“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First RV”

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First RV

Buying your first RV is exciting — and overwhelming. Between floorplans, weights, hookups, and lifestyle changes, there's a lot to learn. When I bought my first rig, I was more focused on how cool it looked than how it actually worked for my life.

If you're thinking about getting an RV, or you're a new owner yourself, here are the 10 things I wish someone had told me before I signed on the dotted line.

1. It's Not Just About the RV — It's About the Tow Vehicle Too

If you're going with a travel trailer or fifth wheel, your truck matters just as much as the camper. I learned (the hard way) that tow ratings and payload capacity aren't suggestions — they're critical to safety and performance.

2. Bigger Isn't Always Better

A massive rig might look luxurious, but ask yourself: Where do you want to go? Some state and national parks have length limits. Maneuverability matters. A smaller RV often means more freedom — and less stress.

3. Storage Space Is Never as Big as It Looks

The closets and under-bed compartments look spacious during a walkthrough — until you try fitting your gear in them. Think in terms of weight and organization, not just cubic feet.

4. Dealership Walkthroughs Don't Teach You Enough

They'll show you how to turn the lights on, but not how to flush your tanks or reset the water heater. Plan on watching a lot of YouTube or hiring someone for a proper orientation.

5. RV Repairs Are Inevitable — Even on a New Rig

RVs bounce down the road. Screws come loose, seals fail, electronics glitch. It's normal. Learn to fix minor issues yourself, and keep a basic toolkit onboard.

6. You Need to Learn Weight Terms: GVWR, CCC, Tongue Weight, etc.

These aren't just alphabet soup. They determine whether your RV is overloaded (dangerous and illegal). Learn the lingo — it'll help you choose and load your rig properly.

7. Campground Hookups Aren't Always Guaranteed

Not every site has full hookups. Some don't have any. Be ready to boondock, conserve water and power, and understand how your systems function off-grid.

8. The Right Floorplan > The Fancy Features

A fireplace is cool, but what really matters is: Can you move around easily? Is there room to sleep, eat, and relax comfortably? Don't get distracted by LED lights and slick finishes.

9. You'll Spend More Time Outside Than You Expect

RV life isn't about sitting inside a mobile apartment. The outdoor experience is the real joy. So plan for campfires, outdoor cooking, and exploring — not just lounging indoors.

10. It's Totally Worth It — If You're Flexible

Things will go wrong. Plans will change. But the freedom, simplicity, and adventure are hard to beat. If you can roll with it, RV life can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first RV is a learning curve — no doubt. But going into it with realistic expectations and a willingness to adapt makes all the difference.

Whether you're dreaming of weekend getaways or full-time life on the road, I hope these lessons help you make a choice that fits your lifestyle, budget, and travel goals.