The biggest mistakes beginners make when traveling in an RV, according to RV lifers who have traveled to all 50 states

Joey HaddenSep 24, 2024, 23:34 IST

Marc and Julie Bennett have written two books on RV life.RV Love

Julie and Marc Bennett shared common mistakes people make when new to RV life.
They discussed how to select the right RV and properly take it on an adventure.

Over the past decade, Marc and Julie Bennett have driven 100,000 miles through all 50 states.

Julie and Marc traveled across the US in an RV together before writing two books on the subject: "RV Hacks" and "Living the RV Life."

The couple has seen other RV lifers make mistakes when starting the lifestyle, from choosing their vehicle to taking it off the grid.

Marc and Julie Bennett told Business Insider that many newbies to RV life don't research enough before buying their new home on wheels.

Marc and Julie pose for a selfie with their RV.RV Love

As a result, a lot of people end up getting a bigger RV than they need.

A big RV.Scott Olson/Getty Images

Julie said another big mistake is driving RVs immediately off the lot into a big trip because it's rare that the mobile home will be in perfect working condition.

Marc and Julie's RV parked near the Oregon-California border.RV Love

Julie and Marc advise against treating an RV like any other car.

Marc drives the RV.RV Love

In an RV, you need to check the tire pressure more frequently than in lighter vehicles, Marc said.

Checking RV tire pressure is important.Tetra Images/Getty Images

Putting too much weight inside an RV is easy to do if you're not paying attention.

Too much weight in an RV can mess with your tires.Paul Sutherland/Getty Images

Don't go off the grid before testing your RV's water tanks and battery life.

Marc and Julie off-grid near Saddle Mountain in Oregon.RV Love

People often overpack because they think they'll need more stuff than they actually end up using.

A group loads up an RV for a trip.Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

The couple advises against going to a campground without reservations.

A campsite in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.Frank Molter/picture alliance via Getty Images

Marc and Julie also said that people often underestimate travel time when starting RV life.

Marc and Julie drive through Badlands National Park in South Dakota.RV Love

Don't make the mistake of overplanning your trip, Julie said.

Julie points at the moon from the roof of her RV in Sedona, Arizona.RV Love

Relying on technology could result in getting lost, Julie said.

A person uses their phone to navigate.Stanislaw Pytel/Getty Images

If you misuse the waste tanks, you'll be dealing with a smelly mess, according to Marc and Julie.

A person at a campsite empties an RV tank.Onfokus/Getty Images

The couple said people generally check the weather at their starting point and destination but not everywhere in between.

An RV parked in Death Valley in Eastern California.Michael Leggero/Getty Images

I paid $8 to take a ferry to a small coastal town near San Francisco. The cute shops and Mediterranean vibes make it the perfect day trip.

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