Can a total RV newbie be a campground host?

[oldberkeley]

Hi, first post here. I'm a fit, active and healthy 69 year old single male with grown kids. Former teacher & coach, former Realtor, former home remodeler, along with a few other things! Just sold my home and trying to decide what to do next.

I love to camp. I've done it my entire life, all over the U.S. and Canada, including a one-year trip in 1995 in a VW Vanagon. I'm comfortable in the wilderness and in campgrounds, have no problem with solitude but also a good communicator, good with people.

Virtually all my camping has been tent camping. I don't think I've even been in an RV more than a handful of times! But I'm very handy, adaptable, a quick learner, not scared of challenges. Last week I visited a large RV dealer in my area, just trying to get the lay of the land as far as the different types.

My questions:
1. How long (on average, of course) might it take a lifelong car, van, and pickup driver like me to get comfortable and moderately skilled at driving an RV?

2. Again on average, how long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

3. I've been looking at the Volunteer.gov website listings for campground hosts. I'm sure that there are other similar sites. It looks like something I'd be interested in doing. Can a total rookie/newbie/beginner adequately fill one of these positions, or would I be biting off more than I can chew?

All constructive feedback and suggestions welcome, TIA.

-Gary

[old_guy]

I think it was just me but I white knuckled for several years towing my first TT. I am so much more relaxed now that it is just the two of us. I have a cousin on the DW side and she does the workcamp thing, she loved it. saw on a RV show the other day a guy doing drivers training and he said that a person usually gets the jitters on the first two trips and he advised to tow or drive often and the more you drive the more relaxed you will get

[toedtoes]

oldberkeley wrote:
My questions:
1. How long (on average, of course) might it take a lifelong car, van, and pickup driver like me to get comfortable and moderately skilled at driving an RV?

2. Again on average, how long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

3. I've been looking at the Volunteer.gov website listings for campground hosts. I'm sure that there are other similar sites. It looks like something I'd be interested in doing. Can a total rookie/newbie/beginner adequately fill one of these positions, or would I be biting off more than I can chew?

All constructive feedback and suggestions welcome, TIA.

-Gary

1. Depending on the length of the RV, about 5 minutes to get used to driving it; backing up will take a bit longer.

2. For basic knowledge about 5 minutes. While the electrical is different than household, the wiring, etc., doesn't differ that much. Plumbing, etc., won't take long at all.

3. Camphost positions usually just mean taking payments for campsites, cleaning restrooms, etc. Depending on the individual campground, you may be asked to do some basic rule education (informing campers about dog leash rules, vehicle/people limits per campsite, etc.). Nothing you can't handle.

Get yourself an RV and go have a blast!

[2oldman]

oldberkeley wrote:

2. Again on average, how long might it take me to learn how to correctly use all the systems (electrical, water, waste, etc.)?

Electrical will likely take the most time. Even seasoned RV mechanics don't know what I think they should know.

Not that anyone is going to expect you to repair their coach, but simply knowing how to use a voltmeter would be a good skill.

[TexasShadow]

You should start feeling comfortable in a month or so.
Make a check off list for 1. getting ready and 2.setting up and 3. taking down. post these lists up by the driver's seat and use them religiously. 🙂 even after 18 years, we still forget to lower the tv antenna once in awhile.

Camp hosting chores vary a little, but most require your presence in the camp during the a.m. and p.m. hours, checking in people, answering questions, selling firewood, handling trouble makers (loud, drunk, etc)by calling the law or whatever the campground management says.
Some places require you to work in the entrance booth, clean out fire rings, stock toilet paper in bathrooms and outhouses.

[K_Charles]

If you get along well with others and can remember the rules, your good to go. Go drive one and only you will know if you can, and you will know very quickly.