miscellaneous

The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing
By Brent Peterson

"Complete" is the key word here. (The "Idiot's Guides" are what I always search for at bookstores when I need help with anything from computer programs to minor auto repairs.) I cannot think of one subject relating to RVing that has been left out of this book. Our very own Brent Peterson's new book covers ever so many topics regarding the RV lifestyle. Jody Schaeffer has illustrated The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing with photographs being provided by Gary Bunzer. Peterson was generous in giving credit to those that double-checked and edited his information.

Though Peterson had been taken on camping trips in his young years, he hadn't really been a true RVer until after he had been working for some time as a RV editor. This book has been written with humor and honesty, including many of the mistakes he made along the way, and how and what he learned from those mistakes.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing opens with basic information regarding exactly what advantages RVing can offer you, such as freedom and choices during your trip, and what you can expect from RVing. With nearly 10 million RVs on the roads, it is not just older retirees enjoying the freedom a RV offers, but all types of travelers of all ages are enjoying even weekend getaways. There is an extremely useful pre-trip reference checklist at the beginning of the book that tells you what to check for, step by step, with the engine, exterior, interior, cockpit, towed vehicles and what to check for as you leave..

First you will learn of the various types of RVs and towables that are available and how to zero in on what will fit you and your expectations of a RV. Once you have narrowed your choices, Peterson walks you through the maize of what to look for on the inside and outside of your rig choices and explains what you need to watch out for when purchasing the vehicle. Topics include everything from pushy salesmen to plumbing systems.

Peterson then teaches you all about towing vehicles including information on the amount of weight and the various types of weight ratings, hitches, brakes, safety chains, mirrors, tow bars, tow dollies, trailers, fifth-wheels and how important checking all connections before leaving are. Included are many driving tips, the Seven Deadly Driving Sins, getting lost, navigation systems and the importance of weight limits. Also discussed are how to choose where you will be spending the night, hookups, weather conditions and staying in touch with civilization while traveling.

Throughout the book are listed many helpful hints that include classifications, such as "One for the Road" which has extremely helpful information on everything from weights, amps and volts to where fish are biting. "Road Scholar" which gives extra hints and information on all things concerning RVs and gives a bit of reassurance for the instances you might think you've really screwed up. "Pull Over" sections are the more important issues to look out for. "RVocabulary" covers the special language reserved for the RV crowd. Each chapter ends with "The Least You Need to Know" which boils down all chapter information to the more pertinent facts.

Whether you are a fulltime RVer or just entertaining the thought of buying a rig, this 372 page book is a must have. You can buy the book at any Barnes & Noble bookstore for $16.95, or directly on line at www.amazon.com or at www.idiotsguides.com. The day that I checked at Amazon they were having a sale and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing" by Brent Peterson was on sale for $13.26.

Unfortunately this book spends more time about shopping for an RV than the actual RV and it's systems. The Woodall's guide is both elementary and detailed and assumes you've already purchased the RV.

In short, if you want tips on buying an RV and a cursory glance at the water, LP, and other systems, this is a passable book. But if you want to REALLY understand how things work, I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere.

We bought this book before we purchased our first new to us RV. Because we were new to the RV world, this book was perfect for us. The first half of the book explained types of RV, the second half the different systems in the RV. I found the book easy reading and informative and now that we have had our RV for a year, we still refer to this book from time to time. I think it's well written and worth buying and I highly recommend it!