Need a "How To" Class or Seminar

[txaggie79]

We've only been in the full-time RV lifestyle since April. Plan to start traveling in March 2016. Also, this is our first ever RV. Is there any type of class or seminar that explains the basics of maintenance and care for a DP. I've read various posts about oil analysis and other items but looking for a more visual, if not hands-on, class. Full-timing may be a "learn it when it happens" process verses a class.

Any recommendations appreciated.

[Flyboy757]

Personally, I would start with the owners manual , read it cover to cover and be familiar with its contents. IMO most if not everything should be there.
RV shows I`ve attended do have seminars on various topics.

[iRent2u]

I was very green when I purchased our first motorhome. I have learned most of the things I know and need to know on this forum and a lot from utube.

[vsheetz]

Camp Freightliner.

[Bfmorgan]

Escapess have a boot camp that covers both the chassis and fulltiming in general. Camp Freightliner or Spartan are good when you want to focus just on chassis/engine.

[twogypsies]

Here's information on the Escapee RV Club Boot Camp. It's a wonderful organization especially for full-timers:

https://escapees.com/knowledge/boot-camp

[Mr_D]

I've been RV'ing since my parents rented a TT in 1957 and bought their first TT in '58. Had my own TT in 1968.
Even so EVERY rig we've gotten after that has had it's own learning curve. And the Magna we got in late Feb. is the steepest! Not even going from a gas rig to a DP was as big a jump.
Owners manuals are a start but you still need hands on experience too. I get mine through repairing/maintaining/upgrading everything I can do, plus it saves money.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Here's information on the Escapee RV Club Boot Camp. It's a wonderful organization especially for full-timers:

https://escapees.com/knowledge/boot-camp

X2

[Stealth01]

Two suggestions... 1.) If you haven't done it yet, hop over to the Newmar Owners section and monitor/use it for questions and 2.) as you learn I HIGHLY recommend developing "Check Lists" for the operation of your rig. I use 5 electronic check lists located on an iPad Mini. The iPad also provides "moving map' weather radar while we're underway.

[Ramets]

Why in the world would you want to ruin all the fun by learning BEFORE you go full time. Think of all the wonderful adventures you'll miss by doing things the right way. Kidding of course. Every RV will have it's own little quirks that you'll learn. You'll also quickly settle into a routine whenever setting up, or planning to leave somewhere. But I will admit it's brought some humor from time to time watching obvious newbie's pulling into a campground, and trying to blind side back into a space. We've heard some pretty salty language, and that was coming from the DW questioning the lineage of the driver. But don't sweat it, we've ALL been there, and for the most part are still married.

[Ron_H]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Here's information on the Escapee RV Club Boot Camp. It's a wonderful organization especially for full-timers:

https://escapees.com/knowledge/boot-camp

The above is a good suggestion.

You might also want to look into RV clubs such as the Newmar Kountry Klub, FMCA and others and hopefully get to some of their rallies. They have tons of informative seminars at many of the rallies and provide you with an opportunity to meet other RVers with similar rigs and interests as well as talk first hand to service people and vendors.

We took our 2005 Mountain Aire on its maiden run in Aug 2014 to a FMCA rally in Washington state. It provided many informative seminars plus we were able to get a number of upgrades done right at the show. This past year and a bit, plus nearly 25,000 miles, have been a great learning experience.

At the Quartzsite RV show we stayed with a Newmar Kountry Klub gathering and had a blast as well as learned from others with very similar rigs.

The best of luck to you.