A great majority of RV's can be driven with a regular driver's license. However, some states require a special license for large RV's. In rare cases a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required—if you are told that you need a CDL, be sure to do more research because very few non-commercial RV's fall into this category. If your RV meets one of the following criteria, check with your state for special driver's license requirements:
What are the different RV lifestyles?
The major RV lifestyles are the following:
- Camper or Weekender: Those who take very short trips in their RV, typically over a weekend up to about a week.
- Vacationer: Longer trips lasting up to several weeks.
- Snowbird: Takes the RV to warmer climates for an entire season and returns home in the summer.
- Fulltimer: Those who live in the RV as their only place of residence.
How much does it cost to stay in an RV park or campground?
The cost of an RV site varies by location and available facilities. From least to most expensive, the following site types are available:
- Primitive camping: No hookups available in the site. Park usually has central facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and an RV dump station. Typical daily rates: $3-$10
- Water and electric: Contains city water and an electric outlet ranging from 15 to 50 amps. Typical daily rates: $10-$30
- Full hookup: All hookups needed for an RV—water, electric, and sewage. Typical daily rates: $15-$50
Check battery water level monthly
Make it a point to check the water level on non-sealed house batteries every month. This is especially important in warm weather when the RV batteries are in use. If the level is low, add distilled water to bring it up to the bottom of the filling well.
One of the most common causes of premature battery failure is low water level. Allowing the level to drop below the top of the plates will further reduce battery lifespan, and may cause immediate failure.
Don't be exposed by day/night shades
The day/night shades found in most RV's work great to provide privacy any time of day. Some shades have a darker color material for the night shade, making it easy to see if they are down. But, many shades use the same color canvas for the day and night portions. On these shades it is more difficult to determine if the night shade is down, making it more likely that you expose yourself unintentionally at night. To avoid embarrassment, look for another cue that tells you if the night shade is down. On ours, the knobs are invisible with only the day shades down and visible when the night shade is down. A quick glance around the RV to confirm that the knobs are down reassures us that passers-by can't see in from the dark.
Lower one awning corner
If you have a manually adjustable awning, be sure to set one corner lower than the other to permit easier draining. Improper draining will allow water to pool in the middle, weighing down the awning canvas.
The ideal corner to lower is the one farthest from the RV entrance so that the water runoff is away from the main foot traffic.
Should I buy a motor home or a trailer?
There is no blanket answer that tells us if a motor home is better than a trailer, or vice versa.
Primary motor home pros:
- Most familiar to drive, similar to passenger vehicles.
- Living area accessible while driving.
- Ideal for those who travel frequently because of quicker setup time, when not towing.
- Higher end models tend to be the most luxurious of all RV types.
Primary trailer pros:
- Less expensive than motor homes.
- More living space for same length compared to motor home because there is no cockpit.
- Tow vehicle doubles as local transportation.
- No engine, therefore no need to take entire RV in to shop for engine trouble.
Should I buy a travel trailer or a fifth wheel?
Road handling and safety are key factors when choosing a towable RV. In that respect, it is generally accepted that a fifth wheel trailer is considerably easier to tow than a travel trailer. However, other factors must be considered to determine which type is the best for your needs.
Primary fifth wheel pros:
- Easier and safer to tow than travel trailers.
- Easier to back up than travel trailers.
- Most storage of all trailer types.
Primary travel trailer pros:
- Travel trailers are available in smaller sizes and less expensive models than fifth wheels.
- Travel trailers can be towed with a variety of properly equipped vehicles, even large cars and SUV's.
- Travel trailers are towed with a bumper-mounted ball hitch, leaving the truck bed empty.
- Smaller folding models can be stored in garage or back yard.
Keep black tank valve closed
Open the black tank valve only when dumping the contents. Keep it closed at all other times, even when hooked up to sewage. Leaving the black tank valve open will cause disagreeable odors in and around your RV and it can dry out solid waste inside the tank.
What is GVW, GVWR, and GCWR?
GVW, GVWR, and GCWR are abbreviations for the three most common weights that all RV operators must become very familiar with:
- GVW: Gross Vehicle Weight—actual weight of a single vehicle or RV.
- GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating—maximum allowed weight of a single vehicle or RV.
- GCWR: Gross Combination Weight Rating—maximum allowed weight of all connected vehicles.
How much does water, fuel, and propane weigh?
One gallon of the following liquids weighs:
- Fresh water: 8.3 lb (3.8 kg)
- Gasoline: 6.1 lb (2.8 kg)
- Diesel fuel: 7.3 lb (3.3 kg)
- Propane: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
Is there free overnight parking available for RV's?
Several options are available for free overnight parking when you do not require any services:
- Wal-Mart and other major retailer parking lots. Be aware that some cities do not allow overnight parking outside licensed campgrounds.
- Rest areas along interstates and highways. Check for signs prohibiting overnight stays.
- Truck stops, where permitted by management.