Rv bootcamps?

Chowan wrote:
How many of you went to a rv bootcamp for education? Was it worth the money or if one reads and studies the blogs and forums and you tube, can the education be just as good?

The best RV education is to just do it. :W

I didn't go to boot camp or receive any training, I learned by reading and doing.
You can learn a lot on YouTube.

Don't be afraid to ask another RVer for advice or information, especially at a campground. You will find the vast majority will be happy to help or advise you.

And, you can learn a LOT on the forum. Just ask.

That said, there's nothing wrong with going to a boot camp type training, if the price is reasonable.

On the job training OJT I did take a 4 hrs course from a truck driving school instructor on backing up the 5th wheel. Excellent and worth the money.

Reading, other rvers, all helpful.

Go forth and have fun and multiply your experience. Welcome!

"Just Do It" if you have deep pockets and do not mind putting dents and scratches on your RV. It is best to get instructions, you may not have to pay. Find an owner with no dents scratches in his equipment and ask for his/her help.

SoundGuy wrote:

Chowan wrote:
How many of you went to a rv bootcamp for education? Was it worth the money or if one reads and studies the blogs and forums and you tube, can the education be just as good?

The best RV education is to just do it. :W

I remember we didn't have a clue on our first trip out, but it isn't rocket science and we managed okay. We learned mostly on the fly and with the help of info on the internet. Didn't find this forum until we had our second rig and by then we were quite capable, although we still found great tips about things we've yet to experience. Nothing wrong with an RV bootcamp should one be available, whether it's worth the money only those who attend can say. Between this forum and a few others, along with the plethora of YouTube videos, a mountain of all that is RV is readily available at your fingertips.

My first "RV" was a 1975 VW Westfalia pop-top with various pop-ups, travel trailers, sailboats, powerboats and trawlers following over the next 40 years. Where we felt we needed some support was when we came to the decision about full-timing - and that had more to do with things other than the RV itself. We found the RV-Dreams spring educational rally to be most helpful. We came away from a week of seminars and networking with a fat notebook full of information to go back over and a wealth of knowledge and insight from the people we met and interacted with at the rally. The price was modest and we thought it was well worth it.

Rob

Is the bootcamp to help drive? How to use all the systems of an RV? Camping etiquette?

Most everything we learned was from experience. If you have common sense and are kinda handy, Load up and go. IMHO

Thanks guys. Driving is not an issue(knock on wood). I have done the majority of my learning in everything I have done. Just wanted to reaffirm what I am thinking of OTJT. Thanks guys and gals

If you're a complete newbie to camping, and don't do a lot of hands-on maintenance on either your vehicle or your home, then by all means go to a boot camp. There's a lot of work involved in owning an expensive investment in your RV, and a few hours spent in classes & a few tools in your tool box will save you in $$ and angst in the future.

You can try any of the FMCA or Good Sam National or regional events. They have a lot of seminars with valuable information for first timers. (We found the 2 FMCA National Conventions -- before we bought -- both informative and lots of fun!)

If you have concerns about your driving ability, then also go get driver training.

Remember, not everyone has had a chance to drive a large vehicle (tractor-trailer, fire apparatus, farm machinery, etc.) before they get involved in RVing -- and the goal is to be sure you can enjoy using your RV.