Beginning the RV lifestyle can sometimes feel a little overwhelming at first. For many new RVers, the journey into this adventurous form of travel is a steep learning curve, filled with excitement and, inevitably, some mishaps. Our family knows these challenges well. Having started with zero RVing experience, we transitioned into full-time RV travel in 2014. With this article, we hope to share some common mistakes new RVers make so you can sidestep them and enjoy your travels.
Choosing the Right RV Size
Selecting the right size RV is essential for an enjoyable travel experience, but it's also where many new to RVing go wrong. It's important to consider your towing experience, your comfort level with driving a large RV, and what types of camping locations you would like to enjoy in your new adventure mobile.
Consider the types of destinations you want to visit and research their size restrictions. Many state and national parks have limited space for larger vehicles, so if you dream of camping in these beautiful natural places, opt for an RV under 30 feet in length. Our personal experience with two different fifth wheels, both over 40 feet, has shown that larger sizes can severely limit your camping options at times.
When deciding on RV size, keep these factors in mind:
- Maneuverability
- Parking ease
- Campground accessibility
- Fuel efficiency
A great hack for new RVers is to rent an RV. This allows you to try out different sizes and models before making a purchase to find the best fit for your travel style.
RV Maintenance and Safety Checks
A tip to avoid issues on RV travel days is to use an RV checklist. It helps you avoid missing critical steps when packing up, which could lead to significant RV damage. Common oversights include leaving stairs down, antennas up, leaving items exposed to RV slides, or forgetting to retract the slides altogether.
While many RV checklist examples are found online, travel day tasks are different for every RVer. Consider creating your own checklist to avoid mistakes on travel days.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your RV road-ready. Pay special attention to the roof, as it's often neglected, and this could be the most costly RV mistake. Inspect it regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Check seals and caulking frequently. This simple task can prevent leaks and mold growth, saving you from costly repairs down the line.
Don't forget about your RV's slides. Clean and lubricate the tracks to keep them functioning smoothly. This will help avoid issues when setting up or packing up your campsite. Staying on top of these maintenance tasks will keep your RV in great condition for many future adventures.
Driving and Towing Basics
Your comfort level driving and parking an RV will increase over time. Here are some things to consider.
Towing Safety Essentials
Before hitting the road, ensure your RV is properly hitched. For fifth wheels, do a tug test before hitting the road. Check the trailer connections and brakes, including safety chains and brake lights. Adjust your side mirrors to eliminate blind spots, and consider installing extended towing mirrors for better visibility.
A contributing factor to RV sway is improper weight distribution. Place heavier items low and centered over the axles. Use a weight distribution hitch and sway bars for improved stability and handling of travel trailers. Also, consider adding Timbren SES to your truck's rear suspension for reduced sway and greater control while towing.
Safe Towing Speed
Towing requires slower speeds than daily driving. A good rule of thumb is to stay 5-10 mph below the speed limit. Our max speed while towing is 60 mph. Slow and steady is the name of the game when you are towing an RV.
Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. The larger the RV, the greater stopping distance is usually needed. It helps to anticipate the need to slow down or stop and to brake early and gently to avoid sudden movements that can cause trailer sway. We recently made the switch to disc brakes on our RV for greater safety and control.
Mastering RV Maneuverability
A safe way to practice RV turning and backing up is to visit an empty parking lot. Towing an RV requires wide turns, and taking the time to practice can help increase your confidence. It's best to take it slow and get out and look when navigating tight spaces in your RV.
Understanding And Avoiding The RV Rear Swing When Turning
RV rear swing can catch new drivers off guard. As you turn, the back end of your RV swings out in the opposite direction. So, while you need to make wide turns while towing an RV, you also need to make sure you aren't close to obstacles on the opposite side.
Be extra cautious in tight spaces like gas stations or campgrounds. Watch your mirrors closely to spot potential hazards. We have often witnessed this mistake, and nothing ruins a trip faster than RV damage. It's better to take your time and reposition if needed to avoid issues.
Tips For Backing A Trailer Into A Campsite
Before backing up, walk around your RV to check for obstacles and plan your approach. Place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand in the direction you want the trailer to go.
A big mistake many new to towing an RV make is to over-crank the steering wheel. Instead, make small, slow movements, and once you get the trailer going in the right direction, you can usually straighten out the steering wheel. It's easier to make minor adjustments as you go than to correct a big mistake.
Use your mirrors, but don't rely on them exclusively. Get out and check your progress frequently, or use a spotter you can communicate with on the phone or walkie-talkies. If you get frustrated, take a break. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to park your RV successfully.
RV Tire Maintenance To Avoid Blowouts
Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe RV travel and preventing costly damage. Upgrading tires, understanding speed ratings, checking lug nuts, and managing weight are key factors in avoiding blowouts.
Upgraded Tires To Avoid Blowouts
Investing in high-quality RV tires is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure travel safety. Many new RVs come equipped with generic, low-quality tires prone to blowouts. While replacing tires on a new RV may seem counterintuitive, it's a worthwhile investment to prevent extensive damage.
Blowouts can lead to loss of vehicle control and severe damage to your RV's sidewall and interior floor. Consider this upgrade a priority, even if your RV is brand new. The cost of premium tires is low compared to possible repair expenses and safety risks associated with low-quality options.
Speed Rating For RV Tires
It's surprising to many new RVers that RV tires often have lower speed ratings than standard vehicle tires. It's helpful to check the speed rating on your tires and stick to these limits to help prevent tire blowouts.
Aim to maintain a speed of no more than 60 mph when towing. This slower towing speed not only aligns with most RV tire ratings but also increases overall safety during your trip.
Proper Lug Nut Torque
Regularly checking and maintaining proper lug nut torque is essential for RV tire safety. The vibrations from towing can cause lug nuts to loosen over time, potentially leading to wheel loss if severely neglected.
Before each trip, use a torque wrench to ensure all lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.
This simple step can prevent dangerous situations on the road. In addition to checking tire inflation, make this check a part of your regular travel day routine.
Avoid An Overweight Trailer
Exceeding your RV's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) can lead to tire blowouts and other safety issues. The GVWR includes the weight of your RV, all cargo, and full water/waste tanks.
To avoid overloading:
- Know your RV's GVWR
- Use a truck scale to weigh your fully loaded-RV
- Distribute weight evenly
- Be mindful of heavy items and liquid levels
If you have a lot of gear, pay particular attention to the GVWR as an RV shopping consideration when comparing models. Staying within weight limits helps to prevent tire blowouts and improves overall handling and fuel efficiency.
RV Safe GPS
Standard GPS devices can lead you down routes unsuitable for your rig's size. To avoid potential damage, invest in an RV-specific GPS.
When planning routes, these specialized units consider your vehicle's height, weight, onboard propane, and length. They steer you clear of low bridges, narrow tunnels, and roads with weight restrictions. Our own challenges with low trees have shown us the importance of sticking to approved truck routes to avoid clearance issues.
Remember, even with an RV-safe GPS, always stay alert and use your judgment. Road conditions can change, and technology isn't always accurate.
Avoid Regular Gas Stations
One of the most common places for RV damage is found in an unlikely location. Gas stations create multiple unexpected hazards for RVs. Low canopies with unmarked heights often lurk above pumps, waiting to catch RV air conditioners and roofs.
Tight spaces between pumps quickly become mazes to navigate when other vehicles are presentWhile turning, your RV's rear swing, can easily collide with obstacles in these cramped quarters.
To prevent damage, consider these strategies:
- Fill up your tow vehicle before hitching the RV
- Use truck stops when towing, as they're designed for larger vehicles
- If you must use a regular station, proceed with extreme caution
We quickly realized how stressful gas stations can be when towing an RV.
It's best to plan your fuel stops carefully to keep your RV adventure smooth and worry-free.
Upgrade Your Truck's Suspension For Stable Towing With Timbren SES
When towing an RV, you may notice your truck's rear end squatting under the added weight. This can lead to unstable towing and increased sway, even if your vehicle has sufficient towing capacity. Timbren SES offers a solution to this common issue. It replaces your truck's rear suspension bump stop, providing a smoother towing experience and improved ride control.
Installing Timbren SES is a straightforward DIY project. In fact, most RV owners can complete the installation in under 30 minutes. Once in place, it requires no maintenance. After installing Timbren SES on our truck, we immediately noticed a substantial improvement in our towing experience. The ride became more comfortable, and we felt an added sense of security for our family on the road.
Many new RVers overlook this essential towing accessory. However, it can significantly enhance stability and safety during your travels. Don't miss out on this simple yet effective upgrade. Timbren SES can make a real difference in your RV towing stability and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts On Avoiding Common RV Towing Mistakes
As a new RVer, you’re embarking on a journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences. While the road may have challenges, keeping these common pitfalls in mind can help you have a smoother adventure. By selecting the right RV size, keeping up with towing safety and maintenance, and practicing thoughtful driving techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the RV lifestyle. Remember these tips and enjoy making unforgettable memories in your home on wheels.
