This is a challenging time for RVers. We would all rather be hitting the road, sitting around the camp fire, meeting fellow RVers, or just seeing where the open road takes us. In this time of social distancing and staying safe at home, how do we do that?
We can’t.
But we CAN do quite a bit to continue our RV passion.
For Newbies:
For newbies, this is a time to do your homework. If you haven’t purchased your RV yet, now is the time to do your research. What type of RV are you in the market for? Do you want a big Class A diesel pusher? A Class C, or a 5th Wheel? Do you even know the difference between them? Do you know how to shop and find that perfect deal? What floorplan will best suit your needs?
You can spend your quarantine time doing all this research and becoming educated so that when the doors open you can run back out into the world knowing just what to look for and peruse your dream. At the end of this article we have some great resources to help you in this time of social distancing.
Shameless plug: Once you found your perfect RV, don’t forget to come back here and hire us to do your RV Inspection. This will give you negotiating leverage and peace of mind.
For Beginners:
If you recently purchased your RV and have not been able to use it much before getting hit with the Great Shutdown, there is still plenty for you to do during this time of isolation. Now is the time to learn all you can about your rig. Pour over all the owner’s manuals. Learn how each system works right in the comfort of your own driveway. It’s almost time to de-winterize and sanitize the water system. That once a year chore can be a little daunting, especially for new owners. Research the best way and do it now before you are in a hurry to hit the road. Go to YouTube; there are literally thousands of videos out there giving every detail of everything RVing from how to cook a hotdog (Yumm!) to replacing the Blackwater holding tank valve (Yuck!).
Find some of the hundreds of RV websites that offer thousands of Old Pro’s experiences and tips and stories. RVers are by in large good folks that love to share their knowledge. In our experience they are always willing to help out, especially new people. Take advantage of this time to learn all you can from them. Chances are they are just as bored as you are and would love to help you out. Why do you think I’m writing this article in the first place?? Again, at the end this article we have some of our favorite resources we found particularly helpful.
For Seasoned Pros:
Chances are, you already know what to do and how to do it. Maybe you just need a little nudge to get you out of your inertia and get moving. Of course, you know now is the time to plan your next big adventure on the road. Things are different now, though. Maybe the region you’re planning to travel to is more under quarantine than you are. Maybe the attractions in that area will be closed when you get there. Maybe the campgrounds are still off limits. Now is the time to research all that.
Now is also the time to help the Newbies and Beginners. Go to your favorite RV social media sites and find the people who need your help. It’s a cliché to tell you that the best way to feel better about your own situation is to help others feel better about theirs. It may be a cliché, but it’s true.
And now I’m going to ask you for your help.
Anita and I teach an Intro to the RV Life for our Town’s Adult Education department. We are always looking for great resources and websites to pass on to our students. Take a look at the resources at the end of this article and let us know if you have some great ones we can include.
RVers make up a growing segment of our society. They are from all walks of life, all political affiliations, all religions, cultures and ethnicities. This wonderful diversity is one of the reasons we love this community. The one thing that bonds us is the commonality of RV life. Let’s use this time to maintain our social togetherness while maintaining our social distance.
~Ron & Anita (and June)
