Admittedly, there could probably be ten or twelve different articles written about common mistakes new campers make and how to avoid them, but after talking to experienced campers who have spent over 50 years camping, we condensed the best of the best advice down into two articles. The following are 5 common mistakes that new campers make - and how to avoid making them yourself on your first few camping adventures. 

Insurance 

Unlike some add-on insurance plans that used car dealers will try selling you, insurance for your RV or camp trailer is actually quite helpful - and it provides such a great peace of mind. From insurance and protection on your trailer seals, to the roof, to roadside assistance if your trailer tire suddenly blows out, insurance is always a great idea. Imagine experiencing an unforeseen issue while camping and not knowing how to deal with it. That insurance will pay itself off after just one small inconvenience. 

Maintenance

With any piece of new equipment comes maintenance - routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, and preventative maintenance. Overlooking common maintenance such as battery upkeep, winterization, tire checks, and seal checks could ultimately cost you a fortune as well as cause some major inconveniences for you. Taking time to address any advised maintenance from your RV dealer between trips, before trips, and each camping season will save you a large headache later on down the road. 

Training

There are quite a few aspects to camping that could be new for you. Things like how to operate the electronic system in your trailer, RV plumbing, hitching up and towing a trailer, and how to winterize your camp trailer for the first time could all be things that you are unfamiliar with. Most reputable RV dealerships offer training courses that cover all of these aspects. We advise that you take notes during that training, and even record videos that you can later refer back to for things such as draining your tanks, or how to hitch up your trailer properly and safely. 

Driving Routes

While planning a road trip, people seldom take time to ensure that the route is RV-friendly. This is something that we strongly suggest you do before any camping trip to a new area. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in a traffic jam in the middle of a city with a low overpass coming up that you are unable to fit under. It has happened before, but the good news is that it is completely avoidable. A few minutes of thoughtful planning before your trip can save you a massive headache and loads of stressful driving. 

Secure For Driving

Because your trailer is behind you while you are heading to your camping trip (and you are unable to see inside it), you will have no idea if something has come open and spilled everywhere. Before you leave home, or your campground to return home, always ensure that everything is completely closed tight and anything loose is secured. Something as small as a small bottle of dish soap can make a tremendous mess over the course of a drive if it is not secured. 

Conclusion 

With all of these tips in mind, your first few camping trips should be much less stressful, and much more enjoyable and relaxing. Make the most of your camping adventure, have fun, and make great memories. Happy camping!