What should you consider when someone wants to borrow your RV? The former requires less planning and instruction than the latter. Under either of these scenarios, what can you tell or show your guests to make their experience more comfortable besides leaving a copy of “RV Vacations for Dummies” in the coach?
For either type, the first order of business will be instruction on how to operate the toilet. Whether you have an electric motor that flushes the toilet requiring only the push of a button or a manual system that requires the use of a foot pedal to empty and refill the water in the bowl, your guest will need to know the particulars of operation. Though obvious for adults, a spray hose for cleaning the bowl may require giving a cautionary warning to children to prevent an unexpected flood in the bathroom. Also mention that RV toilet tissue must be used rather than an off-the-shelf, grocery store brand.
This leads right into the gray and black water tank discussion if your guests will stay alone. Show them the location of the monitor panel that displays each tank’s maximum capacity levels. This is a good time to mention that long showers or the washing machine will rapidly impact the gray water tank. Rinsing vegetables and doing lots of dishes can also surprise you when you check gray water levels. Take a few moments to instruct your guests in the procedure used to empty these tanks before they have gray water coming up in the shower! Don’t forget to mention how putting some water back into the black tank after emptying it will be desirable and show them how.
Leave your guest with a sufficient supply of propane. Show them how to operate the range and oven noting any tips for making it easier (i.e. lighting a stove burner with a BBQ lighter you have stored on board.) Share where your pots, pans and dishes are stashed. Consider microwave pointers, especially if you have a convection microwave. Point out the silverware, glasses, cups and small appliances if they are not readily visible-especially the coffee pot if your guests like their morning coffee! The refrigerator should be pretty simple to use, but if they want it colder during their stay point out to make adjustments. Explain that the little blue fan running in your refrigerator is there to enhance the circulation and is not a misplaced child’s toy!
Your guest will appreciate knowing about locations of switches for lights and exhaust fans. Sometimes they can be quite hidden. Don’t forget the air conditioning/heater thermostats. Do you keep an auxiliary ceramic heater on board for cool mornings? Tell them its location if they wake up to colder temperatures. Point out where the circuit breaker board is located. In the unlikely event your guest trips a breaker, show them how to reset it.
Satellite TV, Cable TV or Antenna TV operations in your RV may require an extended discussion if there are multiple steps or buttons to push or if you have four remotes required for getting to the television station you desire. A written instruction sheet may be handy for everyone.
Most of all, encourage whoever wants to borrow your RV to have fun.