Tech Talk: A Guide For New RVers

Part one of a series of articles offering information for folks just starting their RV journey.

By Steve Froese, F276276
June 2024

Recently, I wrote an article about the importance of being cautious when it comes to information that appears on the internet. There is an overabundance of misinformation covering every topic online, and one target audience that especially concerns me is people new to the RV lifestyle. While many content creators mean well, much of the information is misleading, incorrect, or applies to very specific RVs or situations that aren’t relevant to most readers/viewers. Some of these articles and videos are created by new RVers, so the “experience factor” is often missing. Other content is generated by more experienced RVers. Unfortunately, I have found, as with most other topics on the internet, many of these videos and articles do not pass my “sniff test.” There are obviously exceptions, and some videos do contain useful information, but, unfortunately, they are few and far between.

As FMCA strives to deliver the best and most accurate information to members, I decided to provide a primer for beginning RVers in this column. I will cover the basics, starting with your first pretrip inspection. This series of articles will serve as a single trusted source of information as you dive into the wonderful RV lifestyle. It won’t cover everything but will go over the basics of what you need to know to become a seasoned RV traveler.

The pretrip checklist should include a note to ensure that stabilizing or leveling jacks are fully retracted before departure.

These articles will not delve into the specifics of purchasing an RV; however, here are some pertinent points to keep in mind:

1. Consider renting an RV for your first few trips. Many rental options are available, from brick-and-mortar RV rental agencies (some affiliated with dealerships) to online rental platforms. Renting is a great way to discover the RV lifestyle and allows you to determine whether it is right for you and your family.
2. When you are ready to buy, don’t jump at the first RV in your price range. Shop around to find the right floor plan that suits your needs. You will be glad you did.
3. Be thorough in your search, especially if you are buying a used unit. If you are browsing private sellers, try to take a certified RV technician or inspector with you to assess the condition of any units you are interested in.
4. If you like an RV that needs repair, don’t necessarily walk away from it if it otherwise suits your needs. Determine what is required for the repairs and decide based on that. It’s likely you will be able to do some work yourself, but other work will require professional help. Ask the dealership, technician, or inspector their opinion on this.
5. You are not likely to find everything on your “must have” RV list, especially in your first RV. Find a unit that is in your price range and generally suits your family’s needs. As you mature in your RV experience, you may adapt to the unit, or you can trade up in features as you purchase newer units.

The purchase of a “new to you” RV is out of the scope of this article, so the previously mentioned points only gloss the surface of the RV-buying process. The most important thing is to be as aware as possible of the overall condition of the RV. This is much more difficult during a private sale, so seek help if you can.

Pretrip Inspection

If towing, make sure safety chains are properly attached before your departure.

Now that you have purchased your first RV, there are several things you need to consider before heading out, and these should become habits that you develop from your first trip. Again, the following is a basic list, but you will likely adopt other practices as you mature in your RV journey.

1. If your RV is a towable type, make sure your hitch, equalizer, brake controller, and sway control (if present) are properly set up and adjusted. This is best performed by an RV dealership (often during the sales process) or a specialty hitch shop.
2. Make sure all stabilizing or leveling jacks are fully retracted.
3. Check all exterior lights for proper operation. Replace any that are not working.
4. Check slideout rooms to ensure they are fully retracted.
5.  Make sure everything is properly stowed for travel, especially in the case of a trailer, where you won’t be there to notice if something goes flying. Be aware that as you drive down the road, there will be a lot of rocking, rolling, shaking, etc. Anything that is not secure will go airborne.
6.  Check all tire pressures. Be sure to do this before you set out on your trip, while the tires are cold. Recom-mended nominal tire pressures are listed on the federal certification label in the RV, along with the maximum allowable gross axle weight for each axle. However, to determine a more accurate tire pressure, you should weigh each wheel position on the RV. This can be done at FMCA conventions, or sometimes on a commercial or highway scale. After weighing each axle, you can then refer to the tire manufacturer’s website to determine the recommended minimum inflation pressure for that weight. This means you will likely have a different inflation pressure for each axle. Many people overlook inflating their tires based on weight, but it is the safest way and will also maximize your tire life. At the very least, inflate your tires to the recommended pressure indicated on the sidewall.

7. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend getting a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A TPMS can warn you of a tire puncture while you are driving, which is much better than learning about it after the tire has been destroyed.
8. Check to make sure your TV antenna is down and the steps are retracted.
9. Perform a full walkaround of your RV so you can avoid any hazards, such as tree stumps, rocks, etc., and make sure no children or pets are in the vicinity. Don’t forget to check underneath.
10. Check all entry doors, windows, and storage compartments to make sure they are fully closed and latched.
11.  Make sure power cords and hoses are disconnected and properly stowed.

Next month, we will continue with trip preparation and being ready for the open road.

Send your troubleshooting questions to Steve Froese at techtalk@fmca.com. The volume of correspondence may preclude personal replies. Not all responses will apply in every instance. Some situations may require a visual inspection and hands-on testing. If you choose to follow any procedures outlined in this column, first satisfy yourself that neither personal nor product safety will be jeopardized. If you feel uncomfortable about a procedure, stop and make an appointment with an RV service facility.

You may also want to consult the FMCA Forums (https://community.fmca.com) to see whether your question has already been addressed or, if not, to post it.

Recalls

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. Or, to search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.