Ok, what now? Just starting out.

[Gods Girl]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 2002 Minnie Winnebago to take my last child (16) on a homeschooling adventure. I have no idea about RVing but I have God as my pilot and planner. I have been doing extensive reading and research on everything RV and still feel dumb. We have visited campgrounds and dealerships to ask a lot of questions. About 95% were very sweet and helpful. I must say you all make it look so easy. How long do you think it will be before I feel confident that I will not blow us up in the RV, run out of gas, food, money or mix the water tanks up?

 

[powercat_ras]

You and your sixteen year old can both read or at least skim the Winnebago Operators Manual there is an incredible amount of information in there. Look for a black bag with lots of books in it somewhere in the RV, unless the old owner took it out of the RV. There is almost nothing about the RV that is not covered in that manual. Some will soak in and give you oh that's how it works moments right away and in other cases you will be able to go back to the manual and find the information you need quickly the next time your need it.

One resource you might consider to climb up your learning curve faster is to join the Escapees RV club and attend their RV Boot Camps that they offer at various places around the USA several times each year. Escapees.com

 

[Old Crows]

Welcome! How long does it take to be confident? I've no idea. RVing is a long term learning experience. I had the benefit of having in-laws who taught me (us) a lot. And then we got our own about 14 years ago. Then the learning really started.

As above, grab the owner's manual and all the supporting documents for the equipment (stove, fridge, water heater, etc..). Sit down with the Kid-oh and start working your way through the RV item by item. A little bit at a time. E.g., sort out how the fridge works; then the water heater; etc.. Like eating an elephant..... one bite at time!

You have a good resource here. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Is this it? https://library.rvusa.com/brochure/02MinnieWinniebro.pdf


Here's a link to the 2002 Mini Winnie Operator's Manual. I'll suggest downloading it to your computer/iPad/device AND put it on a thumb-drive AND put it on your Cloud. That way you can access it anytime, anywhere should you need the information. The same with any other documentation you have for the heater, AC, water heater, fridge, etc.. Scan the stuff in to a file and save in several places. It becomes your 'other' Bible, if you get my drift.


It would be helpful to put the year, model and sub-model of your RV into your signature. Helps folks answer your questions.

 

[ThomB]

It took us about a month to "know the ropes". Neither of us were RVers prior to buying our class A and the extent of camping was limited to me on motorcycle trips with my buddies where we camped about ever few days.
Make yourself a checklist for setup and teardown and leave room for edits. Review it each time until you have "it down" to a science.
Be prepared for things to happen while driving and don't panic. We had out pantry cabinet come flying open on our first trip about 5 miles from home. I just said "**** with it" and laid it on the floor and kept going until we got to our first long stay spot and then fixed it. Sure, I could have gone home and fixed it but we were on a trip and I am anal about my schedule. LOL
There is a good video on youtube sponsored by Lazy Days - Driver Confidence Course. We actually paid to go to their one-day class together (was $15/couple) where they help you with how to back up, when to start your turn, etc. It was extremely helpful. Here is a link to a few of the videos https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rv+driver+confidence+course+



If you've been researching you probably already know the things you need for the road and will be fine... The takeoff is the scary part, the great part is when you know what you're doing and can just enjoy yourself!

 

[tderonne]

Have you found the Resources section at the Winnebago website? It's got brochures, wiring and plumbing diagrams, parts catalogs, and more. It's a tremendous resource for Winnebago owners.

What floorplan do you have?

 

[workinrvers]

just remember ..... the guy in the million dollar Prevost Diesel Pusher has also pulled the black tank handle with the hose not secure and .......splat! Happens to us all at one time or another! Just don't sweat it, what you don't know is easy to learn and there are lots of helpful people both here and in the campgrounds. Enjoy and if you hear anything go "splat" just chuckle and blame the guy in the Prevost! LOL

 

[jerichorick]

Hi everyone,

I just bought a 2002 Minnie Winnebago to take my last child (16) on a homeschooling adventure. I have no idea about RVing but I have God as my pilot and planner. I have been doing extensive reading and research on everything RV and still feel dumb. We have visited campgrounds and dealerships to ask a lot of questions. About 95% were very sweet and helpful. I must say you all make it look so easy. How long do you think it will be before I feel confident that I will not blow us up in the RV, run out of gas, food, money or mix the water tanks up?

Welcome to the forum.
First I must urge you to trust God if you truly trust God.
Pick a place to go through prayer. No doubt. No fear.
If you are satisfied that the maintenance is up to date, pack up like you mean to travel and go.
One suggestion I have is a simple one. Camp for a week in the driveway. This gives you a chance to test and use everything. Pack up once a day like you are getting to ready to move on. Take a trip around the block, to the mall or Walmart, shop, head back to the campground, set up and camp. This will get you familiar with your systems. Run the generator (at least 30 min with the A/C or something you can plug into the coach that will make the generator work a bit), run the refrigerator in the LP mode for a while, take showers to fill the gray water tank and learn how to fill the fresh water tank, run the pump and dump your tanks. You may have to go to a local campground for a night or two for a real camping experience and have access to a dump station or the park hookups.

Experience is the best teacher.
One word of caution. DO NOT travel unless your tires are 7 or less years old. Your local tire dealer can help you find out. Many of us are using Toyo tires with great success, if you need new ones. There are other good brands also.

Have a great time seeing this wonderland God has blessed us with.
Rick.