getting into rv questions

[gilunionhall]

hello everyone -
this is my first post on your site. my wife and i are looking into purchasing an rv and have a bunch of questions we would like answered.

1. are there good magazines we could subscribe to? and books?

2. if we are planning a car trip, stopping overnight is easy - we get tired, find a motel/hotel right off the interstate - but it seems like you would need advance planning if your are rv'ing. it doesnt seem like campgrounds/rv parks, etc would be as easy to find as the hotel/motel routine.

3. the internet - not being technically proficient in this area, but relying on internet at our home for almost everything, is there internet access almost anywhere you go? (we are mac users - i am not sure that actually makes a difference in your answers)

thanks in advance for getting us started in rv'ing

gil

[gilunionhall]

hello everyone -
this is my first post on your site. my wife and i are looking into purchasing an rv and have a bunch of questions we would like answered.

1. are there good magazines we could subscribe to? and books?

2. if we are planning a car trip, stopping overnight is easy - we get tired, find a motel/hotel right off the interstate - but it seems like you would need advance planning if your are rv'ing. it doesnt seem like campgrounds/rv parks, etc would be as easy to find as the hotel/motel routine.

3. the internet - not being technically proficient in this area, but relying on internet at our home for almost everything, is there internet access almost anywhere you go? (we are mac users - i am not sure that actually makes a difference in your answers)

thanks in advance for getting us started in rv'ing

gil

[RV Wizard]

gil, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and look forwar to helping you get to know this lifestyle. I would recommend that you first explore the way you want to use an RV. Once you think you know what you will do then you can rent a towable or a motorized unit to try out the different sizes and floor plans. I think this website is going to be far more informative than any book to learn the ropes. A little advance planning is necessary and at times you will need advanced reservations for very popular areas at their peak season. I am using my cell phone and lap top to post this and access the internet. Today it is not as difficult as it once was. Campgrounds are usually connected in one way or another.
Start of by thinking of what you want to do and then click on the "Find" button, enter that topic and click of the small box and search for that discussion. If you do not find exactly what you are looking for you are encouraged to post a new topic of discussion. GOod luck and enjoy!

[Road Pilot]

1. Go to Barnes and Noble or Borders. They have a large section on RV related things.
2. You'll have books or internet sites that list campgrounds and what they offer. We usually call one around noon when we know where we'll spend the night.
3. MAC or PC it doesn't matter. The internet is the internet. Lots of RV related sites.

[rebelsbeach]

Some very good suggestions so far,especially the one about calling around noon during the day when you know where you're going to stop.

I might add you could check the campground review site here, as well as rvparkreviews.com to read about possible campground stops.

[Teach]

Hi gil and welcome....Looks like you are getting some very good suggestions.

We are retired and we do some advanced planning for most of our trips. But, a couple of times each year we just take off and see where the highway takes us. Been doing that for many years and have never been unable to find a place to camp. We carry Woodall's and Trailer Life's camping books.

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by gilunionhall:
1. are there good magazines we could subscribe to? and books? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

"Trailer Life" is a good all-around RV magazine. There are other, more specialized RV magazines such as "Motorhome Magazine" for those who own motorhomes. If you join the Good Sam Club, you'll receive their "Highways" magazine.

As far as books are concerned, I'd recommend visiting the RV Bookstore. They have all kinds of books related to RVs and RVing.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">2. if we are planning a car trip, stopping overnight is easy - we get tired, find a motel/hotel right off the interstate - but it seems like you would need advance planning if your are rv'ing. it doesnt seem like campgrounds/rv parks, etc would be as easy to find as the hotel/motel routine. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

They're very easy to find. I'd recommend the "Trailer Life Directory" (which you can find at the RV Bookstore, or at RV supply places such as Camping World) as a place to start. Of course, you'll also have places to camp such as state and national parks, forest service campgrounds, Corps of Engineer campgrounds, etc.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">3. the internet - not being technically proficient in this area, but relying on internet at our home for almost everything, is there internet access almost anywhere you go? (we are mac users - i am not sure that actually makes a difference in your answers) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, maybe not "everywhere," but Internet access is becoming more and more common...from lugging your laptop down to the RV Park's office (or some other central location) and plugging it in to dial up and download email, to WiFi. Depending on your cell phone service, you may be able to use it connected to your laptop for email and surfing, or get an aircard. Then, of course, there's satellite Internet, but that's probably not an economical choice just for occasional trips.

[gilunionhall]

thanks to everyone that has responded so far to my post.

i have a lot to look into!

looking forward to even more info.

gil

[GaryKD]

Hi gil,
My 2 cents is:
1. Go to the Camping World web site. Find a location near you. There you can browse for about every accessory, book and do dad you can think of to assist RV'ers.
2. For motor coach owners there is Motor Home magazine and for those who tow a trailer or 5th wheel there is Trailer Life magazine

3. Trailer Life and Woodalls each print a directory of camp grounds (CG). I use the Trailer Life Directory. Each State usually has a directory of CGs for their State.

4. The entry for each CG, in the above mentioned directories will tell you if the CG has Internet access and if there is a fee or it is included in the nightly rate. WIFI technology is popular. It is wireless and you can stay in your coach and use the Internet.

For private access to the Internet, if you have a cell phone, go to your carrier and ask them what they can provide for Internet access. There is a bit of a discount if you get your Internet via the same company you get your voice from.

The previous suggestion to think about how you will use an RV is a good one. Knowing about yourself is the first step to making a good purchase. The following assumes there will be 2 adults in the coach. Think about the kind of RVing you will start doing.
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>Touring - Stay in different places, for up to a month, exploring the immediate area. Then move on to the next area to explore.
<LI>Parking - Stay up to 6 months in one spot. In South Florida we call these folks snow birds. Follow the sun and stay warm all year. The place could change each year, but the focus is to be South in the Winter and North in the Summer, remaining at the chosen area for several months.
<LI>Combination of Tour and Park - This is where one may have a Southern and Northern area picked out, but getting between the two may take 2 months each way. I rarely travel in a straight line to get where I am going. [/list]The kind of RVing you do may help in determining the coach you purchase. Things change, over time, but if you are comfortable with how you will RV, your purchase process will be much easier. Some RV floor plans, engines and chassis would be better for parking and some for driving. Some maximize space use for a living (parked) environment. Others have splendid engines, chassis and drive trains to make touring a very pleasurable experience.

As you solidify your thoughts, post on your progress. More detailed suggestions can be provided when you got the high level thoughts organized.

[TXiceman]

Since this is your first venture into TVing, you might want to rent an RV for a few days and see what you like and dislike. Paying a few $$$ in rental fees is better than a mistake with a bunch of $$$$$$$$$$.

Come back anytime with any questions you may have. Don't fall into the in love with the first one you see. A dealer can smell a newbie from a mile away. Also, do not believe anything the dealer tells you. Most RV salesmen are salesmen, not Rvers.

You need to look at all of the types of RVs, pop ups, travel trailer, hybrids, class B, class A and fifth wheels. See what fits your needs.

Have fun shopping.

Ken