Tip 1. Go light on the food

While an RV generally gives you the ability to cook anything you want while camping, remember that you are on vacation. Just because you can, does not mean you should. Avoid the temptation to bring along that bread machine, cappuccino machine, and 27 varieties of canned soup. If you really want a nice meal, go to a nearby restaurant and enjoy your vacation instead of slaving over the hot stove and dirty dishes that you went on vacation to escape. Stock up on simple foods - fresh fruits and veggies perhaps - and enjoy your time in nature.

Tip 2. Think through what you need

It's great having an RV to take on vacation, and there is a lot of space so you can take all the comforts of home with you right? Similar to the previous tip is the idea that just because you can, is no reason to do so. Less is more. You will spend a lot of time loading up the RV with things you may not even use, and you could have been on the road instead. Think through what you might use, and think in terms of what you can leave behind instead of in terms of what you can take.

Tip 3. Safety first

Just because its a new RV, does not mean you do not need to be careful. Before you hit the road you should do a thorough walk-around to make sure everything is in ship shape. Double check the tire inflation and the spare tire. Check all your connections and make sure all lights are working properly. Check your mirrors to make sure they are positioned properly. Make sure items are secure inside the RV, the cabinet doors closed, and there are no large items left laying out.

Tip 4. Look around the campground

Sure you have ideas about how to set up your campsite, how to make it efficient, and even how to make it look cool. But before you set up, take some time to walk around the campground and look at other campsites. Those folks who have been using an RV for years have learned a thing or two, and you can learn from them. More often than not they are real friendly too, and don't mind you looking or even asking questions. There are subtle things that seem obvious after you see it, such as having your door face the picnic table.

Tip 5. Leveling up

Make sure your RV is level. Most RVs have leveling devices, so it isn't real hard, but it can take some getting used to. Try to get a site that is mostly level to start with, and then level it. You may think it is level, but your naked eye cannot always tell. It is good to have a leveling tool to make sure it is level, or almost level anyway, so the RV itself will work well and feel right when you are sleeping.

Tip 6. Parking lots

If you get too tired, it may be a good idea to stop for a rest. Many Walmart parking lots are available for a short stay, and some do not mind if you stay the night. Just check to make sure there aren't any "no all night camping" signs around. One great thing about an RV, is that you are in a rolling motel room in a sense. It is not to hard to pull over and sack out on the couch for awhile if you need to. Pulling into a parking lot and taking a break is a great way to get refreshed when you are on the road.

Tip 7. You're on vacation

Remember you are on vacation. Schedules should be left at home as much as possible. It is easy to get caught up in trying to see everything there is to see, and do everything there is to do. Sometimes people feel they need to go back to work to get some rest. An RV is an adventure. Go with the flow and relax.