In this article, we take a look at all the information you need to know for getting started in your RV. Being a beginner is fun – everything is new and in need of exploring! Of course, it can sometimes be scary as there’s bound to be things you don’t know yet.
The following tips will give you the best chance of having the best time in your RV.
Tip 1: Getting the right size RV to meet your needs
Size matters. Whether you are a solo traveller or have a large family, you will need space to accommodate everybody. Each size and style of the campervan will offer its own unique experience on the road. There is such a large range of RV’s to choose from:
- Micro campers are the smallest. They are just cars with a campervan pod essentially. These can be perfect for solo travellers or a day trip.
- Class A motorhomes are the biggest on the market. Up to 40 feet in length and 7 tonnes in weight – these things are huge. Perfect for big budgets and big families who want a luxurious life on the road.
- Class C Motorhomes are the most common on the road. Up to 30 feet in length, they are more practical than class A motorhomes. This makes class C motorhomes easier to park and drive. Due to their smaller size, they are more affordable.
- Class B motorhomes. These range in shape and sizes as essentially, these are campervan conversions. So whether you convert a Mercedes sprinter or a smaller van, this will be class B. Class B conversions allow you to create a unique RV to your needs which is the biggest advantage. Either you can do this yourself or get it professionally converted.
Tip 2: Purchase or rent
Rving for beginners will mean buying or renting will be one of the first big decisions to make. Of course, this will be determined largely by the budget you have. This, along with thinking about how often you will use the RV, will allow you to get an idea of what decision is best for you. A great idea to be a complete newbie to the RV world would be to rent one for your first trip.
The simple answer to this is that you must get out in an RV to see if you enjoy the campervan lifestyle in the first place. Imagine buying an RV, going out on your first adventure and hating it. You would be stuck with an RV that you had to sell on.
Renting one for your first trip is much kinder to your budget and will allow you to enjoy the trip with no stress. RV rental companies will offer additional insurance for a fee which means should anything happen, you call a number, and the problem will be resolved.
Pros of renting
- Affordable.
- Large range of choice.
- Can get additional cover.
- Can rent for as long or as little as you like.
- You can do this all over the world.
Cons of renting
- You may have never driven the vehicle before, so this may be challenging.
- You don’t know how the facilities in the RV work.
- Potential to have a bad experience if the rental company doesn’t offer a satisfactory service.
- Use may be restricted due to rental company rules e.g. so many miles in the rental period.
- You could incur additional costs such as a late fee if you don’t bring it back in time.
Pros of purchasing
- You can choose an RV that meets all your needs.
- The RV can be used at any time.
- You can customise your RV.
Cons of purchasing
- It would help if you covered the cost of any damage or issues.
- More expensive, so it requires a bigger budget.
- Depending on who you buy it off, the RV could have underlying issues or problems being passed onto you, which you don’t know about.
Tip 3: Learn how to maintain your RV
Whether you are purchasing an RV it renting it, you must know how to look after it. Like any normal car, you want to check the oil levels, screenwash, and tyre pressure and depth before any journey. It’s common sense, and safety is critical.
You can’t just presume a rental company has checked everything before. The following tips will be of use when you venture out in your RV:
- Deciding whether or not to leave the water heater on all the time.
- Check the tires to see if they will last you for the duration of your trip.
- Check the converter to see if it works okay and that the electrics are all working.
- Find out if the rental vehicle has a sewer hose or purchase one for your RV if you purchased it.
- Inspect the gas supply to ensure you have enough to hit the road.
Tip 4: Packing your suitcase to hit the road
We’ve all been there when we have gone on holiday only to find out we have left something behind. This is something to avoid at all costs. Our article on the 30 packing essentials for a campervan trip will ensure you have everything g you need for your road trip.
Tip 5. Create an itinerary for your campervan trip
Ever heard of failure to prepare? Prepare to fail. A little bit of planning can go a long way. Especially in recent times, the demand for campsites and RV parks is through the roof. You book ahead. Otherwise, you might have to park up in an unsafe space just for the night as you don’t plan.
This is even more important if you go around in an A-class motorhome as you can’t just park these huge things up anywhere. A plan will give you peace of mind knowing where you are parked each night.
This is the fun part; there is such a wonderful range of RV parks worldwide. You can pick ones that suit your RV and what you want to experience on your road trip.
RVing for beginners conclusion
The campervan lifestyle is full of new experiences as you get on the road. Each camper will have a unique experience. This article was created to help you have the best possible start to life on the road. I hope you have enjoyed this article; enjoy getting out there in the world in your RV!