You’ve done it! You’ve brought home your new RV, and the allure of the open road is calling you. Visions of national parks, relaxing campfire evenings, and the freedom to explore are likely in every thought. RVing is a remarkable way to experience the country and create lasting memories.
But, before you plot that first course, know that your first few trips are as much about learning as the destination. These first few trips are more than just a vacation; they're your essential orientation to RV living. And like any new endeavor, the right equipment and a solid grasp of basics make all the difference, saving you from headaches and letting you focus on the fun.
These essential lessons will help you hit the road with confidence and experience less "oops" moments.
Lesson 1: Navigating Campsite Set-Up
You'll quickly discover that campsites come in all shapes, sizes, and terrains. Some are wonderfully level and ideal for setting up; others present a few challenges that require extra effort.
Leveling & Stabilizing: The Foundation of a Comfortable Stay
An unlevel RV isn't just a minor annoyance; it can affect how your appliances function (especially refrigerators) and makes moving around extremely difficult. Your morning coffee might even have a bias for one side of the cup!
Here’s How To Get It Right:
● Check Side-to-side Level: Use a bubble level or built-in leveling system to check if the trailer is level side to side. If your trailer is low on one side, use FasTen Leveling Blocks or FasTen Ramps. Place them under both tires on the low side and back up onto them. You may need to adjust and recheck a few times to get it just right.
● Chock & Secure: Once your trailer is level side to side and the wheels are in place, it’s time to chock the wheels to prevent any rolling. Place sturdy wheel chocks firmly against the tires on both sides. This prevents rolling—a critical safety measure. Don't skip this!
● Unhitch & More Leveling: Once secured, unhitch your RV—you cannot level front-to-back if the tow vehicle is attached. Use the tongue jack to adjust your front-to-back leveling. You can place leveling blocks, tongue jack stands, FasTen Big Blocks, or other supports under the tongue jack.
● Stabilize Your Stay: Stabilize Your Stay: Once your RV is level, deploy the built-in stabilizing jacks to reduce movement. For a significant upgrade in stability, especially on uneven ground, place a FasTen Big Block under each jack before extending it. The block provides a solid, level base, which prevents your jacks from overextending (a major cause of instability) and reduces overall stress on your RV's frame.
Powering Up: More Than Just Plugging In
There's more to powering up your rig than simply plugging in a cord. Here’s what you need to know about connecting:
● Shore Power & Adapters: Keeping the right adapters on hand will help prepare you for just about any campsite. While campgrounds offer 30-amp or 50-amp hookups, your RV is only designed for one. To bridge this difference, a quality adapter is essential. It’ll let your 30-amp RV safely use a 50-amp site, or vice-versa. Power Grip Dogbone Electrical Adapters are reliable, with durable, weather-resistant construction and easy-to-grip, patented handles, making plugging and unplugging safer and easier. Always carry the necessary adapters for your trip—it’s much easier to be prepared than to deal with the hassle of needing them later.
● Generators: Great for off-grid adventures or as a backup when campground power is iffy. Always follow campground rules on generator hours and be considerate of your neighbors regarding noise and exhaust.
● Electrical Protection: Don’t cut corners here. From spikes, to sags, to mis-wired pedestals, campground power can be unpredictable. A quality Voltage Protector with integrated Surge Protection shields against surges and low/high voltage, potentially saving you from expensive repairs. Also, make sure you're using a heavy-duty RV extension cord, not some flimsy garage cord. Power Grip cords are designed for the amperage your RV requires and can stand up to the rigors of RVing - rain, sun, heat or cold. Power Grip products are ETL listed to UL and CSA standards, a certification which guarantees they have been independently tested for safety and quality.
The Sewer Connection: Nobody’s Favorite, Everybody’s Reality
Let's face it: managing black and grey water tanks is part of the deal. Thankfully, having quality gear makes this less-than-glamorous job easier than ever.
● Hose Durability: It’s essential to invest in a durable and reliable sewer hose. The RhinoFLEX Sewer Hose Kit is made from tough polyolefin reinforced with steel wire, making it puncture-resistant.
● Smart Support: A Sidewinder Sewer Hose Support elevates the hose off the ground, creating a consistent downward slope to ensure complete drainage and prevent messy backups or pooling, which is now also a requirement at many campgrounds.
Water Works: Hydration You Can Trust
Access to fresh water is a must. Here’s how to ensure it’s clean and properly delivered to your RV:
● Choosing The Right Hose: Never use a standard garden hose for your fresh water supply—they can leach harmful chemicals and leave an unpleasant taste. Instead, always use a dedicated drinking water hose, like a EvoFlex Water Hose (NSF-certified, BPA-free, phthalate and lead-free). It’s a good idea to choose a hose long enough to accommodate varying spigot distances.
● Filter It Out: Campground water quality can be a gamble. Remove any risk with the Tastepure Water Filter, an exterior filter easily installed inline with your drinking water hose. It reduces chlorine, sediment, odors, and bad taste.
● Regulate the Pressure: Some campgrounds have extremely high water pressure. Connecting directly can over-pressurize your RV’s plumbing system, and could blow out internal plumbing lines. Camco’s Water Pressure Regulator attaches between the campground spigot and your hose/filter, maintaining safe, consistent pressure (usually 40-50 psi). Don’t connect without one!
Lesson 2: Towing with Confidence and Control
Your first experiences on the road with your RV will be instrumental in shaping your confidence on the road. That trailer behind you is big and it’s heavy; learning to safely manage it is crucial!
A Few Towing Truths:
● Pre-Trip Checks, Every Trip: Before every journey, inspect tires (vehicle and trailer), lights, brakes, and the hitch connection. Make this an unbreakable habit.
● Effective Mirror Usage: Your mirrors are your lifeline for situational awareness. Use them frequently to monitor traffic and your trailer’s position.
● Adopt a Defensive Driving Mindset: You're managing a larger, heavier load. This means accelerating more gently, braking much earlier than you would in a car, and taking wider turns.
Managing Trailer Sway:
Dangerous trailer sway from crosswinds and passing semis makes good equipment vital. A quality weight distribution hitch with integrated sway control (like the Eaz-Lift Recurve R3 or R6 models) is a game-changer for towing safely by performing two key jobs:
● Weight Distribution: It evenly distributes your trailer’s weight across the axles of your tow vehicle, helping to maintain balance and control.
● Sway Control: It acts like a steadying hand, automatically countering the pushes and pulls from wind and traffic.
Together, these features create a much more stable and controlled ride, giving you true peace of mind on the road.
Lesson 3: Safety First!
Prioritizing safety can mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and a challenging one. With the right tools on hand, even a tough day can turn around for the better.
Several Key Areas:
● Electrical Safety: As detailed earlier in the campsite setup process, cutting corners on your electrical system is a risk you should never take. Always use RV-specific electrical gear, avoid overloading circuits, and never connect to shore power without a trusted voltage protector (with integrated surge protection).
● Flat Tires Happen: A flat on a multi-axle trailer can be daunting, but the Trailer Aid Plus makes the situation much more manageable. Instead of struggling with a conventional jack, you simply drive the good tire onto the ramp, which elevates the flat tire for an easy change—often without needing to crawl under the trailer.
● Fire Extinguisher Readiness: Know your fire extinguisher’s location and check the charge gauge regularly. Make sure it’s the right type for common RV fires (Class ABC), and learn to use it before an emergency. A few minutes of prevention and familiarization makes all the difference.
Lesson 4: Tank Maintenance – The Unsung Hero of a Happy RV
Your RV’s holding tanks work hard and require regular attention to function properly and prevent unpleasant odors. Treat them right, and they’ll treat you right.
Keeping Things Flowing:
● Dump Regularly and Use Sufficient Water: When you flush, use plenty of water. Water is key to help break down solids and prevent blockage.
● Treat Your Tanks: This isn't just about odor control. Good tank treatments help break down waste and paper, improving dumping efficiency and preventing clogs/sensor malfunctions. Camco’s TST Pro uses enzymes and beneficial bacteria to naturally digest organic matter rather than just masking odors.
● Clean ‘Em Out: Periodically, tanks need more thorough cleaning. After emptying your black tank, a tank rinser will take things further. Camco’s Rhino Blaster Pro Tank Rinser features a gate valve, allowing you to backfill both tanks with fresh water. To release the water, simply open the valve. This quick step clears stubborn debris from tank walls and sensors, keeping your system clean and running smoothly. Ultimately dislodging stubborn waste and debris from tank walls and sensors.
Your Adventure Awaits!
No one starts out as an RVing guru. There will be a learning curve, "uh-oh" and "ah-ha" moments, and plenty of opportunities to figure things out. It's all part of the adventure! Learn from each experience, and remember all of the many reasons for starting this new, exciting lifestyle.
The key is being prepared, having a bit of patience, and investing in quality gear that improves your travels. Camco offers many practical solutions to keep RVers enjoying the views instead of wrestling with problems.
The road is calling, with incredible experiences waiting. But before you hit the highway, first review these lessons, and stock up on RV essentials.
Enjoy every mile!
