RV Trip mistakes Before you Leave
RV camping season is starting in Mississippi, and this is the perfect time to review the common and uncommon mistakes that can set up your campsite. These are 43 RV campsite setup mistakes you should know and how to avoid them.
RV TRIP MISTAKES BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1. Not doing a proper shakedown of your RV. If you are new to camping in an RV or just got a new or used RV, plan a “shakedown” trip before you have a nice, relaxing trip with family, kids, etc. It has a short of 100 miles or so for a weekend. That way, the significant other can figure everything out without the pressure of kids, family members, visitors, etc.
2. Not practicing backing up in your RV! You should also practice backing up in a parking lot with cones to get your RV into a campsite. You may realize this yet, but it is popular campground entertainment to watch fellow campers park (or attempt to park) their RV. Practice so you can nail it the first time!
3. Not checking the tire pressure on your RV, two-vehicle, and other regular maintenance items. We also recommend a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) like this one.
4. Do not add water and sewer additives to your black tank. It always keeps it in there while traveling. Here is the sewer additive we use.
5. Don’t turn your refrigerator on until you start putting food in it. It can take 4 – 6 hours or longer for your RV refrigerator to temperature. We recommend turning it on the night before you plan to load it with food.
6. Leaving your propane on while you travel is a safety risk by many, but let us know what you think in the video comments!
7. Being in a hurry, even for weekend RV trips. We know you want to enjoy as much of your RV camping trip in Mississippi but slow down and think through each step while traveling. Drive especially slowly through the campground and RV park. Mistakes and accidents happen when you are in too big of a hurry.
8. Not bringing the right tools with you. Pack a basic set of tools (hammer, screwdrivers, plyers, socket set) plus:
Extra fuses for all your fuses (not having the right fuse when you are out in the middle of nowhere can be a real drag on your trip!)
Electrical and duct tape
Miscellaneous screws and glue (things get loose and need to repair)
Air compressor powered by a 12-volt socket (Big enough to fill your RV and truck tires, here is the one on our wish list!)Headlamp (even though we never plan to arrive and set up camp at night, sometimes travel delays happen, and this is a must for setting up at night)
A basic level (Even with our Lippert automatic leveling system, we manually check our levels)
Bungee cords and rope (Things can break free or need to strap down temporarily, these will get the job done!)
Tire pressure gauge
Gloves
Saw
9. Not having a first aid kit! RVs are dangerous! RVs can have sharp corners and will cut you! Plus can lead to accidents, so be prepared! Here is the basic first aid kit.
10. Not scouting out the campsite first! That is why:
If you have a big rise we do, you need to take another vehicle, bike, or walk to the campsite first. That way can figure out the best way to your stuck in a sharp turn and note trees and low branches that could be an issue.
Als,o check Southaven RV vehicles in Mississippi that may be in the way of getting to your campsite. We see this all the time. Other campers often park their truck or car and leave them hanging out on a narrow campground road. It is hard or impossible to get by. Let the camp host or campground management know if you see an issue so that stuck on the way to your campsite.
Make a plan of attack for pulling in or backing into your campsite and positioning your RV. Look for the most level area to park your RV.
The Southaven RV in Mississippi has a wonderful variety. Turn on the phone and check for the location of your sewer connection if your campsite has one. Bring your RV surge protector and check the power beforehand for electrical flaws. We have found many issues like this in advance.
Check the location of trees and branches on the campsite. Is there any uneven ground or potholes?
If you notice any problems with your assigned campsite, you can ask the camp host or campground management for a new site. If it is a busy weekend or time of the year, they may change your site, but it is worth asking.