100 Best and Most Complete Rv Tips For from Real RVers

1. Think like a traveler, not a tourist. A traveler sees opportunity for adventure around every corner, a toursit can only find attractions that are well labeled and come with a steep admission price. If you're in it for the longhaul, change your perspective and embrace a traveler's perspective. 
2. Learn to roll with it! RVing is a fun and adventurous lifestyle, but sometimes some things don't go as planned.
3. Learn to wing it! Some of our fellow "Type A" RVers like to make campground reservations for every leg of their journey, but driving a fully self-contained vehicle with all the comforts of home allows you to discover some of the country's hidden gems. Relax your pace, and focus on the journey instead of the destination.
4. Live like a local! RVing allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture. Throw out those guidebooks and start mingling with the locals. Ask the locals about great places to eat and for fun, out-of-the-box adventure ideas like lazy river tubing or sledding.
5. Avoid the crowds. While it might be tempting to visit attractions like museums and parks on "free admission" days, you'll pay in lost time and long lines. The leisurely RV lifestyle allows us to avoid these days and visit popular attractions on their lowest crowd days. To save money, invest in a National Park Pass or a museum pass with nationwide reciprocity. 

6. Be prepared for anything on the road. A good trip can quickly turn bad, but the attitude you handle it with can save an otherwise horrible vacation and build lasting memories for your family.
7. Invest in the accessories you need for RVing. As you travel, make note of what would make your lifes easier and make those puchases. 

8. Bring your slow cooker along for simple dinners but use the disposable liners - makes cleanup after mealtime easy in the camper!
9. Add curtains to your bunkhouse beds and the kids will fall asleep faster with fewer distractions.
10. If your camper is not equipped with a battery shut-off, consider installing one to prevent battery drain.
11. If you have manual-crank jacks, get an adapter for a cordless drill to make putting them down and up a inch.
12. Consider getting an RV-specific GPS to use while towing to avoid getting in a pickle with low clearances. Best to measure and post your rig's overall height on a label near your dashboard.
13. In the event of a camper flat tire, your car tire's wrench might not fit the trailer tires' lug nuts, so double check that you have the correct gear with you.
14. Have a list of items to check off before pulling out: i.e., antenna down, refrigerator securely closed, propaine off, wife on board. 

15. Always be sure your fire pit is free of low burning cinders. 
16. Always try to dump your tanks before you travel.
17. Always carry a checklist with you so that you can check off your "ready to go" items before you head out. 

18. Always remember to use RV and Marine Grade toilet paper to avoid clogs in your septic system. 

19. Leave the electronics at home, and enjoy each other and the great outdoors. 

20. When hooking up to any post or power source be sure to test the integrity of the power by measuring the incoming voltage and verifying the polarity of that voltage.
21. To protect your RV investment, invest in a surge protector.
22. Did you know that tires have a manufacture date on them? They're the last four numbers in the DOT number. The first two numbers indicate the week and the last tow indicate the year of manufacture. Be sure to replace the tires on your trailer or fifth-wheel when they are between five to seven years old.
23. Did you know that the sun's rays can deteriorate rubber over time? Cover your tires when strong sun is present to prolong the life of the tire.
24. Not everyone wants help with their RV. Always ask if someone needs your help. Do not barge in.
25. Do not distract a person who is breaking down or setting up camp. Remember they may miss something important if you distract them. 
26. Love the wild animals in and around your campsite? Be sure to obey rules of feeding animals. If wild animals are fed by you in your campsire, you may jeopardize their life as the next camper may have an issue with them.
27. Speaking of wild animals, do not feed bears, and put your food away to make sure they are not attracted to your campsite.
28. Be sure to walk your campsite first before backing into it. And, LOOK UP to ensure a branch or two won't become part of your roof! 

29. Be sure to have a "what to load" list.
30. It's a good idea to have two people with a set of keys to the RV. 

31. Leave the electronics at home, and enjoy each other and the great outdoors. 

32. Plan/reserve your destination enough in advance to be sure its available.
33. Make sure your steps are folded up and locked into position before taking off.
34. Use a water pressure regulator on city water, and be sure to take it with you when you leave. 

35. Utilize sway bars when towing. 

36. Include rainy day options for entertainment. Books, cards, games, small, easy craft projects, etc. 

37. Leave the electronics at home, and enjoy each other and the great outdoors. 

38. Do not leave your awning open while unattended. Trust me. 

39. Check around your campsite before extending slides to make sure you don't hit anything! 

40. Leave the electronics at home, and enjoy each other and the great outdoors. 

41. Leave the electronics at home, and enjoy each other and the great outdoors. 

42. Always do a pull test to make sure the hitch is locked in place.
43. ALWAYS sweep the living area floors before retracting slides in order to prevent an object from tearing or ripping the floor.
44. Always check that drawers and cabinet doors didn't open during transit before opening slides. Even if you only traveled for one mile.
45. Check your tires each time you stop. It may seem tedious, but that routine may save you from a blowout. 

46. Pie iron, hot dog forks, and an over the fire popcorn maker are a must!
47. Put mothballs under your camper during storage to keep mice away! 

48. Pre-cook and freeze some meals so that there is more time to enjoy the camping experience! 

49. Clothes pins have a lot of uses. 

50. If you're making corn on the cob on a campfire, leave the husk on, soak in water for a few minutes, then put directly next to the coals. The water will keep the kernels from burning. 

51. Be aware of your direction and the sunrise. Not everyone wants to wake up with the sun in their face. If you have blinds then it doesn't matter which way you face.
52. Don't park on an incline and steer clear of being near the bottom of a hill or slope. These areas tend to have more saturation from any type of rainfall or extra moisture. You are more likely to get stuck in the mud. 

53. Don't worry, be happy!

54. Don't forget to invest in a well-equipped first aid kit to take on your camping trip. Always have it with you, and make sure it is well stocked. In case of emergenmcy, you'll be glad you did!
55. Is it a little chilly in your RV? Invest in a heated mattress pad. Simply turn on a half hour before bedtime, and relax in the nice warmed sheets. This can save on trying to keep the rig at a higher temp at night while you sleep in warmth.
56. Got the winter blues and can't wait until spring to get back out camping? Stop whinin, and start planning! Winter is the perfect time to plan your New Year's trips and reserve those camping spots early!
57. Always ask first if you can hang a feeder for the birds at your campsite. If the anser is yes, then get ready with your camera and enjoy the solitude of the early morning with the birds.
58. Be sure part of your pre-trip inspection includes testing all of your tow vehicle and rig's lights, brakes, signals, clearance and four-way flashers. Also, test your breakaway switch for proper operation before you leave on your trip!

59. Get a small tool box and collect all of the "basics" — keep it in the camper at all times. Standard and phillips screwdrivers, duct tape, electrical tape, "gorilla" glue, scissors, sharpie marker, small hammer, small level, various nails and scres, WD40, bunge cords, cord, rope, etc. 

60. Camping with your fur baby best friend? Make sure their shots are up-to-date, and be sure to let your vet know of any new adventures in different locations that may require other vaccinations.

61. DO NOT take firewood with you. In many states, it is illegal to transport wood.
62. Do not leave your black tank open. Only open it when you are ready to dump.
63. Leave your grey tank closed until AFTER you dump your black tank. That water will hlep rinse out any waste left in your hose.
64. Carry two hoses. One for fresh water and one for cleaning out your sewer hose.
65. When traveling with kids in a motorhome, be sure to check laws in the states to determine if the children need to be in car seats or boosters.
66. Pay attention to all bridge and overhead signs. You do not want to hit any low clearance areas and risk damage to the RV. Know the height of your RV!
67. Always turn off water when you leave your rig to avoid any leaks.
68. Be sure to pay attention to posted speed limits and noise restrictions at campgrounds
69. Even if you have auto leveling, be sure to take some blocks of wood with you. You may need them if your site is off from side to side or front to back.
70. Never raise your coach's wheels off the ground!
71. Be sure to perform your yearly mainenance before any big trips....even if it has not quite been a full year yet, but you are getting close to that point!
72. Be sure to close your windows before traveling.
73. Be sure to distribute weight evenly while traveling. If you know you are heavy on one side due to appliances and furniture, distribute your personal items to the opposite side.

74. Have a tool kit for those unexpected small repairs that may need to be made. A cordless screw gun, appreciate drive bits, screwdrivers, and a socket set are good starters for building up your tool kit. 

75. If you have a pet, leave a sign on your RV indicating that and maybe an emergency number!
76. Avoid towing in high winds. 

77. To prevent the black soot from building up when cooking over an open fire using a pot or kettle, coat the outside of the pot with dish soap, and when you are done cooking, cleanup will be quick and easy. 

78. Leave your site better than you found it.

79. If you stay in hotels often, collect the complimentary items (coffee cups and lids, wrapped drinking cups, mini lotions and soaps, etc.) for your RV.
80. Roll your bath, kitchen, and beach towels tightly for storing - making efficient use of space in cupboards and drawers. 

81. Be aware of sharp outside corners on your rig! And also the hitch, be it tag-along or fifth-wheel. Consider either using Fun Noodles or flagging the area. Help yourself stay safe! 

82. Remember to tie your chairs down or lay them flat during travel to avoid them breaking or damaging anything. 

83. A voltmeter is a huge tool to have on hand. Doesn't have to be the biggest on the market. You can usually pick one up for around $20. Leave your site better than you found it.
84. Be sure to check and change batteries in your smoke detectors on a regular basis.
85. Be sure to wipe down your hydraulic jacks with extended stays. Be sure to keep free of dirt and debris. 

86. Having a hard time with your outdoor lights? Did you forget to bring a lantern? Point a head lamp into a jug full of water! Instant lantern!
87. Use pool noodles or something to cover exposed wires and cords outside so that you do not trip or get tangled. 

88. Take a cast iron pan, and if you have access to electric, an electric skillet. Foil pack meals are a go to because they are super easy to cook over a fire, and each person can choose what they want. 
89. Premix scrambled-eggs in a disposable container you can pour out of, like a small milk jug.
90. Bring a mesh pop up hamper for laundry. Takes up less space when not in use. 

91. When backing into a site, put your pride away and determine who gives better directions. Backing isn't the hard part, guiding someone is. I have a hard time trusting my wife's instructions, whereas she will blindly follow what I say. She does the backing, I do the guiding. This has prevented our divorce.
92. For the manual rear stabilizer jacks, use an appropriatley sized socket on a cordless drill to quickly raise and lower the jacks. Saves time and energy.
93. Keep elastic hair ties handy for wrapping around cabinet door pulls while traveling. Especially a cabinet with any glass bottles or glassware. 

94. Have a large basket with a handle for carrying your picnic supplies in and out of the camper.
95. Freeze some of your water bottles to use as icepacks to keep other beverages and foods cold, or even for minor injuries — and then you still have a handy cold drink when they begin to thaw.

96. Wet dryer sheets removes bugs from nose of coach without scratching.
97. Take the time to properly maintain your RV. Perform preventive maintenance as scheduled and winterize your unit properly. 

98. Lower your antenna before you pull out of a park! 

99. Read and understand the owner's/operations manuals for the equipment in your RV.
100. Relax and enjoy your time in the great outdoors and with friends or family that have joined you on your trip.

Now that you have our top 100 full-time RV living tips you can’t live without, you are ready to hit the road for your next great RV adventure. Go see some amazing places and meet some incredible people.