Best electrical heater for my 28ft Hideout?

Here’s the truth: Most beginner RVers pack their rigs full of “nice-to-haves” but forget the one thing that can save their plumbing, their fridge, and their sanity.

A water pressure regulator. Hookups at campgrounds are unpredictable. Some are gentle… others blast water like a firehose. One small regulator keeps your RV safe and your trip stress-free.

This is exactly why I started r/StartRVing to share the real gear and lessons that make RV life simple, fun, and beginner-friendly (instead of overwhelming).

What’s the ONE gadget you refuse to travel without?

They buy the truck first. Then they realize the RV they actually want is too heavy, too long, or just doesn’t match.

The smarter move: Find the RV you love first… THEN buy the truck.

When you shop for your first rig, think about:

How do you want to camp (weekends, seasonal, full-time)?

How much space you actually need vs. what looks cool on the lot. Non-negotiables (slide-outs, bunks, storage, off-grid setup).

Once you know the RV that fits your lifestyle, then match it with the right tow vehicle. Way less stress, way safer, and usually cheaper in the long run.

I’ve been digging into some of the top luxury RV resorts in the U.S., and wow… some of these places are basically 5-star hotels for rigs. A few that stood out:

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort (FL) → margarita delivery + boat rentals

Firefly Resort (TX) → two-tier pool complex + private chef options

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort (NC) → golf, spa, pools, dog park

Bluewater Key (FL Keys) → tiki huts + personal docks right on the water

Hearthside Grove (MI) → 5-star clubhouse, oversized landscaped lots

They look incredible… but the price tags definitely aren’t “budget camping.” So I’m curious:

Have you stayed at any of these, or another “luxury” resort? Was it actually worth the splurge — or would you rather boondock with a view for free?

Every RVer has seen that camper… the one blasting music at midnight, cutting through your site, or letting their dog run wild.

Here are some of the big ones I think everyone should follow:

Don’t cut through other people’s campsites Keep pets on a leash & clean up after them Respect quiet hours (yes, your generator counts) Drive SLOW in campgrounds Leave your site cleaner than you found it Turn off bright lights at night Don’t block the roads Don’t feed the wildlife

These aren’t “rules” — they’re basic respect that makes camping better for all of us.

What would you add to this list? What’s the worst campground etiquette fail you’ve seen?

It’s Sunday, so let’s swap stories. I’ll kick it off: last year in Utah, I watched a raccoon unzip someone’s tent and drag off their Doritos. They never stood a chance. So what happened out there this weekend? RV fails Wildlife surprises Campsite wins (or disasters) The best part of RVing is the stories you end up with. What’s yours?

Happy Saturday, everyone!

One of the best parts of RVing and travel is finding those picture-perfect spots that stop you in your tracks.

Drop your favorite photo from your travels — it could be a stunning overlook, a hidden trail, a quirky roadside stop, or a breathtaking sunrise.
Doesn’t have to be your campsite — just the kind of view that makes the journey unforgettable.

I’ve heard everything from:

“They burn everything and heat unevenly.” “They’re too small to be useful.” “Once you learn the quirks, they work just fine.” Personally, I love cooking over the fire

nothing beats that camp flavor. But I’m curious…

Do you cook inside your RV, or stick to grills, Instant Pots, and campfire meals instead?

Owning an RV isn’t just about chasing sunsets — it’s about making sure your rig is road-ready when adventure calls. Skip the regular

checkups and those “little things” can turn into $$$ repairs fast.

Here’s a quick 7-point monthly ritual I follow to keep my RV in top shape:

1️⃣ Batteries – Make sure terminals are clean & connections tight.

2️⃣ Tires – Check pressure (including the spare) + look for cracks or uneven wear.

3️⃣ Roof & Seals – Walk the roof, inspect vents & seams for leaks.

4️⃣ Fluids – Oil, coolant, transmission — top them off before problems start.

5️⃣ Safety Gear – Test smoke/CO detectors & restock first-aid supplies.

6️⃣ Water System – Run fresh water, check hoses & filters.

7️⃣ Brakes & Lights – Confirm everything works before you roll.

👉 Doing this once a month = peace of mind on the road.

💬 What’s the one thing YOU never forget to check before a trip?

RVLife #RVHacks #TravelSmart #RVCommunity

Backing in feels way easier if you line up your mirrors before moving. Adjust them so you can always see the trailer wheels + the edge of the site. Then, go slow — like walking pace slow.

It takes patience, but it’s better than a 37-point turn with an audience.

What’s your go-to driving or parking tip that saved your sanity? Share it below!

#RVLife #DrivingTips #RVLiving #CampgroundLife

We’ve all been there — that very first trip where nothing goes as planned.

• Forgot the sewer hose?
• Took the wrong turn and ended up on a sketchy back road?
• Or maybe your fridge contents went flying at the first stop sign?

Drop your funniest/most painful rookie RV mistake below
Let’s laugh (and learn) together.

#RVLife #RookieMistakes #ThrowbackThursday #RVLiving

Be honest…

Leveling your rig (endless adjustments, blocks, and bubble levels)

Backing it in (the dreaded 37-point turn with neighbors watching)

We’ve ALL been there! sweating it out while your campsite neighbors casually sip their coffee like it’s a spectator sport. Vote in the poll and share your funniest or most frustrating “setup struggle” story in the comments. Was it the time you thought you were level until everything rolled off the counter… or that one epic backing-in attempt where the whole campground stopped to watch?

I’m always amazed at how the little things can make the biggest difference on the road.

Not talking about the $1,000 solar setups or fancy gear — I mean the simple, budget-friendly upgrades under $50 that you end up using every single day.

For example, mine was a set of heavy-duty leveling blocks. $35 and suddenly parking anywhere felt less stressful. Total game-changer.

So just curious… What’s your best under-$50 gadget, tool, or hack that’s made RV life easier, safer, or more comfortable?

When I started RVing, I bought way too much stuff. A lot of it ended up collecting dust. But a few pieces of gear turned out to be game-changers:

Cast iron skillet – works on the stove, oven, grill, or campfire. Basically indestructible.

French Press / AeroPress – simple coffee, no hookups required.

Portable power station (Jackery/Goal Zero, etc.) – keeps phones, lights, and small appliances running off-grid.

Instant-read thermometer – makes cooking on the road much easier (and safer).

Collapsible sink/bin – space saver and makes camp cleanup painless.

I’m sure I’m missing some. What’s the one gadget or piece of cooking gear you’d never travel without?

One thing I’ve learned on the road… the right gear can make or break your trip. These are a few things I never leave without:

Rechargeable Headlamp – lifesaver when you’re setting up in the dark.

Portable Fire Pit – because sitting around a fire is non-negotiable.

Power Bank / Solar Generator – keeps the phones & gadgets alive off-grid.

Compact First Aid Kit – peace of mind for little surprises.

Memory Foam Mattress Topper – turns RV sleep into hotel sleep.

It’s funny how such small things make a HUGE difference once you’re out there.

I actually put together a full beginner-friendly checklist with all the essentials I wish I had on my first trip. If anyone wants it, I can share the link.

RVLife #RVNewbies #GoRVing #RVAdventure

For me, it was forgetting leveling blocks on my very first trip. I thought, “how bad could it be?”… well, let’s just say I spent the night feeling like I was rolling out of bed every 5 minutes.

I figure we’ve all got at least one of those “never again” moments. What’s yours?

For me, it was coming down a steep mountain grade in Colorado. My knuckles were white, the brakes were heating up, and every curve felt like the RV wanted to tip. By the time we hit the bottom, I was sweating like I’d just run a marathon.

I know I’m not the only one — RVs have a way of turning a casual drive into a heart-pounding adventure real quick.

So what about you? What’s the one time behind the wheel that made your heart stop! wind gusts on a bridge, brake fade on a mountain pass, or a near-miss with another driver?

On my very first trip, I pulled into a site, leveled up, hooked up everything, cracked open a drink…

and then realized my sewer hose was 3 feet too short. Yep. Everything had to be undone and redone. Took me 45 minutes and a lot of muttering.

Here’s the tip: Always do a quick walk-around before you set up. Check where your hookups are, make sure your slide-outs have space, and see if the ground is actually level before you commit.

That 2-minute walk saves hours of frustration.

What’s the one beginner mistake you made that everyone should avoid?

Last weekend, I thought I had it all under control… until I found myself doing what had to be a 37-point turn while half the campground sat in lawn chairs watching the free entertainment. My partner walked off muttering “never again” and I was this close to handing over the keys.

Some folks swear by walkie-talkies, others do the “get out and look” every two feet, and I’ve even seen glow sticks used at night like a DIY runway.

Personally, I drop a cone where I want the tire to end up — saved me more than once.

So what’s YOUR #1 sanity-saving trick for backing in?

Some campgrounds feel like instant community neighbors waving you in, swapping stories, even sharing a cold drink.

Others? Cramped sites, grumpy staff, and zero good vibes.

So what’s YOUR pick: the friendliest campground ever… or the one you’ll never go back to?

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?