8 Skills for New RVers to Practice Before Hitting the Road

8 Skills for New RVers to Practice Before Hitting the Road
Gain confidence before your first RV trip by practicing key tasks.

By: Brooke Baum

Are you new to RVing? Before hitting the road in your motorhome or travel trailer, there are a few key skills that you can practice to help make your journey go smoothly and build your confidence as a new RVer. To make it less intimidating, try to take on learning one or two of these skills at a time. Start small with test trips close to home, then build up to different camping situations (tighter campground sites, boondocking spots, etc.) and driving longer distances.

By practicing these skills before hitting the road on your first big RV trip, you’ll set yourself up for a successful start to enjoying RV life! (And if you are completely new to the world of RVing, learn some of the basic RV terms in this article.)

Note: Continue learning by clicking on the links at the end of each section to read articles and watch video tutorials from experienced RVers and experts!

1. Driving and Parking the RV

Learning how to safely drive and park your RV is crucial for a low-stress road trip and is the first skill you will want to master before hitting the road. This includes getting used to the braking distance, turning radius, and safe handling in various weather conditions. You may want to practice in an empty parking lot or other safe area until you get used to the handling. 

Be sure to also practice parking and backing up to be ready for various situations. If possible, practice with a spotter to help guide you in the right direction—just remember to also get comfortable using your backup cameras and mirrors. For RVers planning to tow a vehicle behind their rig, it will be important to practice setting up and towing your car also.

Luckily, many new Winnebago RVs have safe driving features with advanced technologies to enhance your comfort behind the wheel! Learn more about Winnebago’s Driver Confidence Package.

Taking a class for RV driving can also help you learn how to safely maneuver your RV, including how to handle difficult weather and road conditions, turning, and tight parking. If you are a towable owner, there will be additional skills you will need to learn since there is more involved in towing a travel trailer. Make sure any class you sign up for or videos you watch are specific to your type of RV.

Owner insights for learning to drive an RV:

• How to ease into RV driving
• Tips for driving a large Class A motorhome
• Differences between driving a small and large RV
• Tips for backing in your travel trailer as a beginner
• Checklist for towing your travel trailer safely
• Choosing the right vehicle to tow behind your RV

2. Doing Pre-Travel Checks and Maintenance

It is important to read through your operator manual before setting off in your RV for the first time. While not the most fun activity, there are instructions in your manual that are key for using your motorhome or travel trailer safely—as well as maintaining it properly. Winnebago has manuals available online to download as a searchable PDF to make studying and accessing your manual easy. Look up your Winnebago operator manual here.

When reading your manual, make note of any maintenance schedules you will need to keep up with and add reminders on your calendar. You should also get in the habit of doing a pre-trip check where you check your tire pressure, do a visual assessment of your RV, and make sure you have enough fuel and propane (if needed) for your trip.

You should also check that your RV is within a safe weight range after loading it up for your first camping trip, and any time you make any major changes in what you load onto your motorhome or travel trailer. Be sure to add the weight of any passengers as well.

Many RVers also have essential tools on hand for minor unexpected repairs and keep a roadside assistance plan in case they need help on the road. (Note: Did you know GoLife Perks members receive a discount on Winnebago Roadside Assistance and RV Insurance?! Learn more.)

If you need to get your Winnebago RV serviced when on the road, use the dealer locator tool to look up a Winnebago RV service center near you. (Just make sure "service locations" is checked before searching.) There are also many benefits to taking your motorhome directly to the Winnebago Factory Service Center in Forest City, Iowa. For example, (in most cases) you will be given your RV back at the end of each day to sleep in at the nearby campsites for service customers.

Educational articles for RV maintenance and safety checks:

• Safety checks to do regularly when traveling
• RV maintenance checklist
• Preventative motorhome chassis maintenance
• Interior RV preventative maintenance checks
• RV slideout best practices
• Proper cleaning of RV interior materials
• RV tire care and maintenance
• Tools and accessories for towable RV travel
• What to include in an RV toolbox

3. Getting Setup at a Campsite

Getting your RV properly set up at your campsite sets you up for a great experience. Make sure you know the process of hooking up your water, sewer, and electricity before taking off on your first trip. It is also important to make sure your RV is level and to know how to adjust using your automated jacks or by manually leveling. RVs may differ in how their hookups and other features work, so be sure to find instructions for your specific type of rig by checking your operator’s manual.

You should also take some time to learn about standard campground etiquette and always read over the specific rules when booking your overnight stays (including quiet hours, waste disposal regulations, and dog-friendly areas).

If you are interested in boondocking (aka dry camping), it is probably best to ease your way into it since it will involve more research and preparation. However, many RVers love this way of camping since it gives you the opportunity to camp in the great outdoors in more open campsites and with less neighbors!

GoLife articles on setting up your RV campsite:

• Must-have gear for beginner RVers
• How to set up your first campsite as a new RVer
• Checklist for packing up to leave a campsite
• Beginner guide to leveling your RV
• Travel trailer setup and takedown guide

Resources for beginner boondocking:

• Beginner video for dry camping basics
• Boondocking safety tips
• Beginner guide to van life travel
• How to plan a beginner overlanding trip
• Guide for backcountry RVing responsibly

4. Using Your RV Electrical System

Using your RV’s electrical system properly is critical for your safety as well as making sure you don’t damage your RV. First, take the time to understand the different electrical components of your RV, which will usually include battery power, an inverter, shore power, and solar power. You will also want to familiarize yourself with proper usage of your generator, which you will likely use to power larger RV appliances or charge your batteries when off-grid.

You should also be aware of the power consumption of your appliances and devices to make sure you don’t overload your electrical system. If using your electrical system when not plugged into shore power, it is important to monitor your batteries so that they do not get too low. When plugging into shore power it is best practice to use a surge protector to protect your RV’s electrical components—ideally one that can tell you if the pedestal you plan to plug into has any electrical issues, like over- or under-voltage.

When hooked up to shore power at a campground, you should have enough power for all of your needs, but if you are boondocking (aka dry camping) be sure to monitor your battery levels and try to conserve energy as much as possible. It is also important to know proper battery maintenance, which can be found in your operator’s manual and on the battery manufacturer's website.

Educational resources for learning about RV electricity:

• Tutorial on understanding RV electrical systems
• Beginner video on understanding solar power
• Learn more about Winnebago’s Power Max System
• Benefits of RVs with Lithionics batteries

5. Handling the RV Waste Tank and Water Tanks

Dumping the waste tank is the task most new RVers dread the most. However, long-term RVers will tell you that it isn’t as bad as you may think ... if you know what you are doing. By taking some precautions and using good hygiene, you can avoid a messy situation. There are plenty of articles and tutorial videos (like this one) available on the topic that can help you gain confidence and know what not to do. 

Read this article for more tips on what not to do as a new RVer!

In addition to dealing with your black tank, you should also know how to dump your gray tank (where water used for showering, washing dishes, etc. goes) and refill your freshwater tank. Knowing how to clean and sanitize all of your tanks and water systems is also key, and that information can be found in your operator manual.

If you plan to RV in winter, and your RV has the features needed to do so, there will be some additional precautions to take to ensure you have a successful cold-weather RV trip and don’t end up with any frozen water lines. Be sure to read your manual to properly prepare your RV and avoid any issues. This beginner video is also a great resource for preparing to RV in winter for the first time. 

Educational resources for learning about your RV tanks:

• Beginner video for dumping your RV tanks
• Guide to types of RV toilets and dump station tips
• Understanding your RV’s fresh water plumbing system

6. Cooking with the Included RV Kitchen Setup

Cooking in an RV kitchen may require some adjustments compared to cooking in your kitchen at home due to the more compact space and differing appliances. Many RVs come equipped with a propane and/or induction cooktop, a microwave/convection oven, and refrigerator with freezer. Induction cooktops are especially popular because they provide a quick, energy-efficient option without the need for propane or the risk of an open flame. However, they require specific cookware, so be sure your pots and pans are compatible. 

Before taking off on your first trip, test out your RV kitchen appliances and make sure you have everything you need to use them (including planning to have enough power and/or propane!). Also plan any meals around your cooking and storage space. One-pot meals are popular for campers in vans or smaller RVs. It is also important to remember to use ventilation when cooking to prevent condensation. Many RVers love to cook outside to enjoy the open space and avoid creating heat, moisture, and strong smells inside their RV. For this reason, you will see a lot of outdoor cooking setups included in Winnebago's RVs.

Learn more about cooking in an RV:

• Tips for making the most of your RV kitchen
• Guide to managing meals on the road in a camper van
• RVer grill comparison and tips for outdoor cooking
• Q&A for cooking and baking in an RV
• Kitchen gadgets RVers love
• Benefits of RVing when traveling with food allergies

7. Planning Your Route & Preparing for Your Trip

Once you know the ins and outs of RVing, it is time to start planning your travels. Creating a route for an RV road trip involves some additional considerations, like checking for low-clearance bridges and roads that aren’t meant for RV travel. Using RV-specific trip planning apps and GPS systems can help simplify this process and give you peace of mind. Be sure to also keep in mind that RV driving will usually be more slow-going than in a car, so make your daily mileage goals realistic to ensure you don’t get tired behind the wheel.

If you will be traveling with kids or pets, you will want to plan for additional stops to break up your driving days. Searching for parks and interesting attractions along your route can make the trip more fun for the whole family! Be sure to also have snacks and go-to gear packed and easily accessible for travel days.

Once you have your route and camping destination(s) selected, it is usually a good idea to book your campsites in advance—especially in peak camping season. If you want to keep your overnight stays flexible on your way to your destination, you can consider dry camping on public lands or at stores that allow you to park overnight. Harvest Hosts is another great option to find unique places to dry camp in your RV—from farms to wineries and even golf courses. (GoLife Perks members get an exclusive savings on a membership! Learn more.)

Guides for planning your RV trips:

• Top road trip planning apps and tools for RVers
• Guide to simplifying your RV trip planning
• Tips for RV camping in national parks
• Benefits of camping at KOA
• Solo RVing safety tips and resources
• Tips for extended camping stays
• How to save time and money on camping reservations

Guides for RVing with kids and pets:

• Tips for RV road tripping with toddlers
• Guide to RVing with a baby
• Ultimate guide to RVing with dogs
• Acclimating a cat to RV life
• Pet safety when traveling in an RV

8. Managing Your Resources

Efficiently managing your fuel, water, electric, propane, and time is key for a successful trip. Monitor your tanks, plan for refueling and propane fillups, and manage your time between destinations wisely. Learning to conserve water, electricity, and propane to stretch your resources and avoid running out while you're on the road or boondocking is also a helpful skill to start practicing.

RV resource management differs based on your type of rig, how many people you are camping with, and whether you will be using hookups or not. However, paying attention to your usage is a great place to start as a new RVer. Take a short test trip and keep an eye on how much fuel you used to get there and how quickly you fill up your tanks. You could even unhook from your water and electric for a day while at a campground to see how quickly you would go through these resources if boondocking. After your trip, assess how you may have better conserved.

Educational resources for managing resources as an RVer:

• Tips for conserving and saving on fuel
• Guide to finding propane on the road
• Doing laundry on the road

Bonus: Getting Involved in the RVing Community!

Although there are many helpful articles and videos available on the GoLife Blog, YouTube, and elsewhere online, one of the best resources you will find is RV owner communities. These groups can offer great advice because they have many years of experience on the road. Joining a model-specific group for your RV is a wonderful way to have access to troubleshooting help, friendly encouragement, and some fantastic mods ideas. 

The Winnebago GoLife Community has owner groups across models, locations, and special interests. Many groups also plan in-person meetups throughout the year with opportunities to mingle with fellow owners, learn new skills, and explore a new area together. Read how to get more involved in the Winnebago owner community in this article. 

If you are a Winnebago owner, you are automatically part of this community and just need to get involved to start reaping the benefits!