July 23rd 2018
Your maiden voyage in your new RV can be exciting but daunting if you don’t know how to prepare or what to expect. Trips in an RV, while somewhat similar to tent camping, require a slightly different approach and a little planning ahead. You’ve already got a head start with your lodging all lined up for you no matter where you go, so what’s left? Bus Supply Company of McComb, Mississippi, has the lowdown on what you should plan for, what to pack and how to keep yourself organized as a first-time RVer so that your first trip is rewarding and fun, meaning you’ll want to schedule more as soon as you can!
Even though your accommodations are locked into place with your RV or fifth wheel, you generally can’t just hop in and drive to a campsite without a little planning ahead. Book your campsite a few weeks or even months in advance of your trip to make sure it’s waiting there for you with all the hook-ups you need to be comfortable. You’ll also want to check the weather of your location to know what clothes to pack and what conditions to plan for when choosing activities for you and your family. Research good places nearby to stock up on groceries, propane and other supplies, as well as where to do laundry if your RV doesn’t come with a washer. Making a spreadsheet of where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, what you’ll need to bring and maybe a list of meals you want to prepare and freeze in advance can be helpful and take off some of the stress of planning.
While your RV or fifth wheel comes with plenty of storage space, you’ll want to bear your towing vehicle or the recreational vehicle’s weight limit in mind when you’re packing. Every pound of stuff you bring will reduce your gas mileage and push you closer to exceeding your truck’s ability to tow your stuff and your passengers. So it’s best to pack as lightly as possible. Know that you can get food and fill up your water tanks along the way or at the campsite, and travel with your gray and blackwater tanks empty. You also need to make sure you have essential safety equipment on board such as a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a radio and flashlights, plus emergency water and food rations.
Bring a few changes of clothes that can be washed and only one or two pairs of shoes based on the activities you want to do, like sandals for the beach or boots for hiking. Obviously, bring the gear you want for your activities like fishing or swimming, but don’t overburden yourself.
You’ll want to keep some things in your RV all the time to save you from having to remember them, such as linens and bedclothes, towels, pots and pans, lightweight dishes and silverware. This cuts down on your prep time, too.
Staying organized will bring you peace of mind and prevent you from forgetting something essential that you’d then have to replace somewhere on the road. Drawing up a list of your prep work will help. This can include how to set up and take down camp, getting your trailer hitched to your towing vehicle, how to test your appliances, and managing your water tanks. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the steps to something you’ve done a million times, so having a reference can save you some stress. Above all, make sure you have fun on your journey! Leave plenty of time for hanging out with family and friends, and have them help you so you’re all working together to get things done faster. Then you can all relax and enjoy your first successful RV trip!
If you’re in the market to purchase your first RV or upgrade, we’ve got a great supply of new and used RVs, fifth wheels and other trailer styles in our showroom. We even have the latest Keystone models available. Come see us and bring any questions that this article didn’t answer -- our capable staff is more than happy to help you plan your first RV journey! Bus Supply Company is located in McComb, Mississippi, also serving the cities of Jackson and Hattiesburg, as well as nearby Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
