Getting started with RVing can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and frightening for people with lots of questions and reservations about the hobby. Thankfully, there’s nothing to be afraid of, and getting started can be relatively stress-free with the proper planning and preparation.
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip is to plan, plan, and plan. Hitching and unhitching the trailer or other gear is an essential step to ensuring a safe drive. Make sure your checklist is comprehensive and includes the steps to hitch at your departure point and unhitch at your arrival location. Checklists can help the most experienced RVers, even if you feel confident in your routine and believe you’ll remember the steps when the time comes.
Make Sure Everything Is Secure
Remember that your RV is a home on wheels, so anything and everything inside must be secured and stored properly to avoid damage and a heavy cleaning session when you arrive at your destination. Most RVs offer secure closures and anchor points for gear, so be sure to take full advantage of all the benefits your rig has to offer.
Check Your Supplies and Equipment
It’s a good idea to make sure you have enough water and other supplies to last at least until you can reach the next set of hookups. While many campsites are well organized and offer everything you’ll need, some don’t, and you could be in for a bad time if you don’t have enough fresh water to complete the trip.
Plan Your Route
Take the time to plan your route ahead of time, making sure to account for traffic, terrain, weather, and time. If you’re pulling a trailer, the tow vehicle must be able to traverse hills and other challenges with the added weight. Plan time into your trip for traffic, making sure to avoid high-usage times during rush hour. Finally, the weather can have an outsized impact on your ability to drive and arrive safely, so remember to plan around high-altitude roads and other areas where snow and ice can be common in colder weather.
Last, ensure you understand the setup process when arriving at a campground. It’s vital to correctly hook up the water supply, sewer connections, and other components. Remember to chock your wheels to prevent rollaways, and make sure you know where emergency or medical services are in case something goes wrong while you’re having fun.
Valley RV’s knowledgeable staff would be excited to walk you through the basics of RV camping and road-tripping. We’d also love to show you the latest Jayco models, explain their features, and help you configure the RV of your dreams.
