Do you recall your maiden motorhome voyage? Did you venture out apprehensively, or take to the road with gusto? How big was your learning curve? Here’s what some RV veterans replied in response to the question: What advice would you give new motorhomers?
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Join FMCA. We have appreciated the mail forwarding service. When we were full-timing we’d call FMCA to let the mail-forwarding operators know where we would be the following week or weeks. The mail was always waiting for us on the promised day. And as a bonus, FMCA publishes a great magazine with lots of helpful tips. Lastly, since we’ve settled down, we now belong to the Tucson Drifters, an FMCA chapter, which offers fun trips and informative meetings.
Jerry & Carol Schultz, F281003
Green Valley, Arizona
We’re big advocates of staying in city parks in small communities. Small towns are nearly all safer, quieter, friendlier, more maneuverable, and frequently dark. Dark and quiet seem to assist my sleeping. We also like county parks “” a bit less commonplace, but they’re out there. This past summer, on our way to and from FMCA’s 80th International Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, we traveled through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South and North Dakota. We spent $19 for 10 nights and had electricity, dump, and water four of those nights. One of the most pleasurable parks we’ve found in our 250,000 miles of RVing is Carbury County Park, just south and west of the famed International Peace Gardens on the North Dakota/Manitoba border. Amenities include a lake, docks, a boat ramp, trees, grass, a pavilion, privies, and 30-amp electric with huge, private spots. Staying off the interstate has great benefits!
Steve Ault, F106024
Green Valley, Arizona
Know the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), and the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of your motorhome. This information generally is posted somewhere around the driver’s-side window. Load your coach with full water, full propane, empty holding tanks, cargo (your stuff), and driver and copilot aboard. Have your coach weighed “” front axle, rear axle, and each separate wheel; compare to the published weights. Are you overweight? Is the tire pressure set according to the weights of the front and rear axles? (Charts are available from your tire manufacturer.) Check tire pressure EVERY driving day! Safety is paramount in a motorhome. Too many coaches are being driven in overweight conditions and towing vehicles that exceed the hitch limits of the motorhome. End result: an overworked engine and coach components, resulting in engine/component failure.
A.F. Spousta, F119971
Fredericksburg, Texas
After many years of trading motorhomes, we feel the best advice any newbie can follow is perhaps to take a video of the check-in procedure when picking up a new coach. Make notes, ask questions, and DO NOT leave until you have discussed everything that you may have a question about (stupid or not). Our biggest pet peeve is when someone picks up a coach and then heads out for a long trip. Stay close to your home and dealer for a few short trips, so you can make sure all is working, and learn about anything you may not understand.
Steve & Cynthia Ecton, F287228
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Learn as much as possible about your motorhome. I have met so many new motorhomers who knew none of the basics of motorhoming, beginning with driving, parking, backing up, and hooking up. If you have a traveling companion, both of you should know these procedures in case of emergency. Learn how everything functions. Motorhoming safety is extremely important for you and for those around you and on the open road. Also, become familiar with motorhoming etiquette as it relates to campgrounds, including where you can stay and where you cannot and “should not.” Getting there is half the fun; enjoying your trip and returning safely is the other half.
Don J. Buschini
Port Charlotte, Florida
Although this is our fourth motorhome, we finally acquired a real technique for getting her parked safely, without yelling over the noise of the diesel engine. We bought a set of those “marriage-saving” headsets, and communications have improved remarkably! You don’t have to worry about being seen in the rearview mirrors; hand signals are a thing of the past; and you’re not “instructing” the entire RV park! Being able to talk with the driver is such a relief. We recommend these headsets to all of our RVing friends.
Marcia & Andy Andrews, F299599
Phoenix, Arizona
It’s not the destination, but the adventure of getting there. RVing is a lifestyle. Take your time and enjoy it.
Richard Miller, F333547
Gatesville, Texas
Future questions:
1. Do you have a humorous license plate for your coach or towed vehicle?
2. Describe a favorite snack or meal you enjoy as a tradition on each motorhome trip. Share the recipe if you’d like.
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