5 Top Starter Tips to Simplify the RV Lifestyle

The sun is shining! You bounce out of bed with a spring in your step and the smile on your face just can't be shifted

Today says freedom. Today is the first day of cleansing away the daily drudge, the stresses, the old routine and putting it all behind you.

You’ve lovingly packed up your brand new RV. You loaded it up over the days before and every storage bin, every cupboard, nook and cranny seems perfectly designed for something and you have thought of it all. The pantry is full. Clothes for every “just in case” occasion are neatly folded in the wardrobe and the storage bin is crammed with every “foldable” camp accessory you can think of.

What are we waiting for? Lets make tracks!!

It’s a scene practiced every day as more people discover the freedom and stress-free lifestyle called RVing but very quickly, a novice can discover that if they aren’t careful, stresses can be introduced if you do not really know what you are doing.

As the old saying goes “practice makes perfect”.

Experienced RVer’s, reading this now are probably smiling to themselves and shaking their heads slowly, remembering their first RV experience and how much they have learnt since.

There are 3 keywords that are very appropriate for any RVer regardless of experience – Planning, Restraint and Understanding.

For the newbies, understanding comes very quickly with experience but by adding an element of planning and restraint, you may just may send your enjoyment factor north and your stress levels south.

Here are 5 top starter tips to help you simplify your life on the road.

Tip 1 - Just in Case… We Might Need It!

The last thing you will want to do is arrive at a beaut campsite on the river and then spend so much time searching storage bins and cupboards for the things you need while you are there. It becomes annoying and don’t forget, every kilogram of unused items are costing you money in extra fuel usage.

Tip 2 - Understand Your RV's Weights

For your safety and the safety of others on the road, you need to understand how much you can load up your RV. The manufacturer sets a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) which is the maximum weight of the RV. The tare weight is the actual weight of the RV if you took it over a weighbridge empty. The difference between the GVM or GTM and the Tare is the carrying capacity. It is illegal to exceed the GVM.

Tip 3 - Plan Your Menu

Dining at your RV can be a real joy, not so much because of the food but more because of the ambience of the location you are at. Cans of food can be heavy and demand a lot of space and should be left at home. Everyone’s taste is different but be prepared for simple healthy meals with few ingredients and cooking will cease to be a chore. Besides, much of the dining pleasure is outdoors and with your better half.

Tip 4 - The 3 Golden Rules of RVing

RVs no matter the type are the perfect freedom machines. See a dirt road? Go down it to see what’s there; possibly the best fishing spot you have ever experienced. So the Golden Rules? Keep your fuel tank topped up, your water tank the same and sufficient basics in your pantry like long life milk because you may not know where you will be tomorrow. Rule number four? Leave nothing but footprints.

Tip 5 - It’s Beer O’Clock

Caravan parks are plentiful and free camping is a wonderful experience with many fantastic spots around the country. You should try and access either during daylight hours say by 4pm. Give yourself plenty of time to survey the area if the terrain is questionable, at least you can see where you are attempting to set up and pick the best place before any others arrive.

There are no set rules when it comes to how you travel but it can be a harsh learning curve when you are starting out so keep it simple. At the end of the day, it’s all about rest, relaxation and recharging the soul.

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