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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> New to us class A
Post Info TOPIC: New to us class A
baysailor


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New to us class A
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Put some money down on a 2002 class A Bounder, now the adventure starts.

We will be part timers looking to be on the road for two to three months at a time, and be home for striper season in Rhode Island.

Now comes the oh no what have I done, now I need to learn how to drive this thing, and I need some stuff to make it comfortable and oh what if we break down in the middle of no where!biggrin

This is my wife's dream, I'm the maintenance/driver of her dream machine

It get's how many miles to a gallon!

 



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VanMar


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Baysailor,

In a previous life, I was the contract manager for a privately owned school transportation contractor.  At the age of 27 (many years ago), I started driving buses up to 72 passenger, about 40 feet.  As far as I can remember, I took to it almost like a duck to water.  All I can say is--practice, practice! 

Congratulations on your home away from house.  Make sure you have lots of fun cuz the Fun Police are watching! :)

Vance



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Vance and Marla

2010 Mobile Suites 36 TK3

2013 Silverado 3500 Duramax Dually 4X4 

Full Timing launch date 8-25-2014
Loretta


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Congratulations!  We just bought a Class A and Bill is the designated driver.  I need to learn.  It is a 37 foot and will have a tow dolly in the back with my car.  Should be a learning experience!  Good luck.  As far as mpg, maybe 8 on a good day depending on how much you carry and what you pull.  That is what I am hearing from folks.



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Loretta ♥

37' 2002 Damon Intruder

www.whenpigsfly.be
The Bear II


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My wife and I went to a large empty parking lot and practiced.

We spend several hours:
Backing UP
Parking (including parallel parking)
Panic Stops
Turns in tight areas
Adjusting Mirrors to eliminate blind spots

Both of us took turns at the wheel until we both felt comfortable. We've done the same with every new RV we've purchased.

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"Small House, Big Yard "

"May the FOREST be with you"
Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
JayKim-no regrets


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We are FINALLY picking up our (new to us) Alfa seeya 40ft next Thursday!!! We have a 2 day school with the dealership scheduled on Tuesday, then we drive our new baby home after that. Jay (hubby) has never driven anything bigger than the biggest rental truck for moves before, he isn't really nervous about the driving, but more the manouvres. Our dealer has been absolutely wonderful with us during the whole financing/buying process, we are totally confident that he will not allow Jay to drive away in the rig until he is comfortable and in control.

We plan on moving onto the FamCamp on base here for a while, during which we will take short weekend trips to see SC and surrounding States. By the time we are ready to hit the road fulltime (hoefuly 6 months from now) I am sure that he will be able to handle pretty much anything we encounter on our travels. Jay is and always has been the driver, he hears the word 'roadtrip' and lights up!! I prefer being the navigator/sight seeer, I had planned on taking the wheel during the two day school and taking advantage of an experienced big rig driver. Unfortunately, I broke my left wrist two weeks ago, so I can't drive for a while. I would say I am really disappointed, but I would be lying thru' my teeth!! LOL.

Good luck and safe travels to all those just starting out on their new life journeys and also those that lend their long time travel experiences with us, Thank you for sharing!!
I will post updates and maybe a pic or two of our adventures in learning!
Huggs Kim x

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2016 Vilano by VanLeigh, 2012 F350 Diesel SD 6,7L long bed SRW

Staying at Greenlakes RV Resort nr San Antonio TX

Kim is way too busy planning to have a 'real' job!

Jay is a civillian Gov't Historian Randolph AFB TX (retired AD in '07 after 23 yrs)
Trabuco


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Check out betterrving.com They have some great videos for class A's, from backing to adjusting mirrors. There are 7 different videos and they are pretty good.

Here's a link:

http://www.betterrving.com/Article/RV_Tips/RV_Driving_Course_Adjusting_Mirrors

Edit by moderator:  Activated links.  Terry



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 7th of September 2012 06:13:24 PM

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Ken

2005 Monaco Diplomat 400 ISL Cummins

2012 Honda CRV AWD

2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
baysailor


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My first trip will be to the local police department.

Rhode Island requires that all vehicle bought out of state have a VIN check, the police provide the service so they will be the first to see the coach.
So the deal is you can't register the vehicle without the VIN check, and you can't get to the Police station without the registration???
Fortunatly the dealer will allow me to use a dealer plate, otherwise Im not sure what I would do.


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Terry and Jo


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Ken,

I activated your links, but the second one was written badly with extra words and punctuation at the end.  I'm presuming you wanted it to go to the article on adjusting mirrors.

I should also note that under that first video about adjusting mirrors are the other "RV Driver Confidence Course" parts with active links.

I would also suggest that one use the search function on BetterRving's website and type in "driving videos" or something similar to see what other articles are out there.  At any rate, that looks like a good site to have bookmarked.  At least I'm going to bookmark it.  Thanks for the site.

Terry



-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 7th of September 2012 06:26:34 PM

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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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Trabuco


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Thanks Terry, Probably should have left it at betterliving.com and then suggested a search for the how too videos.

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Ken

2005 Monaco Diplomat 400 ISL Cummins

2012 Honda CRV AWD

2008 Harley Ultra Classic

 

 
Terry and Jo


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Ken,

It is actually "betterrving" instead of "better living."  I changed the spelling in that "title" when I activated the link within that first sentence.  Betterliving.com is actually a resource for seniors instead of being RV related.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
baysailor


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Trabuco

Thanks for the suggestion for BetterRVing, I did find it and it was helpful.

Now we are off to do a final walk through this morning of the Coach!

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baysailor


RV-Dreams Family Member

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The Bus (as my grandson calls it) is home, actually had my wife driving it today, Now the adventure begins

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cameogill


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I am confused that what kind of thread is that ???

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Racerguy


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cameogill wrote:

I am confused that what kind of thread is that ???

 Spam Alert.



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