subject: Your First Rv Experience [print this page] So you just purchased an RVSo you just purchased an RV. It could be a motor home, a popup trailer, a 5th wheel or maybe even a camper for your pickup.
No matter which recreational vehicle you purchase and whether it is a new RV or a formerly owned one, it is a really good idea to take the first weekend you can as soon as possible and take your new "home away from home" on a road trip and test everything out.
There are two types of RV trips that are recommended when you have a "new to you" RV.
Full Hook Up Campsite Trip:
The first RV trip you want to take is one where you go to a campground that is far enough away from home that you get the opportunity to feel what it is like to be behind the wheel of your new toy.
You want this trip to be one that allows you to test many of the features of your RV while still having some help nearby. So for your first trip you will want to go to a complete hookup camp site. This will give you the chance to check your water, sewer and electrical systems. You will also need to "hook up" to your camp site and learn how to dump the tanks (sewer and "used" water) before you head back home.
Independent RV Trip:
This type of trip will be where you do not hook up to any exterior power or sewer. You will be fully independent and experience how much you can totally rely on your RV's self-contained amenities.
This practice trip will let you see just how easily you can camp away from it ALL. This type of RV trip will have you using your RV's generator for all your power (rather than the shore power you would use at a full hook up RV campground).
You will also totally rely on your fresh water holding tank for your water needs in addition to your water pump with will pump the water through your RV's pipes.
Learning how to power your fridge from the propane gas and learning how to work your water heater so you can have a nice hot shower in the morning will be important.
You will also do all your cooking in your RV during this trip. Try not to just use your microwave! Try out the stove and oven and you will be more aware of just how much cooking and eating on the road are not much different from being at home. You just have a different view out your window!
This trip will really show you just how much you can be self reliant while vacationing or traveling.
So when you get your new RV, be sure to take a couple practice trips and you will find that you will learn more about how to have the most pleasurable RV for all your future excursions.
