You guys make my head spin....

Slo, gen on while driving depends on what you wish to power. I run mine in hot or cold weather to use AC or Furnace whichever is needed. Refer should hold cold long enough or auto switch to LP when not on shore power. What size and class MH? Dash ac will not cool our 35 footer same for heat.

sloman2001 wrote:
And I should have mentioned, the title of this post "you guys make my head spin", is just my way of saying you guys really seem to know a lot, and I have appreciated all the info I have gotten from this thread thus far.

Thanks again!

Slo, many do know a lot. Others are just disgruntled a looking for a fight. The watch fox news.

Stick with it you can get answers here. Yo'll learn to ignore the malcontents.

sloman2001 wrote:
I am a MH "wanna be". I read this thread often so I at least think I will know what I am getting into when I buy one. And this is a good information source. But my question is, is there a source that will tell me all about a MH and how things work. I admit to being confused about many things. But things such as knowing when to test batteries, whether or not the generator needs to be on while driving down the road, tire pressures, even tips on driving the rig since I don't have the experience. These are just sample items, I'm not really asking to have these answered, I was just trying to give you a sample of the types of things I would like to better understand.

Any real good "newbie" sources out there?

Thanks in advance, Tom

You might want to begin with topic 1 and 4 in this Class A Motorhome section and it's sort of a learn as you go process and how much of a gearhead you are or want to be. Most who drive cars these days, aren't' really sure if they're front or rear wheel drive, 4, 6, or ? cylinder engine. Let alone doing anything in the line of repairs or even maintenance. Won't even wash it or run the vacuum. These individuals are usually at the mercy of anyone who wants to take them for a ride and it's just a matter of time, with sooner rather than later.

I'm with Dennis, the secret decoder ring is the key...

also agree with the gentlman who said the house side is no different than your fiver.

The chassis side is basically a light or medium truck, more or less.

A lot of this stuff really never needs attention. The cummins diesel will run forever on oil changes and an air filter once in a while.
the allison trans needs a fluid change maybe once per lifetime (yours, not its)
There is a filter in the air system that needs changing annually.
Ditto for fuel filters.

A lot of the electrical stuff in a DP is considerably higher up the food chain than anything on a fiver. 50 amp EMS systems, built in diesel generator, high amp inverter/chargers.
Most of this stuff:
comes with a manual.
Doesn't need much service
rarely breaks down.

I really like my DP. I enjoy driving it. I really like the ease of setup at the end of the day. I like the look and the style. A fiver is just a trailer. and the TV is just a pickup truck. (no offense meant to any pickup owners or fiver campers, it's all good.)
When I slide behind that 4 by 8 foot windshield and crank up the cummins, the world is mine.

PS. We use Speedco for oil changes, Cummins Coach Care for Onan generator and our Cummins engine maintenance and repairs and a heavy duty truck suspension shop for alignment, shocks, etc. If it's a Freightliner custom chassis you can get service at the factory in Gaffney SC.

I would join some specific groups, like Winnebago Yahoo owners group and the specific chassis and engine groups. If it's a Cummins engine, join Cummins Power Club and you get 10% off parts and service. We just went to the Cummins Come Home Rally in Columbus Indiana and learned a lot about our engine. They have a really nice campground there and anyone having a Cummins engine can stay there for reasonable rates. If the coach comes with an owners manual there is lots of info in there. We have had our coach since 2005 and are still learning. Be patient with yourself. Also we have found that attending rallies with other owners of like coaches helps us learn. We like Good Sam and FMCA rallies.

You can save a lot of headaches by reading the owner's manual too. When the washer manual says 1 tablespoon of soap, they mean it. Advice on here is sometimes an opinion and not always a fact, but I have solved many problems by looking here first. Air ride problems, battery issues, and countless others have been solved here.

http://www.irv2.com/forums has helped me too.

When you purchase, if from a dealer, make sure they go thru with you and explain how things on the coach work. Some people recommend video taping the walk thru with the explanations. If you buy from a private party, you can also have this service (pay for it) with a reputable dealer. You should have the manuals for appliances that have trouble shooting guides, and if all else fails, just come to the forum and ask for help.

Once you get one, you get a secret de-coder ring. Put it on and viola, you're IN.!!!....;)..Come join the club and get in on all the FUN! Sorta like DisneyLand, Universal Studios and Sea World rolled into one...about the same prices too....:B:B.....Dennis


All the things you'll want to know will come in bits and pieces over time. We learn by our mistakes..it's called experience and it comes over time. It's exciting to have a new coach. Right now the only bit of advice I can give you is once you find the "perfect" coach, and sign on the dotted line, make sure you do a PDI. (pre delivery inspection). That's when the owner/salesman goes over how everything on the coach works. While doing the PDI, have your wife/friend/other videotape the entire thing. You will forget some of the stuff and it'll be handy to have the video to refresh your memory.

And don't forget to stop by your local Camping World and pick up a "Y" connector.....:B:B....Dennis

If you want a good overview of what is required, there is a book put out by Trailer Life called "The RV Handbook" Essential How-to-Guide for the RV Owner. I think they are up to the 4th edition. Check it out.