Community Forums

Tom Thomason · 05-23-2017, 09:13 AM

Hi, My name is Tom and my wife is Barb. We just purchased a used motorhome a 2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. Our problem is this is our first and only RV ever. I'm 70 and my wife is 67 and I'm not sure if the old adage ( You can't teach an old dog new tricks ) is true or not but I'm having one heck of a time. The motorhome is in excellent condition and we love it but at this point I just need a little help. So if there is any one in the Paw Paw or Kalamazoo Michigan area who can help me and show us how some of this works (i.e. Shore Power, Generator, Batteries ).
[Mod Edit]

Thanks Tom & Barb

P.S
I purchased this from an inside Storage Facility and other than slide outs and leveling that was about extent of training.

MSHappyCampers · 05-23-2017, 09:17 AM

Hi Tom & Barb!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Hope you can find someone local to help with your questions. If you don't find someone locally, just post questions in the appropriate forum here on IRV2. You will be amazed at how much help you can get! There's no such thing as a stupid question here!

Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Mr_D · 05-23-2017, 09:20 AM

Welcome, there must be someone close that can give you a hand.
I'm 70 and the DW died last August, and I've been RV'ing since I was 10. If there's a mistake to be made I've probably done it!

MikeyRVNW · 05-23-2017, 10:19 AM

I also just purchased a motor home. A bit older, mine is a 96 Holiday Rambler Imperial.

I signed up for the Good Sam membership for three years. This automatically gets upgraded to a deluxe membership because of the multi-year membership. The deluxe membership includes an annual inspection at Camping World. I bet you can get many of your questions answered through them. Not to mention the fuel and other discounts.

eprman1 · 05-23-2017, 10:27 AM

You can also join the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). They have good benefits and a large network of RVers that love to help our fellow adventurers. Sorry, but I am in Massachusetts.

You can search any thread here for good info.

kenandterry · 05-23-2017, 10:30 AM

Tom.....

Welcome aboard, and remember.....we were all newbies at one time.

Hope you find someone nearby, but in the meantime ask any questions you have. If it helps (you and us) include photos.

We're ready when you are.

oktechguy · 05-23-2017, 03:18 PM

Welcome. I went through the samething last year. I watched a lot of YouTube videos. "how to hook up an rv at a campground" is a great place to start.

Stripe34 · 05-23-2017, 03:24 PM

Escapees offers rv "boot camp" several times each year at various locations. Sounds like you would both be ideal attendees!

macjac69 · 05-23-2017, 03:28 PM

T. Thomason, welcome glad to see you here!! I bought an 04 HR Admiral last July so our units may have some similarities. These forums are a wealth of knowledge and have saved me headache on multiple occasions.
Again welcome and happy trails.

Mac99 · 05-23-2017, 03:36 PM

You might try to find a local RV repair facility and hire one
of their techs to go over the coach with you.

Tha_Rooster · 05-23-2017, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Thomason

Hi, My name is Tom and my wife is Barb. We just purchased a used motorhome a 2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. Our problem is this is our first and only RV ever. I'm 70 and my wife is 67 and I'm not sure if the old adage ( You can't teach an old dog new tricks ) is true or not but I'm having one heck of a time. The motorhome is in excellent condition and we love it but at this point I just need a little help. So if there is any one in the Paw Paw or Kalamazoo Michigan area who can help me and show us how some of this works (i.e. Shore Power, Generator, Batteries ), I Would happily compensate them.

Thanks Tom & Barb

P.S

I purchased this from an inside Storage Facility and other than slide outs and leveling that was about extent of training.

What model vacationer, someone might own one and would be able to tell you all about it.

biggcrisp · 05-23-2017, 03:40 PM

Just go and "wing" it. Chances are good that whoever you camp next to would be more than happy to show you the ropes.

I have helped newbies and it was a good time for the both of us.

Also camp in your driveway if you can.

Yes, there is a wrong way to camp by not following etiquette rules. Something that must be learned from doing.

Asking your new neighbors for instructions is also a great way to meet new people.

Radacravitz · 05-23-2017, 05:34 PM

hi tom,

congrats on your new adventuremobile ;-)

i'm new to my coach, too, so i've been reading all i can in each of the appropriate forums. one of my favorite forums here is the Monaco owner forum which, it appears to me, is also where Holiday Rambler coaches are stabled.

you might ask about your specific "how to" questions in that forum ... perhaps other HR owners can offer their experience-based feedback.

all the best in your travels!

MobileOneDS · 05-23-2017, 05:52 PM

Hi Tom:

I'm just north of you in Spring Lake area, would be happy to show you what I know given this is my second season with our 38 Ft DP. We are heading to Pentwater (Mears state park) with our retired full time friends the weekend of June 1 St. I know the are spots available last I looked. The best learning is on the job so to speak.

Regards
Mike