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Gunsmoke RV Park, Dodge City, Kansas

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RVillage RVoices → Why didn't I think of that? Tips and Tricks:
June 24, 2020There are SO many new RVers hitting the road this season. What are your top 3 tips for newbies just getting started living/traveling in an RV? Comment below:
- BLSMSS (Brenda &Marc) and 6 others like this.
- Kathy & Jon June 24, 2020 Surge protection. never leave home without it.
  
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- Benji June 24, 2020 Tires buy the best ones (Michelin’s) check the tire pressure every day you plan on driving, check your weight for your suspension ratings. Don’t do more than 300 miles in a day or more than two days in a row...stop and smell the roses.
  
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- BLSMSS (Brenda &Marc) June 24, 2020 Don’t go fast, do what’s recommended on your tires, take your time, always have a backup plan
  
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- Sandy McClure June 24, 2020 Surge protector / EMS is an absolute must. Be patient and expect to make mistakes, as there is a learning curve lol. Take it in stride. Most of all have fun and enjoy the freedom!
  
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- L.D.Clark June 24, 2020 Learn, Explore, Enjoy 😎
  
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- Cinn June 24, 2020 1- Do NOT skimp on tires. 2- Get a TPMS for all tires (including towed or towing vehicle) 3- Use a surge protector whenever you plug in; and invest in a good solar system if you plan to be a boondocker! Additionally: if driving a moto... more
  
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  The Shipp June 24, 2020 I would add avoid the highways as often as possible! There is SO much to see!
  
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  Manzie R Lawfer June 25, 2020 You are so smart. And very generous to share your smartness.
- Clinton & Michelle Orr June 24, 2020 Apologize for/forgive anything said when getting your rig backed up in to your spot at the campground. Feel free to modify your rig to suit your storage needs. Develop a check list to use until it becomes routine.
  
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  Visit48 June 25, 2020 Do you have a setup and tear down checklist? If yes, could you take photos of them and post here?
  
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  me and teeny June 26, 2020
  
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- LarandSus June 24, 2020 Solar is a significant investment. Don't invest in it until you've had your RV for awhile. Try camping with hookups and without for awhile to find out what type of camping you enjoy before you spend that money.
  
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- Bounder Travelers June 24, 2020 Join Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA) for very valuable perks, magazine, regional and national expos/rallies and clubs for a variety of interests for all self-powered and towable RVs. Also join Good Sam and subscribe to Motorhome or Traile... more
  
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  Kathy & Jon June 24, 2020 After reviewing some of these comments I've concluded that the single most important tip I could provide to the newbie is to determine what you are going to do when on the road. Are you a person who wants to go to the fancy all you can do RV resorts... more
  
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- WeareMovinforward June 24, 2020 Learn and practice good hi way etiquette. Watch and learn from experienced over the road trucker’s.
  
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- Seann (the Canadian) June 24, 2020 Towing a trailer? Maximum safe speed is 65 miles an hour. Most trailer tires labelled St are not rated for anything faster, and even if they are think about towing a freight train and how long it will take you to stop.
  
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  PNL SHARP June 24, 2020 Our toad dictates we drive no faster than 60 mph. So check this. We have a Honda CRV towed 4 down. We also drive a 40' motorhome dp.
  
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- Birdie June 24, 2020 I disagree with Bounder Travelers and would say save your fee money for joining with organizations until you have done your due diligence and decided that you would use them. Don’t overload your RV. Be sure to have an Emergency Roadside Service for those ... more
  
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- Nan33 June 24, 2020 Join Escapees. Why? Gobs of info in magazine and online. Escapee RV parks can save a bunch of $; Great rallys with more "gobs of info". RV bootcamp.; RV weighing. Mail service. We joined more than a year before we went fulltime. Once you... more
  
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- SouthParkSteve June 24, 2020 The biggest thing that I would say is, TAKE YOUR TIME! Don't try to rush anything. The only times I have damaged my rig or gotten into trouble were when I was in a hurry......
  
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- Art June 24, 2020 Become familiar with every appliance and gadget and learn how to do simple repairs on them. Have a basic tool kit.
  
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- Richard & Charlotte Peach June 24, 2020 1) Slow down and take your time traveling, stay longer at each spot, It can be cheaper. 2) Check and recheck your routes before driving them. Watch out for low overpasses and narrow spots 3) Expect your plans to be disrupted, things happen, t... more
  
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- Andy Burleigh June 24, 2020 Last thing you do before cranking, walk completely around and check al doors, under the RV, on top and your surroundings.
  
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- Tim & Susie Zich June 24, 2020 1. Go into a campground with your fuel tank full or as full as you can be. 2. Always have water on board just in case. 3. Always have Plan B. Safe travels!
  
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- RaynSharon June 24, 2020 1) Don't allow yourself to be interrupted during set-up and take-down of rig & use check-off lists for everything so you know when you're finished. 2) Just like in apt or house, stuff always happens, and you will learn and overcome each misstep. 3) Rememb... more
  
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  LarandSus June 25, 2020 I think #3 applies to full-timers.
  
  Visit48 June 25, 2020 If you have a setup and take down checklist, please take photos of them and post here. Thanks
- John & MK Harpel June 24, 2020 Tips. make sure your tow vehicle is rated to tow the weight of your rig; travel trailer or 5th wheel 2. Don’t overload your rig, you won’t need as much stuff as you might think. 3. If you are going Full Time establish a Domicile (permanent address,... more
  
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- JoeTex16 June 24, 2020 1) Drive slowly and know your height and turn radius. 2) Always perform your rig setup in a systematic and pragmatic manner - i.e. always do things the same way and assign specific tasks to your partner and know what each other is doing. 3) ... more
  
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- Debbie in AL June 24, 2020 1} Know your Rig and Your capabilities. 2) Go the speed limit or less. 3) Be respectful of others.
  
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- Barbdenx4 June 24, 2020 1. Practice at home, run everything. First shake down trip close to home. 2. Have a paper list posted in a handy place to write down things you need as you realize them. (or on your phone) 3. Always prep a quick meal (foil pocket) to ... more
  
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- PNL SHARP June 24, 2020 Check tires and tire pressure as they age out..miles do not matter.
  Check roof every couple of months or more.
  Maintain engine and generator every year
  
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- Diana & Michael June 24, 2020 1) If you are brave, don't keep a storage unit somewhere full of stuff: if it doesn't fit in your rig sell or give it away. 2) Your rig requires ongoing maintenance: stay on top of the checklist. 3) You will meet people much different than your tribe: be kind.
  
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- Dusty & Tic June 24, 2020 1.Before buying a RV decide what your travel goals are. If you plan to travel a lot research the pros & cons on the different types of RVs. 2. Take your time and see as much as possible at each stop before moving on. 3. Schedule time to do e... more
  
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  me and teeny June 26, 2020 Greatest RV quote: "your first rv will never be your last RV..." Why? Because research can lead you to what might be the prefect abode , but once you live in it, it never seems to be enough. LOL (seriously)
  
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- Phil & Nita June 24, 2020 Do not let the salesman hurry you through the process of becoming familiar with your new rig, ask questions, if you don't understand, ask again. I always recommend taking a short trip with someone who is familiar with RV's and can show you what to d... more
  
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- Jim -&karen collins June 25, 2020 Before you move it check , check , everything twice,
  
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- LarandSus June 25, 2020 Measure the height of your rig to the highest point on it and your width including mirrors. Write these down (we used a label maker) and post it on your dash where you can see it while driving. You think you'll remember it but in a panic you might not.
- JoandMike June 25, 2020 Defrost your RV fridge monthly and make it easy by lining the freezer, including the bottom, with thin plastic cutting boards. When time to defrost, empty freezer, frost on boards just pull them out dump frost in sink and put them back in, reload freezer.... more
  
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- norm and sue June 25, 2020 Check your tires every trip. Find a empty parking lot and practice backing up your rv. Get familiar with how everything in your rv works.
  
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- Toni and Zeke June 25, 2020 ELECTRIC: Check campground shore power with a Circuit Analyzer/Surge Protector/Fault Indicator BEFORE plugging in your RV. WATER: Water pressure regulator between campground water faucet and your fresh water hose. Also a Water Filter somewhere bet... more
  
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  Bounder Travelers June 25, 2020 SEWER HOSE STOW. I have shorter and a longer sewer hoses with end caps. Place the flat end cap on hose, situate it against tire,utility pedestal for support and starting at the blocked end start compressing hose until entire hose is compressed. Then... more
- S&T June 25, 2020 1) Weight - GVRW - Trailer and Tow, or Motorhome - most tire and driving problems are due to overweight conditions 2) EMS/Circuit Analyzer/Surge Protector - either portable or hardwired - one of the first things you need to invest in - EMS is bette... more
  
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  YooperinAK June 26, 2020 Any certain kind of water pressure gauge. Never thought of this as I have always rented but just bought my first c class and traveling across country. I see there are many in the market. Thanks!
- RV-Therapy June 25, 2020 Patience is a virtue. Never be in a hurry, know things will go wrong with your RV, take time to meet other RVers!
  
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- Susan M. Davis June 25, 2020 Make sure to do your research and talk to others before you buy a rig. Nothing worse than buying the wrong one and being miserable and then wasting money. Lots of people prefer one type over another, find out their whys and look at plenty of o... more
- Habadabeer June 25, 2020 There are so many potential things to list here: gadgets to buy, organizations to join, apps to install... All important, and I’m sure you’ll find a lot of consensus (and controversy) from others here. The thing that has made the... more
  
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- Kris and Mark June 25, 2020 Create a checklist and update it as much as needed and make one for pilot and copilot. Read off the checklist and verify item was completed just before departure. Double check critical items! After 5 years we still occasionally miss something.
  
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- RICHARD & PENNY YOOD June 26, 2020 Unless you buy new, check all the tires, regardless of tread wear, if they are over 5 years old replace them as the sidewalls are what blowout not the treads! Practice driving in a non-congested area until you can park, back up, turn without going ... more
- Travel'n Texans (Sam and Cindy) June 26, 2020 1. Plan your moves so you know your route in and out of gas stations.
  2. Be confident in your driving abilities.
  3. Most Important! Have Fun and Enjoy Yourself.
  
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- Janiegurl October 31, 2020 Just found this good information to share:
  Rvchecklist.info
  
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