Top 10 Things a New RVer Should Know
Communication
No ! and Go ! sound almost the same . . . See the problem ? Communication is key when operating heavy equipment , especially if you ’ re new . There is no reason to yell , and it only makes backing up a trailer or communicating with your travel partner more stressful . Skip the yelling , and use your cell phones for clear twoway communication . If you ’ re out boondocking and don ’ t have cell service , use two-way radios . If you don ’ t have radios yet , check out Midland radio . They ’ re an E3 Camping partner , and have offered E3 Camping members a discount .
Decide in advance what words you ’ re going to use . When it comes to backing up a trailer , “ a little more right ” could actually mean left . . . so stick to using “ driver side ” or “ passenger side .” For more backing tips , check out the Towable Fundamentals course .
The same is true of navigating — it ’ s not an easy job ! It ’ s helpful to share each step of the route , including which lane to be in . After a turn , announce how long until the next turn so the driver can prepare . Take time to establish a communication plan for navigating , as a wrong turn while driving an RV or towing a trailer can mean miles before you ’ re back on track .
Know your numbers
In two seconds . . . how tall is your RV ? GO ! Why do you need to know so fast ? Because when you ’ re driving 55 miles an hour and looking at a low clearance bridge with a sign that says 12 ’ 4 ”, your brain might need a little longer to process . It ’ s best to have the height of your RV documented and visible from the driver ’ s seat . This way , when you ’ re heading for a bridge , there is no need to guess !
Measuring your RV should be something you do before you leave the dealer . Be sure to include the highest point . This is normally the AC unit , but could also be an antenna .
As long as you ’ re making a label , you might as well include the height in meters , too . Canada is too beautiful to miss , but the first time you see a low clearance bridge in meters , your eyes might get wide !
Overall length is also important to know . There are many roads that have restrictions on length due to sharp turns . Most RVs have very misleading model numbers . The Grand Design 312BHS might be 31 feet inside , but the overall length is actually 37 feet . It ’ s best to get the measuring tape out and get the right number yourself .
There are a variety of other numbers to know , too , including your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ( GVWR ). This is the total amount of weight your RV can weigh . Pay no attention to the “ dry weight ” of an RV . This is the weight without propane tanks , fresh water , or any of your things inside . It ’ s an unrealistic number and can be misleading to many new RVers . More often than not , RVs weigh much closer to the GVWR than the dry weight , so RVers should match their tow vehicle to that number .
Make sure to include any mechanicals on top of your rig .
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