A Beginners Camping Guide for Travel Trailers
Congratulations! You finally stopped talking about buying your first travel trailer and took the plunge! You’re in for a lot of great adventures on the road, and they’re so much more rewarding when you have your own camper. If you’re new to RV camping, it’s a piece of cake as long as you pay attention to a few basic details. Here are a few tips to get you started. To learn more about travel trailer camping, come see us at Click It RV - Moses in Moses Lake, Washington. We serve RV lovers in Othello and Ritzville, Washington, and the surrounding areas.
Packing up and Loading
One of your first and most important lessons is to think in systems. You'll need food, clothing, gear and luxury items. It might seem like overkill to put together a packing checklist, but a few minutes one time can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Park your trailer in front of your house a few days before your trip and take your time loading up. Plan meals with as many non-perishable foods as possible, and pack fresh food last. Rain gear and warm weather gear are also nice to have in case you experience unseasonably cool or wet conditions on your trip.
Trailer Towing Tips for Newbies
You should have already confirmed that your tow vehicle will be sufficient to handle your travel trailer, and considered additional hardware such as a sway bar or weight distributing hitch. Sway takes some getting used to, which is why it’s a good idea to take it really easy. If the trailer begins to fishtail, don’t turn the wheel or hit the brakes. Ease your foot off the gas and straighten up. Use extreme caution on a windy day, and get used to the draft from semi trailers on the highways.
The back of the trailer turns the opposite direction of your steering wheel, and doesn’t instantly react in the same way as your car. Make small adjustments, and go slow. Use your lower gears on inclined roads, and allow for maximum braking distances when you’re pulling a fully loaded trailer.
How to Set Up Your Travel Trailer at the Campsite
You might have romantic visions of boondocking, but you’ll have plenty of time for those adventures when you get more experience. Find some RV parks that are a short drive away and use them as your jumping off point for future trips. Get familiar with using full hookups and parking and leveling your trailer. A successful trip is rewarding, and very motivational to get started planning your next one!
If you have any questions, or would like to see our current inventory of new and pre-owned travel trailers for sale, visit Click It RV - Moses in Moses Lake, Washington. We serve off-roaders in Othello and Ritzville, Washington.