RV First Trip Tips for Beginners - 12 Tips to Help Get You Started

[@Glock2201]

All great tips. I think the practicing backing up is the most important one. It makes it so much less stressful when you have to do it in the campsite. One thing I might add is to have a checklist for arrival and departure so that you make sure that things are done in the right order and nothing gets forgotten. That way the fridge does not get left unlatched or the propane valves still open. It also might make it so you don't have to reverse the process because you forgot to do something. Getting the camper all unhooked and level only to realize you can't put your slider all the way out or are too far from the hookups and have to hook back up.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks for the comments and additional tips!

[@9WON6SLOTS]

Thanks for the video I’m going on my first trip tomw and this was really helpful.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@islic1]

Love these videos, I have owned my RV for a while week now and took it out day one. The video I would find helpful - and haven't found it yet. (along with the PDF checklist) would be a process video for setting up at the camp site. I got it all done, I was level and safe... that being said, I am not sure I did it all in the right order or if there is a better order of operation.

[@JohnMarucci]

Look at #8 & #9 on this list of new-to-RVing videos: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-18-videos/

[@bw6078]

As always, great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks, glad it was helpful!

[@michaelferver5707]

Thanks for another great video. Please make more.

[@JohnMarucci]

I have a bunch of New-to-RVing videos in a list here if interested: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/

[@kydig104]

Hi John, thanks for the newbie videos. Do you have a video for sanitizing the fresh water tank on the R-pods? Bought mine used and not sure when it was cleaned last and I’m getting ready to do my 1st boondocks adventure.

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, my R-Pod Dewinterization video has the info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/faLPopqXfZyhq9U

[@2OldFartscamping-i8h]

Great tips 👌

[@lynnvedepo4198]

Love your videos. I have a question about how to repair a small crack in the fiberglass near the garage.

[@JohnMarucci]

I do not have expertise on fiberglass repair but would point you to ask on the R-Pod forum (even if you don’t own an R-Pod travel trailer). There are several experts on this forum: rpod-owners.com

[@steveleamont]

Love your videos! Thank you for taking the time to share all the tips! Just got my first camper and planning our first trip end of April. I’ll be using your tips to de winterize it within the next month! 👍🏻 (I have your de winterizing video saved to go through step by step.)

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear. Congrats on the new trailer!

[@RootBeerTuna]

The cellphone tip is good, but radios with a headset is a much better option as you won't always have cell service when you're camping. A lot of the provincial parks we are going to don't have service so we bought radios that have headsets.

[@JohnMarucci]

Yep, great tip. Thanks for sharing!

[@CatServant]

With regard to using walkie talkies for communication, you can get ones that have Bluetooth connectivity for audio. Just pair it with your car stereo and, voila, hands free communication with your spotter.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great point. I need to look into these. All the best!

[@housesOTR]

As always, a great video.

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@koalabear6722]

Thanks again for all your expertise ☺

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks!

[@jody7470]

Great video for my near future owning a RV. Thanks!

[@JohnMarucci]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rayfoor51]

I wish I’d have seen this video 3 yrs ago!! Thanks for the info, love your posts.

[@JohnMarucci]

Gald to hear the info is helpful!

[@therealdiehl4671]

It's true, tires are a big issue for RVs. I am retired from the tire and auto service industry. The tires I've seen fail were usually BADLY cracked. A quick visual inspection would have been a red flag to even a novice. Buying a tire that has been kept in a ware house away from damaging UV rays and temperature extremes for a few years is NOT a big issue. If they have been stored in out door racks, or in the sun, any where for long periods that is different. There is differing opinions about leaving tires sit on the ground or not. I believe not sitting flat in one spot is better. If you do leave them on the ground, make sure they stay inflated while sitting. More air is better than less while storing. Leaving a tire sit low, or flat all winter, then filling it and hitting the road is a recipe for trouble. The tire will likely be damaged from this neglect.

[@JohnMarucci]

Great information. Thanks for sharing from your experience!

[@TrailRunning-CampingYeti]

Nice Job and great advise

[@JohnMarucci]

Thanks!

[@ecoronadosaltfishingH2O]

Mr Maruchi, I have a question. My 2016 r-pod 180 is blowing cold air, very cold, out of the vents while the heater is on. The furnace is working and heat is coming out of the vent under the bed but the vents on the ceiling are blowing cold air.

[@JohnMarucci]

It will only push out hot air at the furnace outlet and not at the overhead A/C registers. Likely you have your fan set to low or high? Try changing to auto on the fan setting, then turn the heater on. Thanks!

[@triglideadventure5235]

Great Tips John; I bought my first rv last fall and have only been able to use it once. I will visit your site a bunch this coming season for more great tips. Thank You.

[@JohnMarucci]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TonkaFire2019]

All of my setups were between the hours of 01:00 and 04:00. Luckily got pull through spots

[@JohnMarucci]

Nice timing! That sure makes things easier if you can swing it! If interested, we have a video list for new-to-rving: johnmarucci.com/getting-started-with-rving-16-videos/

[@Elisa-pu5py]

Hello..just bought a new Bushwacker..on the first camping trip I attempted to use the heater (gas heater) The new heater smell triggered the smoke detector and now I’m scared to use it lol Is it safe to have the heater on while sleeping? Thanks

[@JohnMarucci]

I am not familiar with this model or the heater used in it, so I can't speak to the issue. If it is new, have you talked to your selling dealer about this issue?

[@Elisa-pu5py]

👍

[@joser709]

I love his videos

[@JohnMarucci]

Great to hear!