RVs give owners great ways to get out and enjoy the open road, but many people find that they are uncomfortable driving such large vehicles and planning for life away from home for extended periods. While those are completely valid concerns, there are a number of things you can do to make your trip more comfortable and fun as you acclimate to your new RV lifestyle.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Remember, RVs are significantly larger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver than cars. Give yourself time to navigate traffic, deal with mixups in your directions, and handle your vehicle. Try to avoid tight schedules to reduce your stress levels, and make sure you have a good handle on your driving route. The same thing applies to activities once you’ve reached your destination. Remember that getting into and out of an RV takes a bit longer than hopping out of a car, so be sure to give yourself time to get where you need to go without a major rush.
Ask Questions if You Need Help
While we don’t recommend bugging your campsite neighbors for every little issue, many people are happy to help newcomers understand some of the ins-and-outs of RVing and getting set up at a campsite. However, it’s important to use common sense and avoid dangerous situations if you’re unsure of how to do something. On the flipside, don’t be afraid to turn down assistance if you want to figure things out on your own or if you’re uncomfortable accepting help from a stranger.
Take Random Drives
One of the best ways to learn and become comfortable with your RV is to take a drive without a destination in mind. Spending time behind the wheel will help you familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls, feel how it behaves in various driving situations, and give you a better idea of the timing you need to pull into traffic or make a turn with the added weight of an RV. A few pre-season drives can also help diagnose any problems with your vehicle, especially after it has been in storage for a while, such as after winter. A breakdown on a leisurely drive is annoying, but a mechanical failure on the open road is another thing entirely. It’s a good idea to identify and fix as many issues as you can before traveling.
If you’d like to learn more about the best ways to familiarize yourself with your new vehicle or any other RV-related activity, come see our knowledgeable staff at Valley RV. We’d be excited to talk through the best safety practices, schedule a test drive, or help you configure the new Jayco RV of your dreams.
