You just bought your first RV. Now you're ready to hit the open road and make some memories. Before you take off on your first trip, it's important that you prepare yourself for the adventure. Traveling in an RV can come with a few pitfalls, if you're not prepared. Here are four simple tips that will help you enjoy your RV outings.

Take a Drivers Course

Before you take off in your new RV, take a drivers course that specializes in RV training. Navigating an RV along highways and city streets is a lot different than driving the family car. You can keep yourself – and the other drivers you're sharing the road with – safe by learning how to drive your RV properly. You'll be much more relaxed on your vacation if you already know how to safely drive your RV. Your RV dealership should be able to provide you with drivers courses in your area. 

Don't Go Overboard

You want to make sure you have everything you're going to need for your vacation. So, you pack everything you can think of. Unfortunately, in your rush to prepare, you may be overloading your RV. There are two reasons you want to avoid overloading your RV. First, it's more difficult to navigate an overloaded RV. Second, it takes more fuel to move a heavy RV. Save yourself some trouble and some money keeping your packing to a minimum. Make a list of everything you want to pack and then draw a line through all the items that aren't essential.

Remember the Awning

You purchased an expensive awning for your new RV. Your awning will provide you protection from the sun and rain, as well as give you some much-needed privacy when you're camping. Just remember, your awning can get very mobile in a windstorm. One big gust and your awning can be blown right off your RV. To protect your investment, remember to take your awning down at the first sign of wind, at night, and when you're going to be gone for a few hours.

Always Disconnect

When it's time to come home, don't leave the campground until you take one more walk around the RV. This will ensure that you always disconnect before you leave. You don't want to drive down the road with your electrical cords or sewer hose dragging on the ground behind you.

It's time to enjoy your new RV. Use the list provided above to help you avoid making costly mistakes