Community Forums

RISCKY · 02-06-2012, 07:06 AM

Hello everyone,

We are first time RV buyers who recently purchased an 2012 Entegra Anthem. We will be picking it up on 2/22. Looking for your FAVORITE tips, comments, thoughts and recommendations for us. We realize we don't know what we don't know and wanted to reach out to the wealth of experience this form offers.

Thx in advance for your help.

Steve N Sal · 02-06-2012, 07:15 AM

Make sure you do a thorough walk thru with the dealership. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't quite understand everything. If the dealership has the capability to let you stay there a few days just to make sure that everything is working and you familiarize yourself with the coach I would surely do that. It's best to find not working items while your there rather then traveling home and find them only to have to return. Hope all works out and CONGRATS on the new coach. Be sure to post some pics when you get it.

Ramblin · 02-06-2012, 07:34 AM

My #1 tip for new RV owners is to make your first trip be a week long stay in your driveway. Doing this you will learn about your RV systems, figure out what you need to be comfortable, and be able to retreat to your house if you need to. Once you get your RV outfitted with the stuff you need, then you'll be able to confidently venture forth into this wonderful land and go camping for real.

GaryKD · 02-06-2012, 09:52 AM

Hi RISCKY,
Congrats on the new coach. For me, the #1 suggestion is to make lists of what you need after you discover you need it. Then, over a couple of trips see if you still need what is on the list. After the first 6 months or year, begin to purchase what is on the list. My suggestion for you to wait to purchase after market items is because there is a lot of really neat things an RVer can buy. Way too many end up seldom used.

It is important for you to morph into your own style of RVing. Once done, you'll know what you need and will use.

RISCKY · 02-06-2012, 10:29 AM

Great advice. We plan on staying near the dealer for a day or two before heading home. Appreciate any opinions on whatever else a complete newbie would need to know...be it tips on H20, inverters, generators, parking, driving, awnings, you name it...it'll be appreciated!!

jackrobinryan · 02-06-2012, 11:15 AM

Quite a beautiful first RV to purchase. Congrats on that!!

If you have never rented or driven a MH or something else that size yet, I would suggest staying near the dealership for a few days of driving practice with someone who has that experience.

All the advice on stuff to buy and places to go should come after getting used to safely operating the rig and all the systems on board.

Want to protect your new "investment".

safe travels
j

Fred and Bonnie · 02-06-2012, 11:19 AM

It sounds like you live several miles from the dealership, and your learning curve is steep. If you have an experienced RVing friend to accompany you, they could walk you through many of the routine issues.

While it may be boring reading, the owner manuals will answer many items.

fred

JimM68 · 02-06-2012, 11:39 AM

Before we picked up the knight, I searched the web for every manual I could find, downloaded them, absd read them all. It was a huge help during the pre delivery inspection, and let me hit the ground running with my new coach

pumper9x9 · 02-06-2012, 05:15 PM

Join FMCA (check the web page) then go to the Rally they are having in Indiana this summer. You'll be amazed at what you're ignorant of and how much helpful information that you can pick up there. Happy travels.

mccsix · 02-07-2012, 12:11 PM

The FMCA meet in Indianapolis is almost next door to the Entegra plant in Middlebury In. If you have any problems make an appt to stop and meet some of the greatest service people you'll ever meet, Don Brubaker and Joyce Skinner.

jth camper · 02-07-2012, 01:20 PM

During the walk around, take notes. That may sound silly, but after our 3 hour walk around I could not even remember where the ignition key went little alone "here you go, it's all yours". I wish I would have video taped it so I could go back and review it. After a year later I'm still not sure how to work some things on our coach.

mccsix · 02-07-2012, 03:09 PM

2X, I guess that's the "fun" in buying a new one you keeping learning systems over and over again, till it sinks in.

Frutza · 02-07-2012, 03:20 PM

The best advice I was given, was video tape the walk around,
congradulations and happy trails

historyljc · 02-07-2012, 03:22 PM

Don't try to immediately stock it with everything you think you're going to need or want to have on board. You'll wind up wind up with stuff you'll never use. Take the absolute minimum that you think you can get by with, then add on an as needed basis. This includes stocking the refrigerator. There are grocery stores all over the US should you need something that you don't have on board. Happing camping.