Don't Wreck Your RV! 5 HUGE Mistakes We Made Full-Time RVing
Living the full-time RV life for almost five years has been an amazing experience. We've traveled across the country, met incredible people, and created memories that will last a lifetime. But along the way, we've also made our fair share of mistakes (sometimes pretty funny ones!). In this blog post, we're sharing the 5 BIGGEST blunders we've made, including one that could have caused serious damage (yikes!). Learning from our mistakes can help you avoid making the same ones on your own RV adventures.
Mistake #5: Mismatched Truck & RV
We bought our first RV before we had the truck to tow it. This meant we had to find an RV that fit our truck, rather than the other way around. Not ideal! While the salespeople at Camping World advised against it, we ended up with an RV that put a strain on our truck. Luckily, we eventually upgraded to a truck that could handle the weight, but it could have been a costly mistake.
The Takeaway: If you're shopping for an RV, make sure to get a truck that can safely tow it. Consider getting advice from a qualified RV technician or salesperson to ensure a perfect match.
Mistake #4: No Practice Runs
We didn't practice driving and maneuvering our RV before hitting the road. This led to some tense moments, especially when it came to learning our turn radius the hard way (by bumping a post at a gas station!). Taking your RV to an open parking lot to practice turning, backing up, and maneuvering around obstacles is a great way to build your confidence and avoid accidents.
Mistake #3: Not Knowing Your Exit Strategy
There's nothing worse than getting stuck in a parking lot with your RV because you can't find the exit. We've all been there! Before you pull into a gas station, RV park, or any unfamiliar location, make sure you know how you're going to get out. Sometimes, this might mean walking the route beforehand to check for tight spaces or dead ends.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Walkaround
We've learned the hard way that it's essential to do a walkaround inspection of your RV before you take off. This includes checking that all the jacks are up, lights are working, doors and compartments are closed, and nothing is dragging underneath. Once, we forgot to put the thumb jacks up and luckily, some fellow campers were there to warn us before we caused any damage.
Mistake #1: Leaving Before Chocking the Wheels
This is the biggest mistake we've made on the road, and it's one that could have had disastrous consequences. In our haste to get settled into a new RV park, we forgot to chock the wheels before unhitching the truck. Thankfully, the gravel stopped the RV from rolling backward, but it was a scary wake-up call. Always chock the wheels before unhitching your RV!
Learning from Our Mistakes
We hope that by sharing our mistakes, we can help you avoid making the same ones on your RV adventures. Remember, it's all about learning and growing as RVers. What are some RV mistakes you've made? Share them in the comments below!
Bonus Tip: Before hitting the road for the first time, consider finding a large, open space to practice driving and maneuvering your RV. This will help you get comfortable with your vehicle and avoid any surprises on the road.
Happy RVing!
The Roaming Gomes