Forum Discussion

Hillyhiker's avatar
Hillyhiker
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014

Newbie: Best way to learn about your RV?

I just bought a privately owned 1998 Roadtrek 190P, my first of any sort of RV. I have the manuals, but would very much like a proper walk through lesson on how to operate everything on the vehicle and care for all the systems properly. I had the engine checked out and everything is good, but the actual RV systems are all new to me. I phoned the local RV place and they wanted $100 an hour to be an "instructor." That seems very expensive for something I was expecting I could find on YouTube. I am not finding the videos I was looking for, so am frustrated. Is $100 an hour reasonable for a lesson given by someone who isn't really interested in teaching? I would prefer to hire somebody who is interested in my learning and enjoying the process. How do I find someone like that? TIA
Class B
  • gemert's avatar
    gemert
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    There is a website called RV University rvuniversity.com. They have a training video package you can buy that is supposed to be an orientation for new owners. I haven't tried it because I've been RVing for years. I was researching my first Class A. Their youtube videos (rv education 101)are ok.
  • Handbasket's avatar
    Handbasket
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    Go to the Roadtrek website. Along about then, they had an excellent DVD lesson on how all the systems work. I had one, but let it go with my '99/'00 RT D190V. I wouldn't be surprised if they have it online now.

    Things you need to know now...

    Tires: No more than 6 years old. Google 'how to read tire dates'. Rear, 80 psi. Front, 60-70 psi, whatever drives well. Michelin LTX's did not drive at all well on either of my Roadtreks. They need stiffer sidewalls.

    Never start or stop the generator with a load like the A/C on it.

    It's a Class B, not a C, so ask the mod to move it over there. There are some knowledgeable folks there who have owned the same or similar vans.

    Jim, "The buck doesn't even slow down here."
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    You just learned a valuable lesson free! If your local RV dealer is going to charge you that much for information, find some other place to to business, as there is no idea what they would charge for actual work!
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    bob_nestor gave some good advice. Check with other RVers, they're usually happy to help.

    Did you try contacting Roadtrek? Maybe they can furnish the info or manuals you need.

    Don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum.

    Enjoy your travels.
  • bob_nestor's avatar
    bob_nestor
    Explorer III
    Mar 21, 2014
    Go on some short camping trips to RV parks and strike up a conversation with fellow campers. Most systems are pretty much the same in all RVs so you can pick up a lot of useful information and make some new friends along the way. For the few things that are a bit different on your Roadtrek you can always ask on the forums, join a local Roadtrek chapter, search for fellow Roadtrekers on campouts, or puzzle it out yourself.
  • rmasonschneider's avatar
    rmasonschneider
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    most folks on this forum will likely help you with any questions you may have about your new rt. If you'd like a general overview of things covered in detail, you may want to spend couple dollars and get your self a book that covers RV basics, they help a lot.

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