My husband and I are purchasing our first RV, a 1993 Four Winds RV (I believe 29'), from a family member. We have done some tent camping with our kids ages 11 and 9, I once spent a month in a popup camper as a teen, and we have borrowed this particular RV for a couple of weekends in the past, but that is the extent of our combined experience. Since we made the decision to purchase the RV it has been pretty overwhelming! There is so much info on this site that I really don't know where to start. Are there any good books for beginners that you would recommend, that would take us step-by-step through what we need to learn? Or should I just start reading through the threads here and learn as I go? Thanks so much for any and all input!

Y'all are gonna have a great time. Most of what you will read on here is really opinion based. I do not know of any books per se, but you will become overwhelmed just reading stuff on here. Start with basics. And ask questions.

Everything you need to know you will find out right on the internet. Spend your book money on the 50 Shades of Gray series of books.

Locky wrote:Spend your book money on the 50 Shades of Gray series of books.Why would you recommned something like that to someone you don't know? Or do you know them?

Go to www.rvtravel.com. Here is a newsletter, every Saturday, and a tip newsletter every week day. They have some short you-tube videos on how to do basic things. They have a bookstore that you can access on the web site that has regular books and e-books. These books as well as articles in the newsletter are how I have learned a lot. Some of the videos are free on the website - how to check ... on a RV, etc. They have checklists to make sure everything is ok before purchasing - but you have used it so probably already know that.They have recipes, check lists to make sure you have packed everything for a trip (lay out clothes and what else you are taking - cut this in half and double the money). They have a columnist who calls himself RV Doctor - he also has a column in the Good Sam magazine and I think I saw him in a Motorhome magazine and Trailer life. There is even a RV Shrink - that is tongue in cheek but I am sure there are some people who are serious.They have people who write articles about boondocking (camping without being hooked up to electric, water, etc). Solar panels and one I like to read is the "Long,Long Honeymoon" as they travel in an Airstream.Another newsletter/blog I like is www.rvlifestyleexperts.com. Again they have books - one I enjoyed was women traveling alone. They write about their trips, what mechanical problems they had on a trip and how they fixed it, etc. When you receive the new blog, the subject title is "Are we there yet?"Just take it one day at a time. One of the things I did, and we are now pulling down the notes is to leave post it notes next to the switch to pull in push out bedroom slide - check to see what is on the other side of the bed. Or bathroom - put soap dispenser in sink before we go, in the kitchen - make sure to put appliances used away, etc. You might think you don't need them, but it helps if someone else or spouse is helping and they will ask what does this mean? Many a time we have heard something fall that we forgot to put away before leaving. Also, the notes are great if you are tired.Good luck. Keep reading and print out hints you feel will help to make your own check list so you can have fun and make a notebook of them with your notes. If you have kids, let them have their own check list - laminate them and use wipe off markers. There are books for the kids at Camping World and at RVtravel.com. I think I even saw a kids atlas. Also, get them involved with places to visit, not just to campgrounds. Look for visitors centers to send off for maps and books about the state. When we get these, I cannot wait for the trip to start as I find things of interest in another state. Especially if they learn you don't have to spend money to have fun. This will help them in school and help round them out on knowledge.

I agree, ask questions like you just did. When I have trained a new person when I worked, I said there are no dumb questions, but listen to the answers. Some people will write tongue in cheek like below. Last week, a gentleman spoke of trying to save money replacing his awning and getting his wife to help him. If something like that happens to you and you can laugh about it, write about it on the forum. As you can see by other people, we all learn by trial and error and it is more fun to read about the others trials and learn about them or at least get a good laugh for the day.

Recommended Books/Info for Overwhelmed Newbies?

B_s_Bunch
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013
Seeing as it is/was your inlaws and you are going to stay with them it would seem to me that they would be your easiest resource for info on this camper. Learn the ins and outs of the operation of the camper and the rest will just happen anyway. relax and enjoy. I can feel your excitement tho. :? Go for it and have fun. Larry
lizbard
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013
Go to www.rvtravel.com, sign up and Saturday's newsletter was very informative and even has answers to some of your questions. On Sunday they resent the accessories newsletter with some stuff you could use in the RV or at home. A couple of them are of the "why didn't I think of that, it is so simple."
WoodGlue
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013
Allworth wrote:
It may sound silly, but "RVing for Dummies" really contains a bunch of useful information. It is in the same series as "Computers for Dummies" and "Algebra for..." You get the idea.

Agreed, the Dummies books cover some excellent areas!!

WoodGlue
musicman54
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013
check one of your local dealers the biggest first they might have seminars on all aspect of rving i know one of ours do and we dont miss any of them
Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013
Ah, don't waste your money. Just come here and ask and youll have an answer in a matter of minutes.
wintersun
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2013
A book you may find useful is The Complete Book of Boondock RVing: Camping Off the Beaten Path by Bill Moeller. Even if you spend 90% of your time at RV parks with full hookups it is still useful for understand the systems in your RV and at less than $12 a good value.

Taking short trips over several days will help you to understand and better evaluate how to pack, get setup in an area, and what you will want to take with you on longer trips. Staying at campgrounds will also give you an opportunity to ask others with similar rigs about their experiences and their recommendations that are more likely to be relevant to your setup. Someone who has a Class A motorhome pulling a vehicle behind it is in a different situation than someone with towing a travel trailer or someone in a small Class B motorhome for that matter.
alliemac9
Explorer
Aug 16, 2013
I didn't read all the replies, so sorry if this is a repeat. I did buy this book to have on board as a reference manual.

Otherwise, I read these boards A LOT. I didn't ask many questions (I was in the saving-to-buy mode), I just read everyone else's questions and answers (paying attention to the poster's name and learning who knew what they were talking about and giving their advice more weight).

It gave me a huge understanding of issues people face, what to look for when buying, how to operate/maintain things (tanks), etc. By the time we bought our RV, I had a list of updates/changes I proactively made based on what I'd read (e.g. awning lock).

I felt super-prepared. Not certain I've ever cracked open the reference manual, but like knowing it's in the RV if needed.
Allworth
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2013
It may sound silly, but "RVing for Dummies" really contains a bunch of useful information. It is in the same series as "Computers for Dummies" and "Algebra for..." You get the idea.
schlep1967
Nomad
Aug 16, 2013
Starting in the previous owners yard will definately help. Next would be to find someone else that camps regularly and go to a campground with them. Let them get there an hour ahead of you so they are all set up when you pull in. Then they will be free to help you go through the set-up routine.
Locky
Explorer
Aug 16, 2013
wbwood wrote:
Locky wrote:
Spend your book money on the 50 Shades of Gray series of books.

Why would you recommned something like that to someone you don't know? Or do you know them?

Since it has sold over 70 Million copies and holds the record for the fastest selling paperback of all times...why not recommend it. Everybody that I know that read it including my wife just loved all 3 books. I also have recommended a lot of things on this forum to complete strangers.