One of the most common pieces of advice? Pack less.<\/em> It\u2019s tempting to load up on gear \u201cjust in case,\u201d but you\u2019ll likely come home with items you never used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou probably need less than you think you do. Do some short, easy trips and see how you actually live in your camper before loading up on too much stuff.\u201d \u2013 Tom Houtenbrink<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon’t worry about bringing everything you think you need, you will refine your trip packing\/loadout over time as you get more experienced.\u201d \u2013 Live2Day Wanderland<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPut everything in a pile on the floor that you think you will need\u2026 then select only half the items to bring along.\u201d \u2013 Linda Arthur<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before heading out on a big adventure, try camping in your driveway or a nearby campground. It\u2019s a great way to test systems, check your gear, and make mistakes where they\u2019re easy to fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStay at the closest camping area to home, or the driveway. Practice using all the systems.\u201d \u2013 Christine M. Gibbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDriveway camp to test out all the systems.\u201d \u2013 Joyce Watts Vann<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n From hitching and unhitching to packing and setup, a checklist can save you time\u2014and sanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMake two checklists, one for inside and one for outside, and use them EVERY time you travel\u2026 even after 20,000 miles and three years!\u201d \u2013 Christine M. Gibbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI made lists for the steps in hitching and unhitching. It really helped me not miss any crucial steps. After a few months, I didn’t need the lists anymore. I knew everything by heart.\u201d \u2013 David Merzbacher<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust go have fun. We made a packing list for trips because we forgot something every trip at first. It\u2019s amazing what you can do without or buy local. We forgot pillows (bought), level (orange juice in a water bottle), camp chairs (bought), spatula (bought) etc. These campers go everywhere and allow you to explore the US and Canada.\u201d \u2013 Barbara Cornell Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re towing a trailer, spend time getting comfortable with how it handles\u2014especially when it comes to parking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTake it slow and practice parking and maneuvering before hitting the road for long trips.\u201d \u2013 Steve Schultz<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to buy every gadget and gizmo before your first trip. Start with the basics and add gear as you learn what works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon’t go out and buy everything up front! Get only the basics needed for towing, and then see what you like. Go to a rally and see what other folks have and enjoy and then make decisions. You will save a lot of money and headaches that way!\u201d \u2013 Daphne Knochel<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can, try to keep your trailer \u201clive-in ready\u201d so you can use it for quick breaks, meals, or overnights without a full setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cKeep the inside of your TAB live-in ready so you don\u2019t have to unpack just to go inside for lunch, a nap, or bed. Have your favorite chair easily accessible too.\u201d \u2013 Carol Kelley<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meal planning saves space, time, and stress. A little prep goes a long way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMenu plan meals for each day. Then go through the list again and see what you can prepare ahead of time to save bringing extra kitchenware.\u201d \u2013 Linda Arthur<\/p>\n\n\n\n RVing has a learning curve. Don\u2019t expect perfection on your first trip\u2014or even your tenth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNew to camping altogether and just bought a 2023 320 S. We are super excited but super overwhelmed with all of the little details. I have been making many checklists. I tried backing it up. I need patience with myself. WOW.\u201d \u2013 Debbie Holman Schmidt<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes things go wrong. You might forget a spatula or struggle with your first setup. That\u2019s okay\u2014it\u2019s all part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s amazing what you can do without or buy local.\u201d \u2013 Barbara Cornell Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMost importantly, HAVE FUN! That\u2019s what it\u2019s all about!\u201d \u2013 Linda Arthur<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got a tip, hack, or funny story from your early RV days, share it with us in the comments. Let\u2019s keep the wisdom (and good vibes) rolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2. Do a Test Run at Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nucamprv.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/DSC_0067-2-1024x685.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Make (and Use) Checklists<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Practice Driving and Backing Up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Hold Off on Buying All the Things<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Keep Essentials Accessible<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Plan Your Meals (and Prep Ahead)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Be Patient with Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And Finally\u2026 Just Have Fun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s Your Advice for First-Time RVers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n