You only know "very little" because you've not really started into the available knowledge base out there. Second, don't sell yourself short right out of the gate on understanding mechanical stuff. It's not rocket science. Sure some of it can get complicated, and you have to weigh your time vs the cost of having a pro do things for you, but only you can decide where your limits and priorities are. Knowledge is power, it overcomes fear.

Any RV you buy from a dealer should include a walkthru and familiarization of its systems by the dealer. Ask tons of questions, sign nothing until your satisfied you understand everything. Before that... time to hit the books, the web and fellow RVers for info on everything you don't get, understand and fear as it relates to RVs.

Time to roll up the sleeves, and good luck. Welcome aboard, lots of friendly folks here willing to help with all your questions.

Brian 

NRVIA Inspectors can go over your rig, inspect it before you buy and they are working for you. Some also have a service teaching new RVers how to use all the components on their RV. Money well spent if you do not know anything about RVs. I would get an inspection done by them before I bought a used 5th wheel if I was in your position.

-- Edited by Bruce and Robin on Friday 3rd of February 2017 01:06:47 PM

I've been a full-timer for over 2 years but unlike a lot of other FTers, the DW (Dear Wife) and I travel constantly (except winters), packing up and moving to new locales every 2-3 days. (Yup, days.) Here's what I learned after buying a brand new, 2013 Dutchmen Infinity (supposedly their "luxury" model). Their design is weak, engineering was poor, and construction was sloppy. Maybe that's why Dutchmen went out of business in 2014 (or thereabouts). Since starting this experience, I've become a very competent electrician, plumber, carpenter, and mechanic. I can adjust the electric brakes, change tires on the side of an interstate, diagnose slide malfunctions, repair gate valves, and perform the many elements of maintenance that all of us deal with. I suggest you approach your purchase with a very, very open mind. Unless you're putting out a great deal of money, you can expect decorative trim to fall off, leveling systems to fail, wiring to be "backwards", windows to leak, tank sensors that lie, and,..., you get the message. Have a good toolkit. Study "You Tube" videos. Make sure you have the owner's manual for the rig that you intend to buy. Try not to be paranoid but remember, "it it can go wrong, it will go wrong, and at the most inopportune time." And while our good times have way out-weighed the bad times, I'm now looking forward to becoming an ex-fulltimer. Oh, and by the way, I fully understand that my 5er, with its original $72K MSRP (we paid about $52K), became worthless when we pulled it off the lot. Currently wintering in Yuma, AZ, we see a good half-dozen RV consignment lots with many units, sitting around, getting rusty, waiting for a buyer.

Cattntitans wrote:

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Wow Ann And Steve! A lot to digest but I think you are right on with your advice. We will learn as we go and rely heavily on YouTube and these forums. I am reading the forums voraciously...enough to ask our dealer to replace the water heater anode rod. Thanks!

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 You've come to the right place, many knowledgeable RVers here! Also you should review the search engine box at the top of the forum! Going in prepared is the best way to go! There are many different brands of RVs,also there are many people who have owned and experienced them! Just remember the more you move your RV (House) down the road, expect to have wear and tear and some breakdowns along the way! I believe everyone should love the great outdoors and camping as it makes them moments easier to manage! It not the Destination that matters, its the joy in the journey!