If you’re new to RVs, you might think that living the lifestyle is pretty straightforward. You just buy the vehicle you need and that’s it - job done. But, of course, it isn’t as easy as that. Buying an RV is a big decision and usually involves quite a significant lifestyle change. It isn’t just a question of purchasing the vehicle and hitting the open road. So what are some useful tips for motorhome beginners? Let’s take a look.
Understand RV Types
The first thing you’ll want to do is understand the various RV types out there. RVs come in various classes, including Class A, Class B and Class C. If you’re interested in RVs in general, you’ve probably noticed all of these on the road. However, you may not understand the nomenclature. Class A are essentially the bus-like motorhomes. These are the top of the range vehicles for people with the biggest budgets. Coming down a notch is the Class B. These are the camper vans that are easy to drive around and bring with you. The Class C are a little different. These are the homes you tow behind your regular vehicle, like caravans.
Budget For Cost Of Ownership
Next, you want to make sure that you’re budgeting for the cost of ownership. While you might think you can afford your camper van, you might not be able to. It’s worth thinking about maintenance costs on older vehicles specifically. These can be quite high, especially compared to regular cars, just because of the complexity of towing your entire home. You should also factor in other costs, like the cost of storage and stays at RV parks. The price for all these items can build up rather quickly.
Master Weight Limits
You should also educate yourself on things like weight limits. These can vary substantially between RVs and sometimes get you in trouble if you don’t understand them properly. For example, you can overload your RV with too much stuff, leading to break downs. You can also travel down roads that simply aren’t strong enough to support your vehicle, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Therefore, always weigh your vehicle before setting off, preferably on a weighbridge or similar rig in your area
Stock Up On Essential Gear
You should also set up essential gear if you’re new to RVs. You don’t want to get caught without it. For example, you might need things like a sewer hose kit for dealing with your waste, or an amp surge protection so that your equipment remains safe.
Figure Out Your Utilities
Finally, you’ll need to figure out your utilities. Getting these right is critical. You’ll need water, electricity and a septic tank of some description for dealing with your waste. Most RV parts will offer these for you, but they may not be available if you’re heading out on the open road.
