The Complete RV Handbook

IntroductionPart OneGetting Started1.Why RV?ConvenienceAffordabilityA Wider Range of ChoicesThe Chance to Bring Along Family MembersFlexibility2.Choosing an RVTruck CampersMotor HomesTowables3.Choosing the Features and Options You WantThe RV KitchenThe BathroomWasher/DryersBedroomsElectrical FeaturesAwningsSlideoutsStorage SpaceDiesel versus Gasoline Engines4.Buying a New (or Used) RVPlanning Your RV PurchaseHow Much Is It Worth?FinancingMaking the Best DealTaxes, Registration, and InsuranceThe Walk-ThroughPart TwoUsing Your RV5.Driving BasicsDriving ForwardTurningHighway Driving: Entering, Exiting, and Passing SafelyDriving Safely: Wind, Storms, Steep Grades, ClearanceAfter You Arrive: Backing into a Site, Parking, Leveling, and Stabilizing Your RV6.Towing and HitchingMotor Homes: Towing a CarHitching and Unhitching a Trailer or Fifth Wheel7.Understanding and Caring for RV SystemsThe RV ToiletGray- and Black-Water DrainageFresh-Water SupplyThe RV StoveThe RV RefrigeratorWasher/DryerHeating and CoolingAir-ConditioningAwningsThe RoofFloorsPower Supply/Electrical SystemsUsing External PowerBatteriesSolar Power8.Engine, Tires, Suspension, Brakes, and TransmissionEngineTiresSuspensionBrakesTransmission9.Finding Places to StayCounty, State, and National ParksMembership CampgroundsDry Camping10.Preventing and Responding to DisastersDealing with Roadside MishapsPersonal SafetyFire SafetyPropane SafetyPreparing for Medical Emergencies11.Leaving Your RVChoosing the Right Storage LocationPreparing Your RV for StoragePart ThreeThe Joys of the Open Road12.Loading the RV and Preparing to LeaveGetting It All InRunning through a Final Checklist before Leaving13.Arranging to Be GoneMail ServicesGetting CashInternet BankingCellular Phone ServiceMedical Care14.Traveling with Kids and PetsOn the Road with PetsRVing with Kids15.Taking Long TripsThe Advantages of a Long StayBecoming a Snowbird16.Crossing Borders: Taking Your RV to Canada or MexicoVisiting CanadaAdventuring in MexicoReturning to the United States from Canada or Mexico17.Technology for the TravelerTelevisionAudio EntertainmentInternet AccessDigital CamerasUsing GPS: Never Get Lost Again18.Going Full-TimeGetting Started at Full-TimingThe Full-Timer's Dilemma: What to Take and What to LeaveThe Frugal Full-TimerThe Full-Timer's Social LifeCitizens of Everywhere: Selecting a Domicile

Appendix Index