The RV lifestyle holds a lot of freedom for the road warrior. And with that freedom comes the responsibility of knowing how to effectively operate and maintain your home on wheels. Luckily there are lots of resources to help guide you through learning the ins and outs of your RV.
Having a solid understanding of the operations and systems of your RV is imperative for a stress-free time on the road. Here are just a few of the ways you can educate yourself about your RV.
Hands-On Learning
Driving an RV is very different than driving a car or truck. What better way to become familiar with RV driving than to just dive in and do it? The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) in partnership with the RV Driving School, offers a hands-on program using your own RV for those who want to be safer RV drivers. It is a 2-day program, with classroom learning on Day 1 and behind-the-wheel instructions on Day 2.
Or perhaps you just want some practice backing up your RV. It’s a necessary skill to have! For this, the RV Backing Class has you covered. It’s a one-day session that starts with a 2-hour training session in the morning and 3 hours of individual backing practice in the afternoon.
Online Classes
If your learning style is more of the online variety, you have much to choose from. There is lots of information out there but consider the source. FMCA is a legitimate, trusted organization with an online hub of RV-related resources provided exclusively to its members via FMCA University. Members can log on anytime, day or night, to learn about different aspects of the RV such as RV tips, winterizing your RV, motorhome chassis, RV entertainment systems, and so much more.
YouTube Videos
YouTube has reached the status of Google with the amount of helpful (and not so helpful) videos about all things RV. You could spend months watching all the videos related to RV life. While some “YouTubers” are full-time RV enthusiasts with valuable real-world information, many more are just messing around, so choose wisely what you watch. For professional RV information, you are better off gravitating toward videos produced by RV manufacturers and other RV organizations. They provide a wide range of content for everyone from beginning RV enthusiasts to veteran RV travelers.
Online Forums
This is a great way to interact with other RV owners or would-be owners, both in the U.S. and abroad. Online forums offer a place for RV enthusiasts to exchange information. For example, say you have started to hear a funny sound while backing your RV. Forums are a fantastic way to reach out to other RV owners and chat about what problems you’re having with your RV. Often times you will find someone who has had a similar problem. You can pick their brain and find out what they did to solve the problem. The RV community is very welcoming and most people are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
Checking the Facts
Whatever method you choose to educate yourself about your RV, the bottom line is that this education is very important if you expect to have a less stressful time of RV ownership. Simple mistakes can easily cost you lots of money. Always make sure you are pursuing information from credible resources. Check the facts and always ask yourself: How up-to-date is the information you’re receiving? Is it relevant and current? What is the source of the information, and is that source reliable? As we all know, don’t believe everything you read (or hear) on the internet. Use common sense when searching for RV-related information.
Happy travels out there!