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RV Living in the 21st Century
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Newbies ask---
"Understanding the Basics" of Parking and Levelling
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Click here for basic SET-UP PROCEDURES Updated December 03
Congratulations! You did it! You finally bought your dream machine. You realize this a new lifestyle for you but you just had to have that special RV; it had your name on it. The thought of overlooking a quiet lake where the fish are begging to be caught or to be nestled in a picture perfect hideaway in your mobile ‘cottage’ was just too much to pass up. A trip across North America or becoming a snowbird for a winter or two was always part of your long term planning, wasn’t it? Well now these dreams can become a reality. But wait, the panic is beginning to set in---you’re a Newbie, you’ve never camped or travelled in an RV. What do you do now? Well don’t despair, in the next page or two I’ll walk you through the basics. For seasoned RVers the following can serve as a refresher to increase your anticipation as to what’s ahead for the upcoming season. Many dealers will allow new owners to spend the night on site so you can try out every amenity while tech support is nearby. To build your driving confidence, find a shopping mall during quiet times to practice maneuvers, parking, backing-up and hand signals. Yes this is also a good time to set up some personalized signals between driver and co-pilot. John and I prefer hand signals, but some RVing friends feel more comfortable explaining directions with the use of walkie-talkies. It makes no difference which directional format you use so long as you both understand each other. Back to the top "What do I do now" Click here for basic SET-UP PROCEDURES By the way it is impossible to stop an RV by pushing on the back of it and yelling. For info, the driver can’t generally hear voice signals over the sound of the engine. Plus if you can’t see the side mirror, the driver can’t see you. In our case I only provide signals for where I want John to put the rear of our unit---not how he has to turn the wheel. I usually stand on the driver’s side but depending on the angle the driver is backing into the site you may have to switch from the passenger to the driver side to see the mirror.
When setting up hand signals you need commands to spell out
There are no correct signals, just those that work for you. If someone offers to help, thank him or her graciously but for routine parking explain the “driver only has eyes for you”---he/she can only follow signals from one person. Back to the top "What do I do now" Click here for basic SET-UP PROCEDURES Now that you have gained confidence to handle parking, take a drive on a quiet secondary road, in no time you will feel comfortable handling your unit. Then change drivers so the co-pilot can sit behind the wheel. Both of you should be self-assured you can drive your RV. In our case John prefers to do most of the driving but I have enough experience that in an emergency I can easily take over. I make it a point to rebuild my confidence behind the wheel every few months.
Next step is to find a place to go for your shakedown weekend. Campgrounds are listed in many publications such as the large International campground directories of Trailer Life and Woodalls, available from bookstores and dealers. A call to your local tourist bureau to request provincial travel guides along with camping info provides additional in-depth info. It may be wise to enjoy an extended stay in campsite near home to become familiar with your unit before you venture across country, expect it to take time to understand how everything works.
Surprisingly this same advice applies even if you are just ‘trading-up’. We too with our many years of on road travel felt like Newbies each time we traded RV’s. All manufacturers with their various models promote diverse designs and every ‘bell and whistle’ operates differently. The day you drive that new rolling home off the lot you will feel like it is your first time behind the wheel.
Now the stage has been set to enjoy the great outdoors in your new ‘rolling home’. First stop is to find a campground near home. Learning RV living skills should be your main priority; perfecting long distance driving skills can come later. RVing won’t be much fun if every aspect is foreign to you. When your getaway takes place over a long weekend or during a peak travel time be sure to make reservations. However be aware a fee is occasionally charged to reserve a site, especially in the public lands at Conservation Areas and at Provincial/State or National Parks. On the other hand those who belong to clubs such as the Escapees, Good Sam, FMCA, KOA and other clubs can usually benefit from 10% discounts off the regular rate for cash payment.
During park check-in you’ll generally be assigned a particular campsite. Follow the park map to your spot and BOTH of you get out to look things over. Observe where the hook-ups are, the patio, trees and hidden obstacles such as an obscure stump, a low hanging branch, a pothole etc. You may be lucky and be assigned a pull-through but more likely it will be a back-in space. What a perfect opportunity to practice your ‘new’ parking signals. Discuss your plan of action. Others may be watching but don’t worry they too were all beginners at one point. Remember what I said about help---if you don’t request assistance be nice and say “No thanks --- but can we call you if we need too?”
Back to the top "What do I do now" Click here for basic SET-UP PROCEDURES
Minor point: Motorized units pulling a tow car should always disconnect the ‘toad’ on flat land, never back up with car attached. To settle into the site simply back up as you did at the mall; although this campsite area may be more confined; the procedure is no different. The driver will have more control if he/she takes it slow---feel free to use as many temporary stops as needed. Don’t worry if you must drive forward several times and try again---many of us make several attempts before settling in a spot where we’re happy, even experienced RVers.
When you are satisfied with your
location, setting-up procedures follow. If the site is not level (or it's soft)
it’s wise to add boards (8x2x18 is a good size to start with) under the
low (maybe all) tire areas before using your jacks for final
stabilization. Units with dual tires ALWAYS need board(s) under EACH tire,
plus the complete tire ‘footprint’ should sit completely on the
board(s). Adding another board under EACH jack is also a good idea.
Although the ground frequently looks solid, jacks can easily sink under
the weight of the RV.
Get out and enjoy this great lifestyle. RV Living - the Freedom adventure. ********************* Back to the top "What do I do now?" WHAT
DO I DO NOW?---SET-UP PROCEDURE.
Before connecting to power always test the park wiring with a ground monitor (---a small adapter available from hardware stores and RV Dealers that plugs into the electric receptacle). When connected to power, lights will glow to indicate the connection is OK, or if it has an open ground, or reverse polarity. Incorrect campground wiring doesn’t surface often but once is more than anyone needs. If your site is improperly wired, tell the office, request it be corrected or ask for another site---LEAVE THE PARK IF YOU MUST. Proper wiring is that important to protect the appliances in your unit.
The monitor is made for a 15-Amp receptacle, to test a 30-Amp connection you must add a 15-30-Amp adaptor to the ground monitor. Since the power travelling into your unit from the park receptacle must be at the same amps as your RV wiring, occasionally you will need to add a ‘dog-bone adapter’ from 30 to 15 Amps, or from 30 to 50 Amps. If the connection tests OK, turn the breaker off, connect your RV electric cord, and turn the breaker on again.
Because all campground hook-ups are not a consistent distance from each campsite you also require a 25 foot 30 Amp 10-gauge extension cord. Please do not use the orange cord designed to run your electric lawn mower at home. It is not heavy duty enough for the power draw from your unit, especially if you plan to run many items such as the air conditioning---a fire can result.
Now for water---open the park faucet to allow the water to run clear, free of sediment, for a few seconds. Some RVers also spray concentrated bleach on the tap/faucet to be sure it is sanitized. If you wish to add an interior/exterior filter system, your dealer and some hardware stores sell a wide variety of easy adaptable systems. Another caution---some parks have very high water pressure at their campsites. Since this high pressure can cause leaks in RV plumbing it is imperative to ALWAYS add a water regulator (to control pressure at 45 PSI’s) to the TAP END.
Next connect your special insulated
drinking water hose---NEVER use the green garden hose designed for
watering the lawn, because it is not insulated, bacteria can grow in it
from the sun. NOTE: To ensure hose hook-ups are hassle free, try using the ‘quick disconnect adaptors’ designed to use with your garden hoses and accessories at home. Place one adaptor end on your unit and add the other part on your hose --- ‘click and you’re connected’. You can also use them between the tap and the water regulator as well as the regulator and the hose.
Without the help of a ‘quick disconnect adaptor’ you will need a pair of heavy-duty pliers to connect your water hose so it doesn’t drip. On board supplies should also include rubber washers and white plumbers tape. Dripping faucets make a mess on the ground and adds a difficult to remove residue on your coach. Again you also need an extra 25-foot drinking water hose for convenient connections. Back to the top "What do I do now"
Make it a practice to always use commercially tested chemicals in your black and gray holding tanks---bacteria-enzyme powder products are the preferred choice for septic systems. Although some kill odors more effectively than others, you may have to try several to find one you are happy with. Please stay away from home brew recipes; it is very easy to introduce a product or two that could be harmful to seals, hoses and septic systems. Again you will need a 10’ and 20’ foot sewer extension plus joining adapters to reach some connections.
It is also not necessary to buy special toilet paper. Most biodegradable toilet tissue will break up in RV solutions. To test your favourite paper, add a few sheet of paper to a small container along with a solution of your chosen chemicals. If it breaks up in the container for certain it will also do so in your tank. If not simply try another brand.
Next extend your room slides and the awning(s). Raise the TV antenna plus rearrange whatever is necessary to be comfortable inside your unit. set-up the lawn chairs and simply relax. You deserve it. This is a perfect opportunity to meet your neighbours.
Happy travels enjoy the journey.
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