5 Helpful Tips on Camper Trailers and RVs

By Dan DeBaun

Camper trailers and RVs bring a whole new level to your camping experience

Camper-trailers and RVs bring a whole new level to your camping experience since they are homes on wheels that can be parked almost anywhere. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of them and have an excellent time when camping in one.

Unless your holiday plans suddenly changed this year, you've likely considered taking an RV road trip. Even if you're renting a motorhome for a week or buying one for years on the road, there are many things to keep in mind – and pitfalls to avoid – while planning to travel to guarantee the most incredible vacation possible.

1. Ensure You Conduct a Test Drive

Getting a feel for piloting your home on wheels is a fantastic idea. Driving or towing an RV poses its own set of difficulties unless you're a real-life bus driver. If it's your first trip ever, you should find a large empty parking lot to practice driving your motorhome or pulling your trailer.

The turning radius and overhead clearances must be considered. If your RV park doesn't have pull-through sites, you should practice backing into a spot. Before parking your trailer for the first time in a crowded campground, be sure you've practiced this several times in a stress-free environment. If you don't practice and try to park at an RV park, you are sure to amuse your audience of seasoned RVers.

It's also worth noting that you'll begin to feel more at ease behind the wheel of your RV or pulling your trailer... 

2. Examine your RV's Roof Seams and Seals

You should inspect your RV's roof every three months for leaks along with sinks, clean, freshwater holding tanks for safe drinking water, and purifying water filters. Any open seams in your roof's edges, vents, skylights, or air conditioning unit can cause water leaks. Water will soak into the exterior wood framework of your roof first, then seep through the interior ceiling panels, creating substantial water damage. To repair a roof leak in your RV, you can use a variety of sealants. It's critical to use a sealer suitable for your RV's roof material. TPO, rubber, fiberglass, metal, EPDM, and ALFA are all options for RV roof materials.

3. Purchase your Trailer Before your Tow Vehicle

Choosing the right tow vehicle is important for towing safety. If at all possible, pick your travel trailer or fifth wheel first. You'll be less inclined to try towing your camping trailer with a vehicle that isn't capable of doing so.

4. Maintain the Brakes on your RV

For your safety and the safety of others on the road, it's critical to keep your RV's and tow vehicle's brakes in good working order. On your RV's or tow vehicle's spring to-do list, make sure to check the brakes. Throughout the summer, keep the wheel bearings in good shape and lubricated. Also, make sure your brakes have enough material left on them and are in good operating order. Replacement brakes can cost between $300 and $500. Repacking wheel bearings and replacing seals are typically included when replacing wheel bearings.

5. Check If your Camper Trailer is Ready to be Towed

One of the essential issues you can check is if your Camper Trailer is Ready to be Towed.

Ensure your camper's tires are in good condition; the tread depth must be greater than the minimum roadworthy tread depth of 1.5 mm. Tires worn out are dangerous, and any more than five-year-old tires should be replaced with new tires, no matter how well kept they may appear to be.

Examine the tread and sidewalls of the camper's tires for slow leaks, cuts, chips, penetrating damage, and any other damage that could cause problems while you're traveling.

Check tire pressure on your RV, Camper Trailer, and Tow Vehicle before starting your travels. Under-or over-inflated tires affect the handling. You should also monitor and maintain consistent tire pressures throughout your journey.

Check the brake lights and taillights of your RV, Camper Trailer, or Tow Vehicle to make sure everything is in working order. 

Take your time when choosing an RV, Camper Trailer, or Tow Vehicle. It may take a while for you to find the right RV, Camper Trailer, or Tow Vehicle that matches your lifestyle and needs.

Renting an RV before purchasing one can help speed up the process and will assist you in determining which floor plans and features are essential for your camping style and family.

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About The Author

My name is Dan DeBaun, and I am the owner of Big Berkey Water Filters. Before Berkey, I graduated with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering from Rutgers, followed by an MBA in finance from Rutgers. I enjoy exercising, meditation, beach life, and spending time with family and friends. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can help you with your water filtration needs in any way.