Human beings are prone to mistakes in every part of their lives. It is no different when it comes to RVs. If you just bought an RV, you may not know how to go about it, and you are bound to make several mistakes.
Taking care of an RV can be stressful and overwhelming because it’s basically an entire house and vehicle in one.
However, there is no need to worry. If you live in an RV full-time or use it for adventures, it is crucial to know how to take good care of it to avoid costly consequences and embarrassment. It starts with understanding the common mistakes RV owners make to ensure you don’t repeat them. Every RV owner was a newbie at some point.
However, with experience and learning from mistakes, they have been able to look after their motorhomes. This article will share ten RV owners’ mistakes, so you will not do the same.
Choosing the Wrong Vehicle
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Many people buying an RV for the first time do not have a clear picture of what to purchase. They do not understand the towing limits of their vehicle. Therefore, they may buy RVs that are too heavy. Before you buy an RV, ensure you know what you need. Your choice will depend on your needs, towing vehicle, and budget.
So, research the towing capacity of the tow vehicle and understand the type of camper it can pull. It’s not uncommon for a vehicle to quickly become overloaded and require the owner to replace the vehicle or the RV.
It is also essential to look at the features of the RV to ensure it will accommodate your needs. You may want a kitchen, bathroom, or ample sleeping space. You must be clear on such things to pick an RV that suits your needs.
Traveling Too Far in a Day
Most RV owners can relate. When you have a long distance to cover or several places to go, it is easy to forget the daily driving limit of your vehicle. Of course, you may not know the limit when driving a new RV until you experience an issue. Most people start going on a Friday afternoon and arrive at their destination when it is dark. Vehicle exhaustion and driving in the dark can lead to more problems that will be costly to fix. Therefore, arrive at the destination by 3 p.m. and don’t drive more than 300 miles a day.
Letting the Camper Freeze
Many RV owners, especially those who use the vehicles for adventures, leave them outside for a long time. It is always advisable to bring the camper inside when not in use if possible,but many times it is not. If you are traveling or storing during a cold season, know how to take care of the RV and how to keep water lines from freezing in camper. An RV is like a house and if it freezes solid without being winterized, you will have serious damage. The last thing you want is to ruin your vehicle because of bad weather.
Ignoring Basic Maintenance
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RVs require maintenance services to keep them in good shape. Therefore, take care of simple things like maintaining the air conditioner, inspecting the roof, fixing broken seals, and inflating tires correctly. These simple maintenance tasks will extend the life of your RV and prevent costly repairs. It is also advisable to schedule annual maintenance to keep your RV well. Hiring a certified RV tech is the best way to handle such tasks and ensure yearly maintenance.
Packing too Many Items
It is human nature to pack all the items you think you will need during your trip. However, not everything is necessary, and you can always improvise some things. You don’t need to pack your kitchen appliances if you are going out for a weekend. You also don’t need to pack all your clothes for every weather while camping in summer. Part of using your RV is being resourceful. Don’t carry cooking utensils if you are making food for less than 2 people. Be organized and bring less clutter.
Not Planning the Route
If you are going out in your RV for the first time, you may not know that there are routes unsuitable for the vehicle based on size and height. Some roads and narrow, while others have small tunnels and low bridges. Many bridges will also have weight limits that you should not exceed. So, before you leave, plan your route to ensure you will be safe. You can use an RV GPS device or trip planning tools to program your RV’s height and size so you find suitable routes.
Not Using a Checklist
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RVs are different. The worst mistake you can make is going without a checklist. There is no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to RV. It depends on the type you choose and your needs. So, download an app to get the checklist or customize yours to meet your needs.
Leaving Out Antenna or Steps When Driving
The best way to protect the attachments on your RV is to inspect them before hitting the road. You may not remember to put back the antennas or steps, which can cause a problem. Always put back the steps before driving and lower the antenna to prevent damage during the trip.
Neglecting the Battery
Last but not least, some RV owners ignore checking their vehicles’ batteries before starting the trip. You need to confirm that all the batteries are working. Test them regularly and check the water levels in the lead-acid ones.
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Bottom Line
Don’t wait to learn about these mistakes the hard way. Now that you know them try every way to avoid them. Some come with costly consequences, and your trip may be cut short if your RV cannot move. If you make any of these mistakes, learn from them and share them with others to help them avoid doing the same. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from other RV owners.
