I was new Once

[LINDAJEAN]

Wow! A sudden wind blew my big awning up on the roof with little damage, thank goodness! But now I watch the winds like a hawk!

[BOSTONBERNIE]

When I was new many years ago and you offered help or helpful info I couldn*t Thankyou enough..... then I asked you *What else do you Know*

[adriangordon]

Originally Posted by GypsyR

"Pride comes before a fall?"


Or like I asked my son...a few times: "Do you really just have to learn EVERYTHING the hard way?"

As my SgtMaj explained to me one day while we were discussing one of our 2%ers (as in 2% of your people take up 90% of your time), Captain, ya' gotta remember that some people learn by listening, some learn by watching, and some just gotta piss on the electric fence themselves.

[dizcom]

Probably hated that awning. It”s a good thing that it’s gone. I know we all appreciate unsolicited advice from strangers when we’re trying to do something new.

[roblaura]

Good descriptions of the 20% of RVers who do not know when to ask for help, how accept it graciously, or give it tactfully. These same folks usually have the same problem in other aspects of their life.

[Springerman]

One night about 6 years ago my wife and I were in our toy hauler that we had for about 10 years. We got a great night sleep enjoying a pleasant Florida night rain. The sound of the rain put us right to sleep. I was very confused in the morning when I could not open the side entry door 😳!!!!! I give my friends lots of chuckles, they say that’s what makes me….me.

[Bonron]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

New sign in window ---- "FOR SALE"


And I'll bet dollars to donuts it ain't the first thing the guy has damaged due to 'no help'

It’s all about the “learning curve”. Not every one is cut out to own or maintain a motorhome/trailer.

[BikesAndGuns]

Originally Posted by fcbbob15

I have new neighbors who came into the campground Tuesday. They must be newbies because every thing looks new. I saw them take water and sewer hose out of the package. The truck and trailer look new. They started to set up by positioning the door in line with the picnic table and the later realized that the sewer hose wouldn't reach. I asked them if they needed any help and they said no thanks. The next day they had there awning out and it was getting windy so I mentioned that the wind could damage there awning. They said OK thanks and left shortly after. About an hour later I heard a noise and looked out to see there awning wrapped up over the roof. It also broke the TV antenna off. Myself and another camper tied down the awning as best we could to stop it from beating the trailer. When they got back the wife was crying and the man cut off the fabric and busted up the frame. They then packed up and left. Why not take help and advise from someone who has been there and done that, I'll never understand.

I think some people are simply too insecure to ask for help or even accept it when it's offered. Personally, I like to hear what everyone has to offer and always appreciate the interest. Many years ago, at the start of my career, I read something I never forgot: "People say you learn from your mistakes. That may be true, but I prefer learning from the mistakes of others".

[Old Top Kick]

We're on our 4th rig now and consider ourselves to be old hands at the RV game. Just the same, the first thing that I do when we get a new rig home is to spend a weekend digesting the 5 lbs of manuals that came with the rig. Learn something important every time!

[Diesel-Lover]

Originally Posted by Freeman10

No cure, or vaccine, for stupid — or arrogance. Your new camper suffered from both.

Well put.

[Horskrzy]

...perhaps it can be what we start with when offering advice.

Camping at one of our semi-local campgrounds mid-Spring this year. The best RV sites are on a hill, three levels. We're always on the top row and get to enjoy the free entertainment when a newbie shows up. Sometimes though it becomes too painful and one is obligated to offer some help. After 15 minutes of near-disastrous attempts in backup up their 25' travel trailer (Man getting frustrated + wife not doing a good job giving "directions = %$@#!) I went down to help. I started off with "You know what, I was in the same predicament as you are when I started out, if you don't mind, I'll be happy to pass on a few tips that will make this a lot easier". You could tell he really wanted to say no but I think he realized his wife would probably have shot him at this point. As I made it clear I wasn't being judgmental,he agreed to take some guidance. I gave him clear and concise directions and we quickly had the task under control. Afterwords I went in to a little more detail about the mechanics of backing up a TT and he was quite appreciative. Since it was clear that his pride wasn't hurt, I did mention that he'll soon be at the point where he can enjoy other newbies going through their backup efforts and if warranted, pay it forward. I'm pretty sure he thanked me 4 or more times throughout the evening whenever I was within earshot.

[caroldee2735]

I wouldn’t know anything if I hadn’t listened to fellow campers with good advice . And all I have learned on this forum.

[CaptV1VR]

Haha,
The first time we took our “new to us “ rig out,
I thought we were taking it right back even after reading the 500 pages of manual.
Loss and all!
It’s a 10 minute job max now and we laugh about that first adventure.

[66lima]

Originally Posted by fcbbob15

I have new neighbors who came into the campground Tuesday. They must be newbies because every thing looks new. I saw them take water and sewer hose out of the package. The truck and trailer look new. They started to set up by positioning the door in line with the picnic table and the later realized that the sewer hose wouldn't reach. I asked them if they needed any help and they said no thanks. The next day they had there awning out and it was getting windy so I mentioned that the wind could damage there awning. They said OK thanks and left shortly after. About an hour later I heard a noise and looked out to see there awning wrapped up over the roof. It also broke the TV antenna off. Myself and another camper tied down the awning as best we could to stop it from beating the trailer. When they got back the wife was crying and the man cut off the fabric and busted up the frame. They then packed up and left. Why not take help and advise from someone who has been there and done that, I'll never understand.

Experience is the best teacher.
But the test comes BEFORE the lesson.
:(