If you’re new to RVs, you might be a little nervous about your first rental. Before you get the keys to your temporary rig, you should prepare with these simple tips. They can make your experience stress-free and full of fun.

1. Know What to Bring

Before you start packing, you should be well aware of what comes on the RV. Sometimes, rental owners provide everything a renter could possibly need. They have sheets, pots and pans, and towels. However, not all rentals include everything. In some cases, you need to pay additional charges for gear or you need to supply your own.Before you pack your bags, read the listing or ask the owner what’s included. Although RV camping is fun, you probably won’t enjoy the experience if you don’t have sheets or pots. Bring whatever you need to make the most of your vacation.

2. Plan to Disconnect from Technology

Although Florida is heavily populated, there are still many campgrounds that have no or spotty internet. Most Rvs come with a television, but don’t expect the television to work. Even if you have a hotspot, it might not be strong enough for you to stream anything.To avoid any disappointment, plan on being disconnected while you travel. It’s the perfect time to warn your friends or your boss that you’ll be out of touch for a few days. When you’re not constantly checking your email or answering phone calls, you can disconnect and recharge your own batteries.

3. Pay Attention at the Walkthrough

A good RV rental owner will provide the renter with a thorough walkthrough. During the walkthrough, you should pay attention. In fact, you may even want to record the whole thing. If you forget how to use something on the camper, you can watch the video for clarification.RVs are relatively simple, but there are a lot of small details you need to know. For instance, something as easy as pulling in the awning could involve a button that’s hidden on the control panel. Refer to your video or text the rental owner with any questions.You might hesitate to bother the owner with small details. However, they would rather you call with questions than break something. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let the owner know if you think something is broken.

4. Bring Extra Clothes

When you’re camping, you get dirty. No RV can protect you from the dirt, so make sure you have enough clothes to wear. If you have kids, bring at least three extra outfits for them. They might play in puddles, go swimming, or just roll around in the dirt. In any case, doing laundry at a campground isn’t always possible.No matter where you’re camping, pack a few extra outfits. Bring one nice outfit in case you have an elegant dinner at a local restaurant, and bring a swimsuit in case there’s a pool or lake. 

5. Be Ready for Bugs

The nice thing about camping in an RV is that the bugs stay outside. Nonetheless, you should still bring some bug spray for your outdoor adventures. At some campsites, mosquitoes and noseeums are bad enough to drive you indoors. In addition to packing bug spray, you should look into other repellent devices. You can bring a Thermocell, dryer sheets, and citronella candles. Use whatever bug repellent works best for you or bring a screened in patio. If you’re prone to bug bites, you may also want to wear long sleeves and pants. 

6. Pack Firewood

Most campgrounds sell firewood, but the prices tend to be high. Instead of waiting to buy firewood at the campground, bring some with you. Go to your local store and buy a few bundles of firewood or bring wood from your yard. In the end, doing so can save you quite a bit of money.Of course, you should first make sure that fires are allowed at the campground. In some areas of Florida, forest fires are common occurrences. You should research whether or not there’s a burn ban in your camping area. At certain campgrounds, no uncontained fires are ever allowed. 

7. Don’t Plan on Leaving for Food

When you’re packing for your trip, plan on bringing all the food you will need for the entire trip. Even if you have a truck pulling a travel trailer, do you really want to have to drive somewhere just to get groceries? Pack as if you won’t be able to go shopping, and you can spend your vacation relaxing.Part of the fun of RVing is cooking at the campsite. Bring your favorite meats and vegetables to grill up. If you want to save yourself some work, cook a pan of your favorite meal, freeze it, and bring it with you during your trip. Or, pack a crock pot and make easy meals. Keep in mind that some RV resorts have free food for events. You shouldn’t expect anything fancy, but you might be able to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers with other campers. 

8. Pick the Right Campground

Your campground can make or break your RV vacation. As you plan your trip, consider what you’re looking for in a campground. Some people prefer to be in a remote campground with a lot of privacy. Meanwhile, other individuals might not mind seeing their neighbors as long as they have access to a pool or game room.Join a few local RV groups to find out more about your options. Even if an RV resort looks great on paper, it might not be that way in reality. Check out what other campers have to say about a campground. You can also ask the rental owner for a few recommendations. 

Ready for Your Florida RV Rental?

What’s holding you back from your first Florida RV rental? With these simple tips, you can get off to a great start. And, if you haven’t booked your rental yet, reach out to us and let us help you plan your next trip.