3 RV Mistakes Everyone Needs to Avoid

Are you thinking of hiring that luxury, top-of-the-range RV for a truly different vacation?

You're not alone. RV travel is one of the most popular ways to travel, and these days, luxury vehicles are more like homes on wheels than a van barely big enough to lie in. Some even come equipped with a washer, dryer, and a full-size shower.

And as epic as taking a road trip in a high-end RV can be, there are some rules, regulations, as well as ethical considerations and necessary actions that need to be carried out. And for the uninitiated, it can be too easy to make major faux pas on your first outing.

If you don't want to become that traveler or experience drama on the road or campground, here are some of the more common mistakes people make as first-time RVers that you need to avoid.

Not Knowing The Size of Your Rig

In this case, size does matter. And it matters a lot. The last thing you should be doing is underestimating the size of the RV you're driving. And the last thing you want is to be stuck trying to maneuver a 35-foot RV around a tight corner and needing assistance, or ignoring the warning signs for heights, not realizing you exceed them. These are problems no one wants to find themselves in. You can avoid this by knowing and understanding your dimensions, as this will help you while driving, using fuel stations, and parking in RV parks.

Not Booking Ahead

You should never hit the open road and expect that all RV parks will accept people just turning up. While this can be true of some places, you need to book ahead if you're traveling during the busy season. Especially if you have an oversized vehicle or need a specific type of site, like a pull-through site for easier parking, or a site with full hookups for more convenience. Places like Palm Coast RV Park can fill up really fast thanks to their copious onsite amenities and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots. If you don't want to be disappointed, book ahead.

Ignoring Weight Limits and Load Balance

You should not pack your rig like a moving truck. This is a rookie mistake and one that can get you into trouble.

Going overweight in your RV is dangerous and increases fuel consumption, but mostly dangerous. Overweight RVs don't handle correctly, and when you're already driving a vehicle of this size, the last thing you want to do is compromise its handling on the road, especially if you need to navigate steep or winding roads.

Take the time to learn about your max weight limits; what the RV weighs empty and how added weight impacts its abilities. Then focus on learning to load your RV correctly so the weight is evenly distributed and secure. Don't forget, you should be checking your tire pressure before you head out each and every time, just to be safe.

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