Note these common rookie RV errors before they derail your dream road trip.
There’s a lot to love about RV life: the freedom of life on the road, the thrill of discovering your new favorite campground, and the peace of having your home with you wherever you chose to go. But if you’re new to RVing, those first few trips can feel less like a laid-back getaway and more like a stressful learning curve on wheels. That’s because RV travel—while rewarding—requires a bit of prep, planning, and practice. So, before you head out on your first RV adventure, it pays to know the rookie mistakes to avoid.
RV industry spokesperson Monika Geraci keeps it pretty straightforward for newbies: “Take your time, do your research, [and] ask questions.” From overpacking your rig to relying on campground WiFi instead of RV WiFi, we’ve asked the questions for you and rounded up the most common travel mistakes first-time RVers make—plus, how to sidestep them.
Monika Geraci, a spokesperson for the RV industry, contributed expertise to this article. This article was reviewed for accuracy by Amanda Capritto, TravlSync editor and full-time traveler.
Choosing the Wrong Rig
“First-time RVers should prioritize how they plan to use the RV. The key is to choose one that truly fits your lifestyle needs and travel goals,” says RV industry spokesperson Monika Geraci.
Ask yourself: Are you towing or driving? Planning remote site stops or full-hookup campgrounds? Bringing the whole family or just a dog and a duffel bag? There’s no one-size-fits-all rig. Geraci recommends using resources like Go RVing’s Right RV for You Quiz to narrow down the best fit.
She adds that some RVers mistakenly shop based on size alone, thinking bigger is always better. But large rigs often come with more challenges, like tight turns, fuel consumption, and limited campground access. There are ample options when it comes to camper vans—focus on layout and how well the space suits your daily needs instead of opting for the biggest rig you can find within budget.
Overbuying on Features You Don’t Need
Yes, the fancy extras like wine fridges and touchscreen panels are tempting, but Geraci reminds us: “Every RVer has different needs and different preferences so it’s impossible to state one RV feature that is unnecessary across the board.”
Before buying, make a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves. For example, outdoor TVs may seem fun, but if you’re spending most of your days hiking and exploring then crashing as soon as you get back to camp, will that outdoor TV really be a prominent part of your day-to-day?
A washer/dryer might be helpful for full-timers but excessive for weekend warriors. We recommend you always go small first to see what features matter most in real-world use.
Hitting the Road Without a Pre-Trip Safety Check
“Before you hit the road, a quick pre-trip safety check can make all the difference in helping your RV adventure go smoothly,” says Geraci. Her must-do list includes walking the perimeter for obstacles, checking tire pressure, testing lights, confirming backup cameras and mirrors are working, and securing all gear inside and out.
Don’t forget to check your hitch connections if you’re towing and ensure that slide-outs, steps, and stabilizers are retracted. These simple steps can prevent costly damage and keep you and others safe on the road.
Traveling Before Knowing Your Rig
Geraci strongly advises understanding your RV’s core systems—electric, water, and propane—and practicing hook-ups before your trip. “Try connecting to power, water, and sewer at home or a local campground, so you’re not troubleshooting on the go,” she says.
Spend time reading your owner’s manual, watching tutorials for your specific model, and practicing with systems like your awning, generator, and leveling jacks. Confidence in your set-up will save you hours of frustration later after a long day of driving.
Exceeding the Vehicle Weight Rating
“It is always important to follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual to ensure safety for you, your travel companions, and your RV,” Geraci says. Overloading your RV can strain your brakes, tires, and suspension, not to mention void your warranty. Use a weigh station before your trip to confirm you're in the clear.
Don’t forget to factor in water weight and gear when calculating your load. Tools like a CAT scale or mobile RV weighing service can help ensure your set-up is safe.
Skipping Maintenance
Sterilizing your water tank might not be the sexiest task, but Geraci warns that it’s essential. “Sterilizing your water tank is an essential maintenance task that can cause big headaches (figuratively and literally) if skipped.” She recommends this checklist to stay on top of upkeep.
You’ll also want to make sure to seal your roof annually, clean your AC filters, and check your battery health. These simple preventive maintenance tasks reduce the risk of costly repairs en-route.
Not Planning an RV-Friendly Route
“One of the most common routing mistakes new RVers make is relying on regular car GPS apps,” says Geraci. Apps like Google Maps can send you down roads with low bridges or tight turns that spell disaster for tall or long vehicles.
Invest in RV-specific navigation like RV LIFE, RoadTrippers, CoPilot GPS, or Garmin RV models. These tools account for your rig’s size and can reroute you around hazards like tunnels with propane restrictions or roads with steep grades.
Traveling Too Quickly (Especially Full-Timers)
“Taking it slow is one of the best pieces of advice for RVers. You’re on vacation, enjoy the journey,” says Geraci. Many new RVers make the common travel mishap of packing their schedule with back-to-back drives and little downtime.
A good rule of thumb? Travel no more than 200 to 300 miles per day and allow for rest days in between. Pacing yourself prevents burnout and gives you time to enjoy the places you visit instead of just checking them off a list.
Not Practicing Parking Before Arriving at the Campground
Backing up a trailer or large motorhome requires skill and patience. Practicing in a large empty lot, watching online tutorials, and using cones to simulate obstacles can help you build confidence prior to travel.
Geraci suggests starting with pull-through spaces and gradually working up to back-in spaces. “Practice makes perfect!” she says. “If possible, lean on your camping host and/or campsite neighbors to assist you with backing up into your campsite.”
Not Studying Up on Campground Etiquette
“One campground rule that often surprises new RVers is ‘drive like your kids live here,’” says Geraci. In short: always drive slowly and respectfully.
Some additional etiquette tips include respecting quiet hours (which typically run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.), keeping pets leashed and cleaning up after them, and not walking through other people’s campsites. Keep these unspoken rules in mind and it’s much less likely you’ll run into conflict onsite.
Planning on Walk-Up Campsites
It may have worked a decade ago, but relying on walk-up campsites today is a recipe for frustration and a big travel mistake to avoid. “Camping is more popular than ever and with over 8.1 million RV-owning households and only 1.7 million RV campsites, securing that premium camping spot during peak season isn’t always easy,” says Geraci.
ReserveAmerica, Recreation.gov, and individual campground websites allow you to book in advance. Aim to plan at least 3 to 6 months out for peak summer months, holidays, and national park visits. If you want to get around this, choose an RV that lets you boondock.
Relying on Campground WiFi
Campground WiFi is notoriously spotty. If staying connected is important—especially for digital nomads—come prepared with your own RV internet setup. This might include a mobile hotspot, data plan, or a signal booster.
Using a router that supports external antennas can enhance signal strength. And apps like OpenSignal or Speedtest can help you scout coverage ahead of time.
Assuming You’ll Have Cell Service Everywhere
Just because your carrier has nationwide coverage doesn’t mean you’ll have service in every valley, forest, or desert. Download offline maps and campground reservation confirmations, and let family or work know you might go dark for a bit.
Consider a backup like a Garmin inReach or Zoleo satellite communicator. These devices offer emergency SOS and basic messaging even when there’s no cell signal.
Forgetting Essential Items
“Fixings for s’mores,” says Geraci, when asked what item people forget most. And she’s not joking—after all the logistics, it’s easy to forget the fun.
On a more practical level, don’t forget leveling blocks, a surge protector, water pressure regulator, first aid kit, extra hoses, fuses, and a basic toolkit. Create a packing checklist and do a final walkthrough before each trip—keep a close eye out for these small, easy-to-forget RV accessories.
FAQs
What is the 3-3-3 rule for RVing?
The 3-3-3 rule is a travel guideline for RVers: Drive no more than 300 miles a day, arrive at your campsite by 3 p.m., and stay at least 3 nights. It helps minimize road fatigue, encourages more exploration, and keeps your trip from feeling too rushed.
What to bring on the first RV trip?
Start with the basics: sewer hose, leveling blocks, surge protector, fresh water hose, chocks, first aid kit, flashlight, basic tools, and fire extinguisher. Add comfort items like bedding, cookware, food, clothing layers, entertainment (books, games), and don’t forget the marshmallows.
What can you leave in your RV between trips?
Non-perishable supplies like tools, camp chairs, cookware, and dry food can usually stay put. But remove perishables, electronics, and anything temperature-sensitive—especially if storing the RV without climate control. Be sure to open cabinet doors and vents slightly to reduce mildew risk.
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Article By: Lauren Keary
Lauren Keary’s passion for travel began during college when she sailed on Semester at Sea to 17 different countries. Since then, that number has grown to over 40. This passion for travel has also taken a foothold in her career, as she previously worked as a travel writer for BuzzFeed and the Evening Standard full-time, writing additional travel content for TripSavvy, Outside, and San Diego Magazine in her spare time. When she’s not writing about her adventures, you’ll probably catch her out on a hike with her dog Rusty, or looking for the best new coffee shop in town. But let’s be clear, she’s always going to be that friend in the friend group who’s catching flights (not feelings), so you’re much more likely to see her at 30,000 feet.
