Never Camped Before!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi and Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you decided to join us!

Congrats on the new rig! Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[JohnRR]

This is some very good advice

Originally Posted by ChallengerRN

Staying at the dealer a couple days is a great idea. We are picking up a new RV today in Elkhart and plans to stay at the dealers camping spots for at least 2 days. And this is our 4 RV.

RUSSELL

[myshaggydog]

Welcome to the Forum and we hope you have many great camping adventures. Best of luck. Be sure to post pics.

Happy RV'ing

[HD4Mark]

A short stay close to home, even if it is parked in your driveway is good advise. That way if there is a problem or something you just don't how to operate a trip isn't ruined. There sure is a big learning curve to these beasts but someone here is always willing to answer any questions. Welcome!

[DieselTech39]

Glad you're aboard. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.

[virginiamtns]

The day I bought my rig I asked a friend who had owned a charter bus company what he recommended. I follow his recommendations faithfully:

1. Keep it between the lines.
2. Don't go into anywhere you don't know you can get out of.
3. Have fun.

So now, they're my recommendations to you.

Happy camping!

[ChallengerRN]

Ok. Picked up our new coach today. Moved 1/2 over today. The rest tomorrow.

Staying at the dealers "free" campground for customers. (I love free lol). Punch list is small but we are staying at least two days here.

So when u pick up your coach make sure to have pen & paper & write down all repair items & questions.

Things we found today. Plastic shield on AC has broken tab(inside)
One piece of wood trim needs re nailed. -- two screws need countersunk in bed room --door lock. Dead bolt difficult. Then a couple items I can't figure what they for So not much. Maybe in luck this time??

So just keep a list & stick around dealer for awhile

Russell.

[charliej]

Have fun with your rig
Don't get in a hurry, plan a head a little more than when driving a car. Realize your rear end is a going swing out a bit when turning. Below is a good thread for someone starting out, you can learn for our mistakes.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174901

Good luck.

[sknight]

Have them demonstrate every single thing, if you see a button or switch, push it. Ask what it does.

Get a notepad, in each room write down a list of things that room needs.

1. Kitchen needs pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. Soap, dishtowels, it goes on.
2. Bathroom needs soap (I recommend liquid soaps, the bars tend to dry out during non use.) towels, toilet paper, chemicals.
3. Bedroom needs sheets, decent pillows, an alarm clock.

Basically, all the things your home uses.

Then, camp in the driveway. Plug into your home, you can't run the AC, but everything else is fine. Live out there, cook, clean, take notes. You'll need a spatula, you can run in the house, get one, write it on your list.

After a night or two close, go hit a local campground, state park, etc. Spend a couple of nights there. This will get you used to the whole experience, from setting up in a strange place to breaking camp to dumping the tanks.

That order is black, gray, then rinse the hose out thoroughly with the nearby water hose.

Even if you're camping with full hookups always carry about 1/3 tank of fresh water. You'll love having your own bathroom, or being able to wash your hands, or have a drink of water during lunch.

Folks typically travel from 250-400 miles a day, that's five to eight hours driving. That will help planning overnight stops. Better to go shorter than risk trying to go longer.

Have fun! This is a great passtime/obsession/lifestyle. Ask questions, even the stupid ones, cause guess what. We've all been there, don't let anyone kid you.

[Hudgens]

Welcome to the irv2 gang! You already have received some good advice. One thing someone passed along to us that is helpful is the following link to a variety of types of checklists. They give you a lot think about.

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide..._checklist.php

I hope this link posts OK....haven't done this a lot.

Good luck!

[xo4all]

Holy smokes, this forum and the help has been tremendous! I will be sure to follow all the advise, financing will go through today hopefully and should be picking her up by the end of the week. I'll post pictures!

[deekay]

Welcome, glad you joined us.

X2 the advice to do a "local" trip for a couple of days to work out the kinks and test your memory of all the stuff there is to remember and make sure you understand your notes from the walk through - video and pics are a great suggestion for that also.

Most of all enjoy the ride, we are learning, and loving, everything about the RV'ing experience.

[Nuclear]

RVs have limited views...keep attuned to your driving conditions. Watch for motorcycles and small vehicles.

Have fun!

[xo4all]

Picking her up Tuesday after orientation. Read every single comment on this thread. My selling dealer does have their own RV park but currently full due to oil field workers packing it in. I'll try some local parks before I head out on a long trip. Thanks guys.