General RV Tips & Tricks

Travel no more than 300 miles a day, arrive by 3 PM, and stay at least 3 days in one place. It prevents burnout and helps you enjoy the journey.

Before unhooking from your tow vehicle, check how level your RV is. If it’s not close, you may need to adjust or use leveling blocks before detaching.

Keep a ready-to-eat lunch in the fridge or a cooler for travel days. It saves time, avoids fast food, and lets you enjoy a break at a scenic stop.

A “place for everything” makes setup and teardown quicker and less stressful. Use bins, labels, and organizers to keep things secure and easy to find.

Using walkie talkies (instead of yelling or phone calls - lack of cell service) helps with clear communication and prevents arguments during parking.

Before hitting the road, walk around your rig to double-check that jacks are up, hoses are disconnected, steps are in, windows are shut, and nothing is left behind.

Include basics like a multi-bit screwdriver, wrenches, fuses, tire pressure gauge, sealant, zip ties, duct tape, and an electrical tester.

Use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or manual gauge to double-check tires. Blowouts can be costly and dangerous.

Fill your freshwater tank only if you won’t have hookups at your next stop. It adds weight and lowers fuel efficiency, so be strategic.

Husband and wife alike need to know not only how to drive the RV but also how to backup and park it. You never know when someone will be sick and you have no choice but to move.

Know how to retract your slideouts and stabilizer jacks manually in case of mechanical failure or dead batteries.

GPS apps like Google Maps and RV Life allow you to download maps ahead of time, great for areas with no service, but also great because you never know when you might lose service.

Give yourself a day of rest between big moves. It reduces stress and gives you time to enjoy each place.

Have one “arrival kit” bin with chocks, water filter, gloves, pressure regulator, etc. so setup is fast and easy. Ok well maybe two bins, always keep your sewer gear separate.

Make sure your devices, lights, and battery banks are fully charged before heading off-grid.

Checklists help prevent forgetful mistakes—like driving off with the antenna up or slides still out.

A welcome mat outside and a small rug inside at the entrance cuts down on dirt and sand tracked in.

Record where you camp, how you liked it, mileage, repairs, or things you want to remember next time.

Fuses, hose washers, bulbs, and even a spare water hose or power cord adapter can save your trip from disaster.

Print campground reservations, directions, and a copy of your insurance in case your phone or internet goes down.