RVing Tips for Newbies: Tips & Tricks for your First Trip

I still remember the first trip with our new-to-us RV. Excluding the trip home from General RV after we bought it, our first trip was to Maumee Bay State Park, a great campground on the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio.

On the way, just as we were approaching a bridge over the Maumee River in downtown Toledo, my uncle called. We were to meet him and his family at the campground and he was warning us of severe weather that had just passed his home west of our location and was headed in our direction.

Camping Essentials New RVers

The front hit us with tremendous winds. But we were kept relatively safe because we happened to be protected by two-story embankments on either side of the sunken highway. Later, that same weather system produced tornadoes in northeastern Ohio.

We dodged a bullet, and it served as our, and your, first lesson as RV newbies – always check the weather forecast.

The second tip for new RVers is to get your hands on a pre-trip checklist. There are many such checklists on the Internet, and when you do your search you’ll find several other RV checklists, including ones for Buying an RV. But what we want is one that is designed to make sure you pack everything and don’t leave anything at home.

The list below is basic. You’ll likely add and delete items on your list each time you go camping. From supplies to food to equipment, your list will be unique to you.

Kitchen
Miscellaneous
Linens
Tools
Aluminum Foil
BBQ Grill & Accessories
Dishwashing Detergent
Broom & Dust Pan
Can Opener
Coffee
Coffee Cups
Coffee Pot
Dish Drainer
Dish Pan
Kitchen Towels
Knives
Measuring Cups
Mixing/Serving Bowls
Napkins
Non-Slip Cabinet Linings
Paper Plates
Paper Towels
Plastic Wrap
Plates
Pot Holders
Pots & Pans
Spatula
Salt & Pepper
Silverware
Sugar
Toaster
Cooking Oil
Spices
Ketchup/Mustard
Corkstrew
Cutting Board
Bar Soap
Bug Spray
Cleaning Supplies
First Aid Kit
Playing Cards
Pens/Pencils
RV Toilet Paper
Radio
Rubber Gloves
Spounges
Sunblock
Travel Clock
Trash Can
Trash Bags
Toiletry Kit
Umbrella
Vacuum Cleaner
Ziplock Bags
Water Glasses
Disposable Cups
Coolers
Firestarters
Thumbtacks/Clips
Firewood
Lantern
Flashlight
Chapstick
Camera
Rope
Aspirine & Medications
 
Blankets
Bed Spreads
Jackets & Hats
Bath Towels
Wash Cloths
Pillows
Pillow Cases
Sheets
Rags
Table Cloth
Beach Towels
Throw Rug
Black Water Chemicals
Channel Locks
Electrical Adapters
Electrical Extension Cord
Extra Fuses
Fill Propane Bottles
Fire Extinguisher
Flash Light
Batteries
Fresh Water Hose
Fuse Puller
Hammer
In-Line Water Filter
Level
Leveling Blocks
Light Bulbs
Matches/Lighter
Needle Nose Pliers
Pens/Pencils
Pliers
Sewer Hose(s) & Fittings
Tire Guage
Wrenches
Wheel Chocks
Water Pressure Regulator
Axe
 

The third and final tip for your first RV trip is to go camping with someone you know who’s an experienced RVer. I mentioned earlier that we went to Maumee Bay State Park with my uncle. He is a longtime RVer, as are several other members of my extended family.  Having an old pro with you not only will set your mind at ease, but also it’s just simply more fun when you’re camping with others.

See you next week when we talk about How to Attach your Travel Trailer to your Tow Vehicle.

Rick Kessler
(Gr8LakesCamper)

Gr8LakesCamper celebrates the world of RV Camping in the Great Lakes region. Gather around the campfire and share tips, ideas and stories on RVing, camping and travel destinations. Follow Gr8LakesCamper on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and the Gr8LakesCamper blog.