New to the Forum

See This thread for some solid advice - espically a post by ron Butler

berreez wrote:

...what are some of the biggest mistakes newbies make....

The biggest mistake is probably buying the wrong RV. What makes you think the "A" is right for you if you have no experience?

Buy a towable immediately that can be towed with what you currently own. Buy used and buy cheap. Learn if RVing is right for you and gain experience as to what luxuries you require and what are unnecessary.

Many RVs are purchased on a whim, seldom used, and rotting in someone's storage lot. All because the owner didn't do enough homework such as getting out and camping cheap before making the big purchase.

I think "setting up camp" will not be as complicated as which RV you decide to buy. To me, that is the really big decision and one that involves big dollars and risks. Class A, C, trailer, new, used? Lots of choices and its impossible to tell which will really fit until you get into it. You sound like you really want to go Class A but having a big one means you may have to loose out on some campgrounds and sites that are some of the most beautiful and natural. Backing or getting into the campsite can be a challenge but once in there the rest isn't difficult.

Since you're starting to look at Class A's , I'd give you this advice.

Start looking for one that is suitably constructed. Not all RV's are the same. There are entry level units, top of the line, utilitarian models, etc.

Just start doing research on Class A's. Watch all the videos you can on YouTube where salesmen are talking about sales features of certain units, etc.

Good luck and welcome,

WoodGlue

You're buying a Class 'A'. The simplest move is to always stay in FHU parks with pull-thru sites, so you don't have to back in. That requires one person driving and one person directing. If you're not both on the same page, the dinner conversation is going to be icy. :)

Backing into a space. Its not that we do it wrong, its getting pilot and co-pilot to mesh. So, you need to discuss before hand hand signals, or voice commands. You have to not move the rig unless you can see the person in the mirror, and you have to decide which person should do the backing and which should guide.

One person then starts to hook up, electric, water, sewer outside and the other unpacks and pick up everything that fell in transit. It is teamwork

Welcome to our world.

Welcome to RV.net and the upcoming world of RVing!
Make plans to go to RV shows. Look through the rigs, take your time! Take a pen and pad with you. Look for things that you like and more important things you don't like.
Think about what type of camping you plan to do. Are you taking pets? Children?
Don't let a pushy sales person get you into a rig that is too big, expensive or has expensive items you will never use.
Once you decide on a rig, then think about items you need. Setting up camp will become very easy. Many items will come from some dealers as a starter pack. If you buy a used rig it may come with some items.
Many items are basics. Good drinking water hose, sewer hose(we like the Rhino Flex), outside chairs like the folding bag type. Once you go on a few short trips you will see what you need. No rush to go out and buy everything at once.
Interior items are more important. We have our rig set up to go immediately. Dishes, pots, pans, tableware, glasses and even some food is always in the rig.
Good luck on your venture into the New World!

There are checklists that you can download. You can start with one of those or create one of your own. The important part is to have a checklist and use it every time. I have a checklist for startup, teardown, and Toad startup.

First of all there is no right or wrong way of setting up camp. Everyone does it different. The end point is to get it done, be level and hooked up if on hook ups.

Seems there have been several new postings in the last few days from people getting ready to jump head first into RVing. I think most will recommend to try it out first. Rent or borrow an rv. Go RVing with an experienced person and learn from them. That way, you will have less of a chance of making a costly mistake.