Owning a motorhome

[buddyu]

Reading the various threads about problems people have with their RV's and how "they" fix the problems makes me wonder if someone as not mechanically inclined as I am NOT should they own a RV? Too late for me because I own one. We are going on our first multi night trip by ourselves next weekend! Sure hope the toilet does not mess up.

[timarti]

Just keep the dump valve closed until ready to dump, use lots of water to flush and all should be well in that dept!
Deep calming breaths, and remember to

[Iggy]

You need to let us know year and model Georgetown you have. in your user file or msg signature. That would help.

It's never to late to learn new things about your motorhome.
Just basic maitnenace will stop bad things from happening.
Oil changes and filter changes when due.
Diesel fuel filter replacement.
Monitor tire pressure all the time. Different altitudes changes tire pressure as well as temp and a tire can be unde rinplated and blow easily.
Know how much your motorhome weighs with all your stuff. $10-$12 at a CAT Scale
Other than that the appliances you caan't do much but wait for something to happen.
Oh yes, I almost forgot to have good quality batteries and have them cleaned and serviced regularly.

I bet you know more about your motorhome thanyou think.
It canget overwelming. That's why you make friends with folks with the same type.

Good luck and ask any questionsyou may have.
Iggy

[JDickson]

You always look for the old guy with the hat with all the pins in it, he knows everything.
lol I actually had what I thought was a big problen at a campground last year.
My slides wouldn't come. Got lucky and parked next to a guy who had 25 years of experience working on rv. The coach manual says to pull slides in first, but I was low on hydralic fluid and what worked was to put the jacks up first which put more fluid in the reservoir and I was able to bring in the slides. And yes I did add more fluid later.
That maybe a helpful tip for someone later.

[KarenS144]

RVing is a learning process. There is something to be learned with every trip!

On our last trip out we learned that it's hard to cross what is claimed to be an 8'6" bridge without touching. Long story but there were NO warning signs...

We also learned that DH should tighten the freakin' anode and not just stick it in the opening when we dewinterized.

Another lesson was that the kitchen faucet can get clogged and not work.

DH also learned that sockets left on the back bumper will not be there when you get home.

BUT....for some reason, the enjoyment of camping far outweighs the "lessons". Have fun on your trip!

[abjb]

Originally Posted by timarti

Just keep the dump valve closed until ready to dump, use lots of water to flush and all should be well in that dept!
Deep calming breaths, and remember to

And make sure the hose is SECURELY attached .
Saw a gentleman take it in the face , really his whole body.
Looked like he was hit with a fire hose, had no idea there was that much pressure/volume...WOW

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by abjb

And make sure the hose is SECURELY attached .
Saw a gentleman take it in the face , really his whole body.
Looked like he was hit with a fire hose, had no idea there was that much pressure/volume...WOW

He must have been the stunt double for the movie RV with Robin Williams

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by buddyu

...... We are going on our first multi night trip by ourselves next weekend! Sure hope the toilet does not mess up.

buddyu don't sweat it.
Fill up the gas tank and don't look back!
Enjoy your first trip next weekend with whomever you gol with and relax.
Love to hear about where you plan to go and hope it isn't that far from home. Pictures please when youget back.
Have a great day and remember

[Tom and Kat]

Buy a copy of the movie "RV" with Robin Williams. There's an excellent scene on sewer hoses and what NOT to do!

[BigJohnD]

Gotta start somewhere. We started in 2003, and 6 rigs later we're still learning; from others, the hard way, and of course multiple forums.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by buddyu

Reading the various threads about problems people have with their RV's and how "they" fix the problems makes me wonder if someone as not mechanically inclined as I am NOT should they own a RV? Too late for me because I own one. We are going on our first multi night trip by ourselves next weekend! Sure hope the toilet does not mess up.

I like to believe that I hold the title for one of the least mechanically inclined RV owners. But, I do what I can, when I can... What I can't, I pay to have someone do.

I'll say having a RV has *made* me more mechanically inclined.

[sherman12]

One thing I learned from my boating days back in the 80's that I have carried forward to the motor home is to carry more tools on board then I know how to use. Why? Because you may find a friendly helpful fellow camper that has way more mechanical ability then you who may be able to solve or fix a problem you may encounter if he has the tools needed. So put together or buy a nice tool kit to have available.

[Herk7769]

It has been my experience that it never hurts to do as much as you can rather than pay some one else to do what you can do.

Knowing as much as you can is a close second because it is a buffer against being ripped off by unscrupulous mechanics.

Used Car Scams Exposed The Things Mechanics Know (About Me!): John Hobbs: Amazon.com: Books

[sherman12]

Herk, that's always my first plan of action before I seek help. Inherently I'm cheap!

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by sherman12

Herk, that's always my first plan of action before I seek help. Inherently I'm cheap!

I prefer "frugal"

[sherman12]

Agreed!

[garbonz]

I keep making some of the mistakes I 've already made. AND invent new ones. Makes for an interesting time. And humorous, mostly