5 tips for the first-time RV owner

So, you did it. You went out and bought that first RV. Congratulations! Life on the road isn’t just fun, it’s the safest and smartest choice today. RVs are the absolute hot sellers of 2020, and it’s easy to see why. With an RV you feel free to roam the country and you don’t have to feel the anxiety of shared spaces.

Buying an RV is just the first step. Now you need to know how to get the best out of it. Let’s take a look at some strategies that will help you enjoy that new purchase!

1. Practice before leaving the area

An RV is more than just a big vehicle. It’s a very big vehicle. Unless you’re a truck driver, it’s going to be the largest vehicle you’ve ever driven. It’s top heavy, doesn’t handle well, and backing up can be a real challenge.

So, before going out on that long trip, do some practice runs. Practice backing up in a large open parking lot to get the feel of it. Go out on a few freeway runs in your hometown. Even practice getting gas and doing hookups. If there is an RV park near you, take your first trip there. so you can get used to the feel of things.

Being close to home will help you feel comfortable, and you’ll be able to call friends if things don’t go your way.

2. Plan your trips

The hardest part of RVing is probably the planning. You can’t just pull through a drive-through and go. You have to have some idea how you’re going to get in and out of things. There are plenty of resources to help you know which places are RV-friendly and which aren’t.

The best resource is RVers themselves. Join a social media group for RVers or search for other RV communities. This will help you out when you get ready to go.

Once you’re out on the road, you can ask other RVers in the RV parks you visit, but of course be careful and take precautions. This is 2020 after all.

3. Make sure your passengers have something to do

Staring out the window at the open road is going to lose its allure, fast. If you’ve ever taken the family on any sort of road trip, you know I’m telling the truth. This isn’t a new problem and let’s not pretend that things were ever different. Back in the past, people would do crossword puzzles, read books, or cause all sorts of mischief. Today, people want access to entertainment.

This can mean a satellite TV system for the RV, a cell booster that helps everyone get great wireless service, or just apps that entertain. Just because you’re going out on the road doesn’t mean you really want to leave life behind. Or at the very least, it doesn’t mean the kids want to leave life behind.

4. Learn how to pace yourself

Just because you could do a 15-hour run between St. Louis and Washington DC doesn’t mean you should. You’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle in unfamiliar territory. It’s ok to stop and take frequent breaks.

Besides, the purpose of RVing isn’t just to drive all day, it’s to enjoy the country! There are landmarks everywhere, places to visit and things to see. Try to spend less time on the road and more time enjoying those little destinations along the way

5. Get a friend in the business

You’ll need to have a good RV mechanic. You’ll need to make some friends who can give you tips. And, when you need to trick your RV out with the best consumer electronics, you’ll be glad you found Solid Signal. Not only can you shop at our web site for the best stuff, but you can call for help! Call 888-233-7563 and we’ll be happy to recommend RV upgrades that fit your budget and your needs! If it’s after East Coast business hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you!

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.