Renting an RV for the First Time
A few things to learn before the trip, so the first night at camp goes the way you pictured it.
Before you go
- Learn power, water and the tanks
- How the RV connects to shore power and water, where the fresh, grey and black tanks are, and how to read their levels.
- Check the campground
- Site length, hookups, quiet hours and check-in times.
- Plan the drive
- Know the RV’s height and length, and route around low clearances and tight turns.
- Ask what comes with it
- Bedding, kitchen gear and camp chairs vary from rental to rental. Pack what is not included.
On the road
- Take turns wide
- The rear wheels cut inside the front ones, so swing out further than you would in a car.
- Leave room to stop
- An RV is heavy. Keep a long gap and brake early.
- Mind the wind and the roof
- Crosswinds push a tall vehicle, and drive-throughs and gas station canopies have height limits.
- Stop before you are tired
- Plan the day so you arrive with light left to set up.
At camp
- Level it first
- A level RV sleeps better and its fridge and doors work as they should.
- Connect power, then water
- Plug in at the post, then connect the water hose. The water hookup video shows how.
- Keep the black tank closed
- Leave its valve shut until it is time to empty it, then follow the black tank video.
- Turn the stove off at the knob
- Know where the LP gas switch is. The stove and dashboard videos show both.
In the Texas heat
Summer in San Antonio runs hot. Park for afternoon shade where you can, run the air conditioning on shore power or a generator, and carry more water than you think you need.
Watch it before you do it
Freedom Rentals’ videos show the water hookup, the black tank and the stove on the RV itself, and each has a written setup guide.
RV setup guides and videos-
Play the video: RV water hookup setup
RV water hookup setup
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Play the video: RV black tank setup
RV black tank setup
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Play the video: RV Stove directions
RV Stove directions
Videos by Freedom Rentals. They play from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play.
How should a first-time RV renter prepare?
Learn the basics before the trip: power, water and the tanks. Freedom Rentals has short how-to videos for the water hookup, the black tank, the stove, the dashboard and a dead battery, and the first-time renter guide covers the rest.
Where can I see how the RV is set up?
In Freedom Rentals’ own how-to videos and setup guides: the water hookup, the sewer hose and black tank, the stove and propane, and the control panel and batteries.
What does “hookups” mean?
Hookups are the connections at a campsite: electric (shore power), fresh water and often sewer. A site with all three is called full hookups. Without them, an RV runs on its own fresh water tank, holding tanks, battery and any generator it carries.
Ready for your first trip?
Call with your dates and what you are planning, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
- You call (210) 899-7016 with your dates.
- You talk it through and get a quote for your dates.
- You book and stay out past sunset.
- Open
- Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Closed
- Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Call for a quote
(210) 899-7016Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Or email info@smoaksholdings.com
Have these ready: your dates, what you want to rent, where it is going and how many people.