RV'ing for the first time?

Sreeraj Menon
Oct 23, 2022
1 min read

Updated: Dec 4, 2022

Does the Outdoors Inspire you?? For me, tent camping inspired me with the first thoughts of... what am I missing? Is it worth it?

What more activities could I do with all the benefits of staying outdoor?

It helps if you have tent camped before. There is no comparison to tent camping when it comes to the cost, but better value vs cost with access to nature. Yes! It is ‘glamping’ ( aka glamorous camping) for sure!

Why are "you" thinking or doing an RV? What is your inspiration?

I first started thinking while tent camping. I would watch the RV campers, and get curious of what that experience was! Then pandemic hit, forcing us to stay indoors, travel seemed not fun but I craved getting out. The option to NOT go through the crowded security or check-in lines at the airport, car rentals, hotels and restaurants made it an easy decision to pursue RV renting.

But, what does it take and how to get started?

Started researching, lots of YouTube videos, read articles from RVers and visited the RV rental place to get a preview, along with my kids! Taking the kids along proved great for me as they showed me how to have fun! My kids were excited, unlike how my wife remembered it from her childhood. She had nightmares of her RVing times with her folks, with dangling electrical cords on the freeway sort of nightmares. I guess those things gave me a checklist of things to look out and be prepared better!

RV Road trip Checklist

TO DO:

Look at an example of how an RV looks inside/outside> scroll through the pictures, the 360 degree view.
Watch this instructional video for an example overview of what to expect.
RV Companies - Cruise America is the most common but we have never rented from them. We love the company Roadbear so far. Also, there are other options like https://rvshare.com, or you will find tons of local google search for “rv rentals”. Typically rentals are “Motorhomes”. The other types of RVs are “trailers”, “campers”.
Which rig should you rent? Compare these motorhomes. example (definitely a luxury rental)- shows the options that are typically available with all rentals. 22-24 foot is perfect for a family of 4 or 5. If you have older children (teen+) / extra space go for the next level up.
Plan where to go, and look up RV campsites. We always google for campsites near the area where we will be and then those sites will take you to the appropriate booking pages. Alternatively you can use these : https://www.campendium.com ,https://www.rvonthego.com, https://roadtrippers.com, https://www.reserveamerica.com, https://www.recreation.gov. See "guide to success" below.

TO BRING:

Check if kitchen utensils are sufficient or bring your own + don’t forget Clothes / Toiletries / Jackets / Shoes.
Take your favorite pillow/bedsheets/comforters/socks/scarfs - the walls are thin and doesn’t keep the heat insulated well.
Head-lamp / Lanterns (similar to tent camping for emergencies).
Leveler - If the campsite is not level, then refrigerators might not work well and not recommended to turn on stove. Most campsites are level, and the rentals come with few standard.
Tools - wrench, Philip, flat screw driver, hammer, screws/nails, duck tape, scissors, pliers, Swiss Army knife, gaffers /insulation tape, cork screw, Carry tool kit (power screw-driver/spanner charged and ready/duck tapes for electrical/water connections incase something does not work as expected at the camp sites or on the road - a flat tire might require professional help, check with your RV rental!)
Any fuel saver cards since you have to fill at mid-grade, <10 Miles per gallon and tanks are as big as 55 gallons!
Optional - can make the trip feel even more luxurious:
- Lawn chairs/table/
- outdoor and indoor rugs, extension cords for exterior units/fans/lighting (most of the rentals come with awning lights)
- outdoor bbq/stove - the indoor stoves works well, but the smoke detector is too close to allow elaborate cooking /extension cord/propane tanks depending ion your outdoor stove.
- Firewood/camp fire items.
- Water tanks/jugs/bottles - in case there is an issue with your plumping/de-winterized you will have an alternate option.
- Bikes - request the rental company for racks installed (would cost extra)
To buy: Plan your Food (typically everything else comes with the RV, if not bring from home or buy as needed)