Every new RVer eventually discovers ...

Your first RV is a training rig. It teaches you how you will really use an RV; whether you will spend more time
traveling or sitting in a campground.

This is the vehicle that lets you discover where you can go and what you can do. You learn how many days per year you
will use your RV and the number of miles you will travel in a year's time. It teaches you about driving, backing and leveling; how the size and weight of your rig affects road handling, and how

it determines what roads you can travel and where you can camp. Your training rig teaches you how the electric, plumbing and propane systems work; how to hook up the utilities at a campground and how to dump your holding tanks. You learn how to use the self-containment features and the self-containment capacities you really need.

It helps you discover whether you prefer the convenience of full-service RV parks or drycamping in primitive campgrounds.

Your training rig teaches you how to equip, furnish and pack an RV. You learn just how much interior storage space (closets, cabinets, drawers) you really need (is there ever enough?). It reveals how critical the size and accessibility of the outside storage bays can be and the importance of cargo-carrying capacity and towing capabilities.

It helps you determine what floorplan, features and accessories would best suit your RVing lifestyle and needs. Your first RV becomes your basis of comparison when you look for your next RV.

And if you come to the conclusion that you enjoy RVing, there will most certainly be a next RV.
Bigger is not necessarily better. Everyone would love to have the space, storage and comfort of the larger rigs. At the

same time we want the agility and economy of the smaller ones. If you are going to spend weeks or months at a time parked in an RV park, the larger, more spacious rig is your vehicle of choice. On the other hand, if you are going to spend the majority of your time in remote or primitive campgrounds, the smaller, more agile RV will probably be more appropriate.

There are a few other factors to consider when selecting the size of your RV.

Depending upon the type, size and weight of your rig, your state of residence might require you to pass a test and/or have a special endorsement on your driver's license. Many states have laws that limit the length of motorhomes on their highways to a maximum of 40 feet. Some states limit the length of two combined vehicles (truck and trailer, motorhome and car) to a maximum of 55 feet.

Wide-body vehicles (those over 96 inches wide) are restricted to designated highways in some states. A trucker's atlas, available in most truck stops, will highlight those roads where it is permissible to drive a wide-body vehicle.

The legal weight limit on most interstates is 20,000 pounds on a single axle. Which explains the need for tandem axles on some of the larger motorhomes.

The ferry to Alaska charges by the linear foot and adds a 25% surcharge on those vehicles over 96 inches wide. Older bridges, particularly covered bridges, frequently have weight limitations.

There are campgrounds and campsites that simply cannot accommodate the longer, higher and wider RVs. So, while bigger RVs and their amenities can be more spacious and comfortable, smaller RVs are more versatile and less expensive.

You can always add expensive accessories later. A patio awning shades the RV's curb-side wall and creates an outside living area. Window awnings do a dynamite job of preventing the heat of the sun from radiating through the glass. But look around, while most RVs are equipped with a patio awning, many RVers seem to survive just fine without the window awnings. If you come to the conclusion that window awnings would be worth the expense, you can always add them later.

A clothes washer/dryer is an expensive convenience. It will also take up storage space and add to the weight of your rig. Most campgrounds have a laundry room with coin-operated machines. If the RV has a cabinet plumbed to accept a washer, you can always add one later.

Solar panels use the power of the sun to charge your RV's batteries. That's great if you intend to spend a great deal of your time without an electric hookup. But many RVers spend only two or three days at a time camping self-contained.

Their coach batteries are usually quite adequate for their needs. And it would not cost very much to install an additional battery or two if desired. You might consider buying an RV that is prewired for solar panels. That way you can always add the panels if you think you need them.

A generator consumes about a gallon of fuel an hour, is noisy and emits a smelly exhaust. But it will charge your batteries and, unlike solar panels, can create a sufficient amount of electricity to operate your air conditioner(s).

This is a close judgment call. Many trailer owners seem to do without a generator, but most motorhome owner prefer not to. Leveling jacks are a wonderful convenience. Press a button and the RV is leveled and stabilized. But RVers have been leveling their rigs with lengths of lumber for decades. Besides, even with automatic jacks, it is occasionally

necessary to use a board or two to bring your rig to an even plane. Go for it if you can, but these wonderful devices, which can be installed later, are not necessarily a necessity. Before purchasing a trailer, you should determine what type and size truck will be needed to tow it. Realize that every

vehicle has a limit to the amount of weight it can carry and tow. Identify the trailer you think you want to buy. Ascertain its gross vehicle weight rating and its tongue (or pin) weight. Then find a tow vehicle that, according to its manufacturer, is more than capable of carrying, pulling and stopping the weight of that fully loaded trailer.

Where a new RVer can get additional information about RVs and RVing. A variety of information sources are available for avid RVers. Here are a few to get you started.

Campground and/or RV Park Directory - A campground directory is a basic RVing tool. It provides an easy-to-follow system of maps and alphabetical listings which enable you to locate the RV parks and campgrounds in the area you wish to stay.

Some campground directories provide additional information such as state highway laws regulating RVs, bridge, tunnel and ferry restrictions and the location of disposal stations along major highways.

RV Magazines - You'll be able to read about interesting places to go and things to see and do. How-to articles provide good information on improving, maintaining and repairing your rig. Technical and lifestyle experts respond to reader inquiries.

RV Clubs - The Good Sam RV Owners is the largest. RV clubs offer insurance programs, emergency roadside services and discounts at campgrounds. Membership usually includes a periodic magazine with informative articles and columns.

Local RV clubs schedule weekend trips throughout the year. What better way to discover the campgrounds in your area. RV Accessory Store or Catalog - Most RV accessory stores will have a magazine and book rack. RV accessory catalogs also offer RVing books and will keep you abreast of the latest in accessories and gadgets.

Libraries and Book Stores - Look under Camping, Motorhomes, Recreation, Recreation Vehicles and Travel Trailers. Computer Internet Websites - A little "surfing" will produce a number of websites with information from manufacturers, dealers, campgrounds, clubs and more. A good place to start is www.globalrvtrader.com

Visitor Welcome Centers - Most states provide a visitor welcome center near their borders. Look for them in rest areas as enter each state. Go inside to the counter and ask for a state road map and a state parks & campgrounds directory.
Other RVers - They are the friendliest, most helpful people you can meet.

Enjoy The Journey!