A Beginner's Guide to Travel Trailer Camping

Travel trailers are one of the most popular types of RV because they can be towed by almost any vehicle with a high enough weight capacity and they offer so many options when it comes to size and features. While it is relatively easy to get into travel trailer camping, there are a few beginner’s mistakes that you will want to avoid. Luckily, the experts at Airstream® of Vermont have created this beginner’s guide to travel trailer camping. 

Practice Turning and Backing Up

Before you even start packing, you should know how to turn and back up while hitched to your trailer. If necessary, use an empty parking lot to practice. Be sure to note how far the back end swings in the other direction when you turn. This is called the tail swing, and getting a feel for it can help you avoid accidentally hitting anything while towing. Once you get a feel for towing your RV, you can move on to packing.  

Start Packing Early

It’s usually best to start packing early so that you don’t end up having to backtrack or purchase an expensive replacement mid-trip. Starting a few days before your trip is usually a good call, as it gives you more time to realize that you have forgotten something. Though what you will need to pack will vary according to your needs, over the course of several trips you should develop a list of what you generally need for an RV trip. 

Distribute Weight Safely

Many first-time travel trailer campers forget to properly distribute their cargo weight. While to the uninitiated this may seem like a minor point, evenly spreading the weight over the axles can go a long way towards preventing your trailer from fishtailing. You should also try to put heavier items towards the front of the RV. 

Plan Gas Stops in Advance

Not all gas stations are built to accommodate your travel trailer. Although your travel plans may change as you go, do your best to plan your refueling stops in advance. This is especially important in urban areas and places without interstates, which do not tend to see as much RV traffic and are less likely to be travel trailer friendly. 

To view our selection of new and pre-owned travel trailers, visit Airstream® of Vermont online or at our dealership in South Burlington, Vermont. We also offer financing, servicing, trade-ins, and EPA-registered disinfecting. We are proud to serve communities like Burlington, Vermont and the Chittenden County, Vermont area.