Today, with RV’s costing so much money, both in the capital and operating costs, one has to get the most out of the equipment and features of their purchase. So, how can an owner get the most out of the equipment and features from their current, or future, RV?
The answer is pretty basic really: know how to operate and service each item that makes up the rig. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, a large number of RV owners either do not thoroughly read the manuals, or do not retain much they are told or read. Time and time again we hear or read of people asking elementary questions, like, “How do I get the chrome wheel cover off the wheel on my motor home?” Also, one can not assume that a component on a new coach or trailer that appears similar to that of their last rig is, in fact, the same. Perhaps many believe they already know how each component operates or maybe they don’t read the manuals as they are waiting for the movie to come out.
Knowing how to operate and carry out simple servicing and care of each component is a necessity to get the full value and maintain each in top condition. To fully understand this requires the reading of each section of the manual, including those that seem most familiar, like the television set operation manual. This one I can relate to first hand. Back in October I purchased a digital TV converter for my rig, which is an ’07, built in ’06. Dah! It didn’t need one as the main installed set was already internally DTV ready. Hmmm… Oh, here it is in the manual. So, let’s look at what an RV vehicle manual includes.
The RV manufacturer’s owner/operator manual is primarily made up of a collection of individual supplier brochures, installation directions and operator manuals. Two of the largest and most complete of these mini-manuals will probably cover the engine and chassis. These contain both in-depth operation and required service details for each. Additionally, you will find each and every feature and component description and general operational guide.
Now, in all likelihood you will find new features and applications that you were not aware of, for even some of the simplest items. Additionally, you may enjoy the new understanding of how your RV works, not to mention the satisfaction of being able to perform some of the simple component maintenance.
So, are you up to the challenge? If you have not read your RV manuals, are you willing to jump in and check them out? If you have ordered or are going to purchase a new or used rig, are you willing to download and read the known manuals? For those of you that answered “Yes,” please advance to the top of the class and get at it. For those that responded with a negative, but can not honestly state that they have read them thoroughly, please give it a try. When you have completed each and every component piece, please let us hear your thoughts. Thoughts such as, “I didn’t know that;” “Awesome feature;” and “Glad I took the time to read and understand the entire operation;” will be common.
Well, there are two groups here. One will tend to answer, after an inappropriate control input, “I knew that!;” while the other will exclaim “Oops! Sorry, I got it right now”
So………………..RV owners and experts, how many have really read every manual in your collection?
With Some Manual Work For You – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer
Judy
Paul, thanks, but I don’t know what I don’t know. I know that sounds a little ‘blond’ but that is what I am. Maybe meet you on the road sometime and just visit would help me a lot. Otherwise, I will just keep trying and reading the articles on these sites.
Lug_Nut
Meandering Retiree, I can see you totally realize the value of learning all that you can about the product so that you can get all you can from the product. It is really surprising how many people use so little of the features, as they don’t know they are there. Thank you for your input.
Bob Yost
My new email address.
Paul
This is for Judy on 1-19-09. I have a 95 Dreamer 5th wheel and a manual. If she still needs a manual, I could scan what she wants and e-mail it.
Meandering Retiree
When we bought our motorhome, I read the manual from cover to cover and it stood over three inches high. I also took page markers and placed them at the top of what I considered to be important pages that I would need to use again in the future. I have always done this with any vehicle or camper that we purchased. I figured that spending as much money as I did on any vehicle, the least that I could do was read the manual. I also do that with lawnmowers or anything else that has a manual. It has saved me a great deal of grief over the years.
Tom
Gerry,
We had similar problems with the canvas covers on our slide outs. I removed them and took them to an awning company (American Awning Company) in Wheat Ridge (Denver area). They patched the torn area of the awning with a patch over the existing awning and reinforced the Carefree of Colorado awnings for less than a new awning cost. When I backed into a tree limb and ripped one of the awnings beyond repair, I took the brand new awning to them and had it reinforced before installing it. Look for an awning company in your local yellow pages. It has saved us money.
Lug_Nut
Gerry, That sounds easy, but I’m not familiar with exactly what that may entail. If it is fraying that bad perhaps you should look at replacing the material instead. Thank you for your input.
Gerry Rogers
On my 2001 Bounder motor home I noticed the covers over my slides have begun to fray on the ends.The other ends are in good shape so I plan to simply reverse the covers in side to out side.
Lug_Nut
Connie, Great idea, thank you for the tip. Many people appreciate ideas like yours and help greatly when they are faced with a similar situation. Thanks for your great input.
Connie
When I picked up my new motorhome 300 miles from home 5 years ago, I had made a reservation at a campground closeby, drove directly to the campground and read the manuals and try everything out while I was still close to the dealer rather than taking it home and then having a question or problem. I did end up going back to the dealer for something I had missed in his quick overview of something that was not in the manuals but it was quick and easy to resolve because I was right there closeby. I would definitely recommend that process.
Lug_Nut
Jerry, I’ld love to know too. Perhaps you are on the wrong site.
Jerry Thornton
need to know where the emergency direct tv dish was for 49.00 for the setup
for motorhomes…?
Lug_Nut
Judy, That can be an issue, however I would recommend the following. Do a thorough search on the internet. Many times, some of the needed product information is still available. Additionally, check on components directly with the OEM of that product. RV forums, like that of RV.NET, can also be of help. You may just find a like owner that actually has the original manuals.
Great question. Thank you for your input.
Judy
What about those of us that purchased a used unit and there were no manuals and the company is no longer in business. I have a ’95 Western Dreamer 5th. I am still bungling my way through things.
Lug_Nut
MarieBraswell, I’m glad you found this week’s topic of interest and that you are continuing the journey the two of you once did. Thank you for sharing this with us and for your touching input. May your travels be full of joy.
MarieBraswell
Thank you for the reminder to ALL of us to read those manuals. My husband and I started camping in a two man tent with a dog-I had to learn about lanterns and cook stoves so why should the use of a motor home be any different? Now I travel alone with the family dog and do a lot of the things my husband used to do and urged me to learn. He is with us in spirit and enjoying a larger camping ground. Thanks for all the good tips. Blue skys and green lights to all. Marie
Lug_Nut
OOPS! I asked for your input, but failed to enable comments. That has been corrected. Thank you.