Classes for total newbies?

Qathe wrote:
Do any dealers or organizations in the Atlanta area offer hands-on classes on the care and maintenance of RVs? Class C is the one I'm thinking I'll be most comfortable with. I'd want to know things like how/where to fill tanks, common problems and how to fix them, maintenance for a Class C, and so on. I don't have friends with RVs who could show me. I'd like to learn a lot more than I know now, and rent/try one on for size.

I am one that agrees go to Utube BUT also get yourself a copy of Negel Calders's Book BOAT OWNERS MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL MANUAL.

(and any of his other books on Boat maintenancer)



This book is invaluable and although it is aimed at boats Boats share the dual electrical systems of RV's They also share many other components, like your water pump, furnace etc.

In the bigger picture, I wouldnt worry too much about learning all this stuff. If you do buy an RV make sure the dealer turns on every system in both modes...ie Shore power and Battery, Make sure he explains everything from deploying the awning to filling the water tank.

Have your wife/hsuband/Sig other take notes and you video it all with your phone.

Prepare a list of questions before hand and go through each and every one. Dont be rushed by the dealer.

Everything will be fine. You will learn all you need to know very quickly just by OJT (on the job training)

Frankthedriver wrote:
I've spent hours, if not days, watching youtube. I needed to understand what I was getting into before I started my search

three that have a lot of videos are:
RV Education 101
RV Geeks
RV Travel

Same here. Hours and hours watching Youtube. Many not related to the type of RV I have, but still very informative. Many of the ones produced by Long Long Honeymoon, and Gone With the Wynns are also informational on various subjects. Technomadia has archived versions on Youtube of some of their hour long live video chats where they discuss subjects such as which clubs to join, and why, planning a days drive, free and cheap campgrounds, do's and don't of boondocking, etc.

All of these are well produced and you will learn from them.

Charles

The dealer where I bought my 'C', (new) scheduled a complete walk through to show me how every thing worked, and more importantly, where everything was. I was trading in a class 'B' at the time. They also gave me a free "new RVer package." Among other things a set of short queen sheets, a stove top coffee pot, and other things not generally available in stores. They have a well stocked RV store on the premises. I still buy gadgets there.

You might consider joining the local chapter of the Good Sam club. You would have to join the Good Sam club too.

If your chapter is anything like ours, you would meet many people who have been RVing for years and are more than willing to offer advice and help you learn.

I've spent hours, if not days, watching youtube. I needed to understand what I was getting into before I started my search

three that have a lot of videos are:
RV Education 101
RV Geeks
RV Travel

YouTube

You would get a lot of information if you go to a FMCA rally. They have lots of classes and there are always people that will help you out and give you lots of good information.

There are RV technical schools but I know of no dealer that offers such classes. The schools I have heard of are tutition based.

I can tell you that I have a general knowledge background including some limited mechanics, carpentry and such.. (General auto care) but not a lot of it, I combined that with years of reading these forums and not get calls to HELP folks who need it here where I'm stuck about 200 miles south of Atlanta. or 50 miles from Florida. Not many issues I can not figure out after reading lots and lots of forum posts. but there are many jobs I can not do.. Either not enough skill, experience, or tools.

Look for CG rally's.

Fun weekend get togethers for your whole family and other RV'ers with the same interests and many rallies have 'very' informative educational seminars regarding all aspects of RV'ing and RV's.

You will also find rally's that pertain to just your brand of RV, solo RV'ing etc etc. Great way to meet new RV friends and exchange tips etc.

Good Sam Club, Escapees club, all good place to start.

The Escapees club offers a safety oriented Boot Camp that is relevant for all RVers irrespective of type. Here is the link