RV Basics 101

RV Basics 101 is for people who have recently purchased their first RV and need to learn everything about how to RV with confidence.

Articles in this category focus on answering the hundreds of questions any new RVer will have when they are new to RV camping.

Readers will find articles about water, sewer, and electric hookups, how to clean and maintain an RV or camper, how to drive an RV or camper, how to operate an RV, motorhome, or camper, how to clean an RV, how to store an RV, how to organize an RV and so much more.

RV Basics 101 is an excellent resource for new RV owners who are looking to learn all the basic skills needed for RV camping.

Buyers guides, which provide reviews of RV gear, accessories and supplies, are included in this section to help guide newbie RVers toward making informed decisions about their purchases.

Should You Rent an RV Before You Buy One?

Cruise America Small Drivable RV Rental

Should you rent an RV before buying one? We rented a Class C and a fifth wheel first, and both experiences changed what we eventually bought.

Should You Keep Your RV Gray Tank Open or Closed?

sewer hose P-Trap

Should you keep your RV gray tank open or closed? Here is what I recommend, when I do each one, and why it depends on how long you are camping.

12 Biggest RV Buying Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

mike and susan from rvblogger standing in front of their new Class a rv

Avoid costly RV buying mistakes before you sign. Learn what first-time RV buyers often miss, including towing, inspections, storage, costs, floor plans, and more.

How to Know If You’re Paying the Right Price for an RV

mike and susan from rvblogger standing in front of their new Class a rv

Buying your first RV is exciting, but figuring out whether the price is fair can make your head spin. I know because I’ve been there. When we bought our … Read more

De-Winterize Your RV: 10 Steps + 5 Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re anything like me, the first warm day hits and you start thinking… 👉 “Alright… it’s time to get the RV ready.” But here’s the deal—de-winterizing your RV … Read more

3 Best Small Class C RVs Under 25 Feet

👇👇👇 Click the video below to watch the full video 👇👇👇 Why Small Class C Motorhomes Under 25’ Are So Popular If you want the confidence of a motorhome … Read more

Would You Let Guests Use Your RV Bathroom?

Would You Let Guests Use Your RV Bathroom? If you’ve spent much time RVing, you’ve probably faced this dilemma at least once. You’re having friends over to your campsite for cocktails, dinner, or a cozy campfire, and someone inevitably asks that awkward question: “Hey, can I use your bathroom?” It sounds simple, right? But among RVers, this is surprisingly controversial. Some people are totally fine with guests using their RV bathroom, while others would rather march them straight to the campground bathhouse. Susan and I have seen both sides—and after one near-flooding incident in our own rig, we understand exactly why opinions are so divided. Our RV Bathroom Experience We’ve owned both a Class A and a Class C motorhome, and we’ve used our RV bathrooms plenty over the years. But one evening, we invited a guest over for dinner and drinks at our campsite, and when she went to use our RV bathroom… well, let’s just say she didn’t understand the “push pedal halfway for water, all the way to flush” rule. She pressed and held the pedal until the bowl was nearly overflowing. We caught it just in time, but it could have turned into a disaster. After that, we learned the importance of explaining how an RV toilet works before letting anyone use it. So when we posed this question—Would you let guests use your RV bathroom?—to our Facebook group, RV Camping for Newbies, which now has more than 250,000 members, the responses were passionate and varied. What Our Community Had to Say We received hundreds of replies, and the results were nearly split down the middle. Some RVers said “Of course!” while others wouldn’t even consider it. Here’s a snapshot of how our community feels: Audra: “Well, if they are in my RV as guests, they’re obviously friends and I would do it in my regular house so yeah, why not?” Eric: “Yes, but I review the rules with every guest—especially on the disposal of toilet paper and other stuff.” Tammy: “Someone that we know and invited to our site, yes. Strangers, no.” Stacie Williams: “I’m on the fence with this one… it would depend on how well I know them.” Barbara: “Never.” Susan: “Yes, but with instructions.” Jennifer: “Only if they promise not to poop in it!” Matt: “My rule is kids, women, and anyone over 50. If you’re male and under 50, walk to the bathhouse.” Rick Beadles: “If I have guests at my sticks-and-bricks home they’re welcome, same for my RV. When nature calls, it calls—no difference.” It’s a perfect example of how personal and situational this question can be. Why Some RVers Say “Absolutely Not” Those who prefer to keep their RV bathroom off-limits have some valid reasons: Limited holding tank capacity. RV black tanks can fill up fast, especially when you’re dry camping or boondocking. Extra flushes mean more frequent—and messier—dumping. Guest “user error.” As we learned firsthand, most people don’t understand RV toilets. One wrong move can mean overflow or damage. Cleaning and odors. Even one guest using the toilet can affect smells and sanitation, especially if they don’t follow the rules. Privacy. For some RVers, their bathroom feels like personal space—especially in smaller rigs like travel trailers or pop-ups. That’s why some people, like our friend who always books a site near the bathhouse, simply steer visitors that way instead. Why Others Say “Sure, No Problem!” On the flip side, many RVers take a “mi casa es su casa” approach. They point out that hospitality doesn’t stop at the campground. If someone is a friend or family member, they see letting them use the RV bathroom as no different than letting them use it in a sticks-and-bricks home. Plus, some guests—especially kids or older adults—might not be comfortable walking to a bathhouse late at night or in bad weather. Several of our members said they simply give a quick tutorial before handing over the flush pedal. As Eric and Susan both said, clear instructions go a long way. The Middle-Ground Approach We’ve found that many RVers take a balanced stance. They’ll let trusted guests use the bathroom but draw the line at strangers or casual visitors. Some even have rules like Jennifer’s “no #2 policy” or Matt’s “age and gender rule.” In our case, if we’re hosting close friends or family, we don’t mind—as long as they get the bathroom briefing first. But if it’s a large gathering or we’re camping near a clean bathhouse, we’ll politely suggest guests use those facilities instead. Tips for Letting Guests Use Your RV Bathroom (Safely) If you do decide to open your bathroom to visitors, a little preparation can prevent problems: Give a quick demo. Explain how to flush and what not to put in the toilet. Post a reminder sign. A simple “To flush: press pedal halfway for water, all the way to flush” note helps avoid confusion. Use RV-safe toilet paper only. And keep it within easy reach so guests don’t grab paper towels by mistake. Crack a window or turn on the vent fan. It keeps moisture and odors under control. Empty your tanks beforehand. Always good practice before hosting guests. Final Thoughts: Courtesy Meets Common Sense Allowing guests to use your RV bathroom comes down to two things—trust and comfort. Some RVers treat their rig like a home and happily welcome guests to use it. Others see it as a delicate ecosystem that only the owner should operate. For Susan and me, we’ve learned to read the situation. If the guest is comfortable, responsible, and understands the rules, we’re happy to share. But we’ll never forget that one near-overflow moment that taught us an important lesson: a two-minute toilet tutorial can save a world of trouble. Whether you’re team “Sure, go ahead!” or team “No way!”—you’re in good company. Just like everything else in RV life, there’s no single right answer—only what works best for you, your rig, and your guests.

If you’ve spent much time RVing, you’ve probably faced this dilemma at least once. You’re having friends over to your campsite for cocktails, dinner, or a cozy campfire, and … Read more

How to Stop People from Cutting Through Your Campsite

halloween at Ramblin Pines campground where we had a ton of people cut through our campsite

If you’ve ever had strangers walk straight through your campsite like it’s a public sidewalk, you know exactly how frustrating that can be. Susan and I just spent a … Read more

How to Silence a Barking Dog at the Campsite Next Door

How to Handle a Barking Dog at the Campsite Next Door

One of the great joys of RV life is camping in beautiful places and enjoying peace and quiet. But every now and then, Susan and I end up next … Read more

Is Mobile RV Wash & Detailing Worth It? My Experience & Tips

Is Mobile RV Washing and Detailing Worth the Cost?

Published August 5, 2025 | Last updated July 11, 2026 Is mobile RV washing and detailing worth it? For us, yes—but we do not use a mobile detailer every … Read more

Best Disposable Gloves for Dumping RV Tanks

All experienced RVers know that disposable gloves are a necessity. Emptying the black and grey water tanks is no one’s favorite task, but it must be done. Full-hookup sites … Read more

RV Tail Swing & Turning Radius Explained

One question we are often asked is – what is RV tail swing and turn radius? So, in this article, we will explain each of these in detail. And … Read more

10 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs

Forest River R Pod RP196 Travel Trailers Under 4000 Lbs Ext

Updated January 9, 2024 Finding the best travel trailers on the market can be challenging, so we have compiled a list of the 10 best travel trailers under 4000 … Read more

2 Small Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs With a Dry Bath

mike pointing over his shoulder at 2 small travel trailers under 3500 lbs

Published January 9, 2024 | Last updated May 1, 2026 A lot of small campers make you feel like you’re giving up too much. Too little storage. Too little … Read more

Can A 5th Wheel Trailer Disconnect While Driving?

5th wheel trailer connected to a truck

A 5th wheel trailer disconnect in the middle of a highway is a nightmare scenario. Fortunately, in the odd disconnect case, a 5th wheel will decouple long before anyone … Read more

Best RV Jack Pads To Level And Stabilize Your RV

Properly leveling and stabilizing your RV is essential for keeping your RV in good shape and ensuring you stay comfortable while inside it. The traditional way to do this … Read more

Should You Level RVs With Slides In Or Out?

Class A Motorhome parked with slides out at a campground

Should you level RVs with slides in or out? We see this question pop up every now and then in our private Facebook Group called RV Camping for newbies. … Read more

Is RV Antifreeze Toxic?

Is RV Antifreeze Toxic?

If you’ve ever seen a hint of pink in your RV faucet water, you’ve probably wondered “Is RV antifreeze toxic?” You’ll be relieved to learn that RV antifreeze is … Read more

Do You Need an Inverter to Run a 12v RV Fridge?

Do you nned an inverter to run a 12v RV fridge

Prospective boondockers and those pining for a life off the grid are often curious as to whether or not you need an inverter to run a 12v RV fridge. … Read more

RVTV.tv: 24-Hour RV Television

On July 7, Cannella Media, a behemoth in direct response television, launched its brainchild, RVTV across 75 channels and 46 major markets with Roku and Firestick streaming on the … Read more