RV Travel and Camping for Newbies
Many people are exploring the RV Lifestyle. It is a fun and convenient way to travel with your family and or dogs. Our first experience was with an RV rental so we could see if this travel option would work for us and dogs. After a ten day RV rental excursion we were hooked and bought our own RV, a 24’ Class C. We have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for a few years and can offer ways to make RVing easy and fun for newbies.
In addition, since we rent our RV during the summer months we created how-to videos on how our rig works specifically, but can also help educate novices to show how RV systems work. Our first-time RV renters really like the videos and usually watch them several times before pick-up so that they feel confident how to operate the rig. Take a look at the videos to a get a sense on how RVs work.
There are several types of RVs, and no one can tell you which one is best for your lifestyle. We chose a 24’ Class C motorhome with a full wall slide because we wanted something small enough that is easy to drive and provides access to the kitchen and bathroom from the cab and roomy enough to spread out when at camp.
Other RV types are towables: travel trailers and fifth wheels, Class A (bus style), Class C in lengths from 22’-32’, Class Bs (vans), and truck campers. And these all have options in slides-outs or no slide-outs. So there are literally hundreds of options to consider and explore.
Here are the main things to keep in mind when preparing for an RV excursion:
Don’t overpack. Overpacking can lead to overloading the rig. Pack your essentials and enough clothes for the trip to get you through without having to do laundry. But, many campgrounds do have laundry facilities so you can pack less if you have time to do laundry.
Learn RV basics such as dumping tanks, running water pump, and using the appliances.
Learn driving basics. RVs are long and require wide turning radius. Here are tips for Class C driving.
Keep food simple. Plan simple meals. Utilize the campfire ring at campgrounds. Campfire cooking
Pack rain jackets. Rain can pop up often during summer heat. Don’t be caught off guard.
RVs are HOT. Summer heat is tough to beat in an RV sometimes even with AC. These rigs are not well insulated and when in the direct hot sun it is tough to keep the rig cool. We stock ours with multiple fans to keep air moving whether the AC is on or not. If you can not take the heat, RVing may not be for you.
TVs are a challenge. TVs work with either direct cable from campgrounds, or through WiFi or mobile hotspot. So if there is no cable or good Wifi there is no TV. Sometimes, you can pick up something via the antennae, but don’t count on it.
Plan your destinations. Unless you are a seasoned RVer with experience bookdocking (camping without hook-ups) stay at campgrounds with hook-ups. Getting up to speed with the rig, the tank capacities, and power / battery capacity happens over time and usage; it isn’t a good way to start off using an RV.
Resources
RV Rental | United States | NH Vacation Home Rentals (nhvacationcottages.com)
RV How-To Videos | NH Vacation Home Rentals | United States (nhvacationcottages.com)
Camping & Campground Reservations Online | ReserveAmerica
https://www.goodsam.com/campgrounds-rv-parks/
Camping, Campgrounds & Campsites | Camping Reservations | KOA
New Hampshire RV Camping And Campgrounds | RV Camping (rv-camping.org)
Maine RV Camping | RV Camping (rv-camping.org)
