In most states, no special driver's license is required to tow a travel trailer or fifth wheel for personal use. Always verify your state's regulations and make sure your tow vehicle is properly rated for the trailer.

Check your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the driver's door sticker. Compare it to the camper's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), not just its dry weight. We can help match you with a camper your vehicle can safely tow.

• Dry Weight: The camper's weight before adding water, propane, batteries, gear, or cargo. 
• GVWR: The maximum safe operating weight of the fully loaded camper. 

GVWR is the number you should use when determining whether your tow vehicle is capable.

For many travel trailers, yes. A weight distribution hitch improves stability, steering, braking, and ride quality. It can also reduce trailer sway and is often recommended for trailers weighing more than 5,000 pounds.

Trailer sway is the side-to-side movement of a trailer while towing. It can be caused by:

• Improper weight distribution 
• Driving too fast 
• Strong crosswinds 
• Underinflated tires 

Using a weight distribution hitch with sway control and loading the trailer properly greatly reduces sway.

Yes. Many new and used campers qualify for financing with competitive terms. Loan length, interest rate, and down payment depend on credit, the camper's age, and lender requirements.

A bank-repossessed camper has been reclaimed by a lender after the previous owner stopped making payments. These units can offer exceptional value and are often priced well below comparable retail units.

Lightly damaged campers typically have cosmetic or repairable damage from transportation, weather events, or minor accidents. Many have never been camped in and can provide significant savings compared to buying new.

It depends on your priorities.

• New: Perfect condition with full factory appearance. 
• Lightly Damaged: Lower purchase price with minor cosmetic or repairable issues. 

Many buyers save thousands by choosing a lightly damaged unit.

Before every trip, check:

• Tire pressure 
• Lug nut torque 
• Brake lights and turn signals 
• Hitch and safety chains 
• Battery charge 
• Propane tanks 
• Wheel bearings (periodically) 
• Brake controller operation 

A five-minute inspection can prevent expensive problems.

Regular maintenance includes:

• Roof inspections and resealing 
• Tire inspections 
• Wheel bearing service 
• Battery maintenance 
• Winterization 
• Checking plumbing and propane systems 
• Cleaning and protecting exterior seals 

Routine maintenance helps prevent costly repairs.

Start with a camper that fits your tow vehicle, family size, and camping style—not just your budget. Learn how to tow safely, practice backing up, and ask plenty of questions. Our team is happy to walk you through the entire process so you feel confident before your first trip.

Diesel trucks are often preferred for towing heavier campers because they produce more low-end torque, which helps when pulling steep grades or carrying larger loads. They also tend to offer better fuel economy while towing and have longer engine life.

However, modern gas-powered trucks are more than capable of towing many travel trailers and smaller fifth wheels. If you're unsure which truck is right for your camper, we can help you compare towing capacities.

Like most vehicles, campers depreciate over time. The largest drop in value typically occurs during the first few years.

Factors that affect value include:

• Brand reputation 
• Overall condition 
• Maintenance history 
• Water damage 
• Floor plan popularity 
• Mileage (motorhomes) 

Buying a lightly damaged or bank-repossessed camper can reduce the impact of depreciation because you're purchasing below typical retail pricing.

It depends on how you camp.

Travel Trailer

• Can be towed by many SUVs and pickups 
• Lower purchase price 
• Easier to store 
• Leaves truck bed available 

Fifth Wheel

• More living space 
• Better towing stability 
• Higher ceilings 
• Larger storage compartments 
• Requires a pickup with a fifth-wheel hitch 

We'll gladly help you compare both options.

Many SUVs can safely tow campers, but not all.

You'll need to consider:

• Maximum towing capacity 
• Hitch rating 
• Payload capacity 
• Tongue weight 
• Passenger and cargo weight 

Always use the camper's GVWR—not just its dry weight—when determining compatibility.

Generator size depends on what you want to operate.

Typical recommendations:

• 2,000 watts 
• Battery charging 
• Lights 
• TV 
• Small appliances 
• 3,000 watts 
• Most 13,500 BTU air conditioners 
• Microwave 
• Coffee maker 
• 4,500–5,500 watts 
• Larger RVs 
• Multiple appliances at once 

Many campers today are generator-prepped and can easily accommodate portable inverter generators.

Most RV roofs last between 15 and 25 years with proper maintenance.

To maximize roof life:

• Inspect seals twice each year 
• Clean the roof regularly 
• Repair cracks immediately 
• Keep tree branches from scraping the roof 
• Reseal seams when necessary 

Preventive maintenance is much less expensive than repairing water damage.

The best camper is one that matches:

• Your tow vehicle 
• Your budget 
• Your camping style 
• Number of people camping 

Many first-time buyers prefer travel trailers between 20 and 28 feet because they're easier to tow while still offering comfortable living space.

Most RV manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 5–7 years regardless of tread depth.

Inspect your tires before every trip for:

• Cracking 
• Bulges 
• Uneven wear 
• Low pressure 

Proper tire inflation is one of the easiest ways to improve towing safety.

Most states require liability insurance for motorhomes.

Travel trailers may receive some liability coverage from the tow vehicle, but comprehensive RV insurance is highly recommended to protect against:

• Theft 
• Storm damage 
• Fire 
• Collision 
• Liability 

Talk with your insurance provider about the best coverage for your camper.

Annual ownership costs vary depending on usage but may include:

• Insurance 
• Storage 
• Registration 
• Winterization 
• Maintenance 
• Tire replacement 
• Battery replacement 
• Wheel bearing service 

Many owners find camping vacations cost significantly less than hotels and airfare while providing greater flexibility.

Travel Trailer

• Traditional camper 
• Most versatile 
• Wide range of sizes 

Toy Hauler

• Includes a rear garage for ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, or UTVs 
• Garage often converts into additional living space 

Fifth Wheel

• Connects inside a pickup truck bed 
• Offers the largest floor plans 
• Excellent stability while towing

Many people successfully live in RVs year-round.

If you're considering full-time RV living, look for:

• Four-season insulation 
• Large holding tanks 
• Residential refrigerator 
• Washer/dryer prep 
• Larger freshwater capacity 
• Comfortable workspace 

Not every RV is designed for full-time living, so choosing the right model is important.

30-Amp

• One 120-volt service 
• Up to 3,600 watts 
• Usually powers one air conditioner 

50-Amp

• Two 120-volt legs 
• Up to 12,000 watts available 
• Can operate multiple air conditioners and appliances simultaneously 

Many campgrounds offer both hookups.

Slide-outs provide significantly more interior living space and are one of the most popular RV features.

Benefits include:

• Larger living areas 
• Bigger kitchens 
• More seating 
• Spacious bedrooms 

Modern slide systems are reliable when maintained properly. Regularly inspect seals and keep the mechanisms clean.

Proper winterization protects your plumbing from freezing temperatures.

Typical steps include:

1. Drain fresh, gray, and black tanks. 
2. Drain the water heater. 
3. Bypass the water heater. 
4. Blow out water lines or pump RV antifreeze through the plumbing. 
5. Pour antifreeze into each drain. 
6. Remove food and clean the refrigerator. 
7. Disconnect or maintain the battery. 

If you're unsure, many dealers—including AMI—can perform winterization for you.

Inspect the unit carefully for:

• Signs of water intrusion 
• Soft spots in the floor 
• Roof condition 
• Appliance operation 
• Tire age 
• Brake function 
• Frame and suspension 
• Exterior seal condition 

Bank-repossessed campers can represent outstanding value, but it's still important to understand the condition of the unit before purchasing.

Water damage is one of the most serious issues an RV can face. Common causes include:

• Cracked roof sealant 
• Worn window seals 
• Leaking vents or skylights 
• Damaged slide-out seals 
• Plumbing leaks 

Routine inspections and prompt repairs are the best defense against costly damage

For most travel trailers, wheel bearings should be inspected and repacked every 10,000–12,000 miles or at least once a year, especially if you travel frequently. Properly maintained bearings help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of roadside breakdowns.

LP stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, commonly called propane. It fuels many RV appliances, including the furnace, water heater, refrigerator, stove, oven, and sometimes an exterior grill connection.

It depends on the weather and how much propane you're using.

A full 20-pound propane cylinder typically lasts:

• Furnace only: 2–5 days in cold weather 
• Cooking only: Several weeks or months 
• Refrigerator: 2–4 weeks 
• Water heater: Several weeks with normal use 

Using multiple propane appliances at the same time will shorten run time.

Many experienced RV owners travel with propane turned off for safety. Some states, tunnels, ferries, and bridges require propane valves to be closed before entering.

Always check local regulations and turn propane off before refueling your tow vehicle.

Signs include:

• Furnace won't stay lit 
• Stove flame becomes weak 
• Water heater won't ignite 
• Refrigerator switches to electric or displays an error 

Many RVs include tank level indicators, but the most accurate method is weighing the cylinder or using a propane level gauge.

Yes.

Many hardware stores, gas stations, and convenience stores offer propane exchanges.

Keep in mind that exchange tanks are often filled with 15–17 pounds of propane rather than the full 20-pound capacity available from a refill station.

Most RV owners prefer refilling because:

• You usually receive more propane. 
• It's often less expensive per gallon. 
• You keep your own tank if it's in good condition. 

Exchange programs are convenient if your cylinder is outdated or damaged.

Portable propane cylinders require recertification beginning 12 years after the manufacture date, then periodically after that according to applicable regulations.

The manufacture date is stamped on the collar of the cylinder.

Look on the metal collar near the valve.

You'll find a stamped manufacture date such as:

05-18

This means the cylinder was manufactured in May 2018.

If it's beyond the certification period, many refill stations cannot legally refill it until it has been recertified or replaced.

Most travel trailers with two cylinders have an automatic changeover regulator.

When one tank becomes empty:

• The regulator automatically switches to the second tank. 
• An indicator changes color (often green to red). 
• Refill the empty cylinder while the second continues supplying propane.

Yes.

Most RV appliances run on propane, including:

• Furnace 
• Water heater 
• Stove 
• Oven 
• Refrigerator (on propane mode) 

You'll still need a battery to operate control boards, ignition systems, lights, and fans.

Common causes include:

• Empty propane tank 
• Closed tank valve 
• Air trapped in the lines 
• Tripped regulator safety feature 
• Dead RV battery 
• Faulty igniter 

Try lighting the stove first to purge air from the propane lines before attempting to start the water heater or furnace.

Yes—when the RV is properly maintained.

Modern RVs include:

• Propane leak detector 
• Carbon monoxide detector 
• Smoke detector 
• Appliance safety shutoffs 

Test all safety detectors regularly and replace batteries as recommended.

No.

Modern cylinders have an Overfill Prevention Device (OPD) that helps prevent overfilling. A properly filled propane cylinder is typically filled to about 80% of its liquid capacity, leaving room for expansion as temperatures rise.

A regulator may develop frost during heavy propane use, especially in cold weather. Heavy icing or poor appliance performance can indicate:

• Moisture contamination 
• A failing regulator 
• Excessive demand 
• Low propane levels 

If problems persist, have the regulator inspected or replaced by a qualified technician.

Yes.

Propane cylinders are designed for outdoor storage.

Store them:

• Upright 
• In a well-ventilated area 
• Away from open flames or ignition sources 
• Never inside a garage, basement, or living space 

The RV furnace is usually the largest propane consumer. During freezing weather, it can cycle frequently, using much more propane than cooking or water heating alone.

To extend your supply:

• Use electric heat when hookups are available. 
• Improve insulation and seal drafts. 
• Keep tanks full before cold-weather trips.

Proper awning maintenance helps extend its life and prevent costly repairs.

To keep your awning in good condition:

• Wash the fabric with mild soap and water. 
• Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before rolling it up. 
• Inspect the fabric for tears, mildew, or worn stitching. 
• Check arms, brackets, and mounting hardware for loose bolts. 
• Lubricate moving joints only if recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Remove leaves, sticks, and debris before retracting the awning. 

A few minutes of maintenance each season can add years to your awning's life.

No. Even light to moderate wind can damage an RV awning.

Always retract your awning when:

• Leaving your campsite 
• Storms are approaching 
• Wind becomes gusty 
• Overnight if strong weather is expected 

Many insurance claims involve awnings damaged by unexpected wind gusts.

Rain itself usually won't damage the fabric, but standing water can.

Heavy rain may cause water to pool, stretching the fabric or bending the awning arms.

If rain is expected:

• Lower one side of the awning to allow water to drain. 
• Retract the awning during severe weather.

Rolling up a wet awning can lead to:

• Mold 
• Mildew 
• Musty odors 
• Fabric staining 
• Premature fabric deterioration 

If you must store it wet, reopen it as soon as possible to allow it to dry completely.

Clean your awning at least twice a year and after extended trips.

You should also clean it after:

• Camping under pine trees 
• Bird droppings 
• Heavy pollen 
• Coastal camping 
• Dusty conditions 

Keeping the fabric clean helps prevent staining and mildew.

No.

High-pressure washers can damage:

• Vinyl coating 
• Acrylic fabric 
• Waterproof treatments 
• Seams and stitching 

A soft brush, garden hose, and mild soap are the safest cleaning tools.

Battery life depends on battery type and maintenance.

Typical lifespan:

• Lead-acid batteries: 3–5 years 
• AGM batteries: 4–7 years 
• Lithium batteries: 10 years or more with proper care 

Routine charging and maintenance can significantly extend battery life.

A starting battery delivers a large burst of power to start an engine.

A deep-cycle battery is designed to provide steady power over a longer period and can be repeatedly discharged and recharged. Most travel trailers use deep-cycle batteries to power lights, water pumps, furnaces, and other 12-volt systems.

Yes, if your RV will sit unused for an extended period.

Disconnecting the battery helps prevent small electrical loads from draining it.

For long-term storage:

• Disconnect the battery. 
• Store it fully charged. 
• Use a quality battery maintainer or smart charger if possible.

Signs of a failing battery include:

• Lights dim quickly 
• Furnace fan runs slowly 
• Battery won't hold a charge 
• Appliances stop working sooner than expected 
• Battery case is swollen or leaking 

If you notice these symptoms, have the battery tested.

Recharge your battery as soon as practical after each trip.

Avoid leaving a lead-acid battery discharged for long periods, as this can shorten its lifespan.

When in storage, check the charge monthly or use a battery maintainer.

Yes—on most tow vehicles and motorhomes, the alternator supplies a charging current while driving, provided the trailer wiring and charging circuit are functioning properly.

Many RVs also charge the battery when connected to shore power through the converter/charger.

Only flooded lead-acid batteries require periodic water checks.

Use only distilled water and keep the electrolyte level above the plates. Do not overfill.

AGM and lithium batteries are sealed and do not require watering.

Lithium batteries offer several advantages:

• Longer lifespan 
• Faster charging 
• Lighter weight 
• More usable capacity 
• Minimal maintenance 

However, they have a higher upfront cost and may require compatible charging equipment. If you camp frequently or spend time off-grid, they can be an excellent investment.

Cold temperatures reduce a battery's available power but don't necessarily damage a fully charged battery.

A discharged lead-acid battery is more likely to freeze and suffer permanent damage. Keep batteries charged during winter storage and store them according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Common causes include:

• A worn-out battery 
• Loose or corroded cable connections 
• A faulty converter/charger 
• A blown fuse or tripped breaker 
• Problems with the tow vehicle's charging circuit 

If basic troubleshooting doesn't solve the issue, have the charging system inspected by a qualified RV technician.

Most RV batteries can be tested quickly and, in many cases, free of charge. A battery test can determine whether your battery is healthy, needs charging, or should be replaced.

Common places to have your battery tested include:

• RV dealerships – Many dealerships can test both RV house batteries and chassis batteries. 
• Auto parts stores – Stores such as AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts often provide free battery testing. 
• Battery retailers – Specialty battery stores, including Batteries Plus, can test and replace many types of RV batteries. 
• Some repair shops – Many automotive and RV service centers offer battery testing as part of a routine inspection. 

Most tests take 5–15 minutes and measure:

• Battery voltage 
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), when applicable 
• State of charge 
• Overall battery health 
• Charging system performance (if installed in the vehicle) 

When should I have my RV battery tested?

It's a good idea to have your battery tested:

• Before your first camping trip of the season 
• Before storing your RV for the winter 
• If the battery is more than 3–5 years old (lead-acid) 
• If your lights are dimming or appliances lose power quickly 
• If your battery doesn't seem to hold a charge 

Can I test my RV battery myself?

Yes. A digital multimeter can give you a basic indication of battery charge:

Keep in mind that voltage alone doesn't measure a battery's ability to deliver power under load. A professional load test provides a more accurate assessment of the battery's overall condition.

Wheel chocks help keep your RV or trailer from rolling when it's parked. They improve safety while you're setting up at the campsite, loading gear, or performing maintenance.

Always place wheel chocks before unhitching your trailer from the tow vehicle.

While not always required by law, wheel chocks are strongly recommended by RV manufacturers and campground operators. They provide an extra layer of safety and help prevent accidental movement on sloped or uneven ground.

Place wheel chocks snugly against the tires on both sides of the trailer whenever possible.

For the best stability:

• Chock the downhill side first. 
• Use chocks on both sides of at least one axle. 
• Place them before disconnecting your tow vehicle.

Most single-axle trailers require at least two wheel chocks.

For tandem-axle trailers, four chocks are recommended for maximum stability. Many RV owners also use locking X-style chocks between tandem tires to reduce trailer movement while walking inside.

X-style wheel chocks fit between tandem trailer tires and apply pressure to both tires.

Benefits include:

• Reducing trailer rocking 
• Improving stability while parked 
• Helping prevent tire movement 

They are an excellent addition but should not replace traditional wheel chocks.

While wood blocks may work in an emergency, purpose-built rubber or heavy-duty plastic wheel chocks provide a more secure grip and are designed specifically to prevent trailer movement.

RV tire covers protect tires from:

• UV rays 
• Sunlight 
• Rain 
• Snow 
• Dirt 
• Ozone exposure 

Protecting your tires during storage can help extend their service life and maintain their appearance.

Yes. Sunlight is one of the biggest causes of tire aging.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can dry out rubber over time, leading to cracking and reduced tire life. Tire covers help shield tires from these damaging effects, especially during long-term storage.

Yes. Whether your RV is stored indoors or outdoors, tire covers help protect against weather, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. They're especially beneficial for RVs stored outside for several months.

Choose a cover based on your tire's outside diameter or the tire size printed on the sidewall (for example, ST225/75R15).

Most tire cover manufacturers provide sizing charts to help ensure a proper fit.

Inspect your tires before every trip and during extended travel.

Check for:

• Proper inflation 
• Cracks or dry rot 
• Uneven tread wear 
• Cuts or punctures 
• Bulges 
• Embedded objects 

Regular inspections can help prevent blowouts and improve towing safety.

Most RV tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 5–7 years, regardless of tread depth.

As tires age, the rubber naturally deteriorates, even if the trailer is used infrequently. Always inspect the tires and consult the manufacturer's guidance.

Yes. Inflate your tires to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer or the RV manufacturer's specifications before placing the RV into storage.

Maintaining proper inflation helps reduce the risk of flat spots and premature tire wear. Check the pressure periodically during long-term storage, as tires naturally lose air over time.