New RV Owners: Here's Your Must-Know Guide After Purchase
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How exciting! You've purchased your first RV! Now you need to know what to do next! We will help you get ready to enjoy your first camping trip!
Understanding Your RV
Once you have your RV, it's time to start preparing for your adventures! The first step is to get familiar with all the components of your RV. Take some time to learn about the electrical, plumbing, and propane systems.
To feel truly comfortable and increase your chances of success on your first outings, it is important to thoroughly understand your RV, beyond how many slides or beds it has. Before embarking on your first trip, it is essential to understand how the systems of your recreational vehicle work. This will not only make your trips more enjoyable, but it will also help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise on the road.
Start with the owner’s manual! I know it looks like a huge undertaking, but if you take some time to go through each section, it will help you understand more about how your RV functions. Once you have done a quick read-through, take the time to try to locate important items in your RV. You need to know where the circuit breakers are as well as the fuse box. Next, look at your panels and make sure you understand what each button does.
If you purchased your RV from a dealer, they should have included a thorough walk-through to show you how to operate the systems. If this was not included or you purchased your RV from a private seller, you can hire someone to come and help you get acquainted with all the components.
What Gear Do You Need
Now that you have walked through your RV and learned so much, you are ready to make sure you have all of the items needed to make your camping experience amazing. We have compiled this list to help you get started. Of course, you will want to add items that help your comfort level and make you feel at home.
Here is a list of the essentials to get you started! As you camp more you will discover the other items that are most important to you!
Create A Checklist
When packing for your first RV trip, there are some important things to consider. First, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, such as insurance papers, registration, and any campground reservations. It's also a good idea to create a checklist of essential items to bring including food and cooking supplies, bedding and towels, personal hygiene products, and any needed medications. Most RVers leave a set of dishes and cooking supplies in their RV, so they do not have to worry about packing these each time. Don't forget about recreational gear such as outdoor chairs or bikes if you plan on doing any outdoor activities.
Now that you know what is in your RV, it is time to create a plan for what you want to eat during your first trip. Start by creating a list for each meal and then add the items you want to eat. A big tip here is to add the names of any seasonings and/or condiments you will want, as well. It is best to be overly detailed with this list! Having great meals while camping is one of the best parts of the experience! Pancakes are great, but even better with butter and syrup!
Take A Practice Trip
You are all set! For your first trip, find a great campground near your home. Plug in and use all of the systems. Try out everything and create a list of any questions that come up. The best way to learn is by doing and making mistakes. This practice trip will help you feel more confident when taking longer trips.
Once you have that initial trip “under your belt,” it is now time to plan a longer trip! We use RV Life to plan our trips! It has everything you need to make sure you are prepared every time you venture out! From mapping out the best routes and campgrounds to finding nearby attractions and restaurants, RV Life has got you covered!
