This year, diving into the world of travel trailers, I’ve encountered my fair share of RV missteps. I’m here to shed light on the blunders I’ve made with my trailer and the common mistakes spotted among fellow RVers during our travels.
RV Blunders Newbies Must Avoid
Explore the insights gained from my RV mistakes and those frequently observed among new RVers. Discover key strategies to maintain your trailer or motorhome in excellent shape
Awning Mishap
At a family gathering, my brother-in-law left his RV awning out on a scorching day and went to the store. Within minutes, a sudden gust of wind tore it apart, leaving me unable to reach it in time.
RV Parking Woes: Watch for Trees!
In my neighborhood with lots of trees along the roads, parking my RV needs extra care. Once, trying to avoid hitting tree branches, my trailer ended up tearing its roof on a limb. I had to trim the branches overhanging the street afterward!
Relying on the Carbon Monoxide Detector
Dependence on the onboard carbon monoxide detector for safety in RVs is critical but can become problematic. These detectors might issue false alarms when running on low power, often causing frequent alerts, especially if using battery-powered heating systems at night. Deciphering whether it’s a genuine emergency or simply low power is crucial to prevent ignoring potential dangers.
Overlooking RV Tire Inspection
RV tires top the list as the most frequent failure point, often leading to roadside predicaments due to blowouts. Several factors contribute significantly to tire issues:
- Opting for low-quality manufacturer-provided or inexpensive tires during purchase
- Driving at excessive speeds (beyond 35mph) on gravel roads
- Overloading the RV or failing to distribute weight evenly across the axles, leading to excessive strain on specific tire sets.
Misjudging Curves: A Costly Mistake
Witnessing an unfortunate incident, I realized the gravity of taking curves hastily in an RV. The consequences were dire, with the entire rig overturning into the roadside ditch, barely surviving the crash.
The key takeaway: Avoid speeding through curves. RVs have a higher center of gravity, making them susceptible to accidents. Such mishaps often result from:
- Uncontrolled fishtailing
- Maneuvering in strong winds
- Taking curves at excessive speeds
Those seemingly ignorable sharp curve signs on the road? Crucial to heed when navigating a motorhome or towing a trailer.
The Perils of Choosing a Cheap RV Backup Camera
I once debated the necessity of a wireless backup camera for my RV, I settled for a one from Amazon. It turned out to be a savior in various situations:
- Maneuvering at gas stations amidst moving cars
- Safely backing into campsites, avoiding obstacles like stumps or branches
- Navigating the RV into storage without assistance
- Numerous other instances
Lesson learned: The backup camera isn’t just an expense but an investment in preventing costly RV repairs. It’s a lifesaver, revealing dangers unseen without it.
Installation was a breeze, taking under 10 minutes, and its seamless functionality even aids me on winding mountain roads, ensuring I don’t hinder traffic behind me.
RV Fuel Range Oversight in Remote Areas
I just returned from a trip where I learned a big lesson. I was driving my truck with a trailer to a remote desert. I filled up the gas tank in the last town, but my truck uses a lot of gas. Before reaching our camp, the gauge showed we used half the tank.
We were only halfway and needed to return, so we had to stop our trip. We were just 20 miles away, but we couldn’t risk running out of gas. Sadly, we had to turn back and find another camp. We had extra gas, but needed it for the generator, so we played it safe.
Lesson learned: Always know how far your vehicle can go on a tank of gas, especially in faraway places. And having extra gas cans is a good idea!
Misusing RV Stabilizers for Leveling
I didn’t personally make this RV mistake, but it’s an important lesson I learned. I asked an expert at Camping World about common RV repairs that could be avoided easily.
His advice: Many folks use the stabilizers to lift the trailer for a tire change or crank them too high, causing damage.
Lesson learned: Stabilizers aren’t for lifting your RV. They’re for light contact with the ground to prevent bouncing while you’re inside. Over-cranking can lead to breakage.
Forgetting Winterization for Your RV
Don’t overlook winterizing your RV, especially before the temperature drops to 32 degrees (0 Celsius).
Lesson learned: Even with empty tanks, remaining water can lead to winter problems, so winterizing before the cold hits is crucial.
Failing to Activate 4×4 Low
This mistake stemmed from my lack of familiarity with my new truck during its first tow. Exiting a steep dirt road from a camping spot, the truck lost traction and started to dig in.
Repeated attempts to ascend the incline failed until I engaged 4×4, or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was that my truck required about 2 seconds of idle time in neutral before it engaged 4×4 LOW.
Lesson learned: While 4×4 high activated immediately, the low setting needed extra time. As soon as it engaged, we easily maneuvered out, realizing we’d wasted time trying other methods to no avail.
Moving the Slide Without Checking for Obstacles
I’ve made this mistake twice, almost damaging my TV mounted on a tilting bracket outside the slide. Placing the TV near the slide wall caused it to get caught while moving in or out.
Lesson learned: Always check around both inside and outside the RV before operating the slide to avoid damaging anything.
Overlooking Ground Clearance
My friend borrowed my travel trailer and encountered this issue. Going up a rugged dirt road, the trailer’s front contacted the ground, bending the stabilizers. An inexpensive fix, but a reminder to drive more cautiously.
Lesson learned: Drive slowly to prevent scraping the bottom.
Although replacing RV stabilizers is relatively easy and inexpensive, costing around $70 and taking 20 minutes, it’s best to avoid such mishaps altogether.
The RV Pre-Departure Check
Our “walk-around rule” has been our savior countless times. Before setting off, my wife and I separately circle the RV and truck. Almost without fail, we uncover something crucial we might have missed.
It’s shockingly easy to overlook locking a storage cabinet or retracting the stabilizer jacks or stairs, which can lead to hazards on the road.
Lesson learned: Consistently perform the RV walkaround before, during, and after each trip.
Having a checklist of essential tasks before leaving ensures no critical steps are overlooked.
Neglecting Generator Oil Changes
I didn’t make this mistake with my generator. But I did make it with another small engine (my lawn mower) this year which destroyed it.
Lesson learned: check your RV generator manual and follow the maintenance recommendations.
At the start of each camping season to put new oil in the old generator to keep it humming.
Avoiding Locked Hitch Mishap
Once, I nearly caused a catastrophe by forgetting to unlock the hitch of my boat trailer before driving off. After lowering the hitch onto the ball, I overlooked unlocking it, leading to a few feet of unsettling trailer bouncing.
Lesson Learned: After lowering the hitch onto the ball, raise the jack to ensure it picks up the back of the truck, confirming the lock and proper seating.
Drowsy Driving Dangers
While I didn’t doze off while driving my RV this year, I witnessed numerous accidents caused by fatigue. A considerable portion of severe freeway crashes stems from drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Lesson learned: Avoid driving excessively long distances without breaks. Pull over if you feel drowsy to stay safe on the road!
Overlooking RV Roof Maintenance
It’s crucial to inspect roof seals biannually for any signs of damage like cracks or tears. While I haven’t made this error in my first year, observing other RVs, especially fifth wheels, highlighted the damage such oversight can cause.
Lesson learned: Rely on dealership inspections. Their vested interest ensures thorough checks for potential water infiltration issues.
Using Stabilizer Jacks Improperly with the Winch
I’ve made this mistake twice and narrowly avoided damaging the stabilizer jacks. Stabilizers aren’t built to support the weight of the RV; they’re for balance.
Lowering the RV onto the ball using the winch with the stabilizer jacks down can easily bend them. It’s also common to forget one stabilizer jack when adjusting the others.
Lesson learned: Conduct a thorough check around the RV before operating the winch to prevent mishaps.
Considering a Fifth Wheel with a Half Ton Truck
As I explore the idea of switching from a trailer to a fifth wheel, I’m drawn to their family-friendly layouts. However, I currently own a Ford F-150 half-ton truck.
People often match their truck’s tow capacity with the RV weight and assume they’re good to go. Yet, it’s a bit more complex than that.
While there are some half-ton towable fifth wheels, the reality is, most rigs assumed to be half-ton towable actually aren’t.
Lesson learned: Understanding the RV’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is crucial. It’s essential to scrutinize every number to ensure safety on the road, especially considering the pin weight.
Failing to Turn Off the Stove Burner Correctly
Recently, I learned about an important safety measure regarding RV stoves that’s worth avoiding. When using the stove, there’s a risk if the burner blows out instead of being properly turned off.
Lesson learned: Always ensure you turn off the stove burner using the dial to prevent any propane leaks inside the RV. Safety first!
Overloading the Trailer Bumper
When we purchased our travel trailer, storing the generator posed a challenge due to limited space in our SUV. To avoid gas odor inside, I considered mounting my powerful Champion generator on the RV bumper. Fortunately, a friend intervened and advised against it.
Lesson learned: Many RV bumpers aren’t designed to support heavy generator weights.
Leaving the RV Uncovered
One mistake I’ve noticed people make is keeping their RV exposed without any cover. I firmly believe investing in a covered storage space or a cost-effective carport at home is worth it in the long run.
Lesson learned: Spending a bit more on covered storage might seem unnecessary, but it can significantly extend your RV’s lifespan, reducing the need for frequent roof repairs. A single hole in the roof during winter could lead to severe water damage, and water intrusion is often the leading cause of RV deterioration.
Assuming RVs are All-Weather When They’re Not
The label “four-season” on an RV might not align with its actual capability. I was surprised by the number of RVs touted as “four-season” that had exposed lines and pipes.
Lesson learned: Take the time to inspect and don’t rely solely on marketing claims.
Inspect the underside of the rig. Are there visible lines lacking insulation or heating? Trust what you see, not just what’s advertised.
Leaving RV Ceiling Vents Open in Rainy Weather
I once made this mistake but caught it in time. We were playing Clue as a family when I noticed the bathroom vent was open. Luckily, I closed it before any major issues, just a bit of water to clean.
Lesson learned: Shut the ceiling vents during bad weather, while driving, and when storing the RV to prevent unexpected rain surprises.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, avoiding common RV mishaps can lead to smoother adventures. Take charge of your RV upkeep and learning from these experiences can pave the way for hassle-free journeys ahead. Happy and trouble-free RVing comes from attentive ownership and ongoing learning about your RV’s care.