New to RVing, couple questions

Peachez wrote:
Hi everyone! Hubby and I just bought our first 5th wheel yesterday! (32' Komfort). We are looking forward to jumping both feet in to the deep end and going full time in January. Questions I have are:

1. Is there such thing as a insurance plan that will cover AC/fridge/heater, etc?? (I have American Home Shield for the home, but they do not cover RV's.) PS - I do have full coverage insurance on the RV, but looking to cover those "Oh no, the fridge just died," kind of events.

2. What are some of the best magazines, blogs, subscriptions to get info on places to see, RV life, resorts/camp grounds, etc?

3. Do you recommend joining any of the RV groups such as Passport America, etc? If so, which one(s) and why?

4. Would love to hear all the tips/tricks/must haves/don't bother with kind of info offered by you experienced RV'ers out there!

Thanks for helping out! See you on the road!

1. There is, but generally speaking it's a ripoff. You're probably better off just self insuring, but if you're the kind of person that likes the warrant protection there are places that will do it.

2. This website is the best.

3. I never joined any so I don't know.

4. Just read on here. Go back into the archives (there are years worth) and you can probably find about all the info you need.

We have good sam ESP for our rig. Used it once and they paid with no issues.

msmith1199 wrote:
1. There is, but generally speaking it's a ripoff. You're probably better off just self insuring, but if you're the kind of person that likes the warrant protection there are places that will do it.

I've gotten my money's worth from my RV warranty, but you have to read the fine print and make sure you have all your bases covered. Also, if possible, have the dealership who sold the warranty make the repairs, because they will deal directly with the warranty company, and there will be less run-around this way. Not always possible if full-timing, though.

I have Good Sam ESP, used it twice with no problems. Paid for itself.

Peachez wrote:
Hi everyone! Hubby and I just bought our first 5th wheel yesterday! (32' Komfort). We are looking forward to jumping both feet in to the deep end and going full time in January. Questions I have are:

1. Is there such thing as a insurance plan that will cover AC/fridge/heater, etc?? (I have American Home Shield for the home, but they do not cover RV's.) PS - I do have full coverage insurance on the RV, but looking to cover those "Oh no, the fridge just died," kind of events. I'm not a fan of extended insurance plans, while others are. I'll leave it at that.

2. What are some of the best magazines, blogs, subscriptions to get info on places to see, RV life, resorts/camp grounds, etc? I'll recommend RV-Dreams.com, mainly for the content, ie a daily journal of a mid-life couple full timing in a 5th wheel. They are quite open regarding their financial income and expenses on the road.

3. Do you recommend joining any of the RV groups such as Passport America, etc? If so, which one(s) and why? Personally, my concept of full timing is incompatible with membership in most clubs. I would recommend getting a year's worth of full timing experience before you consider a membership, because the value of any membership will be determined by how much it is used. Passport America @ $44/yr can be a great value to a f/ter or extended traveler due to their flexibility. Just be aware of the restrictions at each participating park so that you can work around them.
4. Would love to hear all the tips/tricks/must haves/don't bother with kind of info offered by you experienced RV'ers out there! Slow down. You don't have to see everything the first year. Unless boondocking or workamping, camping fees will be one of your largest expenditures. Daily rates at commercial parks are higher than government parks which often have fewer amenities, but offer more natural ambiance. Monthly rates at commercial parks, with their additional amenities, are much more reasonable. If age 62, get the $10 lifetime America The Beautiful Senior pass. It will save you 50% off camping fees at most Federal parks. Have you decided on your State of Domicile and mail service?

Thanks for helping out! See you on the road!

Good luck and safe travels.:)

You will get lots of input. Mine is check out Long Long Honeymoon. Its a hoot and can be informative too. When you just want to have a nice relaxing time, enjoy their videos.

Long Long Honeymoon

Start here: Youtube, episode 1

My tip is to search this Forum for the subjects mentioned. Lots of previous discussion on almost every topic.

Extended warranties - we don't believe in them. Instead, sock away some $ each month just for repair purposes. Hopefully, you won't have to use it.

Clubs - If your trips are casual, not structured, you might try out Passport America for 1/2 off camping. They do have restrictions and the campgrounds aren't on the interstates for the most part but it would be worth the cheap membership fee to give it a try to see if it works for you. A few nights of camping fees pays it off. Others such as Thousand Trails, etc. are very expensive to buy in and depending where your travels will be, the parks are not everywhere.

Magazines - since you're new you might give Trailer Life a try. You will get some useful hints from it along with a travel article or two and advertising to learn what you now need to buy!

Places for information - right on this forum. Explore the various forum sites to find the ones that fit you best. When you're planning a trip - go to the RV park forum and ask away. Most folks will give their help - even if it's once again asking for route or campground information to Yellowstone!! :)

Lastly, don't be afraid to 'wing it' by traveling and not making detailed plans or reservations if your time is free. Just plan a general direction with possible stops. It's a more enjoyable way to go. Also, don't stick to interstates. Get off on the secondary roads and you'll see much more of this beautiful country.

Welcome to the RV world. You'll surely enjoy it.

Peachez wrote:


4. Would love to hear all the tips/tricks/must haves/don't bother with kind of info offered by you experienced RV'ers out there!

Thanks for helping out! See you on the road!

If it moves and shouldn't; use duck tape
If it should move, and doesn't; use WD40

For everything else, use






WalMart

Consider getting a roadside assistance policy. I use Coach-Net, but there are others. Coach-Net just seems to understand what assistance is needed for RVs vs. just cars.