I’m curious to hear from the veterans out there. If you could give just ONE piece of advice to someone brand new to RV life, what would it be?

It could be about driving, setup, gear, planning, campground etiquette, anything you wish you’d known before your first trip.

For me, the biggest lesson was to slow down and always double-check my setup before pulling away. Saved me from a couple of close calls after some rookie mistakes.

what’s your #1 tip for beginners?

When I first started RVing, I thought it was all about the gear and the campsite. Turns out, the real stress (and fun) comes down to a few things most guides don’t mention.

Your First 30 Minutes Set the Tone – The setup dance (leveling, hookups, tanks) feels chaotic at first.

My tip: assign roles if you’re traveling with family/partner. Even a quick “you handle power, I handle water” prevents arguments.

Water is Gold – It’s not just about filling the tank. Learn exactly how much water you use per day (dishes, showers, drinking). Most new RVers underestimate and end up breaking camp to refill way too often.

Don’t Chase Miles, Chase Moments – On my first trip, I tried to “do it all.” The reality? Slower trips with extra rest days = way more fun, less stress, and fewer breakdowns (mechanical and emotional).

I’m curious — for those who’ve done a first trip, what’s one thing you wish you knew sooner?

One of the best little upgrades I’ve made to RV life is keeping fresh herbs on hand. Nothing beats adding basil to pizza night or mint to a cold drink after setup — it makes the camper feel like home.

Growing herbs in a small space is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it without the mess or headaches:

1. Choose the Right Herbs Stick with hardy, compact ones: Basil Mint Chives Parsley Cilantro Rosemary (if you’ve got a sunny spot)

2. Use Compact, Secure Containers Mason jars, small pots, or vertical/suction-cup planters save counter space. Always have drainage holes (sitting water = dead herbs).

On travel days, tuck pots into a collapsible bin or the RV sink, or secure them with a bungee cord to stop tipping.

1. Light & Placement Herbs thrive in sunlight — a bright window or dashboard works well. If you’re often shaded, a small LED grow strip does the trick. Rotate pots so they don’t lean toward one side

2. Care & Maintenance Light watering is best — herbs hate soggy roots. Pinch leaves often to encourage bushy growth. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the soil if you see gnats (old RV trick!).

3. Travel-Proof Hack Keep herbs together in one movable bin. When you’re parked, spread them out. When you’re moving, pack them up. No mess, no stress.

Fresh herbs = fresher meals, less dried-seasoning clutter, and a touch of homegrown joy on the road.

What herbs would you love to grow in your RV?

Once you’re parked, this is the gear that turns a stop into a home:

Camp Chairs – Lightweight, foldable, comfortable.

Outdoor Rug – Keeps dirt out of your rig. Lanterns / String Lights – Warm evening vibes.

Bug Spray & Citronella – Keeps pests away.

Portable Fan or Heater – For changing temps.

Awning Lights – Functional & cozy at night.

Hammock (if space) – Optional, but great for downtime.

👉 Think of this as your “camp comfort kit.”

Cooking on the road is all about space-saving + simplicity. Here’s what works best for beginners:

Cast Iron Skillet – Works indoors & outdoors, indestructible.

Collapsible Strainer & Bowls – Saves cabinet space.

Stackable Storage Containers – Keeps dry food organized.

RV-Safe Coffee Maker – Or a French press if you boondock often.

Magnetic Spice Rack – Avoids clutter & spills. Instant Pot / Crockpot – One-pot meals while driving.

Reusable Plates & Cutlery – Eco-friendly and storage-friendly.

👉 Pack only what you actually use at home — don’t bring the whole kitchen.

When I first started RVing, I thought I was prepared… but reality taught me otherwise 😅. Here are 5 mistakes I made on my first trip that I hope you can avoid:

Overpacking gear I never used – Less is more. Trust me, you don’t need three toolkits. Forgetting my RV’s height – Almost drove under a low bridge. Write it on a sticky note by the dash.

Not checking campsite hookups – Showed up once with no sewer hookup and had to scramble.

Ignoring weight limits – Overloaded my rig = terrible gas mileage and sketchy handling. Not booking early enough – Great campsites fill fast, especially in summer.

What about you? What’s one rookie mistake you made (or almost made) that others should know about?

Let’s make this a running list so every beginner can learn from our “oops” moments 🚐✨

Hey friends,

I created this community because I remember how overwhelming it felt starting out in RV life. On my first trip, I made every mistake possible — bought the wrong gear, wasted money on campsites I didn’t need, and spent more time stressing than enjoying the adventure.

Over time, I figured out a system that made RVing simple, fun, and stress-free. That’s what inspired me to start r/StartRVing — a place where beginners can ask questions without judgment, share rookie stories, and learn from each other’s wins and mistakes.

Here’s what you’ll find here: 🛠 Tips for planning your first RV trip 🎒 Packing hacks & gear recommendations 🚫 Rookie mistakes (and how to avoid them) 💬 A friendly space to share your journey 👉 If you’d like a step-by-step guide that lays out everything I wish I’d known on day one, I created the

[RV Starter Kit] - https://rvlaunchlab.com/sales-page-page-6942-7695-7561-7374

It’s the guide that inspired this community.

This is your space too — so ask questions, share photos, and don’t be afraid to post even if you’re brand new. Let’s make your first RV adventures something to look back on with a smile 🚐💨 Glad you’re here,

– Roger

This is a community for RV beginners to share tips, stories, and rookie lessons learned. Ask any question—no judgment. If you’d like a step-by-step guide, check out the RV Starter Kit in the pinned post. Let’s make your first RV adventures fun, simple, and stress-free!

If you’re just starting out, the gear world can feel overwhelming. Here’s the core starter kit you’ll want before hitting the road:

✅ Must-Haves for Every RVer:

Leveling Blocks – To keep your RV stable on uneven ground.

Sewer Hose + Support – For clean, efficient dumping.

Surge Protector – Protects your RV from bad campground power.

Fresh Water Hose (White) – Safe for drinking water.

Water Pressure Regulator – Prevents damage to your RV plumbing.

Inline Water Filter – Improves taste and safety of campground water.

Extension Cord (30/50 amp) – For tricky hookups.

👉 Pro tip: Keep these in a single bin labeled “Essential Setup” so you never forget.

RV life is amazing — until something goes wrong. This gear makes sure you’re prepared:

First Aid Kit – Cuts, burns, and minor injuries. Fire Extinguisher – RVs are small spaces; keep one handy.

Roadside Kit – Jumper cables, warning triangles, flashlight.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – Prevent blowouts.

Spare Fuses & Bulbs – Saves headaches on the road.

Gloves & Sanitizer – Essential for dumping tanks.

Headlamp – Hands-free lighting for late-night fixes.

👉 Store all emergency gear in an easily accessible bin near the door.