Never even been in an RV before - need you help please

[amjl2]

Hi,

My in-laws just bought an RV and said "hey, why don't you drive the RV to Disney for spring breakl" and we said "cool!"

So we booked FW and are all excited - I've been reading this board which has great info but as a complete newbie to the world of RV'ing I could really use as much advice as possible from the experts. We are driving from Boston. In the past we have driven our mini van - leaving at 7pm - dh drives through the night - we stop for breakfast and then I drive until I can't go anymore which usually gets us to Northern Florida - we stop at a hotel and finish the next day. Is that a plan we can follow with an RV? (class A - I think????) Should we plan our trip differently? How much time doest it take to set up and pack up from a site? and how bad is it really to back into a site? and last are we crazy for doing this with no experience? I would ask my in-laws but they are newbies too!!

Thank you so much for all your advice!

 

[We4mickey]

First off, I would like to be a member of your family and borrow the rv too! What fun! The advantage of the RV is that you can stop anywhere and rest for a while. I wouldn't bother with a hotel on the way. Can't help you with the backing up thing as we only have a pop up. I would say take it out and get a little practice before you head out. Driving it around and backing it up in a large parking lot. Have fun!

 

[John VN]

As already mentioned, take MH out for test drives. Drive interstate to see how it handles with trucks and wind. Some are real bears to drive and can be nerve racking. IMO, a motorhome should not really be driven like a car or SUV/van or truck as far as speed, but then I only started rving in the late 70's.

I would plan on a stop around Carolina's. A campground should give you security and a good rest compared to just pulling over and staying at a noisy rest stop or doing a WalMart parking lot.

Ask away with more questions and even go to rv.net or iRV2.com

 

[Shannone1]

Hi,

My in-laws just bought an RV and said "hey, why don't you drive the RV to Disney for spring breakl" and we said "cool!"

So we booked FW and are all excited - I've been reading this board which has great info but as a complete newbie to the world of RV'ing I could really use as much advice as possible from the experts. We are driving from Boston. In the past we have driven our mini van - leaving at 7pm - dh drives through the night - we stop for breakfast and then I drive until I can't go anymore which usually gets us to Northern Florida - we stop at a hotel and finish the next day. Is that a plan we can follow with an RV? (class A - I think????) Should we plan our trip differently? How much time doest it take to set up and pack up from a site? and how bad is it really to back into a site? and last are we crazy for doing this with no experience? I would ask my in-laws but they are newbies too!!

Thank you so much for all your advice!

1- You need to allow much more time when driving a motorhome. You drive a lot slower and they require more concentration. You have to keep a firm hand on the wheel in high wind and really pay attention to those around you. We plan on 2 hours to travel 100 miles and that has worked perfectly for us. It allows time for fuel stops and rest areas. We have 3 kids and a dog so we stop about every two hours to my DH can stretch his legs, dogs can potty and kids can run around for a few.

2- Be prepared for sticker shock at the gas station. We spent about $600 on fuel from MI to FW and back last spring.

3- I would definitely drive it around town before packing up and heading to FL. You want to be comfortable driving it before you hit the highway. Safer for you and those around you. Get a feel for how much of the lane you now fill up. Find a big parking lot and practice backing in. Most newer motorhomes have back up cameras which will help greatly with this.

4- Find a Walmart or Cracker Barrel that you can pull into for the night. We use these frequently just for an overnight stop. Don't set up camp or anything. Just pull in and get some sleep.

5-We allow 2 days to drive down there from MI (1180 miles). We leave about 8:00am and drive all day, pulling in for the night about 6:00. Usually puts us in TN. Start again about the same time the next morning and around 6:00 that night we are in Lake City, FL. Then we only have a 2-3 hour drive to FW depending on the traffic. On the way home we only stop one night and drive longer each day. It's worth two long days in the motorhome to have an extra day at FW

6- Setting up camp is not hard. Length of time varies greatly on how you camp. Some people don't set up anything outside. They pull it, pop out the slides and take off. Some people have chairs, tents, awning lights, decorations, etc. It usually takes us about an hour to set up. DH and kids set up the outside stuff (chairs, awning,bikes, sometimes the screen rooom, awning lights, cooler, garbage can) while I set up the inside stuff. Tear down takes about the same amount of time.

Thats all I can think of right now. We love Rving and have a great time traveling around, exploring the country. You will love Fort Wilderness.

P.S If there is a bunk bed over the drivers seat and the cab feels like a truck bed, it is a "Class C". If there is no bed/storage space over the seat and the front windows are huge...it's a "Class A"

 

[LarryJ]

I give your in-laws a lot of credit for that offer being newbees them self. Since this sounds like a new unit and if a large Class-A I might think twice about you taking something not owned by you on such a trip. I'm not trying to be a naysayer here, but it might be time to step back and see what you are really doing. Personally I would never borrow or use another person's RV, especially relatives since there are just too many things that can become an issue and this is even more true for someone that is new to RVing.

Can you tell us exactly what type and size MH we are talking about here.

Larry

 

[auntie]

Congratulations, you're going to love RV'ing! I think it's wonderful that your inlaws want to share this with you. It is a family oriented past time. I have a feeling you're gonna be hooked after this trip. As other's have mentioned get some practice close to home before you venture out. That being said, when we were new to RV'ing(bought our Travel Trailer 8 years ago) we purchased a book called "The Rv'ers Bible". I would highly recommend it. It contains alot of helpful information. It will guide you through the entire black water/grey water/sewer hook up....how to empty your tanks, that sort of thing. Was full of helpful information for travel. We lived with it in our trailer for a while, and still refer to it even now when we encounter a problem. Good luck to you and enjoy your trip..sounds like great fun!

http://www.amazon.com/RVers-Bible-Everything-Choosing-Enjoying/dp/0684822679

 

[jhnsnfamily]

You will need to learn all about the MH. Make sure the "how to" book is in there ... like how to dump the black and the gray tanks, as well as learning all about your fresh water tank/hot water heater (make sure you have a sewer hose, fresh water hose, etc.). Oh yeah, and the furnace. Some can be a bit tricky to get started. You'll probably need either sleeping bags or sheets/blankets and pillows as well as your kitchen supplies (dishes or paper plates, plastic ware, cups, paper towels, trash bags, and the like). Also, instead of buying that expensive RV toilet paper (single ply, like sandpaper, which is supposed to dissolve easily), we get the single ply, still like sandpaper, Scotts tissue in the regular grocery store. Just try to use as little TP as possible (so it doesn't clog up your black tank). And be sure to check your controls for how full your tanks are also. Frequently. You don't want to be in the middle of a shower and your water has nowhere to go cuz the gray tank is full. Also, take "army" showers or go the bath house. An army shower is 1) turn water on and get wet. 2) turn water off. 3) lather up with shampoo and soap all over body. 4) turn water on and rinse ... you get the picture.

If you have slides without awnings, make sure (before you close them) that there are no branches, leaves, etc., up there; if so and you try to close them, you'll either tear up the seal or it won't close all the way. If you have an awning and you are going to be gone all day, roll it back up to be 100% safe, or lower it and tie it down just in case the wind picks up. You don't want to come back from a great day at the park to find your awning blown up and over the MH.

If you have automatic levelers --- yeah! If not, figure out how to level it.

Above all, have FUN! If you've never camped before, you will be hooked! If you have camped before and have just never driven a MH before, like everyone has said, just take it out and practice driving it. More than likely, you'll have to maneuver through some tight spots including construction traffic on the highways (and you know how narrow those lanes can seem when you have a semi on your right and a concrete barrier on your left ).

The best advice we received when we purchased our camper was to go camping -- somewhere either close to home or right in your driveway. Pack whatever you think you'll need and go from there. Resist the urge to go in the house. You'll quickly figure out what you've forgotten or what you need to buy. Do a complete dry run from parking, to setting up camp, to cooking, to packing up, etc. It's also important for you and your spouse to learn sign language ... so he knows when he's looking at you in the rear view mirror and you are holding your hands up that that means "WHOA -- STOP!" etc. Before we pull out of the driveway, we always check the lights too -- left turn sign, right turn signal, flashers, and break lights.

UMMMMMMMMMM ... I'm sure I could sit here and think of more, but that should you give you a good headstart!

I could see how others would be tentative about "borrowing" someone else's MH, but if they offered and you feel comfortable with it, then by all means ... go for it!

Happy and safe travels to you! Have a great time at the world ... we'll be there in June!

 

[nyk]

i agree with much of what has already been posted. we drive our 38' coach many more miles per day then we used to take our tt. with a full tank of water and propane we can easily go from nova scotia to florida in two days. we usually stop for several hours at a flying j or a cracker barrel and sleep for a few hours and then get up and shower while the other drives. a great way to travel; but as others have said the gas bill is insane!

 

[stacktester]

i a great way to travel; but as others have said the gas bill is insane!

The gas bill it seems no matter what you pull or drive is going to be insane. I have a 5th wheel and my truck get's about 10 pulling it. Until somebody invents an electric rv lol we're all in the same boat. This is the main reason I'll be getting a Class C next time around.

 

[nyk]

The gas bill it seems no matter what you pull or drive is going to be insane. I have a 5th wheel and my truck get's about 10 pulling it. Until somebody invents an electric rv lol we're all in the same boat. This is the main reason I'll be getting a Class C next time around.

i don't feel so bad! i get 10 mpg with my '08 newmar grandstar and was having a pity party for myself; but if you're getting not much better pulling your 5're i guess we're all in the same boat. we heard on our local news here that they expect gas prices to reach 1.50/litre(6.00/u.s. gallon) within the next three years. i hate to think what that will do to our hobby.


that being said we're in to the fort for two weeks starting feb.11. will have my green dis ears fixed to the coach. the blender will be at the ready! drop in for a sociable

 

[LONE-STAR]

Pulling my 5er 10 mpg also. At $6.00 it would cost me $1400.00 to go to FW and back.

 

[Tulirose]

Lots of good advice here the most important being: go out on trips close to home prior to attempting this big trip and learn the unit!

One thing I didn't see mentioned but I skimmed the responses pretty quickly, if you go down 95 and are going thru Baltimore, you cannot go thru the tunnels due to carrying propane. You will have to take the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) around Baltimore.

As someone else also asked, I too am curious as to the exact make and model of the RV and if it was bought new or used. Either way, I give your in-laws a lot of credit for letting you do this.

I also agree with the suggestion to check out RV.net for basic RV information.

Good luck, have fun. Staying at Ft. Wilderness is a great experience!!

 

[bradisgoofy]

I'm sorry but I'm with LarryJ, taking your very first trip in a Class "A" RV, or any large RV, is not a good idea. If, and I mean IF, you can do a couple of practice trips, locally, so you get the complete feel for driving, maneuvering, parking and setting up, I just don't think it's a good idea. There are RV driving schools but I don't think they have any before your trip. You might check with a local big RV dealership and see if they might have such classes. I've been RVing since 1975 starting with a tent trailer ( not a pop up but a tent mounted on a trailer ) then working my way up to our current 38' Coach. There is no way I would let a family member or friend use our Coach if they had zero RVing experience.

 

[auntie]

I would think if you have access to the unit you will be able to familiarize yourself with it as much as possible before your departure. Certainly more than if you were to have been renting a Motor Home from one of the national chain rentals. You have the luxury of having it close to you so as to start packing what you think you will need and practice the awning and jacks..sewer hook up and all that sort of thing. Again, get the RV'rs Bible and make sure you take it with you along with the book that comes with your unit. Also...Rv'ers are a very friendly bunch, if you have any difficulty don't hesitate to ask a fellow camper for help. We don't have a motor home..a travel trailer, but everyone's been a newbie at one time or another.

 

[Patsy1969]

Everyone has given you great hints. Practice driving but also practice backing up! FW does not have many pull through sites so you will have to back in. The sites are a nice size but with trees and some of the angles it can be interesting. Maybe take some traffic cones to an empty parking lot. also if the unit does not have rear cameras, get in the back and practice helping with hand signals and taking to each other. Other campers will help out if needed. Most of all have fun. Patsy

 

[disney4dan]

As a fellow camper from Massachusetts, I recommend seeing if the MH will be available for April/May time frame for a weekend test run in nearby Salisbury Beach state park in Salisbury, MA. There are many open sites, with few small trees, but one of the few CGs open that open early before the crowds come. The access to/from the campground is very RV friendly, they have sites with power and water, are relatively inexpensive, and would give you the opportunity for some practice without crowded streets. Only $20 per night for MA residents as well and right on the beach if you want some relaxing time with the family. You can see the sites by looking it up on LiveSearch, using the map feature, and then looking at the "birds eye" view.

Good luck!

 

[amjl2]

WOW!!!!!!

Thank you thank you thank you! This is exactly the kind of feedback, info and opinions I was looking for. Everything happened so fast that I don't think DH and I have thought it through very well - we just got soooo excited! We thought it would be an adventure - 2 vacations in one - what fun! But really, we have no experience, my inlaws have no experience and maybe we are bitting more off than we can handle. My mil called it a class A but from Shannnonel's description I think its a class C - and its used not new. The people they bought it from did not use it very often - they actually only used it for a few trips to FW!! I'll get more info.

My inlaws will be using the MH for the first time in March as they are spending the whole month in the Keys with a group of friends that all have MH's. So they are going with very experienced people and when they get back we do plan on spending time driving it and getting their new found wisdon after spending a month camping. Then it will be our turn . . .

Hopefully we won't chicken out!!! The person who brought up construction sites was right on - I already panic in those lanes never mind with a MH!!

Again thank you thank you thank you!!! As I gather more info and nerve I'll be back with more questions. Please if you have any more info or the good the bad and the ugly driving down 95 stories feel free to pass them along! I love to read them!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Id rather my first adventure be in a MH than a TT. If you were to rent a MH as a first timer...theyd give you a walk through explaining all the buttons and gadgets, etc...but they dont take you for a ride, and they wont turn down a rental opportunity, so you'd be on your own that way as well. Ive driven(never owned) many class c's....really not that different than driving my conversion van...wider turns...you can feel the wind pushing a little more. If you get a chance, sure...test drive the heck out of it. But if you dont, I wouldnt decide NOT to take it...I wouldnt suggest that with a class A or a TT.

 

[auntie]

WOW!!!!!!

Thank you thank you thank you! This is exactly the kind of feedback, info and opinions I was looking for. Everything happened so fast that I don't think DH and I have thought it through very well - we just got soooo excited! We thought it would be an adventure - 2 vacations in one - what fun! But really, we have no experience, my inlaws have no experience and maybe we are bitting more off than we can handle. My mil called it a class A but from Shannnonel's description I think its a class C - and its used not new. The people they bought it from did not use it very often - they actually only used it for a few trips to FW!! I'll get more info.

My inlaws will be using the MH for the first time in March as they are spending the whole month in the Keys with a group of friends that all have MH's. So they are going with very experienced people and when they get back we do plan on spending time driving it and getting their new found wisdon after spending a month camping. Then it will be our turn . . .

Hopefully we won't chicken out!!! The person who brought up construction sites was right on - I already panic in those lanes never mind with a MH!!

Again thank you thank you thank you!!! As I gather more info and nerve I'll be back with more questions. Please if you have any more info or the good the bad and the ugly driving down 95 stories feel free to pass them along! I love to read them!

There are companies and national chains that rent these things all over the U.S. and they rent these rigs to people who are not as familiar with them as you are going to be. I don't think you have to be afraid of driving it. Expecially considering you likely will have more opportunity to take it out on a test run(albeit locally) then say the average person renting from Cruise America. You can even check their site and see exactly what type of rig you have if you aren't sure.
As mentioned previously they give you a quick walk through and you're on your way. Not saying that's exactly right..but honestly, it is how it's done. I don't think you need to be so uptight about using an RV that your inlaws purchased for the family to enjoy. I know my dad is very generous, and there have been times when he has offered something to either myself or my husband,(boat, car, condo) and I'd ask him " dad, are you sure?"...he would look at me as if I had two heads...and say " baby, if it's mine..it's your's too." That's just the way he is....and he meant it. (my dad had a stroke 10 years ago, and is ephasiac, and has lost his speach....I treasure those times as I recall his generosity) I feel the same way with my kids. I'm sure you're inlaws feel you and your husband are responsible people, and they wanted to share their good fortune with "their" family.
I do remember being a nervous Nellie with our travel trailer(and I don't even tow it..my husband does!)..and personally we'd much rather be driving a class C than trailering. Don't over think it...just enjoy it. Thousands of people do this every day.

 

[wrongagain]

As a massachusetts resident " metrowest" that just came back 2 weeks ago from fort wilderness, I have this to say about that.
It took about 25 hours to drive there.
Do not drive thru NYC or washington area at rush hour, "ask me how I know"
It cost $1500.00 for fuel.
It cost about $90.00 for tolls.
It is a major deal to make sure what you are driving can go where you want to go, such as bridges, tunnels, etc.
I have a GPS program that goes on a laptop called "copilot truck", it only allows you to go places a big rig can go.
As far as backing in goes I have never needed,"so far" or wanted an assistant for backing up so I may not be the best example, but if I can back my coach in to the worlds smallest sites "disney" then anyone can back anything into the same sites.
Just take your time and pay attention to what you are doing, you are not going to win an award for doing it fastest or be penalized for doing it slowest.
Have everyone one who is in hyper overload have a seat and be quiet for 5 minutes while you park.
The only thing I see people doing that gets them into trouble is watching the spouse who disappears out of mirrors view, while watching a four year old running in circles, while listening to the dog bark, with the radio cranked.
Mickey mouse will still be there, take a deep breath and become one with parking.