New RV Owners: Avoid These Common Mistakes!

by Kogler PR Team

The idea of starting an RV life is overwhelming in itself. As a newbie, you must take care of dozens of things that can be stressful and difficult to manage. You’ve to take care of everything from cleaning the interior and exterior to monitoring fuel consumption, route maps, mechanical maintenance, and whatnot!


So, we thought of making it easier by sharing the top common mistakes made by RV owners. We interviewed some seasoned RV owners about how to sort RV life as beginners. Here’s what we concluded from our chat.   

Overpacking

The biggest problem for RV owners is limited space; thus, you must learn to be resourceful. This means you can’t pack 10 joggers and 20 tees for a week-long trip. Apart from clothes, you’ve to learn to manage the kitchen with small and limited utensils and dishes. There’s no space to store big pots and pans in an RV.

Not Keeping a Checklist Handy

Owning an RV is a learning process that takes time and effort. You can’t begin without doing an extensive research and creating a checklist out of it. Here’s what you can include for a start:


  • Drinking water hose
  • Sewer kit
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency road kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Extra motor oil and transmission fluid
  • Zip bag for important documents like registration certificate, license, insurance, reservations, etc.

Not Investing in Good Quality Mattress

As much as you, as new RV owners, would take measures to make your driving time more and more comfortable, you forget to take charge of the sleeping situation. You must invest in a good-quality RV mattress that’s neither too stiff nor lumpy. Lack of adequate sleeping conditions leads to health problems like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, depression, and stroke.


You can place an order for Kogler’s Road Cloud RV Mattress, which comes with Temperature Stable Clini-Foam™ technology that keeps the product refreshing and restorative. Its breathable nature and four-way-stretch cover increase comfort and maintain the right temperature. 

Traveling Too Much in a Day

Most new RVers commit the mistake of not following the ‘3 Rule’- reach your destination by 3 pm, or drive 300 miles in a day, whichever is faster or convenient. This leaves them tired throughout the journey, which may lead to severe health issues in the long run.

Neglecting RV Maintenance

RV owners should be regular with maintenance as they’re always on the go, and there are places where you can’t seek help easily in case of mechanical faults. Here’s what you should check:

  • Seams and roof seals before every trip
  • Tire pressure
  • Battery
  • Wastewater system
  • Lubrication
  • Filters
  • Awning
  • Wheel lug nuts

Not Securing Precious and Delicate Belongings 

It’s your responsibility to ensure all precious items are stored safely in locked drawers instead of bags. Apart from this, all delicate items like glassware and toiletries should be secured or taped as they tend to shift or move around while traveling.

Leaving the Antenna Up or the Steps Out While Moving on the Road

Check the antennas and steps before hitting the road if you don’t want to hamper your new RV. Many people forget to put them back, and they get ripped off.

Backing Without a Spotter

While backing your RV into a parking spot or camp spot, it’s good to have a spotter assisting you. You can decide hand signals and keep them standing in a clear view so that you can back the vehicle properly and without damage. Ask them to tell you about debris, rocks, and low-hanging tree branches. 

Not Planning the Right Route

Planning an RV-friendly route can be a big mistake because some roads have size and height restrictions. There can be roads with tunnels or low bridges that can force you to turn back. 


You can use GPS-enabled tools to see RV-friendly routes to your destination. These tools allow you to program in your vehicle’s dimensions for safer navigation and journey. 

Final Thoughts

New RV owners should keep a checklist of maintenance activities as they can’t afford to have their vehicle break down in the middle of nowhere. Apart from this, packing more than what your little van can carry can slow do.

As newbies, you shouldn’t back your recreational vehicle without a spotter who tells you about debris, rocks, and low-hanging tree branches. 

win your vehicle and make it unmanageable.

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