New to RV’ing....and might not last

[Ovinewar]

Wife convinced me an RV was a must have......and unfortunately my mantra is go big or go home.....ended up with a 12 year old 42 foot class A. Made every mistake possible in the purchase but bought it right so no harm. Owner had passed so no training on how to control anything. The unit was immaculately cared for and meticulous service records. Promptly got locked out and locksmith had to drill out the deadbolt. Can only assume it was slightly jiggered and engaged when the door slammed shut. Lost a hubcap on the maiden drive home. 2008 American Eagle 42F and any suggestions to help me get my arms around what buttons do what would be most appreciated. Ran the 50 amp plug to side of house today so at least it isn’t hot as Hedes while trying to figure things out. I think this may eventually be fun but right now it is almost overwhelming. A smaller less optioned unit is looking pretty attractive right now- as is the Holiday Inn

[btilfan]

I'm sure if you call the nearest rv dealer they would give you an official walk through for a small price, or maybe even free.

[valhalla360]

If you aren't handy, look into a Mobile RV Tech...pay him for a couple hours to go thru the system, check for leaks and other issues.

[midnightsadie]

look down your street find some one with a rv in there drive ,ask for help. #2 hire a rv tech mobil service guy. he,come to you and go threw the hole rv, you can take notes even a movie. cost about $150. bucks but you,ll be well informed what your doing. p. s watch that electric hook up do things wrong and you,ll fry your rv electric system.

[joerg68]

For a starter, you might want to watch this orientation video by a large RV Rental company:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DPSW4PD-J9k
It is geared towards Class C usage, but there is a lot of commonality between the basic systems.
But you need to find someone with more experience to give you "the tour". Maybe at a dealership?
It is not rocket science. Many, many people have successfully conquered RV usage. I see no reason why you couldn't be one of them.
In the end, you may still learn that a smaller RV is better for your personal preferences and needs, or that RVing is not for you. But now that you have the rig, you have a great opportunity to find out about that.

[Bruce_Brown]

I'm not sure of your location but if you were anywhere in the area I'd be glad to help you figure it out - as I'm sure many others would too.

Other than that, take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.

[MrWizard]

You bought a rolling Condo
Enjoy it
It has 12 Volt chassis system like a truck
It has 120vac wiring like home
It also has 12 Volt interior lighting
And all the thermostats , water pump, fridge controls, heating controls , interior lighting etc..Is 12 Volt
Anything that is RV specific and electric steps awnings, etc.. Is 12v
The only reason for knowing this, is where to look
for the fuse, if there is a problem
Other wise stuff works pretty much like at home
Water heater , stove, heater are propane gas

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

15 years and time to leave sadly. Will miss so many folks here but .....

[ferndaleflyer]

First you got a top shelf DP---Did you get the books with it? You got a lousy lock smith---he should have just picked the lock. I downsized from 40 to 36 2 years ago and have been doing this for over 50 years and trust me you will never know it all, never. I always get high end units like you have, current one is a Monaco. You have a lot to learn.

[LadyRVer]

Congratulations and don't give up! My late hubby was the Holiday Inn man... but the first to be packed and ready to go beore we went full-time. I have good friend who lost her husband, knew nothing about the motorhome. She made an appt at a dealership and they walked her through and showed her how everything worked.
She had a CoachHouse at that time. She just recently traded about a 36' Newmar, with 4 slides and tows a car! Good Luck.

[jdc1]

Take a trip in the RV. Wherever you go, there will be 20 people to help you figure out every inch of your new toy. Rv'ers are that way.

[SDcampowneroper]

An Rv is a vehicle and a house in a very compact package. The learning curve is challenging, not overwhelming.
You are starting out big and complicated so you are going to have a lot of the little curves thrown at you that we who worked our way up over years and up in size grew our knowledge a bit at a time take in stride.
I agree with your better half, give this some time, think through the challenges and do not feel reserved in asking for help or advice.
The Rving community is the safest most helpful group of travelers you will ever encounter.
Ask that of someone in the hotel room next door.

[Lwiddis]

Deep breath. Even a top of the line A isn’t that complicated. Any friends you could ask?

[cekkk]

Keep your sense of humor! hopefully someone with the same or similar rigged will come on here and help you out. By the way you are in help and support which is not for help and support. a rather humorous misnomer. Go back in and look under the other forums and find class A's and post their unless a mod that moves it for you

[Sjm9911]

No help, but the systems in a big one are the same as in a small one. It takes time, post pictures of what you need explaned, im sure people will help. Ill pass on the holiday inn.