Whether you're a first-time RV camper or a veteran, it is always best to be prepared for your trip in order to avoid common RV mistakes. MWSS provides premier appliances and electronics to ensure your RV/camper is ready for your upcoming camping trip and avoid those mistakes that spoil an experience. Here are our top 8 mistakes to avoid on your first RV camping trip:
No matter the size of your RV, small or large, it is important to pack the right amount of supplies for your trip. Not packing enough supples can lead to disasters on the road, unnecessary trips and wasted time. It is always better to overpack than under-pack so you are not left without important supplies you need. However, overpacking also has its downfalls. Too much stuff in a small space can drive anyone crazy. Extra supplies takes up space for recreation and sleeping which are two of the most important aspects of a trip in order to have fun and be well-rested while you're at it.
Campgrounds can get booked and crowded very quickly in the prime seasons of RV camping. We recommend making reservations days, weeks, and even months before your camping trip in order to secure a spot at your favorite campsite before it gets too crowded. The earlier you reserve a spot, the more likely you are to get a spot you want among a crowded campsite.
Maps, GPS, and research are all effective means to plan the route you want to take to your campground before you leave for your trip. Getting lost is never fun on the road. Planning your route in advance will save you extra time on the road that you could be using to actually camp- which is the whole point of your trip! Plan out when to leave for your site/when to head home to avoid bad weather, construction, etc. that will slow you down on your journey and take away valuable time for your trip.
A water hose drifting from the back of the RV, your awning not properly put down, and low tire pressure are all examples of drive-off disasters that result when you don't properly inspect your vehicle before leaving the campsite. These disasters can take hours upon hours to fix and when you are in route to get home..it can be a nightmare to deal with. These can be avoided by doing a walk-around tour of your RV after you have packed up and are ready to go. We suggest doing the walk-around twice, just to double check all things are secure and ready for the trip home. It is always better to be safe than sorry in these situations and save yourself the hassle of wasting time and money fixing these issues.
Knowing how to operate your RV is vital in the operational success of your vehicle. All of those small valves and buttons have a purpose, and as the driver, it is your responsibility to understand what all parts are working efficiently. It is best to stick with the pros on RV maintenance and read the instruction manual provided by your RV dealer. This can save you the hassle of needing a mechanic because you attempted a "DIY" that was meant for an expert. Also, when you are on your own on the road, you need to be the "expert" and know your RV from front to back, inside and out. Nobody takes off on their bike before learning how to ride, and the same is true with an RV. Learn how to operate your vehicle before setting out on a trip.
Preparation is key when it comes to packing for trips. This refers back to tip #1- under-packing vs. overpacking. Without using a check-list, you are very likely to forget an important item or pack too many items you don't really need. It is best to categorize your checklist in order to ensure all things are accounted for before departing. Here are the main 4 main categories we suggest using on your RV Check-list: Food/Water, Other Supplies, Tools, Clothes/Footwear.
For a more detailed list of our must-have camping items, check out our blog here on Important Things to Consider When RV Camping in the Fall and Winter.
Rv Camping is a great time for family, friends, and strangers to come together for a relaxing getaway filled with s'mores by the fire, sleeping under the stars, and cozy living. However, this fun does not come at a small cost. Supplies, food, and upgrades can be expensive for a large vehicle such an as RV- not to mention gas! To keep you and your family on financial track, make a budget before-hand and stick to it as closely as possible to avoid unplanned extra fees along the way.
Don't be afraid of the challenge of embarking on an RV trip! Yes, there is lots to do before/after to ensure you have a successful trip. But the rewards is so much greater than the challenges. After your first trip, you will have learned some Do's & Don'ts on the art of successful camping and be well-prepared for your next trip! Always remember the benefits over the burdens.
If you are still in need of more tips on how to have the best RV camping experience and avoid common mistakes, check out our blog, Beginner's Tips for RV Camping, here. For more information of how to update your RV before the spring camping season, contact us here on upgrading your RV's appliances and electronics.