Well done! You already know the basics of the 3-3-3 rule for RV travel. But real RV experts know that avoiding mistakes is more important than following rules. This guide shares useful tips from seasoned RV travelers that will help you avoid common mistakes and learn more advanced skills for your trip.
7 Deadly Mistakes: Lessons Learned the Hard Way for Newbies
Not Planning RV-Specific Routes
Mistake: A lot of beginners make the mistake of using a regular car GPS. Standard navigation doesn’t take into account the height and weight limits of your RV, which could lead you to dangerous roads.
Answer:
Buy GPS devices or apps that are made just for RVs, like RV LIFE or CoPilot GPS.
Enter the exact size and weight of your RV.
Get offline maps as a backup.
Packing too many “just in case” items
Mistake: RV space is limited, and packing too much can make the vehicle less fuel-efficient and more dangerous.
Answer:
Follow the “one-week rule”: If you won’t use it in a week, don’t take it with you.
Pick things that can do more than one thing, like a Swiss Army knife or foldable kitchenware.
Use storage bins to keep the weight evenly distributed.
Not practicing at the campground
Mistake: It’s hard and dangerous to learn how to back into a campsite for the first time.
Answer:
Practice turning and reversing in an empty parking lot.
Use cones to make it look like there are obstacles.
Set up and take down at home first.
Not doing preventive maintenance
Mistake: If you wait until problems happen, you could be stuck in a remote area with expensive repairs.
Answer:
Before every trip, check the tire pressure and tread wear.
Regularly lubricate sliding parts and hinges.
Check the seams and seals on the roof.
Using Campground WiFi and Power
Mistake: WiFi at campgrounds is often not very reliable, and power outages happen a lot.
Answer:
Bring a mobile hotspot or satellite phone.
Get portable power generators or solar panels ready.
Download maps and entertainment that you can use offline.
Not Following Campground Rules
Mistake: If you don’t follow the rules about quiet hours, let your pets run free, or cross other campsites, you won’t be welcome in the RV community.
Answer:
Follow the quiet hours, which are usually from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Always keep your pets on a leash and pick up after them.
Give people their privacy and space.
Not Having an Emergency Plan
Mistake: If you don’t have a backup plan, bad weather, RV problems, or problems with your reservation can ruin your whole trip.
Answer:
Have a backup route and campsite in mind.
Set aside money for emergencies (about $500–$1,000 is a good amount).
Have important contact and insurance information close at hand.
Advanced Tips: How to Go from Beginner to Expert
Planning Your Route Smartly
Multi-layer Backup Strategy: Always have RV GPS, mobile apps, and paper maps on hand so you never get lost.
Planning Fuel Stops: Mark truck stops along your route because they are better for bigger RVs.
Mastering Energy Management
60/40 Battery Rule: To make your battery last longer, keep it above 40% and ideally around 60%.
Three-tier power system: Main power comes from the campground, backup power comes from a generator, and emergency power comes from a portable battery.
Setting Up the Campsite Quickly
15-Minute Setup Method: Make a standard way to do things: level, connect, unfold, and check.
System of Toolkits: Have three toolkits: one for setting up, one for emergency repairs, and one for everyday life.
Wisdom of the Community
Build an RV Network: Join RV groups to talk about your experiences and find hidden gems.
Campground Mutual Support: Help others and build a reputation for being there when you need it.
Emergency Plans: Making Surprises into Small Problems
The S.T.O.P. Emergency Principle
S – Stop: Stop what you’re doing and stay calm.
T—Think: Look at the situation and make a list of what needs to be done first.
O—Observe: Look over your options and resources.
P: Make a plan of action and stick to it.
Dealing with Common Emergencies
RV Breakdown: Turn on your hazard lights, pull over, call roadside assistance, and make plans for where to stay if you have to.
Bad Weather: Look at weather forecasts, make plans for how to get out of the area, and make sure you have enough food and water.
Medical Emergency: Always have a first aid kit on hand, know where the nearest hospital is, and think about getting emergency communication devices.
List of Things to Put in Your Emergency Kit
Basic Tools: Tape, pliers, and a screwdriver.
First Aid Kit: Bandages, medicines, and your own prescriptions.
Power Backup: A spare battery or mobile power bank.
Lighting: Candles, flashlights, and headlamps.
Tools for Communication: A charger and an emergency contact list.
Get Ready: From Beginner to Pro
Basic Things to Know
Water and pressure regulators
Leveling blocks and wheel chocks
A basic tool kit and first aid kit
RV-specific toilet paper and chemicals
Advanced Gear
A system that checks the pressure in the tires
An EMS surge protector
GPS navigation for RVs
Setup by an Expert
Satellite communication devices
Advanced monitoring systems
Professional-grade tool kits
Final Thoughts
A real RV expert is not someone who knows all the rules. Instead, they are someone who can adapt to change, learn from their mistakes, and help others avoid making the same mistakes. It’s time to plan your own RV trip now that you have these helpful tips.
