Recommendations for books on Motor Home systems

Chum lee wrote:
Before you take off in your new (to you) motorhome, make sure that the factory owners manuals are present and accounted for. There should be one for the coach, one for the chassis, and a warranty manual. Read them cover to cover for starters.

This is great advice. Even though mine was over 30-years old when I got it, the original owner kept every single manual associated with it - both the original stuff and every modification and upgrade he made. Having that stuff is a HUGE help for understanding how things work and for repairs.

Before you take off in your new (to you) motorhome, make sure that the factory owners manuals are present and accounted for. There should be one for the coach, one for the chassis, and a warranty manual. Read them cover to cover for starters.

Long term, you can expect your new to you motorhome to have all the issues normally associated with owning a house and a truck, . . . rolled into one.

Chum lee

I'd recommend anything written by Gary Bunzer. He has an rv handbook out there that is out of print (but still very accurate). Also, any work done by Mark Polk. He's very experienced and has a huge library of e-courses, e-books as well as DVD's. I'm a subscriber to both of these guy's newsletters and blogs.

rollindowntheroad wrote:
Can any one suggest book(s) that I can buy and study/learn about the various systems on Motor homes? Electrical, AC/heat, Appliances, etc., etc., etc. I am not very mechanically inclined so would like to learn as much as I can.

I am planning on full timing in a Class A - used gas motor home when I retire.

Also, do rv's (specifically Motor Homes) have as many problems as I see on these types of forums? Or are these forums just a concentrated area where people come with issues to find answers to? I am hoping that the latter is what it is. I know that with RV's there are going to be issues, just as you would have in a S&B.

Thanks for your help!

Depending on what you buy and for instance Fleetwood and many others will send you documents and offer tech support as well for the house. They are similar to a home in theory and logic, except for some extras and for some of the newer ones with higher tech. systems for heating things...etc.
For the chassis, it's best to get the year (usually one or two years older than than the house title) and order a complete set of chassis manuals from eBay or other. Not sure what Ford might provide for gassers, but having the factory books on hand is best. Chevy and Workhorse is out of it, although have some great chassis options out there for older used rigs. Other chassis manufactures for the DP's, like Spartan and Frieghtliner, offer great support, as well and will send you most anything that they have, in case you change your mind about C vs A for a choice in MH's.
As for problems, they're like anything else and seem to always need something and depending on how dilegent and particular you are. I've seen people putting up with something that's an easy fix for years. With our last rig, I took care of many little things and made some mods, in the first month of ownership, that were ignored by the previous two owners, over the last 9yrs and yes I do buy them older and proven, but like new, as well.

rollindowntheroad wrote:


Also, do rv's (specifically Motor Homes) have as many problems as I see on these types of forums? Or are these forums just a concentrated area where people come with issues to find answers to? I am hoping that the latter is what it is. I know that with RV's there are going to be issues, just as you would have in a S&B.

Just by the way you asked this, I'm thinking you already know the answer, at least as well as anyone else could answer that question.

In addition to general literature - try downloading a few owners manuals for some specific brands you are looking at. They are a good way to start to orient yourself on how they work, and may also serve to help you decide which one you like better based on features and operation rather than just by floorplan and paint.

This one was in my RV when I first got it:

https://www.amazon.com/RV-Repair-Maintenance-Manual/dp/0934798702

It's pretty comprehensive and covers all of the systems, though at a general level. It doesn't have any manufacturer-specific info that you may need for more in-depth repairs. Or, at least my very-old version doesn't. The latest version in the link above has great reviews.

As far as problems, there's going to be problems. You see a lot here because no one comes here just to say "hey - everything's working great!" A motorhome in particular is going to have more issues because you are maintaining a truck/bus and a home. Even on newer ones, there is always something to maintain or repair.

A search on Amazon also came up with a couple of highly-rated books on making the decision to full-time. You might want to check those out too.

These are decent books to get you started:
RV Repair and Maintenance Manual
RV Electrical Systems