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Old 08-18-2012, 10:33 AM   #1
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Newbie - just a bit nervous

New to this site, new to RV'ing, nervous with lot's of questions. Home is New Windsor, MD wife and four kids (Teenagers).
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Old 08-18-2012, 10:44 AM   #2
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Well, I'd say you've come to the right place.
New here myself, but I've perused the place long enough to see the wealth of information available for the asking.
Good luck.
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Old 08-18-2012, 10:56 AM   #3
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Hello, and to the forums. Hope you enjoy the stay, and learn a lot, and can teach others what you already know. Lot of fine folks here willing to help. We were all new once, anyway.
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Old 08-18-2012, 01:33 PM   #4
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Hello and welcome to the forums! There's a is learning curve to RVing but you can take the corners with the speed you are comfortable with. Some of us, like myself, took it one step at a time.

This site is great to ask questions, seek information and bounce ideas. There's very little that hasn't happen already to someone else here. Like Windrider said - we all were new at one time.

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Old 08-18-2012, 02:08 PM   #5
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Welcome. Don't be nervous and ask any questions you want. There are alot of friendly and helpful people here ready to assist you. Remember, we were all new and a little nervous a one time.
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Old 08-19-2012, 08:09 AM   #6
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I know what you mean. First time I towed a camper, my stomach was in knots the whole way. You'll have questions about treating the roof, black water tank odors, checking for leaks, weight distribution, etc. The best lessons learned are the ones you learn on your own, but feel free to ask anything; on a thread post or pm.

When it comes to the safety of you and yours, there are no stupid questions.
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Old 08-19-2012, 08:32 AM   #7
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Welcome to the forum....any questions, ask away. I guess we all started as newbies. I started out camping when I was about 5 years old in the mountains of California. Over the years I have tent camped, moved up to a PUP in 2010, now in a tt. Guess what? I am still learning about things, just don't want to learn the hard way, so I read and ask questions. Hope you enjoy your camping experience, take photos and make memories.
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Old 08-21-2012, 09:56 PM   #8
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Hey there

to the forums

We're also new to RVing
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Old 08-21-2012, 10:11 PM   #9
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Hello and welcome
We just joined as well, we've been rving for eight years and you can always learn something new. The forums are excellent!
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Old 08-21-2012, 10:34 PM   #10
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Welcome! Search away and if you don't find your answers don't hesitate to ask.
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Old 08-22-2012, 07:09 AM   #11
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Welcome!

A few words of advice for a newbie:

There is lots of information out there, so read, read, read. There really is no excuse these days for making terrible mistakes if you just take advantage of all the info out there.

Relax. Nothing is fun if you are all stressed out. Be aware you have a load on the back of your vehicle - don't drive like you may around town. Slow and easy. Let others pass around you. Don't block the left lane. Take your turns a bit wide.

Get the kids involved. Give them each a job for set up and tear down. If you have to do everything, guess what? You'll be stressed out = no fun.

Don't force anything. Plugs, levers, switches, hitches, etc - all should operate easily. If you are forcing something, you are likely going to break it. RV's can break fairly easily because they are made of lightweight materials. Luckily, those things are mostly cheap if you do have a mishap.

Water is your enemy. No spilled water should just sit - wipe it up. Constantly check for leaks. RV's rot from the inside out, so be vigilant. If you can, store inside or under a cover. RV's age rather quickly if left out in the elements. Never store under a tree!

Make sure your trips are about what you are doing together as a family, not about all the junk you bring. You can still have alot of fun without spending a ton of money.

Good Luck!
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Old 08-22-2012, 07:37 AM   #12
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Welcome from Columbia, MD - we're super new, too!
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Old 08-22-2012, 08:21 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesbr View Post
New to this site, new to RV'ing, nervous with lot's of questions. Home is New Windsor, MD wife and four kids (Teenagers).
Hello James,

So many wonderful , helpful FR driving fellow campers on this forum. You are certain to learn a ton. I am finally picking up our new Georgetown 378 this week and like you nervous as heck to be driving something about a 100' long( to me anyway).

So many gadgets and things to think about. Maintenance, electronics, appliances etc.
Everyone is so helpful and ready to offer heartfelt advice. Have fun and welcome to the site.
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Old 08-22-2012, 08:31 AM   #14
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I am a newbie RV'er as well (lifetime tent camper). Just picked up an A Frame A122 a few weeks ago. I am learning everyday. Two things have helped so far. First, do some Driveway Camping. It's a great way to casually learn about all of the RV's features and to make lists of "more stuff" that you need. Second, hook up the camper and drive around your town. I have down a lot of backing up in the church lot or empty store lot. Now, I'm practicing backing up into tight spots. When work lightens up in Sept., I will be ready for my first real trip.
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Old 08-22-2012, 08:42 AM   #15
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Welcome from Gaithersburg MD (trailer is in Fredric due to storage costs)
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Old 08-25-2012, 11:49 PM   #16
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Welcome to the forum from Southern Maryland!
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Old 08-26-2012, 07:50 PM   #17
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Hey ask away. Here or via private message. Glad to help..
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Old 08-26-2012, 09:02 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesbr View Post
New to this site, new to RV'ing, nervous with lot's of questions. Home is New Windsor, MD wife and four kids (Teenagers).
Howdy from another newbie. We'll pick our TT up this Friday and head out for a Labor Day shakedown cruise. Looking forward to it, but we also understand the nervous feelings that go along with the experience.

Good luck and
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Old 08-27-2012, 09:27 AM   #19
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Just make sure you have a good hitch with load balance and sway control and the electronic brake. Also be sure to hook the tear away cable for the trailer brake to the hitch but too tight. It is designed to lock the trailer brake in the event the trailer comes loose from the tow vehicle. Also do a light check on the trailer and tow vehicle. Some of this you may already know but a refresher doesn't hurt. Better safe than sorry.

Safe travels and campiing especially this labor day weekend.
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