RV Camping Tips for Beginners

RV parked infront of a river with mountains behind.

If you're new to RV camping, you may not know what to expect or what to pack. It can seem overwhelming if you've never done it before, but if you're ready to take on the experience - you're in the right place! Foremost^® Insurance has put together a list of RV camping hacks that will make you feel confident, prepared and eager to head to your camping destination!

Pack non-perishable food items.

There are many packaged food items that can withstand lengthy storage without refrigeration. They are also less likely to spoil or rot in hotter temperatures. Some examples of food you can pack include canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, almonds and jerky.

Preserve water.

If you are using a fresh-water tank while trailer camping, you may want to preserve water, especially if you're showering in it. Freshwater tanks can usually hold between 20-100 gallons of water. If you'll be camping at a site with no ability to refill your freshwater, you may want to fill your tank completely. If you'll be able to refill your freshwater on-site, you may be able to get away with 20-30 gallons, which should be enough depending on your destination.

As far as preserving water, one way to do this is to take navy showers. This is when you wet your full body, turn the water off, wash up and then turn it back on to rinse off. You can also save water by using a jug to wash your hands instead of the sink. Lastly, you can wash dishes in a bucket of water instead of using running water.

Check tire pressure.

You should always check your RV tire pressure before a camping trip, and after long drives during trips. This is important because it can help you catch any slow leaks ahead of time and avoid unpleasant surprises. You can purchase a tire pressure gauge from your local auto parts store. To check the pressure, simply remove the stem cap from the tire and plug the pressure gauge in as if you were trying to pump air into the tire. The tire will essentially "blow" air into the gauge, which will tell you how much pressure is in the tire. Check your RV owner's manual to find out the ideal pressure level for your rig.

Once you arrive to your destination:

Park on flat ground.

When you arrive at your destination, be sure to park in a flat area. Parking on a slope can throw off your equilibrium. Furthermore, this can cause significant damage to your refrigerator and other parts and equipment.

Unhook the tow vehicle.

You may find that setting your trailer up is a bit easier when it's not hooked up to your vehicle. This way, your stabilizers will hit the ground and you won't need to match them to the hitch height. Plus - this will create less work if you need to make a quick run.

Put the stabilizers down.

Speaking of stabilizers, you can do yourself a great favor by putting them down! Stabilizers keep your trailer from bouncing around when you move around inside.

Conserve your power.

If your RV has a generator, it can give out quickly when you run multiple appliances with the air conditioner. Even when the AC is off, it's best to only use what's necessary. A pro tip would be to pack a lot of items that are battery-powered (and be sure to bring along extra batteries!).

Make sure your dump valves are closed (if applicable).

At some point in your trip, you will need to empty out the waste you're hauling around. When it's time, open the storage compartment and connect the sewer hose to dispose of the waste properly. Make sure your dump valves are closed when you open this compartment, or you will get an unpleasant surprise.

We hope you find these tips useful while you are travel trailer camping this summer.

Looking for RV Insurance? Get a quote today by calling 888-244-8092 to speak with a licensed agent or find a Foremost Insurance agent near you.