Newbie mistakes to avoid

[Lawsnook]

I just bought my first Motorhome. 2017 Greyhawk 29MV. I am a newbie to RV’s. So, what are the biggest things a newbie should know? When you were a newbie, what do you wish you would have known?

 

[markb5900]

Congrats
Just going to name a few.
Driveway camp a night so you can figure out things you forgot.
Take a weekend and “play” with all the systems in your unit. When it’s downpouring isn’t the most opportune time to figure out sewer set up.
Don’t buy every gadget you see or hear about. Water hose, sewer hose and your electrical cord to start, then buy things as you want them.
If you don’t already know, understand the difference between your 12v system and your 120v system and what powers what.
Come here and ask tons of questions!!! We were all first time owners at one time.

 

[SmokeyBear-JAY]

How much time do you have?

Seriously, the list can get extensive. The list by Markb5900 is a good one. A short, weekend shake-down trip is a rally good suggestion. I just slightly disagree (may be semantics) buy things as you need them, not as you want them. I still have things I carry around that I don't need but thought I wanted them. His last sentence about 12V and 120V was an eye-opener to me when I learned it.

 

[Grumpy]

I just bought my first Motorhome. 2017 Greyhawk 29MV. I am a newbie to RV’s. So, what are the biggest things a newbie should know? When you were a newbie, what do you wish you would have known?

Too old to remember back that far, but...

 

[cpd1343]

Do search on this site first before you ask a specific question. It will save you allot of time. There is a TON of info on here.

 

[dvspl]

First campout in your driveway is the best advice. You'll be amazed at how much you didn't know about how your camper works.

 

[norty1]

Maybe not a big concern for you but one of mine was learning about brake controllers when pulling trailers, also learn about Tire pressures and monitoring systems.

 

[Jagiven]

Lots of good things mentioned above. Key is to take your time, don't feel rushed because someone is waiting on you.

An example, when you get to camp and you have to back into your site, take your time. If there is a car behind you, can will wait. We have all waited for someone to back into a space. Get out and check if you need to. No big deal.

 

[norty1]

There are so many things to learn, depending on where you start. If you have a good basic understanding of ac and dc electricity and you know how to use a Volt/Ohm meter you are on the way.

Knowing and identifying All the different systems on your particular rig will make your transition to camping a lot easier.

And no matter what you know, there will always be something that you will need to ask about.

Don't be bashful!

 

[TowPro]

learn how to watch your mirrors in parking logs. If you were to bang up the coach, its going to be in a gas station. remember your 4x longer than your car. Be patient and wait for a gas spot that has easy entry and exit.

 

[Stavman]

Also

Do t tell yer 16 grandkids where yer at

Thank me later

And yer camping neighbors will tooooooo

 

[MagnusBjorn]

Test with grey before you dump the black.....

 

[SmokeyBear-JAY]

Test with grey before you dump the black.....

Could you explain that with a little more detail please?

 

[Redhawk 26M]

A lot of good advice above to follow. Newbie also, I fortunately have my son to guide me if needed on certain things. I'd suggest a surge protector to protect your investment. It was one of the most expensive "incidentals" I purchased right off but worth it. Keep your first trip or two local to "learn the ropes". Ours were no more than 1.5 hrs away. Keep a notepad to write down all the little things you wish you had with you (that's my wife's job). She's still grabbing little things at the dollar store.
Enjoy...

 

[435-fht]

Quote:
Originally Posted by MEILI View Post
Test with grey before you dump the black.....
Could you explain that with a little more detail please?

This is the way it was explained to me, when I was a newbie. When you go to drain your black and grey water tanks, pull the grey water valve for a second or two, first to verify no leaks. Then close the grey and open the black water valve. After the black tank is empty, open the grey for final draining.

 

[Redhawk 26M]

Still a newbie here... Yes as explained. If you're unsure of your grey / black sewer connections always test by opening the grey first. Dirty water on the ground is better than crappy water on the ground. The campgrounds I have been to so far always state this, it makes sense.

 

[SmokeyBear-JAY]

Hmmmm... Never heard of that. Never thought of that. Hopefully I will next time.

 

[Redhawk 26M]

Not that the grey / black sewer connection is any different, but if somethings gotta leak let it be the grey. That's the way I learned it as the newbie I still am.

 

[jyh818]

I got one of those pull gate valve attachment to the end of the sewer outlet. You leave it open when you dump the black tank. Then close the valve attachment and leave the black valve open. Then open the gray valve to back flush the gray up into the black tank. Then close the gray and open the attached gate valve to drain out the black. Afterwards, then drain the remaining gray.

 

[txloser]

Some of my early mistakes….

Throwing a trash bag in the bed of the truck as I leave the site with intention of stopping at the dumpster on the way out. Inevitably I drive off without doing that only to realize the bag was sucked out.

Get gate valve for the waste tank drain if not already installed. Nothing like opening the cap to find a valve was opened on the black tank.

Don’t get distracted hooking up. Keep to a procedure that works for you and don’t interrupt the process. I wasn’t diligent there and FW came off the hitch at highway speed. Good times.

Check the inside prior to extension or retraction of slides. Trim and cabinets with break under the force of the slide out. Done that one too.

Research campground roads and get as much intel on en route routing as possible to make sure you’ll be good on height and length. Screwed that up as well.

And many more things.

Lastly, never get too comfortable and think you’ve got it all figured out. That’s when bad stuff happens and you get humbled. My experience anyway.