We see it all the time: People fall in love with the fantasy of traveling the open road, the places you can go to experience the wonders of nature, history, and all this country has to offer. However they also think they can just walk out of their home and everything in their RV will simply work. Just flip on a switch, plug in a cord, and everything works, just like your brick-and-mortar home. But in an RV, you are combining 12-volt systems with 120-volt, adding liquid propane (LP), and driving it down the road!
This class will provide information regarding accessories you will need, such as a basic tool kit, extension cords, surge protectors, black water tank treatment, and fresh water filters. It also contains information on basic DIY maintenance and tips for hitching your unit to the tow vehicle, including safety chains and breakaway cables.
Periodic maintenance includes cleaning, conditioning, and resealing the roof seams, as well as maintaining the tires, axles/bearings, and house batteries.
Once you get the rig ready to go, it is important to get it weighed for GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR. All these are explained in detail.
And finally, it is important to practice turning, backing up, and basic driving in a safe location such as a parking lot, rather than learning as you are trying to get out of a dangerous situation. The driving tips will help prepare you for a much more enjoyable driving and RV experience.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Introduction
1:07
Meet Dave Solberg and learn more about what’s covered in this class.
Session 2: Grab the Right Stuff
11:20
It is important to know what accessories, tools, and other items you may need to make your RV experience more enjoyable. This session covers accessories such as the proper-sized extension cord, surge protectors, and electrical adapters. You will also learn about water pressure regulators, water filters, wheel chocks, upgraded dump hoses and proper holding tank treatment.
Session 3: DIY Maintenance
18:48
Just like your brick-and-mortar home, there is some preventative maintenance that you can do yourself to reduce breakdowns and extend the life of components like the house batteries, roof material, and decals. Learn about the recommended maintenance for appliances, tires, axles/bearings, and especially the roof sealants to reduce the potential for moisture penetration.
Session 4: Proper Hitching
5:26
Hooking up a trailer is typically very easy and straightforward: back the tow vehicle up and crank down the tongue of the trailer. Learn tips about hitch maintenance that will reduce rusting and binding, the proper way to connect safety chains and the breakaway cable, and how to check all the lights from the tow vehicle to the trailer.
Session 5: Weighing Trailer & Proper Distribution
7:47
Understanding the weight ratings and how they apply to not only your RV but your towing capacity and weight on the tow vehicle. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight your RV can weigh with all the cargo you stuff inside, as well as water and LP. You also need to know the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and how find those on your rig. This session will cover the weight ratings, how to find them, properly weighing your rig, and weight distribution hitches.
Session 6: Axle Maintenance
19:55
The bearings of your trailer’s axles should be repacked at least every year or 12,000 miles. Learn the proper method to repack bearings, including lifting the unit, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and repacking. Additional information covers tire inspection and why not to use Bearing Buddies.
Session 7: Driving & Closing Remarks
9:49
Driving and towing an RV is not difficult, it is just different, and new RV’ers need to practice. The most important aspect of towing is making a sharp right hand turn to determine how the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle and not clipping the curb, street signs or fire hydrants. This session covers practicing techniques and tips in a parking lot with cones or markers as well as tips such as scanning ahead, maintaining following distance, and being prepared. Additional information covers tips for backing into a campsite.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Deciphering Hitch-Towing Capacity
Pre-Travel Hitch Inspection
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Lifestyle & Repair, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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