Our RV Lifestyle Facebook group has over 160,000 members who range from regulars to highly experienced RVers. So it’s packed with all the great tips, advice, funny stories, and so much more.
A new member of our group and to the RV lifestyle bravely admitted that he didn’t know what to do and helped out. What was sent:
“I’m sorry for bothering the newbie post but it’s finally done! I have no clue what to do.” 
hope for my fortune! lol”
Our community came to his aid about 300 comments full of tips and encouragement. And when we read through them, we realized that we have the best resources to help implement those new tips.
So, we’ve created a HUGE list of the best RV newbie tips and resources to help!
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51 RV Newbie Tips
Hundreds of RV newbie tips given in the comments, but it’s down to 51. Plus, I’ve included quick links to articles and resources that will help you put this plan into action!
Let’s jump right in because there’s a lot to cover.
1. Clita is not as easy as it looks, but it is worth it. For him! (10 RV Life Pros & Cons Beyond the Obvious).
2. Regularly seal the exterior and seal the undercarriage to keep mice out of your RV.
3. Review your owner’s manual. Some people study for six months!
4. Practice backing up in the car a lot (Back Up an RV Learner’s Kit: Everything you need).
5. Take it slow on the road and enjoy the journey (Rule 330).
6. Your best teacher has ever been. Go for it, and build confidence as you go.
7. Get familiar with Youtube! He will be your teacher and teacher.
8. Don’t leave your black tank open when hooking up to sewer lines. (Black Tank Basics)
9. Some RV parks have RV age limits. Be sure to call ahead first.
10. Googlelike YouTube, it will be a lifesaver! That, and RV blogs, RV social media, and RV podcasts.
11. When towing, drive slowly and keep a close eye on your glasses. (You can go to an RV driving school. Watch this video…)
12. Learn RV lingo and acronyms
13. Things break. don’t let that deter you!
14. Most of the campground neighbors are happy to help out in any way you can.
15. Know your height limits! (RV Route planning with RV Life Pro)
16. Inspect and seal the roof regularly.
17. Take your first few trips close to home to learn what you’re doing.
18. Do a spot check before you go. Then add while you are camping and you will have everything you need at that time. (Best RV Checklists, Shopping Lists & Camping Must Lists)
One great idea is to put a marker in a clear pocket folder and use a dry-erase marker to check each item. When you are full, you can delete it and have a new list next time.
19. Invest in RV maintenance systems or installations.
20. Prepare to wage war against bugs! (The Ultimate ‘Bug Off!’ Shopping List for Your RV)
21. Iron wool is useful if it keeps away mice. Place it in some open crack, or a hole or a hole next to the hosts. If they enter, they know to take out the Rats!
22. Always be sure to wear shoes with shoes on and off. Don’t forget to remove them when you leave!
23. Where placed, they leave the gray tank closed. Exhausted black tank, you can use red legs.
24. RV close the sails in inclement weather, such as heavy wind and rain.
25. Make sure you have sufficient breaking force to stop the vehicle. Trailers put a heavy load on your vehicle when you break down the slopes.
26. Add Aurora dish soap to your black tank. It can help with the sensors, and build up the sludge from the inside.
27. Take only what you really need and use it. The tig keeps the lighter and is depressed. What Not to Bring on an RV Trip (An Anti Packing List)
28. Bring drinks and treats to enjoy by the fire. (10 Easy Campfire Crafts & Treats)
29. If it’s cold camping, look into the RV and how to water your winter. It will keep you much warmer! (As a camper for winter use)
30. Buy a water pressure gauge and a water filtering system. You can quickly test the pressure in the campground and the water tastes better.
31. Write a set and departure list to complete all the steps you need to set out. This is especially useful if you are trying to get home in a hurry.
32. When you park your car, use the acronym END. That stands for come out and see.
Also use a stain remover. If you lose sight of a person, stop and don’t move again until you see them.
33. Use the tank treatments in the black and gray tank, as Happy Camper. It helps break down solids and grease, and keep dirty odors at bay.
34. Wood blocks are great to use for stables under the front and back.
35. Tow with as little water as possible. It will keep the rig weight down. (How to Improve Gas Mileage in Your RV)
36. Look on the flat side to the side and front to back.
37. When driving, maintain 60 mph. You’ll save gas and be safer. (Is it Safe to Use Cruise Control While Towing an RV?)
38. Stay in the right lane when driving. Let others pass you by.
39. Check your tire pressure often. Always check before you drive to your destination and before you drive home.
40. Close the curtains when they are away.
41. If possible, repack the wheel bearings once a year.
Buy hot water hoses.
43. Keep an electric heater on the ramp in case your heater leaves on you.
44. See that the sewer has hoses.
45. Command the hooks coming very hand in RV. (9 Smart Dollar Store RV Hacks You Should Know!)
46. Always extend your turns.
47. Use a surge protector in campgrounds because their electricity can be unstable.
48. Health, health, health! (Oh man, we have a lot of health stuff!)
49. Felt pan protectors can keep your pans and dishes safe on the go. (How to get small items while on the beach)
50. Wear your old shoes when we throw your tank away! (How to Rest Camp with RV Dumps)
51. Learn to do basic RV repairs and preventative maintenance.
Start a Home Study today and worry about the road, not the repairs!
Every time you move your RV, it’s like driving through an earthquake in a tornado. Parts break and many things need to be saved, this program will show you how you can save time and money, gaining confidence in the many problems you will encounter. Don’t get caught with your RV in the shop! Learn how you can maintain and repair your RV at your own pace and at a time that is most convenient for you! This course is produced by the National RV Training Academy.
43 Dumbest RV Camping Mistakes
In another Facebook post, a member asked “What are the dumbest RV camping mistakes you see all the time? (I don’t want to be one of these guys!).
After that, it is possible 400 comments!
Here are some dumb mistakes that our RV Lifestyle members have made or witnessed. Read on to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes!
1. Left the gray tank and the black valve open.
2. Bringing dogs that bark constantly.
3. Visit other people’s campsites.
4. Placing the bags on the dog poop picnic table.
5. Forgetting to bring bug spray on your way.
6. Thinking your vehicle is strong enough to pull your six when it isn’t. (Always make sure to take extra weight into account, like water, clothes, and other things).
7. Eject the camp with the antennae. One RV Lifestyle member did just that, and when he hit a tree the RV broke right up!
… Read 43 dumb mistakes RVers make.
Mike and Jennifer’s Official Travel Guide – Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is now available!
You are in a huge danger. While some of our guides are designed to explore the area for 7 days, here one can spend the entire summer to see everything. We would like to start in Detroit and go through the north country, but you can take any section you want to start your journey.
Each Stop in our Guide gives you at least 3 places to camp while we explore the area! The state is especially suitable for RV adventurers and the Michigan State Park system is the best in the nation. But don’t forget decorondocking. State forests abound, mostly rural and scattered camps. We hope you pick this up and enjoy one of our favorite places in the US to RV!
Official RV Lifestyle ORIGINAL Links to the Destination eBooks
You can view ALL of our eBooks here, or use the following Quick Links to go straight to what you need!
Adirondacks
Arizona
Colorado
Florida’s Atlantic Coast
Florida Gulf Coast
Florida Keys
Great Lake Shoreline
Natchez Trace
Southern Utah
Upper Peninsula
Yellowstone
And of these many are grouped together;
The Latest Michigan and Great Lakes Bundle – 3 ebooks –
Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula, and Great Lakes Tour
Michigan File
Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula
Great Lakes Adventure Guide Package
Great Lakes Shoreline Tour & Just Peninsula Guide
Florida Adventure Guide bundle
Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Keys
Southwest Adventure Guide Package
Arizona, Colorado, Southern Utah)
Ultimate 7-Day RV Adventure Guide Bundle
Collection 1- the first of our 10 books (does not contain Great Lakes Shoreline or Natchez Trace)
We also have a nice collection of books that will help you navigate the RV Lifestyle.
like these:
RV Buying Secrets
He is a novice writer of Boondocking Books
The Guide to Cheap or FREE RV Camping Sites
Boondocking and Free RV Camping EBOOK Package
He is the author of The Beginner’s Book of Boondocking and the Ultimate Guide to Free Camping Sites
And one PRINT book and yes, before you ask, we have plans for MANY printed books.
The Guide to Boondocking – PRINT VERSION
This is the same as the book titled The Beginner’s Guide to Boondocking but in print.
And while you’re checking out all of our books – check out the hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies in our MERCH Store! You can go to it directly right here – Shop!
