Camping and outdoor trips just got a lot better! If you have recently purchased a camper or RV, then you could be wondering how to get ready for your first trip. There are lots of things to remember when it comes to using all the features provided, and it can seem a little overwhelming at first.
That is why this guide has been made to cover everything you should know about getting the most out of your camping experience. Check out https://camperguide.org/ for more details.
Legalities
The first and, possibly one of the most important, things to do is check all the legal information surrounding your camper. Consider speaking with your insurance provider about what type of coverage is provided to camping vehicles and RVs. For example, if additional drivers are included, and what the extent of the breakdown cover aims to help with.
Make sure that you are as covered as you can be when it comes to driving and using your new camper. If you have your insurance covered, then you should also consider registration fees. These can vary depending on the state you are in, or plan to visit, so it’s critical to do your own research specific to your region.
Larger vehicles require additional skills that aren’t demonstrated with a standard US license. Depending on the weight and length of your camper, you may need to complete additional standardized tests before being able to drive your vehicle. However, this is only the case if you have a particularly heavy or long RV.
What To Pack
Regardless of whether you have more experience with camping or not, having a camper means that you will need to stock up on the essentials. Generally, everything has its designated place. You should ensure that you have enough supplies to keep you and your family or group warm, comfortable, fed, and safe.
Depending on what size category your vehicle falls into, it is likely that there will be a small storage area intended for clothing. Keep some warm sweaters, blankets or hoodies tucked away for sitting around the campfire. You should also pack enough socks, layers, underwear, and something to sleep in. As a general rule of thumb, pack one outfit or layer more than you think you may need.
It is also recommended that you bring plenty of food. Your vehicle should have a stove or some kind of oven, and you can use this or choose to grill outdoors. Bring plenty of your favorite foods, drinks, beers, and snacks so that you don’t have to worry about getting to the nearest coffee shop or gas station in a hurry.
Other essentials worth including are toilet paper, first aid kit, and water. Cassette toilets are useless if you don’t have toilet paper, and you should always bring a backup. In addition, a first aid kit is essential for any camping trip. This should include emergency medication such as an EpiPen if you suffer from allergies, pain relief, band-aids and bandages.
Waste Deposits
You should research waste deposits nearby ahead of time if possible, so that you do not get caught short. Know where to leave your waste in the appropriate places. This is especially true for toilet cassettes. The chemicals used to prevent odors and break down waste can create harmful bacteria if the black waste is not deposited correctly.
Check that you know where to leave black waste, waste water, recycling and general garbage and dispose of it all in appropriate ways. Many campsites have their own waste disposal stations where you can empty your waste water left from showers or doing the dishes, and empty out the garbage.
Camping Site
Head to a campsite with electric hookups for your first outing in your camper so that you can get to grips with everything and understand how it all works. This can be a great way to figure out the best places to keep certain things, and work out some basics involved with running your camper.
Try wild camping later, once you are more confident and knowledgeable about your vehicle. Of course, this is the goal for most people who buy a camper, and it can be tempting to head into the wilderness as soon as you can.
However, the risks of this include not knowing how to get your camper warm enough, or struggling to make food or turn lights on. For this reason, we recommend heading to a camp site locally for a couple nights first to get you and your vehicle ready.
Make A Checklist
Once you have had the chance to figure out the smaller things within your vehicle after your first excursion, you can create a checklist to keep near the door. This can allow you to rest at ease knowing that you have switched off everything that needs to be, and that you have all the essentials in place.
Depending on your basic needs and those of the group, you can make a completely custom checklist that works for you or choose from many that are available online. Most lists involve switching things off and putting things away so that they don’t become damaged on the road. Another useful thing to include could be certain items that are essential to you, such as blankets, medication, or a book.
Enjoy It!
Finally, the most important thing to remember when you are traveling with your camping vehicle or RV is to have fun. Enjoy the time spent surrounded by nature and the peace that it can provide to your mind.
Many people travel in groups or with their family, but it can be beneficial to use your camper alone. With the company of a beloved pet, you may find that your own company is preferred, and there is an element of freedom that comes from this way of life.
Summary
However you want to use your camper for the first time, there are some things to keep in mind. These include checking where everything is, heading to a local camp site for a test run, making a detailed list for yourself, and filling the compartments with your essentials.
There is something freeing about camping, and RVs and other vehicles make it even more accessible. Being immersed in nature provides a sense of peace and calm that so many of us need more of in this modern life.
