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The Top 3 First-Time RV Owner Tips

Jul. 12 2021 Ownership Tips By Bill Howich RV & Marine

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It's exciting to be a first-time RV owner, but it can also be overwhelming. It can be tough keeping track of the many things that go into successful camping trips and successful camper ownership.

Here at Bill Howich RV & Marine, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we gathered up the following first-time RV owner tips. For more first-time owner tips or to shop campers for sale, visit our dealership in Campbell River, British Columbia. We also proudly serve those in Courtenay and Nanaimo, British Columbia.

1. Practice Transporting The Camper Before Your First Road Trip

The first time you take your RV on the road should not be the morning of your vacation! It's important to spend time getting used to your camper and how it handles on the road. This will set you up for a safer and less stressful inaugural road trip.

Owners of towable RVs should connect the rig to the tow vehicle and see how the extra weight alters the turning radius, stopping distance, and so on. Owners of motorhomes should get behind the wheel and get familiar with the vehicle's handling. 

For both RV styles, you can practice driving in a low-traffic neighborhood or parking lot. Make sure that you can safely: 

  • Park
  • Back into tight spots
  • Bring the rig to a stop
  • Drive up and down hills
  • Take corners
  • Handle wind resistance. 

Once you learn the basics, go on longer drives and on roads with higher speed limits. Wait to go on your first road trip until you are fully comfortable and confident transporting the camper.

2. Become Familiar With Your RV

A key part of camper ownership is knowing the essential details of your given model.

This includes:

  • The measurements, which helps you determine things such as whether you can fit under a bridge or legally drive on certain roads.
  • The meaning of the caution labels on the RV's exterior or in the owner's manual.
  • How the appliances, electrical system, and sewage system works and how it may differ from your home systems.

Take the time to read through the ownership manual and look up manufacturer recommendations. The better you understand your camper, the better you will be able to take care of it and make the most out of using it.

You can even do a practice run before your trip. Set your camper up at home or a campground nearby. Run through the various camping tasks, such as cooking a meal and emptying the water tanks. You may uncover items you forgot to pack or processes you need to practice more before the vacation. Better to find that out now near home than in the middle of nowhere on a vacation!

3. Research The RV Campground In Advance

Not all campgrounds will suit your camper or camping style.

Make sure that:

  • Your RV can fit into the campsite.
  • Your electrical and water systems are compatible with the campsite (or you have a water pressure regulator and surge protector).
  • The campground offers the services you want (for example, not all sites will have bathrooms or WIFI).
  • There is a spot available during your vacation dates - and make the reservation as soon as possible.

We hope you found these first-time RV owner tips helpful! If you want more tips or want to shop campers for sale, visit Bill Howich RV & Marine. We are based in Campbell River, British Columbia, and serve those in Nanaimo and Courtenay as well.