My RV Mentor: For the Newbie and the Experienced

My RV Mentor provides an in-depth and concise guide to RV ownership for current owners and prospective RV buyers. It takes you from the pre-purchase phase through operating and understanding all systems and components to advanced travel and planning techniques. The focus has an emphasis on learning and developing the skills of a new RV Owner or as a refreshed to the experienced. -Part I - Begins with developing your RV purchasing process and how a specific RV selection would fit your desired lifestyle or recreational needs. Here we explore each of the different types of recreational vehicles, and attempt to answer the question "is this a good match for my family?" We walk through the buying process with tips on discounts, considerations for local verses out of town dealers and the importance of establishing a good service relationship. Descriptions of RV weights and towing capacities are discussed. I remove the mystery behind the pre-delivery inspection and simplify the process ensuring you drive away with an RV fully functioning and ready to go camping. Rounding out the new purchase experience is setting the stage for the first night's camping and how to maximize the learning experience while camping and enjoying your RV. -Part II - Takes the new owner into the campground covering techniques for driving and backing the RV. Inside tips on backing trailers and how they differ from motorhomes. Then transition to the unhitching and setup of the RV as we settle in at the campsite.-Part III - Addresses the major RV systems and components. Starting with the holding tanks and fresh water management, we will learn the purpose of each holding tank and how to maintain and use the tanks. We learn tips on how to avoid fresh water cross-contamination and how to store the various hoses, filters and fittings. The electrical system is broken down into 12 volt and 110 volt systems for ease of understanding and troubleshooting. Appliances are discussed in terms of how each is powered on either electricity or liquid propane (LP) and common troubleshooting steps. And finally, tires and batteries are discussed from the perspective of safety and cost savings. We learn how to inspect tires and how to maintain proper air pressure while also learning how to maintain the batteries and how to prevent premature battery failure. -Part IV - Discusses how to deal with roadside emergencies and provides tips on how to take proactive steps in securing your RV and protecting it from theft.-Part V - Identifies the planning tools and methods for trip planning, making reservations and obtaining camping discounts. Common clubs, discounts memberships, and subscriptions are described noting advantages of each and associated costs. Tips and safety concerns are outlined, and a checklist is provided to minimize driving distractions while establishing a driving routine. Alternative camping opportunities are described for free camping with minimal or no facilities provided.-Part VI - Is a mixture of several subjects including caring for you RV while not in use and specifics on storage concerns. Campground etiquette expectations are provided to ensure the New Owner feels at home in the campground and understands how to be a good neighbor. For equipping the new RV, a list of the top 10 must have items is provided and tips on making purchases to save time and money.-Part VII - A look at RV quality and managing expectations on maintenance and repairs. And finally, some closing guidance on the journey from RV Newbie to RV Pro. Here the author gives the reader a challenge on sharing their new knowledge and completing a set of RV and camping activities to demonstrate the skill and knowledge they have obtained from this book.The Appendices add a significant level of detail to the book and provides a quick reference to troubleshooting, common questions, recommended tools, online resources and a description of RV Jargon.