Full-time RV living comes with the perks of exploring all kinds of new places, a more affordable and simpler lifestyle, and even the ability to work remotely as you travel! However, before you can reap all the benefits, there’s a steep learning curve you’ll need to tackle first.
Although it might feel overwhelming at first, every seasoned RVer was once at the beginning of their RVing journey. To help you navigate this new lifestyle, we’ve compiled an easy-to-digest guide that outlines the ins and outs of RV living for beginners.
RV water and waste management is an essential part of this lifestyle. RVs typically come with three tanks, located on the underside of the vehicle:
RVers typically get fresh water from campgrounds, RV parks, travel centers, rest areas, and dump stations. Sometimes it’s free, or it may be available for a small fee. To easily find fill stations when you’re on the road, use apps like iOverlander, Campendium, RV LIFE Trip Wizard, or Allstays Camp & RV. You can also search websites like Sanidumps.com or use Google Maps to search for terms like “RV dump station” or “potable water” near you.
To safely get water for your RV, you’ll need to use a specialized potable water hose. There are many different brands on the market, but whatever hose you choose, make sure it’s labeled “drinking water safe.” It should also be certified by NSF/ANSI-61 so it doesn’t leech chemicals, heavy metals, or impurities into your drinking water.
Campground and city water pressure can vary a lot, so you’ll also need a water pressure regulator to prevent burst pipes or water leaks. All you have to do is screw the regulator onto the source’s water spigot before attaching your hose. Once installed, you can safely turn on the water, and the regulator will reduce the pressure to a safe level, typically 40 to 51 PSI, as it flows into your hose.
To effectively maintain your RV’s water tanks, you’ll need to dump and flush them regularly. If you follow each step carefully, you should never have to deal with any unfortunate wastewater incidents.
RV water tanks usually need to be dumped every three to seven days. But the recommended frequency depends on your water usage habits, how many people are living in your RV, and the tank size.
Wait until the tanks are ⅔ to ¾ full before dumping, and prevent cross-contamination by using a different-colored hose to flush wastewater. For example, use a white or blue hose for fresh potable water and a black or orange hose for gray and black water. Also, make sure to store your drinking water hose in a separate, sealed container when you’re not using it.
The RV dumping process might seem intimidating, but you can do it. After a few times, you’ll be a pro, and it will start to feel like second nature. Just follow these simple steps:
We highly recommend using black tank treatment and deodorizer regularly to eliminate odors and break down waste and toilet paper in your tank to prevent future clogs. Also, make sure to only use RV-safe toilet paper, as it dissolves more quickly with a small amount of water.
Conserving water while RVing is better for the environment, saves you time and money, and extends your boondockingoff-grid. You can easily conserve water with a few mindful habits and upgrades to your RV:
RV life may be simpler, but you still need to understand RV electricity basics so you can power your everyday activities. There are several ways to get electricity while RVing, so the best option will depend on where you’re camping, what resources are available to you, and your personal preferences.
An electric hookup, also called shore power, is a stable source of electricity that you can access at RV parks. This 30- or 50-amp service enables you to use larger appliances, like air conditioners and microwaves, while camping.
The 30-amp hookup is the most common type of shore power hookup, found in most RV parks and campgrounds. It delivers up to 3,600 watts of power, which is enough for most mid-sized RVs.
Larger, more luxurious RVs may require a 50-amp hookup, which delivers up to 12,000 watts of power. This is the highest level of shore power and is ideal if your RV has features like multiple air conditioners, a full-size refrigerator, or a washer and dryer. Not all RV parks offer 50-amp service, so if you need one, it’s best to call ahead and ask.
Electric hookups are the preferred option for most RVers. Unfortunately, many campground power pedestals are unstable due to outdated or damaged wiring. For this reason, we recommend investing in an RV surge protector to prevent any damage to your RV’s electronics.
When you’re boondocking (off-grid camping), and you can’t plug into shore power, you still have a few options for powering your RV:
All RVs have a built-in house battery. It powers the lights, control panels, and refrigerator. You can recharge it by connecting to shore power, your car's engine, a generator, or solar panels.
We know the details can be tricky, so if you’re struggling to compare shore power vs. solar or the pros and cons of each option, here are our simple recommendations for RV living for beginners:
Of course, it’s always best to conserve as much energy as possible, so follow these tips:
Cooking in an RV can be tricky if you’re used to a sprawling kitchen with plenty of counter space. To help you make the most of your time in a mobile kitchen, here are our top RV kitchen hacks and cooking tips.
First and foremost: Safety is key! Before you start cooking, open the roof vents, turn on the fans, and open a few windows. This will help ventilate the space and allow moisture and hot air to escape. Move all flammable materials like paper towels or curtains away from the stove before turning it on.
To make extra counter space, use sink covers or cutting boards that fit over your stove burners. You can also invest in collapsible bowls and vertical/hanging storage for spices, knives, and other kitchen items to save on kitchen space.
If you can, prepare vegetables or meats ahead of time or buy them pre-chopped, and use outdoor cooking appliances, like a grill or electric skillet, to prepare your food. Instant Pots are also a great option for cooking meals while camping! Keeping meals simple (think sheet pan meals, soup, or one-pot dishes) also makes cooking in your RV much easier.
Use paper plates, utensils, and cups to save water on dishes, or stick to one-pot meals for fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
A big part of the adjustment to RV living is driving a large vehicle for the first time. Although it can be stressful at first, we have several tips to help you adjust and prepare for those many miles out on the open road.
Every guide to RV living for beginners will recommend practicing before pulling onto the freeway for the first time. The best way to do that is to head to a large, empty parking lot. Drive around and give yourself time to get used to turning, braking, and using your side mirrors.
As you practice, you’ll get a feel for how to operate the RV, but here are a few helpful tips to know beforehand:
Once you venture out onto the open road, stay in the right lane as much as possible to avoid faster-moving traffic. Maintain a firm grip on the wheel, as passing semi-trucks or gusts of wind can sometimes push your RV.
One of the most important concepts to understand as an RVer is tail swing. The “tail” of your RV is the space between the rear tires and the back bumper. When you turn the RV, its tail will swing past the tires, potentially hitting something in its path.
To avoid accidents, remember the tail of your RV will always swing in the opposite direction of your turn, on your blind side. So when you turn right, the tail will swing left, and vice versa. To prevent accidents, always double-check your right mirror when turning left and your left mirror when turning right.
If visibility is poor, you can also have your passenger get out of the car and direct you via walkie-talkie or phone. Some RVs also have a rear camera that can help you navigate the rear corners of your rig safely.
Nothing is worse than smashing the roof of your RV on a low-clearance bridge, gas station canopy, or storage facility. Fortunately, you can avoid this situation by knowing the exact height of your rig.
To get an accurate measurement, park the RV on level ground and measure from the ground to the highest point on the top of the vehicle, including AC units and antennas. Put the measurement somewhere on the dashboard or in the driver’s viewpoint. When out on the road, always assume bridges are 3 to 6 inches lower than advertised, just to be safe.
We also recommend using an RV-specific GPS. These will help you plan your route and avoid low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted areas, and narrow roads as you travel.
Before hitting the road, you must understand how to safely tow a trailer. When you choose your RV, you’ll need to know your vehicle’s tow capacity, or how much it can tow. Generally, you only want to use 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
There should be a sticker on the inside of your driver’s side door that tells you what kind of RV you can tow. If you buy your RV from a dealer, they can help you determine how large your RV can be based on your tow capacity.
To prevent sway, which is the dangerous side-to-side pivoting of a trailer behind a towing vehicle, use a weight distribution hitch. This evenly distributes the weight across the trailer and towing vehicle’s axles to improve steering, braking, and overall stability while you’re towing your RV.
Many seasoned RVers use the “Check-Double Check” hitching routine to prevent costly and dangerous hitch problems on the road. Here’s the 5-step routine:
Even if you’re a pretty tame driver, securing RV furniture for travel will prevent injuries and interior damage while you’re on the road. Before you pull out of your driveway or campground, follow this checklist to avoid any unpleasant surprises upon your arrival:
In addition to securing furniture while on the road, you’ll also want to stock the interior of your RV with essential gear, including:
Following these safety and security tips will ensure you have everything you need for safe and fun RV adventures.
Clutter builds up quickly in a small space like an RV. To keep your space organized, clean, and comfortable, follow these tips:
Mobile hotspots and campground Wi-Fi are the two most common ways to get internet while RVing.
Mobile hotspots are built into most smartphones. They work by converting cellular data into a local Wi-Fi network so you can use your tablet or laptop while you camp in your RV. You can also purchase a dedicated hotspot device with its own SIM card. These devices often provide faster internet and can support more than one device simultaneously.
If you use the mobile hotspot on your phone, be aware that you may have limited hotspot data. If you go over that limit, you may be charged an overage fee.
Campground Wi-Fi is usually free or included in the site rental fee. Unfortunately, it’s often slow and overloaded, although the signal might be better near the clubhouse or office.
There’s a lot to learn about RV living for beginners, but this full-time RV lifestyle guide can help you navigate the ups and downs and stay safe both on and off the road. No matter how prepared you are, you’re bound to have a few hiccups along the way, but America’s RV Warranty is here to help.
With unbeatable coverage and RV Warranty plans that provide full protection against malfunctions and breakdowns, you can have peace of mind knowing we’re in your corner.
