8 RV Skills Every Beginner Should Learn Before Their First Road Trip

There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with setting out on the road in a newly purchased (or rented) RV. But for many first-time RVers, that excitement can quickly give way to stress, confusion, or some messy mistakes. While no one starts out as an expert, there are a few RV skills that can make the learning curve far less steep—and help avoid those cringe-worthy campfire stories. 

Below are eight essential skills that every new RV owner or renter should learn before that first big trip: 

1. Mastering the Art of Parking: A Skill Worth Practicing 

One of the most deceptively difficult parts of RV life is parking. Whether backing into a narrow campsite or navigating tight turns at a crowded RV park, maneuvering a large rig is a learned skill—not something that comes naturally on day one. 

Essential tips for successfully parking an RV: 

  • Understand steering mechanics. When backing up, turning the steering wheel to the left will move the trailer to the right, and vice versa. A helpful trick is to think of the bottom of the steering wheel as the trailer’s direction guide. If possible, steer with your hand at the bottom of the wheel while backing up. The trailer now moves with the direction of your hand. 
  • Use towing mirrors and back up slowly. Gradual movements help prevent overcorrection. If the trailer begins to turn too sharply, pause, straighten the wheel, and pull forward to reset alignment. 
  • Invest in two-way radios. Clear communication between the driver and the spotter is critical. Walkie-talkies eliminate shouting and reduce stress during the parking process. Alternately, if you each have cell phones (and service where you are), call each other! Agree on terminology. ‘Drivers side’ and ‘Passenger side’ are often more accurate than left and right. Ask your spotter to use rough distance measurements rather than relative descriptions. For example, ‘two metres to the driver side’ could be more helpful than ‘a bit more to the left’. 
  • Practice ahead of time. Before heading to a campground, practice in an empty parking lot to get familiar with how the trailer responds to turns. With four orange cones you can simulate an RV spot width and length. 
  • Opt for pull-through sites if unsure. When available, these sites can eliminate the need to reverse altogether—an ideal solution for those still building confidence. 

2. Leveling and Stabilizing: Not Just for Comfort 

A level RV isn’t just about getting a good night’s sleep—it’s essential for the proper functioning of appliances like refrigerators and ensuring overall structural stability. 

What new RVers should know about leveling and stabilizing: 

  • Use a bubble level. Relying on sight alone rarely works. Place a bubble level inside the RV and check both front-to-back and side-to-side alignment. 
  • Level side-to-side before unhitching. If needed, drive one side of the trailer onto leveling ramps to correct side-to-side tilt before unhitching from the tow vehicle. 
  • Secure stabilizer jacks with care. Keep them clean and lubricated for smooth operation, and place leveling blocks underneath to avoid sinking into soft ground. 
  • Always chock the wheels. Chocking prevents rolling and adds a crucial layer of safety. This step should always come before unhitching to avoid dangerous surprises. 

3. Dumping the Tanks: Avoiding the Black Tank Blunders 

Handling the RV sewer system is an unavoidable part of the lifestyle. And while the task can be intimidating at first, proper technique makes all the difference between a clean job and a smelly disaster. 

Key lessons in RV waste management: 

  • Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves. Sanitation should always be a priority when dealing with the black and gray water systems. 
  • Use gravity to your advantage. Ensure the sewer hose is sloped downward and properly supported so waste flows smoothly. 
  • Use a reliable tank treatment. After experiencing issues with alternative products, RVers have found success with Classic Campers tank treatment (formerly known as Happy Camper in Canada). This product effectively controls odors, even in warmer temperatures, and is available in larger quantities for better value.  
  • Never leave the black tank valve open at a hookup. This can lead to solid waste buildup inside the tank. Instead, wait until the tank is at least two-thirds full before emptying it for better flow. 

4. Roof Maintenance: Protecting from the Top Down 

RV roofs are often out of sight and out of mind—until a leak makes them impossible to ignore. Regular roof care is essential to preventing costly water damage. 

Preventative tips for RV roof maintenance: 

  • Inspect roof seals at least twice a year. Harsh weather and UV rays break down sealant over time. Look for signs of cracking or peeling. Resealing the roof annually can help prevent damage in and out of season. 
  • Patch small cracks immediately. Use RV-specific sealants to address minor issues before they expand into leaks. 
  • Keep the roof clean. Dirt, leaves, and debris can trap moisture and cause mold, so wash the roof regularly and check for signs of wear. 
  • Use a roof cover during storage. A breathable RV cover can extend the lifespan of seals and reduce UV damage. Invest in a quality cover and store your unit out of the wind if possible. A cover buffeted by wind can damage the finish of your RV. Covered storage is the best solution if it’s available and within your budget. 

5. Battery Basics: Don’t Get Left in the Dark 

Few things disrupt a peaceful night in the RV like unexpected alarms or dead appliances. One common cause? Battery issues. New RVers are often surprised by how quickly batteries can drain, especially if certain systems are drawing power without notice. 

What every RVer should know about battery maintenance: 

  • Monitor power-hungry appliances. RV refrigerators, for example, may default to DC power when not monitored, which can drain batteries fast. Check regularly to ensure they're running on gas or AC when appropriate. 
  • Know your battery lifespan. RV batteries don’t last forever—keep an eye on how quickly they lose charge and replace them when needed. 
  • Prep for storage. When storing the RV, disconnect the batteries or use a trickle charger to maintain battery health. 
  • Use a battery maintenance device. Adding a battery monitoring or maintenance tool is one of the smartest upgrades an RVer can make. Devices like the BatteryMINDer act as chargers, maintainers, and desulfators. They use high-frequency pulses to reduce sulfation—the leading cause of early battery failure—and are safe to leave connected during long-term storage. Investing in a system like this helps extend battery life and minimizes surprise power losses. 
  • Go solar for off-grid independence. A portable or roof-mounted solar panel system can make a significant difference when boondocking or dry camping. Solar helps replenish your batteries during the day, reducing reliance on noisy generators or campground hookups. Even a modest panel setup can provide enough power to keep your lights, fans, and devices running smoothly. 

6. Water Systems: Preventing Leaks and Freezes 

An RV’s water system can be surprisingly delicate. Cold weather and high pressure are both common culprits in water-related problems—often resulting in frozen pipes, leaks, or burst fittings. 

How to keep an RV water system healthy: 

  • Keep the interior heated in cold conditions. Running the RV furnace or space heaters helps prevent pipes from freezing. Running hot water periodically can also help. 
  • Use RV-safe antifreeze for winterization. If storing the RV or camping in sub-freezing temps, flush the water system with non-toxic antifreeze to protect lines from freezing. 
  • Insulate exposed plumbing. Pipe insulation is especially helpful for frequent cold-weather camping. 
  • Always use a water pressure regulator. A regulator at the city water hookup prevents excessive pressure that could rupture pipes—an easy and essential addition to any setup. 
  • Check for leaks often. Look under sinks, behind access panels, and around fittings. Address drips quickly before they turn into serious damage. 

7. Tire Safety: Rolling on the Right Foot 

A tire blowout on the highway can be both dangerous and costly. RV tires often carry heavy loads for long distances, and they require more care than standard vehicle tires. 

Critical tire care practices for every RVer: 

  • Check tire pressure before every trip. Proper inflation is vital for safety and longevity. Under-inflated tires build heat and are more prone to failure. Overinflated tires wear unevenly reducing their lifespan. 
  • Understand tire age. RV tires typically need replacing every 5–7 years, regardless of tread wear. Look for the DOT code on the sidewall to determine manufacture date. 
  • Use a torque wrench to check lug nuts. Loose lug nuts can cause wheels to fall off during travel—something no one wants to experience. 
  • Inspect tires regularly. Look for signs of cracking, uneven wear, or bulges, and replace any questionable tires immediately. 
  • Install a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This system employs sensors in each tire providing a warning when the tire pressure drops, either slowly or catastrophically. 

8. Routine Maintenance: Small Fixes, Big Payoff 

An RV may look like a small home, but it functions more like a complex machine. Regular upkeep is essential for keeping everything working as it should—and for avoiding emergencies on the road. 

Important habits for long-term RV care: 

  • Follow a maintenance schedule. Create a checklist and perform inspections and service at regular intervals. This can prevent small issues from becoming expensive repairs. 
  • Keep a basic tool kit onboard. Essentials like screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, duct tape, and zip ties will come in handy more often than expected. 
  • Turn to YouTube for DIY help. Countless tutorials exist for nearly every RV issue—from fixing leaky faucets to replacing fuses. Online video guides are an invaluable resource for new and experienced RVers alike. r

Spending time with your RV pre- and post-trip can help provide anxiety and trouble-free getaways. Learning the ins and outs of RV skills is part of the adventure. Enjoy!