The Complete RV Handbook, 1st Edition

Introduction

Part OneGetting Started

1.Why RV?

Convenience

Affordability

A Wider Range of Choices

The Chance to Bring Along Family Members

Flexibility

2.Choosing an RV

Truck Campers

Motor Homes

Towables

3.Choosing the Features and Options You Want

The RV Kitchen

The Bathroom

Washer/Dryers

Bedrooms

Electrical Features

Awnings

Slideouts

Storage Space

Diesel versus Gasoline Engines

4.Buying a New (or Used) RV

Planning Your RV Purchase

How Much Is It Worth?

Financing

Making the Best Deal

Taxes, Registration, and Insurance

The Walk-Through

Part TwoUsing Your RV

5.Driving Basics

Driving Forward

Turning

Highway Driving: Entering, Exiting, and Passing Safely

Driving Safely: Wind, Storms, Steep Grades, Clearance

After You Arrive: Backing into a Site, Parking, Leveling, and Stabilizing Your RV

6.Towing and Hitching

Motor Homes: Towing a Car

Hitching and Unhitching a Trailer or Fifth Wheel

7.Understanding and Caring for RV Systems

The RV Toilet

Gray- and Black-Water Drainage

Fresh-Water Supply

The RV Stove

The RV Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Heating and Cooling

Air-Conditioning

Awnings

The Roof

Floors

Power Supply/Electrical Systems

Using External Power

Batteries

Solar Power

8.Engine, Tires, Suspension, Brakes, and Transmission

Engine

Tires

Suspension

Brakes

Transmission

9.Finding Places to Stay

County, State, and National Parks

Membership Campgrounds

Dry Camping

10.Preventing and Responding to Disasters

Dealing with Roadside Mishaps

Personal Safety

Fire Safety

Propane Safety

Preparing for Medical Emergencies

11.Leaving Your RV

Choosing the Right Storage Location

Preparing Your RV for Storage

Part ThreeThe Joys of the Open Road

12.Loading the RV and Preparing to Leave

Getting It All In

Running through a Final Checklist before Leaving

13.Arranging to Be Gone

Mail Services

Getting Cash

Internet Banking

Cellular Phone Service

Medical Care

14.Traveling with Kids and Pets

On the Road with Pets

RVing with Kids

15.Taking Long Trips

The Advantages of a Long Stay

Becoming a Snowbird

16.Crossing Borders: Taking Your RV to Canada or Mexico

Visiting Canada

Adventuring in Mexico

Returning to the United States from Canada or Mexico

17.Technology for the Traveler

Television

Audio Entertainment

Internet Access

Digital Cameras

Using GPS: Never Get Lost Again

18.Going Full-Time

Getting Started at Full-Timing

The Full-Timer's Dilemma: What to Take and What to Leave

The Frugal Full-Timer

The Full-Timer's Social Life

Citizens of Everywhere: Selecting a Domicile

Appendix

Index