How many of you remember the first time you took your RV out? That first adventure in your new lifestyle? Fortunately for us, I had been working at PPL Motor Homes for over 20 years, so I had a little advantage. However, even being around motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels for so long had not prepared me for that first adventure. Last weekend we met a very nice young couple on their first adventure in their “bunk house” style travel trailer. They came prepared with all three kids (all under age 5), their Labrador, guinea pig and enough toys to keep the kids occupied for days. Little did they know that the beach, a bucket and shovel is all it takes to keep kids happy. I was pretty impressed that they came with all the outdoor lawn equipment, an outdoor shower and even a small pool for their dog to help keep his cool.
They were so much fun! Of course, my husband and son in law immediately started giving them RV advice, something we all know is free at every campsite (gotta love the way you never meet a stranger at an RV park). Yes, they had all the comforts of home in their new (used) home away from home….except safety! This couple had traveled several hundred miles without a safety chain and had no tail lights and I am not sure they had brakes that worked on the trailer. Like many new RV owners, they thought that the receiver hitch on the back of the suburban was all they would ever need to pull anything. In fact, they had an empty battery box with no battery on the trailer and had no idea why they would need a battery…after all, they had an electric plug. Fortunately, they got to their destination safely and thanks to our guys they left with a complete checklist of what to do before their next adventure. Having purchased the trailer from an ad online they met the owner briefly, paid their money and drove away. Things we all take for granted were never explained but they, like many other young families, started their new RV lifestyle…providing fun filled adventures to their young children. It is so exciting to see the young families spending quality time together, but I wish there was a way to help them all make this experience a little better. From the type toilet paper to use, to the need for a water pressure regulator or even how to make S’mores, there are so many learning adventures in the RV lifestyle.
One more little safety tip I learned last weekend. Our new young friends had purchased tiki torches with metal stands to sit outside around their campsite. Little did they know (until we warned them)that open flames on sticks around an RV in the wind may not mix well with lp tanks and lp appliances. No, nothing happened, but it could be a word of caution that might save a life!
Take time to share your adventures and all of your helpful RV hints with someone today. Not only will you be helping them on their current trip, the valuable knowledge you share, they may share with another RVer on down the road.