5 Things I Wish I Knew Before my First RV Trip

If you have never stayed in an RV before, there may be some things that surprise you. During your RV rental you will be given a complete walkthrough to show you how the RV systems work but there are some things they forget to mention or things that need a bit more explanation.  Here is what you need to know:

Know the RV Specs

In order to secure the best site for your RV rental, you will need to know the length of the RV, if it has any slides and what side they are on.  You want to make sure your rental unit will fit comfortably on the site.  This information is usually necessary prior to booking a camp site.

Find Out if Your Site has Hookups

It is important to know if your campsite will have hookups such as water and electric.  If the site has electric, find out whether the camper has 30 or 50 amp service so you reserve the right type of site.  If there are no hookups we strongly suggest having a generator.  You can rent one at a local hardware store or some branches have them available to rent as well.  Even if the unit has a brand new battery, it may only last up to 48 hours because the carbon monoxide detector, refrigerator panel, and water pump all use the battery power.  Also know if there is no water hookup, the fresh water tank must be filled, be sure to let the branch manager know that you need this done prior to delivery.

Don’t Take Long Showers

You can’t take a shower in a camper as you would at home.  For one, the hot water heater isn’t as large so you won’t have long before the water runs cold.  Second, if you do not have sewer hookups, the water from the shower will be held in the grey tank and once that tank fills the shower will begin to overflow.

Know the Differences in Electricity

There are three types of electricity in a camper.  The first one is trailer lighting which works when you are hooked up to a tow vehicle – this also charges the battery.  Next is the low voltage circuit which powers the lights, water pump, and refrigerator, these all run off of the battery when not plugged in.  Lastly is the high voltage circuit, this runs the outlets, TV, microwave, A/C, etc.  In order to run the high voltage circuit the camper must be plugged into 120 volt shoreline power.  This is important to know because you won’t be able to use all of the outlets and appliances unless you are completely plugged in to shore power, not everything will run just off of the battery.

Know the Right Way to Level a Trailer

If you are towing the unit yourself, you will ant to know the correct way to level the travel trailer.  Always level left to right before you unhook.  Then level front to back once the trailer is unhooked from your tow vehicle.  Do not put the slides out until the camper is level.  Know the difference between your stabilizers and leveling jacks.

I hope this information helps!  We love traveling in an RV but for those that have never done it before it can be a bit confusing.  Although it looks like a little house on wheels, it doesn’t run like one.  If you are still nervous about how to operate an RV, you can have a rental delivered and set up for you which will help alleviate some of the stress.  The Camper Connection also has 24/7 tech support for any questions or concerns that might arise on your trip.

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