BOOKS:

The RV Book
“The RV Book” is an excellent guide to all aspects of RVing. Beginners will find all their questions answered as well as learn specific methods about how to buy and negotiate an RV purchase. Novices will find information that would otherwise take them years to learn on their own. Even veteran RVers will benefit from the vast information about maintaining and repairing an RV. “Buying an RV is a major investment and a new RVer can be overwhelmed when just starting out,” said author Mark Polk. “Whether you own an RV now, or you are getting ready to purchase one, I know that by reading ‘The RV Book’ you will feel more comfortable about using an RV.” Learn more or order

RV Buyers Survival Guide
Author and ex-RV sales manager Bob Randall explains how to buy an RV in the third edition of this best-seller. He outlines how much leeway a dealer has to work with on different types of RVs, from pop ups to luxury coaches. “If a buyer knows exactly how a dealer makes his money then he will know how much to offer and what pitfalls to avoid,” he says. Randall advises not to buy based on emotion. He says: “Would-be RVers envision themselves out on the road, camping in a beautiful campground, sitting by the campfire, enjoying the freedom of RVing. But what happens is they get so consumed with this wonderful dream that they don’t take the time to prepare themselves for making an intelligent purchase.” And that can spell disaster. Learn more or order

All The Stuff You Need To Know About RVing
This is a very good introduction to RVing. It’s well written, right to the point, easy to read and understand, and there are 150 photos. All the basics of RVing are covered including how to drive an RV, how to pack for a trip, how to live in an RV, how to hook up, how to unhook, how to live in an RV with only onboard power, how to dump, how to maintain a rig and how to operate all the systems. Learn more or order

The Next Exit Directory
Never take a wrong exit off an Interstate highway again. The Next Exit lists every exit along every Interstate and details exactly what you will find at each: gas stations (including which brands and if they offer diesel), campgrounds, truck stops, casinos, laundries, retail stores (by name) shopping malls, movie theaters, factory outlet malls, drug stores, hospitals, rest areas, and more. Businesses are identified by name. Learn more or order

ABCs of RVing
When someone new to RVing begins thinking of buying a recreational vehicle or using one after they bought it, a flood of questions come to mind, some so seemingly basic that the new RVer might wonder who to ask without being embarrassed. Most guidebooks to RVing overlook the very basic information newbies seek because the authors assume they already know them. But that’s not true! There’s an incredible amount to learn! Most of today’s veteran RVers learned as they went. There was a time, too, when they didn’t know the difference between a black water tank and a gray water tank, a hookup campsite from a primitive one, how to run their appliances on the RVs’ 12-volt systems or how to claim a tax deduction on the interest paid on their RV loan. And so, for the RV novices of the world, the editors of NewRVer.com wrote this book — the concise answers to more than 200 of the most common questions beginning and novice RVers ask. Learn more or order

Recreation Vehicle Pre Delivery Inspection
This comb-bound publication is published by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s Standards and Education Department. Until now, it was only available to RV technicians. The 8 1/2 x 11 book introduces and explains the many important steps in inspecting the RV before its delivery to the customer, including checking LP gas systems, pre-testing all appliances and accessories, testing and inspecting the AC and DC electrical system; checking safety items, lighting, window roof molding seals, and wiper blades; checking and lubing doors; visually inspecting chassis; checking lug nuts and tire pressure; testing water supply and drainage systems; and conducting a test drive. The book contains many checklists and illustrations. Anyone who is buying an RV who wishes to totally understand what needs to be done before an RV is delivered, will find everything they need to know in this superb reference. Learn more or order

Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing
You’re no idiot, of course. You’ve always dreamed of owning your own recreational vehicle. But determining the best one for you and your budget takes some investigation. And once you’ve got your rig, you’ll need to know where to point it for maximum enjoyment. The “Complete Idiot’s Guide to RVing” will show you how to choose the perfect RV and clue you in on what to do with it after you get it. You’ll learn the different types of RVs – motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, truck camper, pop up – and the advantages of each. You’ll pick up valuable tips about saving money on your purchase. And, very important, you’ll get some tried-and-true driving tips. When you get to the campground, thanks to what you’ll learn from this best-selling book, you’ll know how to hook up your rig to electricity, the sewer, water and maybe even cable TV. Beginners also need to know how to dump the RVs holding tanks, and that’s explained so you can do it like a pro (and keep your hands clean in the process). Learn more or order

Drive Your Motorhome Like A Pro
Novice and even experienced motorhome owners will appreciate this new book by professional bus driver Lorrin Walsh. The book details basic mechanics of maneuvering, what to do before you start, driving situations, braking, and the mind set needed to be a safe driver. Walsh says that motorhome drivers should forget the rule to drive one car length behind a vehicle for every ten miles of speed. “With a motorcoach, it should be one second for every ten feet of vehicle length,” he says. The author, an RVer, was a driver and trainer for Gray Line Tours, and is currently on a seven-month promotional tour of the East Coast driving a 45-foot motor coach. This book should be required reading for new motorhome owners. Yet even experienced motorhome veterans will learn a lot and become safer drivers. Learn more or order

DVDs

DVD: Better Business Bureau: Buying a Recreational Vehicle
Learn to make the right choice when buying an RV in this 50-minute DVD from RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau. Host Chuck Woodbury, editor of RVtravel.com, and many of America’s other best-known RV experts show you everything you need to know to shop for the RV that’s right for you. Learn how to avoid buying the wrong RV. Get expert advice on how to finance an RV and avoid making a frequent mistake that can leave you “upside down” on a loan. Woodbury, a veteran RVer, owner of RVbookstore.com and recognized RV industry authority, advises you on what to look for in both a new or used RV. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each type of RV. Learn more or order

DVD: Do It Yourself RV Care
In this 63-minute production Gary provides you with visual instructions for inspecting and maintaining the AC system, LP appliances, liquid propane, air conditioning, battery systems and plumbing systems. There is also specific information about motorhomes and towable RVs. This DVD was produced in cooperation with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), the national association representing more than 550 manufacturers and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RVs made in the United States. Learn more or order

DVD: Fulltiming, The Documentary
If you’re thinking of traveling full-time in an RV, then you must see this 90-minute DVD hosted by Larry Wood. It addresses virtually every question a would-be full-timer needs answered. And the best part is that the answers come from actual full-timers, who reveal what they learned along the way and what advice they would provide to others who want to follow in their footsteps. How did their family react when they were told they were selling their house to live on the road? What type of RV did they choose and why? What mistakes did they make? How do they finance their travels? How do they take care of their everyday affairs? What about medical concerns? How do the couples get along in such a small space? . . . Learn more or order

DVD: Towing Behind Your Motorhome
A motor home offers us the freedom to explore the open road. We can go where we want when we want. But what happens when we arrive at a destination where we plan to stay put for a day, a week or a month? How do explore the area, or take a quick trip to the grocery store? One option is to disconnect everything from the motor home and take it. A better option is to tow a vehicle behind the motor home. But just how do we do this? That’s what this 51-minute DVD is all about. It demonstrates everything you need to know about towing behind a motor home in an easy to understand format. The goal is to help you learn how to properly tow a vehicle, and to assist you in making the right decisions to meet your particular towing needs. Learn more or order

DVD: How to Winterize Your RV
Do you know how to prepare your RV for winter? Chances are you know something about it. But chances are good that not knowing enough about it could end up costing you a bundle in repair bills. In this DVD by RV technical expert Mark Polk you’ll learn the right way to prepare your RV for cold winter temperatures and how to store it for extended periods without causing it harm. The goal is to show you the easiest and most effective way to winterize your rig. The DVD begins by showing how an RV’s water system works, and how to get every drip of water out of it for winter storage. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do this.. Learn how to use an air compressor to rid a rig of water as well as another method, using antifreeze. Not car antifreeze, but a special potion brewed for RVs. You’ll learn what to do with an RV’s in-line filter, how to drain a hot water tank, what to do with the toilet and waste water tanks, and how to find and open a low point drain. Once the water system is ready for winter, you’ll find out how to prepare the rest of the rig for either storage and/or cold temperatures. Learn what to do with an awning and locks, and how to prepare the LP gas system. Learn more or order

Another great information source is our blogs at RV Travel.