Buying your first RV is an exciting time. Once you have the RV in your possession and ready to go, you’ll suddenly realize just how many possibilities lie in front of you. There are so many beautiful destinations waiting to be explored in this country, and an RV is the best way to reach many of them. Whether you are getting ready to make an RV purchase or you’ve already closed the deal, this article will offer five tips to help you get the most out of the experience.
Practice, Practice, Practice
When you take ownership of a new RV, you are going to be struck by one thing right away – RVs are big! Even if you don’t buy a monster motorhome, you’ll still be piloting something on the road that is likely bigger than anything you’ve driven before. So, with that in mind, take the time to practice maneuvering your new rig so you can build up some confidence for the open road. A large, empty parking lot is a great place to do your practicing. You might be able to find some space in a big commercial lot on a weekend when no one is around.
Make sure you’re comfortable using the side mirrors and get a feel for how long your RV is. You especially should know the height of your RV. Keep your RV’s height in grained in your brain or write it on the inside of your cab. This way you’ll never run into a bridge or overpass that is too low you for you to get under.
Pack the Essentials
Planning a trip is fun and exciting, but while getting caught up in the destination, you may forget to pack essentials for the trip. When first buying an RV it’s important to make sure you have all the equipment you need to operate and maintain the RV. Every RV is different so be sure to reference the manual for any specifics, but here is a general checklist of RV must-haves.
- Sewer hose
- Fresh water hose
- Leveling blocks
- Wrench set for repairs
- RV septic-safe toilet paper
- RV cleaning supplies (wash, wax, ladder, bucket, sponge)
- RV power adapter to electrical adapter for appliances
Find RV Storage
While it’d be nice to constantly be on the road, there will be down time between trips and you’ll need a place to park your RV. It’s unlikely you have room in your garage for an RV, so instead of parking it outside where weather conditions can do damage to your RV, opt for an RV carport. American Carports, Inc. offers RV carports which have a taller height than traditional carports. This will give you covered RV storage without the monthly expense of renting a space at a local facility.
Start with an Easy Trip (And Bring a GPS)
You’ll probably have plenty of different ideas running through your head for where you could go on your first journey with this RV. While it’s great to be ambitious, consider taking a very short, easy trip for your first outing. By staying close to home you won’t have to worry about some of the complications that can come with a longer voyage.
And be sure to have an RV-specific GPS. This kind of GPS is different from one on your phone–it’s designed to use roadways safe for an RV to use. This way you can avoid low-clearance bridges, tunnels, or roads with weight capacities. It’s also important to avoid roads with hairpin turns or lots of curves. Most RVs come with a GPS installed, but if you’re looking for a new one, make sure to get one designed for RV drivers.
Make Sure to Plan Ahead
There are a lot of steps in getting used to your new RV, acquiring all the tools and accessories necessary (like making sure your kitchen is stocked), but don’t forget to plan your actual stay at the campsite. Make sure you’ve made reservations ahead of time. You don’t want to make the whole trip just to learn the campsite has no space for you and you don’t want to scramble to find a different location. Also, make sure to give yourself plenty of time for travel and any detours. Add an extra hour or two to your driving time and make sure you arrive at your destination before nightfall. Driving at night in your new RV can be stressful and you want to make sure your first trip is fantastic!
Build Your RV Storage Solution Today
There is a learning process involved with owning an RV but going through the process is more than worth it once you are able to get out there and start exploring the country. And, by adding a carport to your property, you’ll put a roof over your RV and keep it in good condition so it’s always ready for the next trip. If you want to get started on a new RV storage solution, reach out to American Carports, Inc. to speak with our experienced team! We’ll also walk you through using our Build & Price tool which allows you to check out the various customization features we offer for RV carports. Happy travels!
