Tips for a Better RV Camping Trip

1. Don't drive your RV more than 6 hours per day. Take your time, smell the flowers. Enjoy Life.
2. Carry a well equipped tool box. Duct tape and WD 40 are not cure-alls.
3. Know how your motor home handles hills and mountain driving. Go down in the same gear you went up.
4. A GPS is nice, but bring a compass. GPS units may have trouble functioning without a clear view of the sky.
5. Know what your RV weighs.
6. Don't overloaded your motor home. The extra weight causes added wear and tear on your RV.
7. An overloaded motor home can void your insurance coverage if you're involved in an accident.
8. Know your RV's height. Write it down and keep it in the cab with you.
9. Keep you cab comfortable, but not so comfortable you fall asleep.
10. Know how everything works on your RV before leaving on your first camping trip. Have the dealer show you everything.
11. Invest in a good set of mud flaps and a protective shield if you're towing a vehicle. See TowTector.com for more details.
12. Be cautious when taking medications while driving your motor home.
13. Don't drive in rush-hour traffic. Stop and have dinner.
14. Practice backing up in an empty parking lot until you're comfortable.
15. Use a backup monitor if you can afford it. RV Back Up Cameras
16. Use two door mats, one at the bottom and one at the top of the entry steps. This will help keep dirt and mud out your camper.
17. Use surge protectors to protect your electronic equipment.
18. Check your LP Gas, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors reqularly.
19. Share the driving duties with all licensed drivers. This will cut down on driver fatigue, and will build confidence in your teenage kids.
20. Don't forget to change your windshield wipers every 6 months.
21. Take your motor home to a RV Wash to be washed. Life is too short to fall off the top of your RV.
22. Check your furnace regularly. Check the outside vent for soot. This indicates a problem. Clean and vacuum the unit regularly.
23. The only thing between your motor home and the asphalt is your tires. Replace them at first signs of worn tread.
24. Check tire pressure before any big trip, and after driving for 30 minutes. Warm tires will give you a better indication of your tire pressure.
25. Consider diesel engines for large Class A motor homes.
26. Visit our national parks. Your taxes help pay for them.
27. Spend a week at the beach. Pismo Beach is very nice.
28. Visit every state. (OK, leave the RV at home when you go to Hawaii)
29. Don't argue and try to drive. Pull over, settle the disagreement, then continue on.
30. If you have adult children, let them know where you'll be.
31. Bring your grandchildren along, but don't forget to let them act like kids.
32. Make sure you bring S'mores fixings.
33. Stop at roadside fruit stands.
34. Bring your dog along. But be a good camper. Pick up after your dog, and keep your dog on a leash around other campers.
35. Leave the cat at home. Cats don't really care to travel.
36. Go to a RV Dealer and look at their largest Class A motor home. If you feel cramped, RVing may not be your cup of tea.
37. Always have a few rolls of quarters handy for tolls and showers.
38. If you are unhappy with your campsite, move. Remember, the V in RV stands for Vehicle.
39. Make checklists for setting up and breaking camp. Laminate them and store them on a clipboard with an erasable marker.
40. Carry a box of disposable gloves for use at sewer hookups and the dump station.
41. Use the shortest cord possible for electric hookups. If you must use a long cord, it should be heavy duty to carry the amperage load.
42. Get voice mail on your home phone. This will allow you to check messages on the road.
43. Save yourself a spetic tank headache. Only flush toilet paper.
44. Have your engine professionally cleaned at least once every two years.
45. Get off the Interstate. Take some time to stop. Visit local museums and visitor centers. Eat at roadside diners.
46. 2" PVC Pipe is an inexpensive way to pack fishing poles.
47. If you find youself in a hurry, next time plan a longer vacation, or a shorter destination.
48. Try solar power. It works. amsolar.com or rvsolar.com have more details.
49. Electric space heaters will save propane. eheat.com has a nice efficient model.
50. Use a water filter. See rvwaterfilterstore.com for some more information.
51. Create two First Aid Kits. Put one in an outside storage compartment and leave one inside your RV.
52. Get a cell phone with a national airtime plan.
53. Try to call the campground directly for reservations. You will get a better site if you tell them your needs.
54. Keep a plastic tarp on board for those unexpected leaks.
55. If you think you have a roof leak, check your air conditioner first.
56. Weatherstrip your RV. It will keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
57. Don't be afraid to ask the the people in the next campsite for advice or help. Chances are, you'll make a new friend.
58. Always do a pre-departure walk-around. Check lights and signals. Check tires for wear and air pressure. Double check the trailer hookup or tow bar.
59. Try to drive in the morning or evening. Driving in hot weather is hard on motor homes and tow vehicles.
60. Your motor home or fifth wheel can take over 500 feet to come to a complete stop.
61. Teach your kids to read a map and how to work the GPS.
62. On vacation, set yourself a generous budget and spend it all.