How to Live the RV Life

The RV life has captured the attention of many a vacationer and those looking for a different way of life. Young families, empty nesters and retirees alike find this down to earth hobby quite appealing. Many people decide it's actually the best way to see the country. So if you like the lure of the open road, but also crave the comfort of having your own bed, a recreational vehicle and the RV life may fill the bill.

It happens to all recreational vehicle owners - we use up all the propane in the initial full tank and we have to face the daunting task of getting a refill. Yes, I admit that's a bit dramatic, but there can be a bit of trepidation when it comes time to get more propane. This is actually quite simple and straightforward. Here's a primer to walk you through the process.

When we first purchased our class C motor home we were lost, as many people are when they first get an RV. After many trials and errors (stress the "errors"), we finally grasped the fundamentals of using our RV refrigerator.

When we first purchased our Fleetwood Tioga Class C motor home we were lost, as many people are when they first get an RV. The first challenge we confronted was insuring our motor home.

The first component of your checklist is AFFORDABILITY. Analyze your family budget to determine how much money you'll be able to put out every month. Make sure you incorporate the following items into your planning: insurance, registration, servicing, repairs and storage. Consider that a late model used RV may be found at half the cost of a new unit.

When we first purchased our Class C motor home we quickly discovered the variety of tools and equipment we needed just to keep things running down the road. While you can't anticipate every problem along the way, here's a primer about what basic equipment you should have in your general RV tool kit.

Finding a used RV can be as simple as looking at the local paper. Want ads change daily so you need to look frequently. Good deals on used RVs are available at RV parks directly from the buyer. Drive through and watch for sale signs. Consignment lots also offer large selections of used Rvs.

If your unit has an internal generator, run it for a few minutes once or twice a day. By running it you send a bit of a charge through the house batteries. In addition, you could whip up microwave meals, if you have that device on board. Never run a generator at night or when it is not safe to do so.