Starting your RV journey is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, and even more to pack (or not pack!). To help you hit the road with confidence, we asked our Facebook community of seasoned RVers to share their best tips for beginners. Their advice? Practical, thoughtful, and often a little humorous.
Whether you’re getting ready for your very first trip or still figuring out your checklists, here are some favorite beginner tips straight from fellow RVers.
1. Don’t Bring Everything—You Won’t Need It All
One of the most common pieces of advice? Pack less. It’s tempting to load up on gear “just in case,” but you’ll likely come home with items you never used.
“You probably need less than you think you do. Do some short, easy trips and see how you actually live in your camper before loading up on too much stuff.” – Tom Houtenbrink
“Don’t worry about bringing everything you think you need, you will refine your trip packing/loadout over time as you get more experienced.” – Live2Day Wanderland
“Put everything in a pile on the floor that you think you will need… then select only half the items to bring along.” – Linda Arthur
2. Do a Test Run at Home
Before heading out on a big adventure, try camping in your driveway or a nearby campground. It’s a great way to test systems, check your gear, and make mistakes where they’re easy to fix.
“Stay at the closest camping area to home, or the driveway. Practice using all the systems.” – Christine M. Gibbs
“Driveway camp to test out all the systems.” – Joyce Watts Vann
3. Make (and Use) Checklists
From hitching and unhitching to packing and setup, a checklist can save you time—and sanity.
“Make two checklists, one for inside and one for outside, and use them EVERY time you travel… even after 20,000 miles and three years!” – Christine M. Gibbs
“I made lists for the steps in hitching and unhitching. It really helped me not miss any crucial steps. After a few months, I didn’t need the lists anymore. I knew everything by heart.” – David Merzbacher
“Just go have fun. We made a packing list for trips because we forgot something every trip at first. It’s amazing what you can do without or buy local. We forgot pillows (bought), level (orange juice in a water bottle), camp chairs (bought), spatula (bought) etc. These campers go everywhere and allow you to explore the US and Canada.” – Barbara Cornell Smith
4. Practice Driving and Backing Up
If you’re towing a trailer, spend time getting comfortable with how it handles—especially when it comes to parking.
“Take it slow and practice parking and maneuvering before hitting the road for long trips.” – Steve Schultz
5. Hold Off on Buying All the Things
You don’t need to buy every gadget and gizmo before your first trip. Start with the basics and add gear as you learn what works for you.
“Don’t go out and buy everything up front! Get only the basics needed for towing, and then see what you like. Go to a rally and see what other folks have and enjoy and then make decisions. You will save a lot of money and headaches that way!” – Daphne Knochel
6. Keep Essentials Accessible
If you can, try to keep your trailer “live-in ready” so you can use it for quick breaks, meals, or overnights without a full setup.
“Keep the inside of your TAB live-in ready so you don’t have to unpack just to go inside for lunch, a nap, or bed. Have your favorite chair easily accessible too.” – Carol Kelley
7. Plan Your Meals (and Prep Ahead)
Meal planning saves space, time, and stress. A little prep goes a long way!
“Menu plan meals for each day. Then go through the list again and see what you can prepare ahead of time to save bringing extra kitchenware.” – Linda Arthur
8. Be Patient with Yourself
RVing has a learning curve. Don’t expect perfection on your first trip—or even your tenth.
“New to camping altogether and just bought a 2023 320 S. We are super excited but super overwhelmed with all of the little details. I have been making many checklists. I tried backing it up. I need patience with myself. WOW.” – Debbie Holman Schmidt
And Finally… Just Have Fun
Sometimes things go wrong. You might forget a spatula or struggle with your first setup. That’s okay—it’s all part of the experience.
“It’s amazing what you can do without or buy local.” – Barbara Cornell Smith
“Most importantly, HAVE FUN! That’s what it’s all about!” – Linda Arthur
What’s Your Advice for First-Time RVers?
If you’ve got a tip, hack, or funny story from your early RV days, share it with us in the comments. Let’s keep the wisdom (and good vibes) rolling.
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