At this point, my family and I have been living the full-time RV life for about a decade. During this time, we’ve experienced our fair share of RV beginner pitfalls and have learned a lot of lessons. That said, there’s no reason you have to make the same mistakes we did, or the mistakes so many others make as they’re transitioning to life on the road. Instead, learn about the common pitfalls to avoid so you can make your first weeks of travel a smooth and fun experience. Following are the most common RV mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Rushing Into the Lifestyle Without a Trial Run
Many people sell everything, buy an RV, and hit the road within a matter of weeks. This is what we did, and luckily we had no regrets. That said, some people realize after doing all of this that the lifestyle doesn’t suit them and then feel stuck.
Yes, the freedom of RV living is amazing, but it’s important to remember that it also comes with sacrifices: space, stability, long showers, reliable internet, and being near family and friends.
For this reason, it’s good to take an extended trip for at least two to four weeks. Mimic your intended lifestyle. Cook meals in the RV, try boondocking, manage your RV’s waste tanks, and see how you handle remote work (if applicable).
This trial run can help you determine if this lifestyle fits your needs before going all-in.
Choosing the Wrong RV
There’s no such thing as a perfect RV. Trust me, I’ve been through enough rigs to know this is true. That said, there is always a best RV for you and your lifestyle. New RVers don’t always know exactly what their needs are, and end up buying rigs that are too big for national parks, too small for everyone to fit, or lacking key features they didn’t realize they needed. This leads to discomfort and can ultimately lead to adventurous people giving up the RV life.
Before you jump in, spend time evaluating your travel style. Will you be staying in RV parks or going off-grid? Do you need a workspace? Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids or pets? Tour as many RVs as possible, talk to full-timers, and be honest about your needs and wants.
Remember that newer doesn’t always mean better. Many older rigs are more reliable and built with higher-quality materials than modern mass-produced ones. It’s also good to keep in mind the fact that your needs may change, so you may need to switch rigs a few years down the line.
Neglecting Weight and Towing Safety
One thing I’ve always been hyper-vigilant of? Weight ratings and tow capacity. That said, many beginner RVers don’t know this is something to be aware of, and unknowingly exceed their rig’s weight ratings or their truck’s towing capacity. This leads to dangerous handling, tire blowouts, or costly repairs.
Know your RV’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), tongue weight, and cargo carrying capacity. Use a CAT scale to weigh your rig. If you’re towing, match your trailer to your tow vehicle—not the other way around—and always leave a safety margin.
Remember that overloading will void warranties and could potentially put you, your passengers, and other people on the road in danger.
Underestimating Maintenance and Repairs
Here’s an unfortunate reality: RV systems are fragile and prone to failure, especially under constant use and frequent travel. Many new RVers believe their brand-new rig will be “worry-free.” Really though, RVs often leave the factory needing immediate fixes.
For this reason, we quickly learned to fix things ourselves and I highly recommend you do the same. Even basic knowledge of 12-volt systems, fuses, sealant checks, and water systems can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of time in the shop.
Read RV forums and watch YouTube channels to learn basic skills. Carry a well-stocked toolkit and plenty of spare parts (fuses, light bulbs, water filters, etc.). DIY knowledge and a well-stocked RV workshop gives you freedom and peace of mind.
Skipping Routine Inspections
Routine maintenance and inspections are so important when you’re an RV owner. A small leak today can become a rotten wall tomorrow, and a frayed tire can blow out and cause significant damage and a dangerous situation. When you skip maintenance and inspections, you are risking paying a whole lot extra for it down the line.
Set a regular schedule for inspecting seals, tires, the roof, battery water levels, and your hitch or towing connections. Keep a maintenance log and update it monthly, using a program like RV LIFE Maintenance to help you out. Walk around your rig before every move and replace tires every 4–6ß years, regardless of tread.
Overplanning—or Underplanning—Travel
There are two totally opposite traps that many new RVers tend to fall into. They either try to cram too many stops into a short time or they wing it without considering reservations, weather, or legal camping rules. Both can cause huge problems.
Yes, you want to plan a flexible route, but you still want to have a plan and even a backup plan or two. Use resources like RV LIFE Campgrounds to scope out sites, check reviews, and confirm road conditions. During peak seasons, book ahead. In shoulder seasons, leave room for spontaneity.
Most importantly, don’t try to “see it all” during your first year. You won’t be able to, and you’ll end up suffering from burnout. Instead, travel slowly—two weeks per location is a great rule of thumb. You’ll spend less money on gas and get more out of each destination.
Forgetting About Connectivity
When we first hit the road, the only internet access we had was via our phones. This was an issue because we were trying to work remotely, meaning we had to drive to a coffee shop or library every time we needed to get work done. While some campgrounds claimed to offer internet access, this was rarely reliable and our phones often wouldn’t have service in remote areas.
To address this issue, we invested in a good hotspot and a cell signal booster. Later, we turned to satellite internet, which is a popular option for boondockers. Just know that even satellite internet has its limitations (power draw, tree cover, portability).
These days we like to have multiple options. These include satellite internet, our hotspot, and our phones, which respectively use two different carriers.
Ignoring the Budget
Despite what many say, RV life can be cheaper than living in a sticks-and-bricks house. That said, it can also be significantly more expensive. Campground fees, fuel, maintenance, and insurance add up quickly, meaning you really do have to keep an eye on the budget.
Track your expenses religiously for the first few months. Boondocking, work camping, and slow travel can all drastically cut costs. Campground memberships like Passport America, Harvest Hosts, and Thousand Trails may also pay off. Just make sure they align with your travel style, and never buy a membership unless you’re ready to use it.
Disregarding Legal Camping Rules
One of the wonderful things about RVing is that you have your whole house with you wherever you roam. That said, you can’t just park anywhere and call it home. Newbies often make the mistake of overnighting in illegal spots and overstaying limits on public land. Ignoring quiet hours is another mistake many make.
Be a well-behaved RVer. Learn how to find legal boondocking spots, Follow “Leave No Trace” principles, and always call ahead or check signage before staying overnight in a parking lot. You’ll also want to pick up trash, keep noise down, and respect stay limits.
Loneliness and Burnout
Often, RV life is portrayed as a glamorous thing, and sometimes it is. That said, there are also some parts of RV living that are decidedly un-glamorous.
One of the least glamorous things? The loneliness that can set in when traveling full-time. Constant travel, unfamiliar places, and the lack of a support network can wear you down.
The best thing we did about this? Building our community intentionally. We joined groups like Escapees, Fulltime Families, and the Republic of Nomads and attended rallies and convergences. These days we keep in touch with friends—even if it’s just a regular video call—and make a point of meeting up with our travel buddies regularly, sometimes traveling with them for extended periods of time.
By avoiding these basic mistakes, you’ll be several steps ahead of the average newbie RVer. Sure, you’ll probably still find some mistakes to make, but you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon, so you’ll be able to find your footing again in no time and continue your RV adventures.