10 Mistakes We Made as New RVers and How You Can Avoid Them

 

10 Mistakes We Made as New RVers and How You Can Avoid Them 🚐🙈

When we decided to hit the road full-time, we thought we were ready for anything. Spoiler alert: we weren’t. Full-time RV living has a steep learning curve, and we made plenty of mistakes along the way. But here’s the thing—those mistakes taught us invaluable lessons about life on the road, and now we get to pass them on to you. Whether you're considering RV living, just getting started, or already on your journey, these insights will help you avoid the blunders we made and set you up for success.

1. Overpacking: Trying to Bring Our Whole Lives Along for the Ride

Before we hit the road, we treated the RV like it was just a smaller version of our house. We packed everything we thought we might need “just in case,” from bulky kitchen appliances to piles of clothes and random knick-knacks. Within weeks, we realized two things: we didn’t have room for all of it, and we didn’t use half of it anyway.

  • Lesson Learned: Less is more. The golden rule of RV packing? If you haven’t used it in the last three months, you probably won’t need it on the road. Prioritize versatile, multi-purpose items to make the most of your limited space. Think collapsible kitchenware, stackable storage bins, and clothing that layers well.
  • Pro Tip: Adopt a “one in, one out” rule. For every new item you bring in, let go of something else. It helps you stay intentional about your space.

2. Skipping the Test Run: Diving In Without a Practice Round

We were so excited to start our journey that we jumped in without doing a test trip first. Let’s just say there’s nothing like discovering the quirks of your RV in the middle of nowhere—or realizing you didn’t pack the right tools.

  • Lesson Learned: Take a short test trip before committing to full-time RV living. Spend a weekend (or even a week) in your RV to learn the ropes, practice setting up and tearing down camp, and figure out what you actually need to bring with you. It’s the easiest way to troubleshoot without the pressure of being miles away from home.

3. Ignoring Weight Limits: Overloading Our RV Without Thinking

Did you know your RV has a weight limit? We didn’t… until we overloaded ours and started noticing handling issues on the road. Overloading your RV can affect everything from fuel efficiency to safety, so it’s not something to take lightly.

  • Lesson Learned: Familiarize yourself with your RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and stay within it. That includes the weight of your passengers, water tanks, and all your belongings.
  • Pro Tip: Invest in a portable RV scale to check your weight regularly. It’s worth the peace of mind.

4. Neglecting Maintenance: Hoping for the Best Without a Plan

In the beginning, we didn’t prioritize regular maintenance, and it came back to bite us. A leaky roof during a rainstorm and a flat tire in the middle of nowhere quickly taught us the value of preventative care.

  • Lesson Learned: Maintenance is non-negotiable. Create a checklist and stick to it. Regularly check tire pressure, inspect the roof for leaks, test your water systems, and clean your RV’s air filters. It’s much cheaper to address small issues before they become big problems.
  • Pro Tip: Keep a maintenance log to track what you’ve done and when it’s due again.

5. Choosing Campsites Without Researching

Booking a campsite on a whim might seem adventurous, but it can lead to frustration. We’ve ended up in sites that were too small, had no hookups when we needed them, or were next to loud neighbors with barking dogs.

  • Lesson Learned: Take the time to research campsites before booking. Apps like Campendium, AllStays, and The Dyrt are lifesavers for finding reviews, amenities, and site sizes.
  • Pro Tip: Call ahead if you have specific needs like pull-through sites or full hookups.

6. Underestimating Setup Time

We used to roll into camp late in the day, thinking we could set up quickly and relax. Instead, we’d end up scrambling to level the RV, connect utilities, and figure out the layout of the site—sometimes in the dark.

  • Lesson Learned: Arrive early to new campsites, ideally before sunset. This gives you plenty of daylight to set up, troubleshoot issues, and get settled without feeling rushed.
  • Pro Tip: Create a step-by-step setup checklist to make the process more efficient and consistent.

7. Forgetting to Secure Items Before Driving

Our first few travel days were full of surprises—like opening the fridge to find food spilled everywhere or hearing dishes crash when we took a sharp turn.

  • Lesson Learned: Always secure loose items before hitting the road. Use bungee cords, drawer latches, and non-slip liners for cabinets and drawers. For the fridge, invest in RV-specific storage containers that keep food in place.
  • Pro Tip: Do a “travel prep sweep” before every drive to make sure everything is secure.

8. Not Fully Understanding Our RV Systems

In the beginning, we didn’t know how to properly use our RV’s water, electrical, and sewer systems. Let’s just say we learned the hard way. (Pro tip: always double-check how to dump your tanks correctly. Trust us on this one.)

  • Lesson Learned: Take the time to learn about your RV systems before you hit the road. Read the manual, watch YouTube tutorials, and ask experienced RVers for tips. Knowledge is power—and in this case, it’ll save you a lot of stress and mess.

9. Not Having Backup Plans

We used to assume everything would go smoothly—until campgrounds were unexpectedly full, weather turned nasty, or we had mechanical issues that left us stranded.

  • Lesson Learned: Always have a Plan B (and sometimes a Plan C). Keep a list of alternative campsites, carry emergency supplies, and be ready to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
  • Pro Tip: Download offline maps and campground apps in case you lose cell service.

10. Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

When things went wrong in the beginning, we’d get so frustrated—at ourselves, at each other, and at the situation. But over time, we realized that mistakes are part of the adventure.

  • Lesson Learned: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them, and move on. RV life isn’t about perfection—it’s about enjoying the ride, bumps and all.

Final Thoughts

If we’ve learned anything, it’s that mistakes are inevitable when you’re starting something new. But they’re also opportunities to grow, adapt, and create stories you’ll laugh about later. By sharing our top 10 mistakes, we hope to save you some headaches and help you hit the road with confidence.

Remember, RV living isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about the journey, the lessons, and the memories you make along the way. Safe travels and happy adventuring! 🚐✨

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