Living in a completely different lifestyle gives you a sense of freedom. You get to enjoy total liberty from the usual cycle of living inside a four-cornered room, and that's what living on an RV brings. This is why it is not surprising that many individuals want to get on in RV camping. However, no matter how inviting it is to start this kind of lifestyle, RV camping doesn't come so easily.

If you think you could easily rent out an RV and go straight to enjoy a weekend on an RV camping trip, think again. There's a lot of things you need to consider first, not to mention your finances. So, for every interested RV beginner out there, this article is for you. Before anything else and before you jump into enjoying an RV camping weekend, you need to go through these few things first.

1. Research for a Budget-Friendly RV

If you plan to take a brand new RV, there are available RV loans you can apply. Make sure you utilize the RV loan calculator on this matter. If you want to rent, there are excellent performing RVs you can choose from. The first one among RV camping tips for beginners is not to go overboard with your budget as you are still trying out this new lifestyle.

2. Test Drive and Practice Driving Your RV

Make sure you know how to drive a big vehicle if you want to start this lifestyle. Remember, you are driving a bigger vehicle that requires wider space and higher clearance. Make sure you tried test driving your RV before going on a long trip.

3. Have a Spare Tire Ready

Like any other vehicle, your RV needs an extra set of spare tires ready all the time. A lot of first-timers in RV camping would constantly miss this one essential, which ends them in a lot of trouble while on the road. Make sure you get your tires ready.

4. Plan Your Trip

Even though it’s exciting to have a spontaneous weekend trip, it’s still best to have an itinerary planned ahead of time. This way, you can notify your closest relatives on your destination, which can be helpful for security and safety purposes.

Other than that, you’ll know where the camping grounds are and the best spots to stop and enjoy a scenic view. Moreover, you need to consider the toll fees that you’ll pass by. All of these factors should be taken into account when planning your trip.

5. Save on Your Gas

Gas refills make RV life an expensive lifestyle, so make sure that you’re not spending your gas excessively. For you to save more, avoid driving during a windy day. Extra resistance due to the high profile of gust wind will result in higher gas consumption.

Also, drive slowly to enjoy the road trip and the scenic view around you. It might take a while to reach your destination, but you’ll save more on your gas and see the beautiful views at the same time.

RV Camping Basic Essentials

Now that you have your hands on an RV, prepare your spare tires, outline your trip, and ready your camping essentials!

Think of it this way: your RV is like your home, so you must fill it with the items you need for an extended road trip. To help you sort that, here is a list of RV camping essentials you need to prepare.

House Stuff

The best thing in an RV camping is the flexibility when it comes to cooking and preparing your food. However, Marineapproved suggests it is still best to carry your cooking wares when the weather becomes an issue, so you can enjoy grilling on the campgrounds. Cooking wares include pots, pans, spoons, and utensils. Make sure to carry enough dishware, linens, and cleaning materials while on the road.

Health and Safety

Since you are on the road, it is highly advisable to prepare your medicine kit and first aid supplies. Pack sunscreen during summer, and appropriate clothes depending on the climate. Do not forget to carry your travel documentation, like passports and IDs, if you plan to go through a border crossing.

Personal Items

One good thing with RV camping is you can drop by any stores along the road whenever you need personal supplies. However, it's ideal. Prepare enough necessities if you can. If you are going to spend a longer time on the road, pack enough clothing, shoes, and undergarments.

Tip: You can always drop by a laundromat to wash your laundry. Make sure to include store and laundromat locations if you plan to have an extended camping weekend.

RV Accessories: Setting Up a Recreation Ambiance

You can see it in many movies: family and friends enjoying an RV camping weekend in a cozy beachside or a magnificent camping ground with beautiful string lights and bonfire. Well, you can easily achieve that kind of mood and setting.

Just carry a camping chair, install string lights in your RV awning (if you have one), and set up a cozy campfire. It will help if you have done thorough research of your destination, so you can pick the right location to set up this kind of ambiance.

RV Accessories: Maintenance

One of the most crucial things every RV camper should bring is accessories for maintenance purposes. Every RV camper should bring the following:

● Water Pressure Regulator

● Water Hose

● Water Filter

● Sewer Hose

All of these accessories are necessary, and you must carry these all the time. You don't want to spoil a camping weekend just because your RV is flooded by water due to the park's water pressure being broken. Or worse, have a smelly RV because you forget to pack the sewer hose.

Don’t Forget Your Budget!

Out of everything that has been mentioned above, your finances are what matters most if you want to be an RV camper. Your budget will tell you what kind of trip you’ll have, how long you will be on the road, and, most especially, what type of RV you are planning to get. All of these boils down to your allocated budget.

Remember that living on the road is an expensive lifestyle. It is flashy and liberating, but it also comes with consequences you need to prepare for.

Takeaway

RV camping is not for everyone, but with proper budget allocation and preparation, anyone can try and live off an entirely new lifestyle. For every beginner and interested in trying RV camping, you need to be knowledgeable and well-rounded, most especially with the vehicle. The rest will just follow naturally. With a little guidance and reference, you'll surely get to enjoy an RV camping weekend or even live in your RV full-time.

Author’s Bio:

Lauren is a freelance writer who loves to travel. She has been to different RV camping grounds as a weekend getaway with her family. Off the road for quite some time, Lauren focuses on writing about travel and leisure. During her free time, she does yoga, pilates, and bakes as her way of relaxation.