A guide for novice and veteran RVers.
Table of Contents
You can jump to a section by clicking on a chapter
Introduction
RV Lingo
The Evolution of the RV
Which RV is Right for Me?
Rent an RV
How to Buy a Used RV
How to Save Money in an RV
Unique Camping Destinations
Courteous Camping
Closing
intro
Hello and thank you for
downloading our RV 101 ebook!
We know that owning an RV can be scary and intimidating at
times, but that is why we are here to help.
Whether a first time owner or an RV veteran, this guide will offer several tips, ideas and helpful hints on how to make sure
you get the most out of your RV.
So what are you waiting for? Dive in and get reading to make
sure your next RV adventure is one that you will never forget!
1
rv lingo
When first purchasing an RV, you
will soon find out that you will need
to study up on a new language! Not
Spanish or French, but RVing.
Learning the lingo and terms for your RV will help alot when explaining to friends and family exactly what you have, but it will
also help when out on the road interacting with other RVers.
Adjusting to RV life and all the terms that come with it can be
difficult, but we are here to help!
With this quick guide to basic RV lingo, you will be ready to get
out on your “rig” or “toad” in no time! (Okay sorry, we will explain the terms now)
Rig
A rig refers to your entire RV. So when you want to compliment
someone on their RV as a whole, you can refer to it as a rig.
Used in a sentence: “Hey neighbor, you’ve got a nice rig there!
Where’d you get it?”
Fiver
This is a term that is used to describe a fifth-wheel travel trailer.
Used in a sentence: “Man my fiver is looking rough, I might
need to give it some attention this weekend.”
Toad
This is used to refer to any vehicle “towed” behind a MotorHome.
Used in a sentence: “Where are you and that toad going this
weekend?”
Boondocking
Boondocking is the practice of camping on public grounds
such as national parks or forests without any hook-ups or a
designated campsite. Most boondockers do it to save money
as well as the environment.
Used in a sentence: “I think me and my family are going to head
up to Nebraska this weekend. Probably won’t stay at a camp-
ground, think we might just go boondocking and get close to
some good hiking.”
Snowbird
A snowbird is someone who migrates south and lives there
during the winter months to escape the cold and continue RVing.
Used in a Sentence: “Did Rick go down to Florida again?” “Yeah,
those snowbirds always leave right when the first snow hits!”
Slide out
Most commonly found on Class A RV’s, this refers to the mechanism that stretches part of the RV out at the push of a button
to provide a larger living space.
Used in a sentence: “Can you hit the slide out? I would like to
get some more room in here when our company arrives.”
Full Hookups
The entire set of utility connections: sewer, water, and electricity that is usually found in campgrounds.
Used in a sentence: “Do you know if the campground down in
Dallas has full hookups?”
Black water tank
Just imagine black water. It’s not pretty is it? This is why this
term is used to describe where sewer waste is stored. Just
think of this tank as the “I don’t ever want to see it tank.”
Used in a sentence: “That black water tank needs to be dis-
posed of. Let’s pick straws to see who disposes of it!”
Grey water tank
This tank refers to where your waste water from sinks and
showers is stored.
Used in a sentence: “Stop taking such long showers! This grey
water tank is filling up too quickly!”
Basement
No, there are no basements in RVs, but there are storage places! This term refers to the storage area under the floor(s) of an
RV.
Used in a sentence: “Go into the basement and get those extra
blankets before we go to bed.”
Porpoising
This is used to describe the up and down motion while traveling in an RV.
Used in a sentence: “ Man the porpoising sure is intense out
here.”
These are just some of the terms you will need
to learn, but like any language, the best way
to learn is to immerse yourself in the language
and culture!
2
evolution
of the rv
For most of us, gearing up to travel in your RV is always an
exciting adventure. You’ve planned the trip, have your meals
ready and are looking forward to another great trip on the
road! But living in vehicles didn’t always look like this of
course.
Living on the road has evolved quite a bit since motor vehicles were introduced into society. Lets take a look back at the
evolution of the home on wheels and how we got to where
we are today.
Early Mobile Homes
Covered Wagon
The word RV, or “Recreational Vehicle” is a relatively new term.
Back in the day if you wanted to tell people you had an RV,
you most likely called it a caravan, which means “a camper
equipped with living quarters.” One of the earliest known caravans, the covered wagon, was established in the 1700s as a
way to not only carry supplies and equipment, but also carry
the people traveling in them. One of the more famous portrayals of covered wagon travel was through the video game “The
Oregon Trail.”
In this simulation users got to experience what it was like for
people traveling across the country in those days. From hunting
their own food to crossing rivers, this game gave a glimpse as
to how hard life was when traveling by covered wagon. While
covered wagons were popular in America, in Europe, early caravans were founded as early as 1810.
These wagons were being built for people to live in rather than
be an exclusive carrier of goods. Caravans were used in Britain by circus performers who would live in them while traveling
from show to show. European Gypsies also began living in caravans, or as they called them, vardos, starting in about 1850.
Of course there were numerous hardships to overcome when
living in these wagons. One of the major issues was sickness
and disease. When traveling, usually there were no doctors
around, so many people fell ill while traveling and couldn’t get
the proper treatment necessary to survive.
The First RVs
In those early days the caravans and covered wagons were
used to transport families and goods across the country. The
first caravan used for recreational purposes started to appear
in the early 1900s. The first true RV is debated, but most agree
that the Pierce-Arrow’s Touring Landau, which was shown at
Madison Square Garden in 1910, was the first true RV as we
know it.
This RV featured a back seat that folded into a bed, a chamber pot toilet and a sink that folded down from the back of
the seat of the chauffeur, who would talk to his passengers via
telephone. Yes, he had to communicate to his passengers by
telephone. By the 1920s, dozens of manufacturers were coming into the RV game creating what they called “auto campers”,
and the RV industry was becoming well established in the USA.
With the automobile becoming reliable and safe, people began traveling more frequently to destinations such as national parks and other attractions. This led to a huge demand for
campsites where people could visit the parks while also stay in
their “auto campers.”
Much like in 2008, the crash of 1929 and the following Great
Depression decreased the popularity of RVs. During World War
II, regular consumer RVs gave way to mobile hospitals, mobile
morgues and more. After the depression and World War II, the
RV began to see a comeback and the development of the RV
was as apparent as ever.
The RV Today
Today, through new technology and innovation, the RV industry is on its way to becoming better than ever.
According to Dr. Richard Curtin, Director of Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan, RV shipments for 2014
are projected to reach 321,800, which is an increase of 3.9%
from the projected total for 2013, which was the first time shipments exceeded 300,000 units since 2007.
With numerous makes and models and plenty of manufacturers to choose from, the RV has become a staple in the American travel world.
3
the right rv
for me
So you want to buy your first RV,
but you just don’t know where to
start. You have a lot of questions
and you don’t know where to turn!
With this quick guide to which RV is best for you, you can be
sure that the RV you choose is not only affordable, but one that
fits all your needs you might have.
Fold Down Campers
A fold down camper or pop-up
camper is a smaller, towable
RV that usually can accommodate between 2-4 people
comfortably. Folding campers are generally smaller and
consist of a commons and dining area along with 1 or 2 beds,
depending on the size of the foldable camper.
If you want to try something different than tent camping but
don’t want to pay a lot of money for a large rig, a folding camper could be the way to go. A lot of the amenities you will find
will be basic and functional within the camper. These features
are ideal for RVers who generally don’t spend a lot of time in
their RV and just need a place to relax after a long day.
Travel Trailers
Going up in size, a travel trailer is also a towable RV that is
hitched and towed completely behind the tow vehicle.
Travel Trailers are generally speaking less expensive than the
fifth-wheel or motor homes, but still offer plenty of amenities
that make it a place where you can live out of while camping.
Unlike fold down campers, travel trailers offer more interior
room as well as amenities such as a bathroom, stove, oven,
storage, TV, refrigerator/freezers and plenty more that are
available in certain trailers.
Families and small groups that don’t need a lot of comfort and
amenities but want a place to live and a bathroom generally
gravitate towards the travel trailers.
Fifth-Wheel
Fifth-wheels are trailers that
have a front section that extends over the bed of a pickup truck, which tows the vehicle. Since the hitch is found
in the center of the truck bed,
fifth wheels can only be towed by pick-up or flat bed trucks.
Some people believe that most full time RVers like the fifthwheel as opposed to the motorhome because you can get
tons of features and amenities but still unhitch and drive your
truck at the end of the day.
Another nice thing about a fifth wheel is that they have most of
their weight over the tow vehicle, which is safer because they
are less susceptible to fish-tailing.
If you are serious about RVing and want a spacious place with
several amenities, a fifth-wheel is for you!
Motorhome
There are three types of RV
motorhomes for you to choose
from, Class A, B and C.
Class A motorhomes are the
biggest of the three. Class B motorhomes closely resemble a
van, and Class C motorhomes are in between the B and A as
far as size.
Some benefits of having a motorhome are that unlike towables,
you can actually be in your motorhome while it is in motion and
do other activities while on the road. Although for safety reasons it is always the safer option to have your seatbelt on while
your motorhome is in motion.
Other benefits of motorhomes include:
• No stops for bathroom breaks (Imagine the time you can save!)
• You don’t have to venture out into bad weather
to set up camp.
• No need for levelers
• Easy to move
• Usually feature great amenities
Whatever RV you choose, make sure that you aren’t the only
one in the decision making process. The views of other people
that will be using the RV matter, and sometimes it helps to see
everyone’s opinion before making a decision.
4
rent an rv
After all this talk of buying a new or
used RV and which one is right for
you, maybe you want to try it
before you buy it.
If so, you are in luck! Many RV dealerships offer rentals for people to take out for an extended period of time.
Whether for a family vacation, a weekend getaway with friends,
or simply to see if you would like to purchase an RV down the
road, renting an RV is a great option for those wanting to get
away from traditional traveling.
No matter what your reason for going, consider these top
reasons for renting an RV.
1. Save Money
You may be thinking, how is renting a giant RV going to save
me money when I can take my car? Allow us to explain.
First, you don’t have to stay in a hotel, which eliminates money
you will spend on lodging.
Second, as long as you do a little grocery shopping, there is no
need to stop for expensive meals on the road, not to mention
eliminate the headache of deciding on one restaurant everyone wants to go to.
In an RV you have your own kitchen! Feel free to cook anything
you want for multiple people, all while saving money by not going to expensive restaurants.
These examples only begin to explain why renting an RV will
save you money on your next trip.
2. Convenience
Not only can renting an RV save you money, but it can also
save you time and hassle.
Have you ever had to sleep with the friend or family member
who snores? What about the one who takes all the blankets on
a cold night?
If you rent an RV, depending on how many people you travel
with, everyone can have their own bed! No more late night arguments and restless nights fighting with others for sleep.
Another reason renting an RV is convenient is because at many
large sporting events or concerts, they offer RV parking on-site.
You can bring your tailgating experience to a whole new level
in an RV, with full kitchen access to accompany any outdoor
cooking.
Not to mention you can use your own bathroom instead of trying to find a portable one. With more people being able to
travel in an RV, you will also be spared on high parking costs at
venues who charge to park.
3. Create Memories With the Ones
you Care About
In today’s society, friends and family can often be replaced by
distance, electronics and daily life. What better way to unplug
from your daily lives than by renting an RV and making once in
a lifetime memories with the ones you love?
RV travel is a unique way to spend quality time
with loved ones, and who knows, if you like it,
you can decide to buy one for future trips!
5
how to buy
a used rv
Buying something used can
always be tricky.
Whether it be a video game or an RV, there is an inherent risk
when you are looking to buy something that is not new.
Will it work? What if something is wrong with it? What are these
people not telling me?
These questions along with others can quickly derail a sale if
you don’t get the answers you want.
But these questions do need to be asked! Always be thorough
when buying anything used, especially when you are looking
to buy a used RV.
Here are some key things to inspect and ask before buying
a used RV.
Before we get started, remember that although buying used
can be scary, if you buy it from the right people, the buying process will go a lot smoother!
Things to Ask About
When was the oil last changed?
When asking, be sure to also ask what kind of fuel your motorhome or RV takes. Oil changes vary depending on the vehicle
and type of fuel, so whatever it is, be sure you know how often
to change your oil!
When was the roof last sealed?
Having the roof sealed is a major thing to ask especially when
buying an RV in places where extreme weather can occur. The
last thing you want to happen is to be caught in a storm and
have your roof leak because it wasn’t sealed properly.
Price
Negotiating the price of a used RV can seem like a daunting
task, but trust us, it helps to know what the certain RV is going
for to be sure you are getting the best deal. Most RVs values
can be found on nadaguides.com. Here you will find what you
should expect to pay for a used RV.
Things to Inspect
Check the VIN for accidents
Checking for accidents is key! The seller might hide stuff such
as minor accidents from you in hopes that you won’t be looking
for them. Don’t let them get away with it! Do your research and
check to make sure that the RV you’re buying is accident free.
Check the Tires
Make sure the tires don’t have any leaks or issues that need to
be fixed. You don’t want your first trip in your newly purchased
RV to be derailed after you get a flat tire because you didn’t
inspect them.
Check the Batteries
Make sure the battery works and is fairly new. Batteries can be
expensive so make sure you know how much life it has left.
Check for leaks in water tanks
This one is pretty self explanatory. Water tanks are definitely
not something you want leaking during your trips.
Check the A/C and heater on the dash and in
the house/cabin
This is especially important if you plan on using your RV in all
seasons. Both the heater and A/C need to be working or else
it could cause for some very uncomfortable nights!
Buying used can be scary, but if you use these
tips and make sure everything is in working
order, you could save a ton of money and get
an RV that you really love!
6
how to save
money
Numerous studies have been
conducted and have proven that
RV travel for a family vacation will
save you money over flying and
staying in a hotel.
But why stop there when saving money?!
Here are some great ways to save money while on the road
that are easy to do and won’t break your back!
1. Eat Cheap
A big advantage of having an RV is that you have your own
kitchen, as well as access to campgrounds and campfires to
cook your meals.
One of the key factors to why RVing is less expensive than
regular travel is that in an RV you can make your own meals,
eliminating the expense of eating out in restaurants.
By buying groceries and planning out meals, you can eat well
and save money all in one. Here are some items to consider
that will fill you up for cheap:
• Fruit and Vegetables
• Nuts
• Hot Dogs
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Noodles
• Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches
• Potatoes
2. Look for Discounted Equipment
Buying equipment and camping supplies can get a little pricey.
However, with a little research, you can find ways to get equipment at lower prices. Some of the ways you can avoid paying
too much include:
Make of list of things you need
Making a list will help you avoid spending money on unnecessary items.
Attend retail/outlet store sales
Most outdoor retail stores will have at least one clearance event
per year. Those are great times to jump on new gear at severely discounted rates.
Borrow gear from trusted sources
Borrowing good camping gear from a friend or other trusted
source is not only a good way to save money, it’s also a way to
avoid buying cheap, unreliable gear.
Check reviews online
Checking all products you are thinking of buying online is a
good way to make sure that they will be useful and functional.
Saving money on equipment and food will only further your
savings of traveling in an RV.
While it is important to save on food and equipment, one of
the biggest things you will pay for in an RV is gas. Here are
some great RV fuel saving tips tips to remember when traveling this year.
3. Travel Local
Look for a KOA
When traveling, try to pick a destination that is within your local
area, or at least region. This may seem like a no brainer, but
not all vacations and camping trips have to be at some exotic
location.
Most states have amazing campgrounds/attractions that people might not even know about. If you want to get a good idea
of local places to visit, go to your states or large cities tourism
websites. There you will find special events, upcoming sporting events or entertainment options that you could center a
family vacation around!
As far as campgrounds go, there are numerous outlets such as
KOA, that will give you an exact location of the nearest campground to the city you are traveling to.
4. Be Careful What you Pack
Although it is nice to be prepared, bringing too many items on
a trip can weigh your vehicle down and actually hurt your gas
mileage.
Before a trip, plan out exactly what you will need
to bring, and then make
executive decisions on
other items that are not
necessities.
This will not only save you room in your RV, but will also end up
saving you on gas as well.
5. Drive Gas Smart
What we mean when we say this is that you should drive like
you want to conserve gas. These next tips may seem like little
things, but they can add up over the course of a long trip to
save you money.
Drive the speed limit
Not only is this a good idea for safety and legal reasons, driving the speed limit can also help save you on fuel.
Ease up on the Brakes
Constant braking is bad for your car and gas mileage. By letting off the accelerator at first and coasting before applying the
brakes, you can avoid the harshness that constant braking can
do to your vehicle.
Know When to Shut your Car Off
Let’s say you find yourself stuck in an accident and you know
you won’t be going anywhere for a while. It is okay to turn your
car off to conserve fuel. There is no reason to leave your car
running just because you think there might be a chance to get
around the traffic. It is okay to monitor the situation from your
car while not wasting gas sitting on the freeway.
6. Monitor your Car
As always, checking your car to make sure that your oil is
changed and your filters are clean are good first steps to making sure you are getting the most out of your gas mileage.
Long travel trips can take a toll on your vehicle, but routinely
checking up on it is always a good idea especially when traveling with an RV.
These are just some of the major ways you
can save money while in your RV. By watching what you spend, not only will your wallet
be happy, but you might just save enough so
that you can take even more family vacations!
7
unique camping
destinations
While traditional camping in campgrounds or your favorite destination is great, sometimes it is best
to branch out of your comfort zone
and go somewhere you may have
never thought of.
Here is a great list of spots around the country that are super
unique and fun getaways for you and your crew to go on.
Northern California Fire Lookouts
With the addition of air surveillance of forest fires, lookout towers are becoming more and more obsolete as ways to track
forest fires. But in recent years, these lookouts have now been
made popular tourist destinations, as well as destinations for
people to rent them out!
Northern California is a great destination if you are looking to
rent out a fire lookout. Not only is it a unique getaway, it offers
breathtaking views and scenery as well.
Here are three fire lookouts available to rent this Summer/
Fall in Northern California.
• Hirz Mountain Lookout
• Black Mountain Lookout
• Bear Basin
• Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most prestigious parks
in all the land. Some people though are hesitant to camp at the
park because it is so big and there are so many things to do!
Well imagine this...
What if you went to Yellowstone Lake and when you walked
up there was a pitched tent loaded with everything you need
(including beds), as well as guides who took care of everything
from meals to hiking and kayaking excursions?
Well that can happen with Outfitter Far and Away Adventures!
Participants can experience a two-night luxury camping experience that costs $840 for adults and $760 for children and
features many exciting things to do.
For first time road trippers to Yellowstone, this is a great way to
dive into a backcountry camping experience without the headaches that come with trying to find a safe and efficient way to
camp.
Activities available at the lake include kayaking, paddling, fly
fishing, or choose your own adventure to discover the wonder
that is Yellowstone.
Wyoming Luxury
If you want to take in the beauty of Wyoming but also sit back
and relax in style, you should head to the The Lodge & Spa at
Brush Creek Ranch. This luxurious ranch is set on 15,000 acres
of Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley.
For just $600 a night for up to four people, you can get a full
cowboy experience that starts with a pack-trip on horseback!
Guests are then led by a wrangler and an activities director,
who will take you to your 700-foot circular tent. Once settled in,
they will then prepare meals over a campfire, and arrange activities from hiking to fishing. At night participants can stargaze,
eat some food or listen to some great music.
This vacation is a great way to experience an old school Wyoming life while also spending quality time with family or friends.
Your group will be sure to love everything the Brush Creek
Ranch has to offer!
New Mexico State Camping
Rock City State Park
Located in Faywood, NM, Rock City State Park is a geological
monument that is truly a wonder to see.
The park features large sculptured rock columns that rise as
high as 40 feet. It is estimated that these rocks were formed
more than 30 million years ago when a very large volcano
erupted.
As time continued and erosion grew, it formed the columns
and rocks featured in the park today.
There are numerous species of wildlife to be found in the park
as well. At least 35 species of birds make their habitat in rock
city including bald eagles and roadrunners.
Other animals commonly found in the park include:
• Ground squirrels
• Chipmunks
• Jackrabbits
• Cottontails
• Coyotes
• Snakes
• Lizards
Once at the park Visitors can camp, hike, explore, or enjoy majestic night views at the astronomical observatory.
With several activities, impressive history and wildlife, Rock
City State Park is an amazing place to start your RV journey this
year.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
If you are looking to get kids educated about wildlife and the
outdoors, take them to the Rio Grande Nature Center State
Park!
This park is a great place for children to learn about how important the outdoors can be. There are two wildlife viewing
areas that overlook impressive scenery as well as trail access
to the Rio Grande.
In addition to the viewing areas, the park also features a riverside forest that has two miles of nature trails which wind through
tall trees and open sand flats alongside the Rio Grande, offer-
ing visitors spectacular, diverse views of the area.
This park is a great idea for any family or group looking to teach
young children about the outdoors.
Florida
Key Largo
The first key in the long chain is Key Largo, made famous by
the popular Beach Boys song “Kokomo”, one of the top RV
parks is at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Boasting over 120 miles of living coral reefs, it is one of the
more popular dive spots in South Florida. The state park features miles of sea-grass, mangroves and swamps for you to
explore and discover the vast array of wildlife that inhabit the
area. Guests can take tours of the area via their glass bottom
boats; there are numerous diving and snorkel trips from beginners to master divers; and you can rent canoes and kayaks to
explore the waters yourself.
Key West
The last and most popular stop is Key West. The farthest point
in the keys resides only 90 miles from Cuba and has the most
in the way of tourist activities. From an active nightlife at the
many bars and restaurants, to the shops, museums and galleries that highlight the island’s history, there is plenty to do for
everyone in your family.
Sugarloaf Key KOA is an oceanfront campground that offers
activities for its guests to enjoy away from the active nightlife.
Swimming, boating, snorkeling and fishing are among the many
activities offered as well.
These are some of our favorite RV destinations. You can find
similar things all over the country, so before you set out to travel, do some research on unique places to set up camp.
Camping is meant to be enjoyed, so wherever
you decide to vacation or set up camp, make
sure to enjoy it!
8
courteous
camping
Camping season is upon us and
now is the time to get out there and
experience the great outdoors!
With outdoor enthusiasts occupying campgrounds across the
nation, it is important to remember proper camping etiquette
when planning your weekend getaway.
Although camping is about getting away from civilization,
chances are you will have neighbors at your campground when
camping this time of year.
Here are a few tips that will help you make the most out of your
camping experience by being respectful to your fellow campers. Remember, treat your neighbors as you would want to be
treated!
Respect your neighbors territory
This simply means being respectful of other campers possessions and camp site. Don’t walk into other’s campsites unless
you are invited.
Be aware of the noise you are creating
Depending on your group size, you are capable of creating a
lot of noise, especially if you use a generator. Make sure you
place your generator in a place where the noise and exhaust
don’t affect others. Also remember to keep music volume at a
level that doesn’t disturb your neighbors and be aware of quiet
hours. Loud music and shouting is a sure way to upset people.
Leave no trace
A nice campground depends on you! Don’t leave trash or anything that doesn’t belong outside at your campsite. Leave it
better than you found it!
Be friendly
This tip should be second nature, but it doesn’t ever hurt to be
friendly to your fellow campers! Who knows, maybe you could
make some new friends or contacts for trips down the road.
Early bird catches the worm
This tip is mainly to help plan your weekend effectively, but can
also help you be courteous of fellow campers. The majority of
campsites are on a “first come, first serve” basis. If you want a
great campsite, get there early!
Being courteous while camping will make your trip go a lot
smoother. So make sure you follow these tips to becoming the
perfect RV neighbor!
We hope that this ebook has given you some useful information that you can take with you on your next RV excursion. No
matter where your travels take you, this ebook can always be
a handy guide to help you along the way.
If you’d like any additional information or
have questions regarding the information in
this ebook, don’t hesitate to contact your local Route 66 RV Network dealer.