You can find dedicated RV route apps online. These are better than standard driving apps, and they have RV drivers in mind. You can also go old-school and ask an RV club or forum for advice. Take a few driving classes before your trip to make sure you can handle your vehicle. RV travel can spring challenges on you, and knowing how to deal with them gives you peace of mind.

5. Overdriving in One Day

There are countless once-in-lifetime road trips in the USA and Canada. But easy does it; you need to get used to your RV and break it in first. It can be tempting to hit as many sights as possible on your first trip, but this increases your breakdown risk. You might also find it hard to enjoy places when you visit them for such a short time. Factor in your activity times, prep, and overnight stays, as well as your driving time. Give yourself enough leeway to extend your stay in a place if you want to. Always watch your speed, even when the clock is against you. If you drive through multiple states, check their RV licensing laws and max travel trailer lengths. These can differ, and you need to stay road legal!

Tips for New RV Owners

Let's finish up with a few general tips for new RV owners. You could jot these down and keep them on your dash. Little things add up to make your trip as smooth as possible.

• Keep a stash of change to pay tolls and parking meters
• Stock up on nutritious snacks to keep you going
• Spare tyres, antifreeze, oil, duct tape, and water are your pals
• Keep a well-equipped toolkit on standby and learn to use it
• Cell boosters and satellite phones keep you connected
• Travel card points can add up, so collect them on each trip
• Reserve your camping spots and play by their rules
• Plan for the seasons and the weather
• Be nice to everyone and remember to have fun

These tips should help you get rolling with RV travel. Add your own as you learn. Now get out there and RV Canada to your heart's content.

Time to Drive Away

We hope our tips for new RV owners helped you to get started. Owning an RV gives you a true taste of freedom, and a bit of knowledge helps you make the most of it! Roulottes Desjardins is a top RV dealership at home in Quebec and St. Jerome. We can help you find the best motorhomes, RVs, trailers, vehicles, and accessories. We live for RV travel, and we love what we do! Contact our team today!