Short videos from Open Skies RV, each with a written summary and a full transcript, walking through one checked step at a time.
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Before deciding, count the nights you camped in the past two years, compare real rental quotes with owning costs (payment, insurance, registration, storage, maintenance and tires), rent the RV type you’re considering, and check license and parking rules. Before buying used, run the VIN for recalls, read tire date codes and consider an independent inspection.
Summary, chapters and transcript: Rent or Buy an RV? Questions to Ask First Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
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Before deciding, count the nights you camped in the past two years, compare real rental quotes with owning costs (payment, insurance, registration, storage, maintenance and tires), rent the RV type you’re considering, and check license and parking rules. Before buying used, run the VIN for recalls, read tire date codes and consider an independent inspection.
Each campground on Recreation.gov sets its own booking window; Recreation.gov says most campsites can be booked six months ahead and most go on sale at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET, though some use other times. Check the campground’s Seasons tab, sign in early, use one browser tab, and finish within the 15-minute cart hold.
Use a designated dump station, wear disposable gloves, secure the sewer hose at both ends, dump the black tank first and then gray so the gray water rinses the hose, and close both valves before you disconnect. Read tank-chemical labels: the EPA warns some contain formaldehyde, which can harm septic systems.
For a first RV rental: run the VIN for recalls and confirm your license and campsite fit the RV before you book; at pickup, photograph every side, read the tire date codes, test the CO, propane and smoke alarms and learn the tanks; on the road, check tire pressure cold; at return, repeat the photos and get a written check-in note.
Video thumbnails and the illustrations used in the videos. Each one links to its video or guide.
Short walkthroughs of one official step at a time, with real sources. New videos on the Open Skies RV YouTube channel.
Education only: general information, not legal, insurance, mechanical or other professional advice for your situation. Rules, fees, recalls and campground policies change and vary by state, park and manufacturer, so check the official source we link, your RV’s manual or a qualified technician before you act. We may earn money from ads and paid links; our advice isn’t for sale.
