So you’ve taken the plunge, and invested in your first camper trailer. Congratulations! Get ready for years of cherished memories, relaxing and peaceful vacations surrounded by nature, and the freedom to travel anywhere you please. It can be nerve-wracking to own a new camper trailer, but all you need are a few first time camper trailer owner tips to feel like an old pro. This guide for beginner camper trailer owners will make it easy to head out on your first official camping trip, thanks to first time travel owner tips that others wish they had known from the get-go. Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend away or a few, fantastic weeks, you’ll be completely prepared and ready thanks to these beginner tips. All that’s left to pack? Your sense of adventure! So buckle up and get ready for the best trips of your life. You’ll wish you had found your camper trailer sooner!
- Park Carefully
One of the first time camper trailer owner tips you’ll wish you’d figured out sooner is the importance of parking your trailer on a campsite. It’s not enough to pick an open spot; you also need level ground that’s not too muddy or rocky. If you park on a slight incline, you’ll feel constantly off balance inside the trailer, which is no fun, but it can also affect the balance and weight distribution of the trailer itself. Rocks will get in the way when it’s time to level the trailer, and overly muddy ground will make it tough to pull out the feet of your trailer at the end of your trip. Don’t forget to unhitch your trailer from your vehicle before trying to level it—it’ll make the process much easier.
- Keep it Clean
Just because your camper trailer is new doesn’t mean you can let it coast for a few seasons. A camper trailer is an investment, so you need to protect that investment with regular cleaning, both inside and out. Not only will you keep it newer looking and comfortable for longer, but you’ll be able to quickly spot problems as they arise, like mildew, mould, and damage, and deal with them before they become more serious. Detailing and waxing is a must at least once a season, and even more frequently if you plan on heading off the beaten path.
- Camp Close to Home
While part of the joy of owning a camper trailer is getting to travel anywhere you like, it’s a smart idea to camp close to home for your first few trips. This way, if anything goes wrong you’re not completely stranded. You’ll be able to work out all the kinks that come with being a new trailer owner with the confidence of knowing you’re not too far from home in case you forget something super important or if something breaks. Once you feel completely comfortable, you can venture out on increasingly epic trips.
- Pack Strategically
One of the first time camper trailer owner tips that most wish they knew sooner: pack smart. This means packing as little as possible without leaving behind any necessities. Weight distribution makes a difference when it comes to your driving and ease of handling, so spread out the weight evenly and carefully (you don’t want everything sliding off balance with one sharp turn). A handy tip is to keep everything you’ll need right when you get to the campsite available by the entrance of your camper trailer; there’s nothing more frustrating than pulling out one thing after another instead of exactly what you need, especially if you get to the campsite late or during bad weather.
- Practice Your Driving
Before you head out on your first trip, give your new camper trailer a little practice on the road. It’ll make you feel more comfortable as a driver, plus you’ll quickly figure out how wide you need to take turns, how long it takes to slow down, and how to park. This way, when it comes to your actual trip you’ll drive as smooth and confidently as a pro. Towing and parking can be two of the most difficult aspects of owning a trailer, so these first time camper trailer owner tips are so important for your confidence and for how enjoyable the trip is.