Recommended Books/Info for Overwhelmed Newbies?

Make your first couple/few camping trips near home, so you can go back home to get things if you need to.

Ask questions on these forums... and remember, there is almost always more than one way to do something! Talk to other campers and use the information here to figure out what way(s) for best for you.

This forum is your best resource as you can come in here and ask just about any question. Other than that, here is an excellent book available through Amazon.

The RV Book

This is a good book to introduce you to how everything works, etc.

Hope this helps,

WoodGlue

I would take advantage of this site - just post a few questioons at a time, or when something comes up you are unsure about. You can also use the search function because your question may have already been asked.

What about your family member who sold it to you? Why not take them on a trip to a close by camp ground to get some OJT? :p

I would check out several of the larger RV Forums. I also read the Escapees Club Forum, The FMCA Club Forum and the iRV2 Forum. (You can do a Google search for any of these names to find the Forums, then simply add them to your favs.)

Each of these forums has many experienced members that can answer all your questions and give pointers for making your fun easier.

Have a ball!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.