Plan your first or next RV trip without the common rookie mistakes that ruin vacations. Covers RV type selection, campground reservations, water systems, dump stations, leveling, and packing for life on wheels.
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Choose and Rent Your RV
Decide between a motorhome (Class A, B, or C) and a towable trailer
Class B vans (19-24 feet) are easiest for beginners and fit in standard parking spots. Class A motorhomes (30-40 feet) offer the most space but require practice driving and cannot access narrow campground roads.
Book the RV rental 2-3 months ahead for peak season travel
Summer rentals (June-August) sell out by March at popular pickup locations like Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando. Booking 90 days out saves 20-30% compared to last-minute availability.
Review the rental agreement for mileage limits and generator hour caps
Most rentals include 100-150 free miles per day. Overage charges run $0.25-0.50 per mile. Generator hours are often capped at 3-4 per day with overages at $3-5 per hour.
Confirm what kitchen and bedding equipment is included versus bring-your-own
Ask for a 30-60 minute walkthrough of all systems at pickup
Request the rental agent demonstrate the fresh water fill, dump valve operation, propane system, electrical hookups, slide-out operation, and awning deployment. Record videos on your phone for reference later.
Check if your regular driver license covers the RV size you are renting
In most U.S. states, a standard license covers motorhomes up to 26,000 pounds. Above that weight, you need a non-commercial Class B license. Check your state DMV website for the exact cutoff.
Campground Reservations
Reserve campground sites 3-6 months ahead for national parks
Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Canyon campgrounds open reservations 6 months in advance and sell out within hours. Set calendar reminders for the exact booking window opening date.
Verify each campsite can accommodate your RV length
Campsite listings show maximum RV length, typically 20-45 feet. Your total length includes the tow vehicle if pulling a trailer. A 25-foot trailer plus a 17-foot truck needs a 42-foot site.
Check hookup availability at each site: electric, water, and sewer
Full-hookup sites (electric + water + sewer) cost $35-70 per night. Electric-only sites cost $20-40. Dry camping (no hookups) is often $10-15 or free on Bureau of Land Management land.
Confirm the campground electrical amperage: 30-amp or 50-amp
Running the air conditioning requires 30-amp service minimum. Two AC units, a microwave, and a hair dryer simultaneously require 50-amp. Bring a 50-to-30 amp adapter since many older campgrounds only offer 30-amp pedestals.
Plan backup campgrounds along your route in case of full sites
Download campground apps for finding last-minute sites and reviews
Water, Waste, and Propane Systems
Fill the fresh water tank before leaving the rental lot
A full fresh water tank holds 30-75 gallons depending on the RV. This gives you 2-3 days of water for a family of 4 if you are conservative with showers and dishes.
Bring a drinking water-safe hose (white or blue, not garden green)
Standard garden hoses leach chemicals into drinking water. A 25-foot drinking water hose is sufficient for most campground hookup distances and costs under $15.
Learn how to operate the gray and black tank dump valves
Always dump the black (sewage) tank first, then the gray (sink/shower) tank. The gray water flushes residue from the dump hose. Never leave the black tank valve open when connected to a sewer hookup.
Pack dump station gloves and a tank rinse wand
Locate dump stations along your route using a dump station finder app
Many truck stops and travel centers offer dump stations for $5-15. National park campgrounds typically have free dump stations. Plan to dump every 3-4 days for a family of 4.
Verify propane tank levels and know where to refill along your route
Propane powers the refrigerator, stove, water heater, and furnace. A full tank lasts 2-3 weeks with normal use. Refill at 25% capacity since running out mid-trip means no cooking or hot water.
Driving and Setup
Practice driving the RV in an empty parking lot before hitting the highway
Spend 20-30 minutes practicing turns, backing up, and parking. RVs have a wider turning radius than cars and the rear wheels cut inside the turn, which clips curbs if you turn too tight.
Check tire pressure and all fluid levels before each driving day
Secure all cabinet doors, drawers, and loose items before driving
Unsecured items fly off counters and shelves during braking. Close and latch all cabinets, put the coffee pot in the sink, and clear the dash of anything that could become a projectile.
Retract all slide-outs and the awning before moving the RV
Level the RV at each campsite using leveling blocks or the auto-level system
An unlevel RV causes the refrigerator to malfunction, doors to swing open, and poor sleep. Place leveling blocks under the low-side tires. A bubble level on the counter confirms when you are flat.
Know the height of your RV and watch for low bridges and overhangs
Write the RV height on a sticky note on the dashboard. Gas station canopies are typically 12-14 feet. Many Class A motorhomes are 12-13 feet tall. One wrong turn under a 10-foot bridge causes thousands in damage.
Packing for RV Life
Pack kitchen essentials: pots, pans, utensils, plates, and a cutting board
Bring a first aid kit, flashlights, and a fire extinguisher
Pack outdoor chairs, a folding table, and a doormat
The doormat seems trivial but it catches 90% of the dirt, sand, and gravel that would otherwise get tracked into the RV. A small outdoor rug at the entry step makes a real difference in keeping floors clean.
Include a 50-foot extension cord and a surge protector for electrical hookups
Campground power pedestals deliver inconsistent voltage that can damage RV electronics. A surge protector with voltage monitoring costs $80-150 and protects thousands in refrigerator, AC, and converter damage.
Bring tool basics: duct tape, zip ties, a multi-tool, and a tire pressure gauge
Pack rain gear and tarps for covering outdoor setup in bad weather
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I avoid overpacking?
Lay out everything you think you need, then remove 30% of it. Pack items that mix and match into multiple outfits using neutral colors that work with everything. Laundry services exist almost everywhere; plan to wash clothes every 4-5 days rather than packing a fresh outfit for each day.
Should I use packing cubes?
Packing cubes compress clothing by 20-30% and keep your bag organized throughout the trip. Color-coding cubes by clothing type (tops, bottoms, underwear) eliminates rummaging through the entire bag for one item. Compression cubes with dual zippers squeeze the most air out and are worth the $5-10 premium over standard cubes.
What size luggage should I bring?
A carry-on bag (22x14x9 inches) handles trips up to 10 days if you pack strategically and plan to do laundry. Checking a bag adds 30-45 minutes per flight in wait time and carries a 1-3% chance of loss or delay. For trips under a week, a 40-liter backpack offers more mobility than a rolling suitcase on cobblestones, stairs, and public transit.
What items do travelers forget most often?
Phone chargers, adapters, prescription medications, and sunscreen are the top four forgotten items. Create a packing checklist on your phone and check items off as they go into the bag, not before. Pack a universal power adapter if traveling internationally; outlet shapes differ across regions and buying one at the airport costs 3-4x the online price.
How do I pack toiletries efficiently?
Transfer products into reusable silicone travel bottles (GoToob, 3 oz size) rather than packing full-size containers. Solid alternatives like shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets eliminate liquid restrictions entirely for carry-on travel. Hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap; skip packing these unless you have specific brand requirements.