RV Experts Reveal 8 Things to Know Before Hitting the Road | ShermansTravel
RV Experts Reveal 8 Things to Know Before Hitting the Road
Matt Kirouac | July 21, 2025
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Summertime Americana at its finest, road-tripping is a rewarding way to traverse the U.S., especially in a home-on-wheels like an RV. For first-timers, though, booking — or buying — an RV can be overwhelming. With different types and amenities to consider, as well as itineraries to map out and campgrounds to book, the minutiae may seem daunting. To help map it all out, I spoke with RV experts and pulled from my own experience as a full-time RV traveler. Here are eight things you should consider before renting or buying your first RV.
1. Research the Different Types of RVs
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RVs come in a multitude of sizes and styles, each one befitting different needs. When I bought mine, with plans to live in it for at least a year, my ex-husband and I went with a 26-foot Class C motorhome. Built on a truck-style chassis, it was the Goldilocks of RVs: not too big, not too small, and comfortably equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, couch, dining table, and two beds. It was comfortable enough to live and work in, easy to drive, and spacious enough for two adults with a small dog.
The classic drivable RVs — Class A, B, and C — remain the most popular options, according to Jenny McCullough, Assistant Vice President of Brand Growth at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. "Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, ideal for long trips or full-time living," she explains. "Class B camper vans are compact and easy to maneuver, perfect for solo travelers or couples, and Class C models strike a balance between the two, offering generous space with simpler handling." The size and style depend on factors like sleeping capacity, duration of the trip, group size, and winterized components for cold-weather travel.
Towable options, including spacious fifth wheels, offer versatility, in that vehicles can detach and maneuver on their own, while truck campers sit in the beds of pickups for off-the-grid travel, and small teardrop trailers are compact and aerodynamic. For safety, it's important to understand the towing capacity of your vehicle, as larger RVs and trailers can only be towed by certain trucks.
Budget plays a role as well. "RVs range widely in price, so it's important to determine whether renting or buying (new or used) makes the most sense," explains McCullough. "Towable RVs require a properly equipped vehicle, and some buyers may need to factor in the cost of a new truck or SUV. Storage logistics, ongoing maintenance, and driving comfort should all be part of the decision-making process."
Compared to other modes of travel, though, RVing can be economical. As Monika Geraci, spokesperson for Go RVing, explains, "RVing is the most affordable way to travel, with RV trips costing an average of up to 60% less than comparable vacations that include flights and hotels."
2. Try Before You Buy
"If you're new to RVing, practice driving or towing your RV in a safe, open area before your trip to get comfortable with its size and handling," suggests Geraci.
Before full-time RVer Sarah Hubbart bought an RV with her husband, they did exactly that: "We didn't rent, but we took the rig out on several test runs before moving into it full-time," she says of their 29-foot Thor Chateau Class C RV, which they chose because it was big enough for both of them to work from, yet small enough to camp anywhere. "Be sure to tour many makes and models to find the right layout for you," she adds. "Will you be traveling with kids? How much storage do you need? If you're interested in boondocking (off-grid camping) with your RV or visiting state or national park campgrounds, consider how the size of the rig might limit where you can go."
Thanks to peer-to-peer RV rental platforms, like Outdoorsy and RVshare, it's easy to test RVs before buying."Renting gives prospective owners a chance to explore what layout works best for their lifestyle, better understand their travel needs, and learn the ins and outs of operating a unit," says McCullough, recommending "shakedown trips" close to home. "It's a smart way to get comfortable with your rig, troubleshoot any unexpected issues, and ensure you've packed everything you need."
3. Don't Be Afraid to Downsize
"You might worry that life in such a small space can feel claustrophobic," Hubbart says. "On the contrary, RV life pointed out how we collectively overestimate how much space — and stuff — we need."
Having downsized from my Chicago condo to a 26-foot RV, I agree. I put most of my stuff in storage and only kept enough clothes for the climates I was planning to visit, as well as the necessities for cooking, bathing, working, hiking, and taking care of our dog. Being more minimalist was incredibly freeing and helped me connect with the world around me.
"New RVers are often surprised by the importance of packing light," adds McCullough. "While it may seem like you have more space than a car, the additional weight that comes with overpacking can affect handling and strain your vehicle. RVs have plenty of space for essentials and fun, but it's important to pack smartly."
4. Take it Slow
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RVing (especially with larger, heavier vehicles) is an inherently slower form of travel, and it's wise to travel accordingly. While there were times when I needed to beeline it to a destination, I primarily took scenic routes to savor the journey and see parts of the country that require more detours.
"With an RV, you can explore at your own pace, stay longer in places you love, and pivot plans on a whim," McCullough says. "All while creating priceless memories with the people — and pets — you care about most."
Echoing those sentiments, Hubbart calls RVing a marathon, not a sprint: "Resist the urge to travel too fast or jam-pack your itinerary. That can add stress or lead to burnout. It's okay to save some sightseeing for future trips!"
Speaking of taking it slow, don't forget to secure your RV ahead of time. Properly leveling your RV by ensuring both sides are balanced with tools like leveling blocks and securing everything inside can prevent damage along the way, according to McCullough. As someone who broke plenty of loose dishes, I learned this the hard way.
5. Choose How Much You Want to Rough It
What makes RVing so versatile is the array of camping options, from off-the-grid boondocking to fully loaded campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools, laundry rooms, and campfires. Boondocking is camping without amenities or hookups (sewage, electric, water, etc.), either on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, at rest areas, or even in parking lots (such as many Walmarts). When in doubt, look for parking lot signage, ask a store manager, or use apps like iOverlander and Campendium. If you're boondocking off-grid, it's important to ensure your RV is stocked with all the essentials, like food and water. Most campgrounds offer sites with full hookups or partial hookups, while RV generators provide a portable power source for requisites like electricity, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
Regardless of hookups, traveling in an RV affords a level of comfort that you can't find in a tent. "Traveling with a home on wheels is so convenient because you're able to take all the essentials with you," adds Hubbart. "You can choose to 'rough it' or not."
6. Make Your RV Homey
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Whether you're hitting the road for a couple of days or a couple of years, outfitting your RV to make it comfy and homey goes a long way.
"RVing combines the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort and convenience of home," says McCullough. "With features like real beds, private bathrooms with hot water, a kitchen to cook your own meals, and climate control, RVs let travelers enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort, no matter the weather."
For me, packing some games, books, and DVDs, along with my favorite pillows and blankets, did a lot of heavy lifting, and having friends and family visit in different locations helped ease any homesickness.
For Hubbart, traveling with their dog and hosting friends and family in the summers helped make lasting RV memories. "We didn't make any extreme modifications to our RV, but we did make a few upgrades to make it feel more homey, like adding throw pillows, curtains, a headboard for the bed, and a diffuser for essential oils," she said.
Beyond the creature comforts, don't forget the necessities. "Bring plenty of linens, cooking tools, a durable outdoor rug to keep dirt out, cleaning supplies, a first-aid kit, and other essentials," adds McCullough, highlighting RV-specific tools like spare hoses, safety gear, and fuses.
7. Use Apps
On the road, apps serve as helpful lifelines for everything from campsite bookings to navigation.
"While spontaneity is great, having a general idea of your route, including potential overnight stops, is wise," explains Geraci, who advises the use of RV-specific navigation apps that account for height and weight restrictions on roads, steering you away from tunnels that your RV might be too high for or bridges it may be too heavy to cross. Examples include RV Life and Roadtrippers, and then there's GasBuddy, which will even find you the best gas prices along your drive.
One of Hubbart's favorites is Campendium, an app she uses to find campgrounds and boondocking sites.
8. Know When to Make Reservations
RVing allows for flexibility and spontaneity, but sometimes booking in advance is key.
"Especially if you're traveling during peak season, holidays, or to popular destinations like national parks, book your campsites well in advance," Geraci advises. "Many campgrounds, particularly within national parks, can book up months ahead."
During summer, particularly, this is pivotal around popular national parks like Glacier, Zion, and Yosemite. Whenever I knew far enough in advance what our plans were, I always booked campsites ahead of time, lest we wind up stuck far away — like that time we wound up at a less-than-ideal RV park an hour from Yellowstone. Many campgrounds retain a small number of RV spots for last-minute arrivals, but it's best not to assume, and most allow online booking.
Finally, when making reservations, be sure to confirm a site with the hookups and amenities you need.
