Community Forums

Cornholio · 08-09-2012, 10:56 PM

We took delivery of our 1st RV last weekend and we are taking it out on the road for the 1st time on Saturday we are really excited and also scared. I hope that it gets less scary driving a HUGE BUS in the future.

funhouse · 08-10-2012, 05:31 AM

Good luck and welcome to the world of RV'ing.. You will be fine, just take your time, double check everything and learn all you can about your rig, know your height and read all road signs. Some bridges and overpasses are lower than others and propane tanks may be prohibited. when leaving an area check that slide is in, antenna down if it is an elevating arm, cords all stowed and you haven't forgotten anybody.... It is a good idea to keep a notepad and start a checklist for future trips, you would be amazed at the number of things you will realize you have forgotten once you are on the road.

Most of all, have fun!

vraines · 08-10-2012, 06:50 AM

Ditto on take your time and double check everything. I try to keep any interference away from me while I set up and pack up. Read that to be helpful neighbors. I have made plenty of mistakes, but try not to keep making the same ones over again. If you are traveling on unfamiliar roads, I recommend a GPS. It will reduce the stress of making bad turns and lane changes. I also use the Good SAMs Club trip planning software. It has incline grades and over pass clearances as well as enroute campgrounds and contacts. If you are towing, spend the extra time to insure you have that routine nailed down. Expensive mistakes are possible here. After several years of DP and towing,I still get caught in places where I have to unhook and turnaround!! About once a year.
Good luck. You will be an experienced DP camper after the first trip.

cappelte · 08-10-2012, 06:55 AM

You're going to love it and you'll do fine. Go slow and get comfortable. It takes a little time to get used to driving something this big, but it gets easier with time. Just leave extra space in front of you and expect the unexpected with other drivers.

It's a great lifestyle!!

mgtr · 08-10-2012, 09:09 AM

Ditto for all the above helps. One thing I was told the first time I drove a motorhome (in 1985) was that if (when on a two lane road) you can see the lane divider lines in your left outside mirror, then you are definitely in your own lane. Good crutch at first.
Good luck, you will likely love it!

R2Home · 08-10-2012, 10:00 AM

Looks like fun times ahead. Take it slow and 'learn' as much as you can from watching what others are doing, or not doing. The DW has serval list for when we travel and it sure helps. Keep a note pad close at hand so you can make notes on the things that you both forgot and the items that you brough along that are not needed. The best thing is to start with short.close to home trips and expend from there.
Set up a routine for when you get to your destination and for when you pack up to leave. Do these steps the same ALL of the time, so that you do not forget something. I always do a second 'walk around' our MH before hitting the road, looking to ensure that all of the jack are completely raised, the light are all working, the all of the compartments are closed/locked, and to ensure that we have everything.
Good luck and keep us posted on your advantures!

boweavel · 08-10-2012, 02:43 PM

keep in mind that you probably have a long rear overhang that swings wide when turning. take it slow and watch for the usual crazies on the roads. enjoy and welcome

Qwert66 · 08-10-2012, 03:38 PM

As stated earlier -Take a notepad and document a list of what you want to do/get/need/repair/change for the future as when you get home you will not remember all those good ideas/thoughts in the moment they arrive.

Discuss ahead of time what each member would like to be responsible for so when the time comes there is no confusion.

After 2 outings we realized that comminication inside vs out was best handled with the inexpensine walkie-talkies (for our situation). Works well for checking in, walking the site, directing movement into/out of the site, checking clearances and brakes lights of toads. helps at the dump/filling/diesel stations etc.

Happy trails.
Think of it as a journey rather than a destination and you will be fine.
Expect "stuff" to happen as it will eventually.

Mena661 · 08-10-2012, 05:25 PM

One thing I do if going to an unfamiliar place is check Google Maps street view. I pick a few places on the way to see grades, intersections, etc. That way I have a heads up on what to expect on the drive there.

Tha_Rooster · 08-10-2012, 06:12 PM

Don't worry before you know it you will have it on two wheels going around corners.

akadeadeye · 08-10-2012, 06:18 PM

DO NOT let other drivers intimidate you when you are taking it slow around a corner you are not sure you can make, etc. Make them wait. Take up the lane to your left to make a right hand turn. It's OK to do that. The other drivers don't have to pay your deductible and wait two months to get it fixed.

Rear swing-out is REAL. Respect it.

Have fun. But be mindful.

Don

Cornholio · 08-10-2012, 10:18 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll let y'all know how it went in a couple of days.

2Labs · 08-10-2012, 10:38 PM

I agree with some of the other posters, take it easy, take your time and don't worry about the traffic behind you.

Rear swing out, like other posters mention, is REAL and I've found that the biggest place that I worry about this is when refueling. I always look for a pump that I can drive straight through or an end pump where I can have some extra room to park farther away from the pump. I have no problem, when I am refueling alone, to get in and out of the motorhome 3 or 4 times to make sure I am situated well.

TV ANTENNA, TV ANTENNA, TV ANTENNA ... I've heard this from many RV'ers before and it wasn't until we owned and traveled in our RV for more than a year that I left it up after leaving a site. Yes, I did my typical secondary walk around before pulling out of the site - but I was obviously still distracted. This was at our weekend at Pocono Raceway and there was some on track activity while we were pulling out and I got distracted and forget to check the antenna.

I've been really good with hanging the keys from the antenna crank, but for whatever reason, I missed it this time. It didn't take more than 1/2 mile down the road when I heard the antenna hit a tree branch. We immediately pulled over and lowered the antenna - figured there was nothing I could do at that point and would just asses any damage when we got home. Luckily there was none.

And ... keep in tune with the noises your motorhome makes. Over time you'll know what squeaks, groins and other noises are common and to be expected, and with time, you'll immediately notice any sounds that are just not right.

This alone has saved us from having to replace the TV antenna, as well as a cut front tire from a broken metal fender brace.

camperme2 · 08-10-2012, 11:07 PM

Good luck with your new rig and first trip. There are a few things I take on the road 1) some cash 2) a credit card and 3) I take my time. I drive around 90kph - 95 kph; (60mph) and that appears to be the most efficient mpg. It also gives me time to see what is ahead and time to slow down when necessary. If others want to drive mad they can pass me; if they can't pass they can wait. When making tight turns I drive as slow as necessary. IT's best to be safe and secure. I don't let anyone push me around although some idiots have tried. Many people have no appreciation for the time and distance it takes for a large vehicle to stop or make a turn so we all need to drive as if the other driver has no clues about our situation. On a windy day it is much harder to drive for long periods so when you start to feel tired, take a break. If you don't know how something works, ask your camper neighbour. Most of us like nothing better than helping a fellow camper. You will make very good friends while travelling. 2 years ago we met a couple in PEI and today we are parked on their land and had dinner with them in Saskatchewan. Last year we met a couple and spent a month touring Newfoundland and Labrador. Last month we spent several days with them in London, Ontario and we have made plans to spend several months together this winter in Arizona.
Some campgrounds will give you discounted rates but some want cash instead of a credit card. Sometimes I offer cash to get a discount to offset charges they would otherwise incur if they took your credit card.
Help your neighbours and be considerate and it will come back in spades.
All the best.