A Full-Timers Top 10 RV Tips You Cant Afford to Ignore – part 1

After spending a few years RVing on this amazing continent in our motorhome we have learned a thing or two. RVing is an incredible lifestyle, offering freedom and adventure unlike any other. But to truly enjoy it, you need to be prepared. Forget those glossy brochures for a second, and let’s talk real-world, rubber-meets-the-road wisdom. Here are our top 10 essential RV tips that we live by, and you should too.

10 Essential RV Tips from a Full-Timer

So, you’ve got the itch to hit the open road? Fantastic! Before you roll out, listen up. These ten tips aren’t just suggestions; they’re the bedrock of safe, stress-free, and enjoyable RVing.

Before you begin, be sure to bookmark our site and come back for our next 10 more tips.

This is, hands down, the most critical piece of information you need about your rig. You think hitting a low branch is bad? Try scraping the top of your 14-foot-tall Class A motorhome under an overpass that’s only 13′ 6″. Trust me, that’s a trip-ender at best, and a disaster waiting to happen at worst. Don’t guess. Measure your RV at its highest point (including A/C units, satellite dishes, or anything else on the roof). Write that number down. Put a sticker on your dash, on your steering wheel – somewhere you cannot miss it before you pull away. Mine is right there, written in black sharpie, on the dash, staring me in the face every time I start the engine. If you don’t – this could be you:

Okay, you know your height. Now you need to make sure the roads you plan to travel are compatible with your rig (in our case a 30 foot Class A towing a car). Standard GPS is NOT enough. You need RV-specific navigation or resources that factor in height restrictions, weight limits, steep grades (the V-10 in our motorhome works hard, but gravity is a formidable foe!), and even propane restrictions in tunnels. Planning ahead saves you from stressful last-minute detours or finding yourself on a road you simply shouldn’t be on with a big rig. I always double-check my routes, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Ever get that nagging feeling after you’ve driven a few miles: “Did I remember to…?” With an RV, those forgotten things can be costly or even dangerous. Our departure checklist is a saved list on my phone, but we know people who have laminated theirs and it lives by the door. It covers everything: doors and windows secured, awning rolled up, steps retracted, shore power disconnected, water hose stored, antenna down, all hatches secured, refrigerator door latched, and yes, that little Versa securely hitched on the dolly. Go through it methodically every single time you move. It might seem tedious, but it becomes second nature and prevents those stomach-dropping moments.

Think of a surge protector as affordable insurance for all the electronics and appliances in your RV. Campground power pedestals aren’t always perfectly wired, and power surges or low voltage can fry your sensitive equipment – your TV, microwave, refrigerator, and more. A quality surge protector constantly monitors the incoming power and will shut it off if it detects an issue. It’s a small investment that can save you thousands in repairs.

Things happen. A cabinet door comes loose, a screw rattles out, a wire comes undone. You don’t need to be a master mechanic, but a basic tool kit is invaluable. A multi-bit screwdriver or a cordless drill with various bits, an electrical tester (super handy for those power issues), a set of wrenches and sockets, a hammer, an Exacto knife, and wire strippers/crimpers can handle a surprising number of minor repairs on the road. Being able to fix something yourself saves you time and the expense of a service call.

Nobody likes dealing with the sewer hose, but it’s a necessary part of RV life. And there is nothing worse than having a hose that’s too short to reach the dump station connection, or discovering a leak in your only hose. I always carry at least one extra section of sewer hose and a variety of connectors and adapters. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but are eternally grateful for when you do.

Water leaks are another common RV headache. A dripping faucet, a loose connection at the city water inlet, or a leak in your water hose can waste precious water and potentially cause damage. Keeping a stash of different-sized hose washers and a few hose clamps on hand means you can quickly fix most minor water leaks yourself. They’re cheap, they take up almost no space, and they can prevent a big mess.

Scrapes and bumps are part of adventuring. A well-stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable. Make sure it includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medication, any personal prescriptions, and a good first aid guide. You’re often in remote locations, and being able to handle minor medical issues yourself is crucial.

Trying to back a 30-foot RV into a campsite in the dark is an exercise in frustration and potential hazards. Arriving before sunset gives you time to scope out your spot, assess the hookups, level your rig, and get set up without tripping over things or annoying your neighbors with your headlights because, trust me, there is nothing worse than trying to enjoy an evening with someone parked across from you with their headlights shining into your rig while they try to back in and unhook. It makes for a much more relaxed arrival and start to your stay.

Even on seemingly level ground, wheel blocks (or chocks) are essential. They prevent your RV from rolling, which is a major safety concern. They also help stabilize your rig, reducing that rocking and rolling feeling when someone walks around inside. Get a good quality set that is appropriate for the weight of your RV. Use them every single time you park.

RVing is an incredible journey. By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making memories on the road, safely and confidently, just like We have in our motorhome. See you out there and be sure to check back later for part 2 of our series on the top 30 RV tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years.