How DO they know how to maneuver those giant
RVs down the road? The truth is most people aren't born
knowing how to drive RVs, how to work with solar panels, propane,
or any of the myriad details necessary to live a safe RV life.
Some people are taught by their parents, siblings, friends;
some people have been truck drivers or mechanical experts
during their working years. But for the rest of us -- former
teachers, accountants, insurance salespeople -- we go to school
to learn. Yes, RV School!
RV schools come in many forms. There are
many outstanding books on the subject. Check out RoadTrip
America's recommendations. Do a Google or Amazon
search for RV books. There are videos to help the novice.
Visit RV
Education 101. Instructors will give private tutoring
sessions (visit www.campingworld.com)
for example. Many dealers will give a walk-through when you
first purchase your rig. Some companies will provide hours
or days of instruction. Always ask your vendor for assistance.
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RV
Authors Co-op at the Spring Escapade
Technical class at Life on Wheels
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Particularly for beginners, classes devoted
to specific topics prove very effective. There are many
resources for classes. Jaimie
and I just returned from the Spring Escapade, a huge semiannual
rally sponsored by the Escapees
RV Club, providing more than 60 seminars taught by volunteers,
covering a variety of topics important to RVers of all experience
levels, such as safety issues, driving tips, WiFi, digital
cameras, RV travel to Central America, working on the road
(taught by Jaimie), writing
on the road (taught by me).
As is true at many rallies, in addition to the classes, many
vendors display their wares. This year, Jaimie and I joined
with ten other RV authors to create the RV Authors' Cooperative,
providing a one-stop shopping mall for RV books.
The Life
on Wheels (LOW) conferences are held at universities
and colleges in Idaho, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Iowa. Designed
for all levels of RV experience, classes are offered in four
categories:
- Technical (e.g. Maintaining an RV's Systems,
Gas vs. Diesel, Chassis Maintenance, Solar Power, etc.)
- Lifestyle (e.g. Fulltiming, Choosing an RV,
RV Clubs and Memberships, etc.)
- Lifestyle Enhancement (e.g. RV Cooking, Digital
Photography, Keeping Fit, Writing for Magazines, etc.)
- Safety (e.g. Driving, Fire, Tire, Weight of
Rig, Personal)
At the University of Idaho ( June 26-July
1) week-long program, more than150 classes are offered. At
the three-day programs (Western Kentucky University is the
first from May 13-16), about 75 subjects are covered. Instructors
are all leading experts in their subject matter. On a personal
note, I will be teaching in Idaho this year.
RVIA
(Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) offers
a variety of information about RV courses. Colleges in more
than 35 states offer a Saturday "RV Defensive Driving"
course that can qualify for a discount on auto insurance.
"Welcome to RVing," an introductory course, is also
offered.
Many RV shows offer courses. Visit RVIA
online for information about upcoming shows. Many individual
RV companies (like Fleetwood, Lazy Daze, Alfa) often feature
seminars and workshops led by their own mechanics as well
as guest speakers at their rallies. Visit RVUSA
for resources and links about the RV industry, including information
about various manufacturers and dealers.
If you have been hesitant about
exploring the RV lifestyle because you don't have the background
knowledge, delay no longer. Help is at your fingertips. In
no time at all, you can be tooling down the open road exploring
this great country of ours.
Alice
Zyetz
4/4/05
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Alice
Zyetz and Jaimie Hall have
been RVing fulltime with their
husbands for more than ten years
each. Together they have published
two books on the RV Lifestyle: