There is a lot of information out there dedicated to RV use and you may find it confusing trying to figure out what is useful.  Your vehicle owner’s manual is the best resource for RV operation and maintenance.  To outline travel routes, use a current road atlas and when traveling through traffic congestion, use designated truck routes.  Directories providing detailed information on campground locations can be purchased at many bookstores and camping supply outlets.  Always call ahead to assure a vacancy. 

Keep an eye on the fuel gauge.  If you are unsure about the location of the next fuel stop, start looking for a place to fill up when the tank reaches the halfway mark.  Before pulling into a fuel station, survey the area to assure ample space for the vehicle to enter and exit.  Stay away from low overhangs.  Avoid hugging the pumps and watch the outside mirrors for clearance.  Turn off LP-Gas appliances.   If you have to go inside the station to complete the transaction, pull the vehicle forward away from the pump and lock the RV when leaving it unattended.

Tire air pressures are calculated after each axle is weighed fully loaded.  Once you’ve weighed the fully loaded vehicle, consult the tire manufacturer chart to determine tire air pressures.  Inspect air pressures daily when the tires are cold.  If a tire loses air on a regular basis don’t take chances, have the tire inspected by a qualified technician. 

Regularly check water levels in liquid lead acid batteries and add distilled water as needed.  If you are camping without shore power, run the generator for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to charge the house batteries.  It is fine to run the generator while driving. 

Arrive at the campground during daylight hours for easier set up.  Prior to backing into a campsite, perform a walk around inspection to locate rocks, posts, holes or overhanging tree branches.  Decide the best position for the vehicle to reach shore hook ups while also allowing space for slide room and awning extension.  Take your time when backing in.  You may find it helpful to place fluorescent rubber highway cones at each corner for use as a ground guide.

Even when using shore hookups leave the black tank valve closed until the tank is 2/3 full or before leaving the campsite.  Prior to dumping the black tank fill the gray tank to half and use that gray water to flush the sewer hose after emptying the black tank.  Add odor control chemicals and a few gallons of water to the black tank after each evacuation.  Use the potable hose for fresh tank filling only.  Keep a water pressure regulator on board.  A water pressure regulator is required in campgrounds with pressure over 55 psi.  If you plan to be away from the vehicle for more than a few hours, turn off the water supply at the source.

Campground hook ups may require electrical adapters to facilitate hooking up the shore cord.  Always carry a 20-Amp and 30-Amp adapter on board.  Turn off the shore breaker and all appliances inside the RV prior to plugging in shore power.  Unplug shore power during electrical storms to prevent a surge. 

If you experience technical difficulties, work backwards from the problem.  For example, if the toilet overflows, check the tank levels.  If an electrical component fails to operate, think back to when it last worked, and start by checking the fuse. 

Frequently monitor the dash panel.  Do not start a diesel engine until the “Wait to Start’ light on the dash goes off.  Adjust mirrors to provide clear views down each side of the RV from the driver’s seat.  Secure all cargo before driving off and confirm that the antenna is down.  Check the campsite one final time.  Go slowly over speed bumps to avoid possible damage to the drive train suspension.  Maintain a safe distance between traffic ahead to compensate for increased stopping distance required by the RV.