Hi Utahtea,

I posted a new thread yesterday in the lounge because I wasn't sure if it "fit" better there. Janis came along and reminded me that you don't "hang out" in the lounge so I decided to re-post here in the U.S. forum.

We're so excited.

This is our first venture into the RVing world so I've been haunting the forums at IRV2.com and RV.net and reading every article I can find trying to learn all I can. We also have several friends who are long-time RVers and they have been treasure troves of information and advice. Tom and I have batted around the idea for years and once he retired we realized that to go where we like to go and do the things we want to - and not have to worry about our 4 cats being left at home with a sitter for weeks at a time - this was the way to go. We're getting a 30 ft Class A, about the same size as yours, right? We'll be towing a Jeep Wrangler 4X4 to get to the places where we can't take the RV.

I read all about your trip to to the Northeast on Road Trip America. Sounds like you had a great time. We were in Maine about the same time you were, but not RVing. Beautiful place, and the coast is so different from what I see every day here at home.

Any advice you have is more than welcome. Including other RV forums or sites I should check out. And you like going to the same kinds of places we do, so I know you can point me in the right direction on things.

For our first real trip - we'll probably do a couple of 2-3 days at nearby state parks first - we're going to meet my sister and her husband in NC in mid-October to (hopefully) see the leaves changing. They've made several trips to Black Mountain State Park near Mt. Mitchell so that will be one of our stops for several nights. We also have friends and family near GSMNP (both in TN and NC) who have told us we can park in their yards if we can't find space elsewhere.

Don't know if anyone else here on Fodor's is interested in this subject. If you think we should take this to private messages contact me at my gmail address and I'll give you my regular personal email info. [email protected]

Fran

Hi Floridafran,

Sorry I had computer issues yesterday and saw your post in the Lounge, but couldn't reply when my computer crashed. I did reply today...then saw your post here. So that's why they invented copy and paste...LOL

Congratulations on the new RV! I bet you are excited. I checked out your Winnebago Vista 30W floor plan with the buffet configuration http://www.winnebagoind.com/products...floorplans.php Nice looking rig! Our first motor home was a Winnebago Chieftain 22 that we bought when it was 8 years old and had it for 13 years. Loved it to pieces!

I know I was suppose to be helping you, but I hadn't heard about iRV2 forums so I'll have to check them out. I've been a member of RV.net for years and I use the same user name so if you see me around...you know it's me. I haven't been as active over there recently but that's about to change because I'm all but retired now. WOOT! I plan on being more active on Fodor's and should probably get back to posting on Road Trip America forums.

Our motor home is 30 ft and we tow a Jeep Liberty and it really makes for a nice combo. We bought the RV new in 2006. It was our very first brand new vehicle! The Jeep is also a 2006 but we bought it a year later used.

Have to decided where your first trip will be? I'd recommend doing a shake down run near by to figure out what you need for the rig.

I can't wait to hear about your first trip!

Utahtea

Ooops...I thought you had copied and pasted too...now I see you gave more information. Sounds like you have some good shake down trips planned.

Sent you email too!

Utahtea

Some general tips.
Never let your tanks get below half full. This will average out costs and ensure you don't run out.

With such a big rig (three times the size of ours) make sure your navigation is spot on as it will be hard to turn around if you miss a turn. You may have to drive some distance to find a turning spot.

Take up plenty of space on the road and watch out for idiots that will cut in front of you as you slow down at traffic lights. OR cut in on you as you make a right hand turn from a left lane.

If you don't have one already get CB radio so so can talk to Truck drivers and other RVs.

Pull over and let others pass if possible.

Practise changing tyres etc. before you leave home. Make sure you have all the things needed relatively accessible. Some extra road triangles and a good outside light will also help. Remembering Murphy's and O'Tooles laws, you will get a flat at night in the rain.

Smear clear shampoo on the inside of your windscreen (and other windows). This will stop them fogging up in cold weather. It will go on in an awful soapy mess but will dry clear. Keep it and a rag handy to apply more if needed.

Make your sure mirrors allow good all round views.

Make sure both of you can drive the vehicle in case the main driver gets sick or injured.

Make sure your batteries are always charged. It is awkward to push start a 30fter! You can always take the "hous battery out and use it to jump start the RV. Awkward but feasible.

Will you have a generator? If so, take a battery charger with you.

Make sure you have a few days worth of "tinned food"/rations in case you get stuck in a National park in bad weather or road closures.

Many of the above offer a very pessimistic view of the world and thankfully, none have happened to us.

Remember:- Inwardly Pessimistic - Outwardly Optimistic.

Take your time. Remember you are having fun!

I am well jealous! When I retire I will become a permanent rather than part timer.

The campervan and motorhome club of Australia will have some good infor for RVs in general.

http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/index.php

Utahtea,

Got your post to the other thread and the email. I'll be in touch.

Peter,

Thanks for the link. As you said, it has good general advice for RVers anywhere. Loved the checklist. Thanks, also for your personal advice in this post. Some things you mentioned we had thought of, but some are new.

Being able to take our time was one of the deciding factors for us. We love to visit our National Parks and other wild and scenic places but were always constrained by lodging and flight reservations made months and months in advance. If we loved a place and wanted to stay a few days longer we couldn't because that would throw off the rest of our schedule. We're really looking forward to having the ability to move on if we don't like a place or the weather is lousy, or stopping awhile if we discover a new and wonderful spot on our way from A to B.

All,

Thanks for the encouragement. Tom and I enjoy new adventures and this is certainly going to be one. The RV thing alone would be a new experience. Tossing in 4 rescue cats - ranging in age from 7 to 14 - with very different personalities, takes it to a different level. Our only male will be happy if he can see me. Ditto for one of the females, but it's Tom she won't let out of sight. The sister to our male will probably hide for the first few days, whether we're moving or parked. Our 14-year-old has had to adapt to so many changes throughout her life that she's "Miss Mellow Cat" and will probably do in the RV exactly what she does at home - rule the roost. She's generally a benevolent queen but has been known to maintain her realm by force if need be.

Well, good luck on RVing. Growing older we sold our rig a couple of years ago, a 27 ft. trailer and Suburban. Once camped with three kids in a tent, then a fold down and then another bigger one, and a smaller trailer. Yes, we do miss not staying in state and national parks with a campfire and hiking. And even hearing the rain on your roof. Well, we did have some big storms once in awhile.

Great practical tips from peterSale. Enjoy exploring the country!


Bill in Boston

MOST IMPORTANT.
Get your husband trained to bring you breakfast in bed. Or at least a cup of tea or coffee. It works wonders to get my wife up and going with minimum grumbling about warm bed and 10C below outside.

I know nothing of bears, but having read about them in some of the National Park sites, make sure your food etc. is properly stored.

Don't use plastic crockery/glass ware. Pack with care and use the same as you would at home. I think it is funny that people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on an RV and then eat of cheap plastic. Drinks and food taste much better off glass or china. We don't even use tea bags.

Depending on space and how remote you are going to be, a second spared wheel/tyre might be a good idea. You can also buy air compressors that run directly off your battery.

Go to a couple of "RV/Camping Shows" and have a look around. But be aware many things are just gimmicks and waste space and weight.

Get some tubes of tank sealant. They come in a kit with some sand paper, cleaner and sealant. Just in case you hit something and spring a small leak.

With such a big RV do you have a washing machine? Some here come with them. If not. A cheap and easy way to do some clothes washing is to get a bucket with a lid. Put your clothes ,water and detergent in it and put the lid on. Whilst you drive around the washing will self agitate.

I hate disposable things BUT A packet of disposable latex gloves is handy for pumping fuel especially if it is diesel and for dumping your grey and black water.

I've posted some more ideas on the other thread.

Have fun. I will post more if and when I think of any.

Typical just as you hit the submit button more ideas jump in.
Cable ties comein a range of sizes and are useful for fixing/holding all sorts of things.

Likewise wide Gaffer Tape Duct Tape Cloth Tapenot sure what you call it in the US. Get a good brand.

WD-40 or CRC is a lubricating spray.

There is a saying here.
If it is stuck and shouldn't be - WD40.
If it isn't stuck and should be - Duct Tape.

If you have the pop out type door knobs for your cupboards use silicon spray to lubricate them if they get sticky.

A set of keys each to get into you RV is handy. We sometimes get separated. "I'll just go to the next bend in the track dear..."