RV Guides

Step-by-step RV guides to help you plan, buy, and travel with confidence.

Buying Your First RV (Beginner Guide)

Buying an RV is exciting β€” and expensive. This guide helps you avoid common mistakes that cost new RV owners thousands.

Inspect the structure

Check roof seals, corners, soft spots, and signs of water damage. Water intrusion is the #1 RV killer.

Understand weight ratings

Learn GVM, GCM, tow rating, and payload limits before you buy β€” especially if you plan to tow.

Test appliances

Test fridge (all modes), hot water, lights, water pump, and electrical systems.

Budget for upgrades

Tyres, batteries, hoses, leveling blocks, and safety gear add up quickly.

πŸ‘‰ Related: RV gear reviews | Tow capacity calculator

RV Solar Basics (Simple Explanation)

RV solar doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide explains what you actually need β€” and what you don’t.

Step 1

Do a power audit

List appliances, hours used per day, and total watt-hours. This determines your battery size.

Step 2

Choose batteries first

Batteries matter more than panels. Lithium (LiFePO4) costs more but lasts longer and weighs less.

Step 3

Add solar panels

Panels recharge your batteries. Roof-mounted = convenience. Portable = flexibility.

πŸ‘‰ Related: Solar & power gear reviews

Essential RV Setup Checklist

These are the items most RVers forget β€” until they need them.

Water & plumbing

Pressure regulator, drinking water hose, filter, spare fittings.

Power & safety

Surge protector, extension lead, adapters, battery monitor.

Leveling & stability

Leveling blocks, wheel chocks, stabilizer pads.

Storage & organization

Collapsible bins, organizers, outdoor mats.

πŸ‘‰ Related: Recommended RV accessories

Trip Planning & Budgeting

RV trips are cheaper than hotels β€” but costs add up quickly without planning.

Fuel costs

Fuel is your biggest variable cost. Weight, speed, and terrain all matter.

Camping fees

Mix free camps, national parks, and paid sites to control costs.

πŸ‘‰ Use the RV Trip Cost Calculator

RVPedia guides are built for real RV owners β€” not sales pitches. Whether you're buying your first RV, setting up solar, managing power, or planning trips, these guides walk you through what matters and what to skip.

Guides

Fast, practical RV knowledge.

Buying Your First RV

Checklist to avoid expensive surprises.

Inspect structure

Roof edges, corners, seals, soft spots, water staining.

Test utilities

Water pump, hot water, fridge modes, lights.

Know weights

Confirm GVM/GCM, tow limits, ball weight.

Budget extras

Tyres, brakes, battery, hoses, leveling blocks.

Solar Basics

Power audit β†’ battery β†’ solar β†’ inverter (if needed).

Step 1

Power audit

List devices + hours/day.

Step 2

Battery first

LiFePO4 is popular, but costlier.

Step 3

Solar second

Add panels + MPPT to replenish usage.