Newbie to RVing

Tnvines · 11-26-2011, 08:46 AM

Hello everyone,
My wife and I are about to finalize our purchase from a family friend of a 1999 Gulf Stream Sun Voyager gas 35'. It has a V-10 with 36,000 mi, and 2 slides. The previous owner was a neat freak and the RV is in immaculate condition. He had the carpet in the living room pulled out and tile put in because his girlfriend did not like it. In fact he has only put about 2500 miles on it since he has owned the vehicle. 6 brand new tires, tow system, new batteries, and tons of extras from adapters to etc. We are new to RVing but my wife was committed to find a way for us to get away from my first dream of growing a vineyard. I am kind of a workaholic but my health has gone downhill some in the past several years.
We are excited about the motorhome but it seems to be a little intimidating by all the systems. I have ordered some dvds on class A operation and the care of them. I am a visual person so I need something I can see.
Do any of you have any advice? We plan to do some "camping" this winter as well as the spring.

Thanks
Mark and Bev in E.TN

shortlance · 11-26-2011, 10:17 AM

First let me welcome you to the forum. I think that you will be suprised at how easy RVing is once you get the basics down. I would advise you to first camp somewere close to home just in case you forget something really important that you need. You will find that almost everyone at any campground will help you out with anything you don't know or any problems that might pop up. My first time out went very smooth and I did a lot of worring for nothing. When we arrived at our first campground I told the owners that it was my first time and the owner escorted me to my site and helped me back my 5er in to the site. We were lucky enough to be parked next to a fulltimer who made sure I was set up the right way and they were more then happy to share all their knowledge with us. It turned out to be a great and very educational week.
Everyone has their first time and counted on veteran RV'ers for help and it's a great feeling to help a new person get started.
You are in for a great time!!

jabfado · 11-26-2011, 12:06 PM

Welcome for one Newbie to another, Our first trip is going to be to Quartzite, Az. in January. Make sure your tires are new by checking the manufactures date on the tires...My tires appeared to be brand new but they were the original tires and eight years old...was advised by several experienced R.V. er's on this site to change them out do to interior Rot...took their advice and changed all out along with the Serpintine belt, all filters replaced and a complete lube of the old girl....Now all I have to do is do some hands on training so I don't open the wrong sewar valve at the wrong time. lol good luck and have a great time.

dogpatch · 11-26-2011, 12:17 PM

Welcome to all. This forum is a great source of knowledge for anyone starting out. All of us did at one point or another.

MSHappyCampers · 11-26-2011, 02:15 PM

Hi Mark & Bev! Congrats on the new rig! I hope you end up loving RV'ing as much as we do. Have fun & God bless!

bsirby · 11-26-2011, 02:56 PM

Hello and Welcome Mark and Bev! You will be amazed at how fast you learn. In fact we are still learning after 3 years. We just traded from a Class C to a Class A and we are back being confused and pouring through the manuals again. But it's a great way to get away for a much needed break. Enjoy!