Class B Newbies With Questions

[andy85]

Hi All!
We are new to the RV game as we are about to become the proud parents of an Airstream Interstate this week! Looking for help/advice with the following:
-Do you have any recommendations for extended warranty plans and how necessary are they?
-Are there any websites dedicated to Class B travel and or campgrounds?
-What are some things that you wish you new when were a newbie???
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much!!!

[GallenH]

This is THE forum to be on. Every time I stumble on to a problem/question there are countless experienced people here willing to give good answers.

welcome.

[avanti]

Extended warranties are almost always a very bad investment. Put the money in the bank instead. This is especially true for third-party extended warranties such as those that an RV dealer might try to sell you. These are a zero-sum game, so they can't possibly be a good deal.

That said, if you are getting a NEW Sprinter-based van, the OEM extended warranty (which is NOT zero-sum) has recently been upgraded pretty significantly. It used to be awful, but the new one is an exclusionary warranty and looks pretty good, at least on paper.

[rowiebowie]

Welcome to the forum andy85!

If you're new to rving, or to your new rig, spend a few nights driveway camping to get familar with all the systems. Or maybe do a short day trip or two before heading out far away from home.

These are trying times. Please be safe and cautious. Who knows when this will blow over? I for one can't wait for that moment so we can get back on the road.

[mkguitar]

Howdy,


I use an iphone, useful apps are:


Gasbuddy- find fuel and save a buck here and there- free


TVtowers - where to aim the antenna once parked


RVC lite ( free ) I use this to get level when parking


rvparky and rvparks are both find-a-campground apps
reviews are good to browse and with these we have found AMAZING little camp grounds we might have driven past


cheers, Mike

[mloganusda]

Here is a good newsletter that you should subscribe to that covers a lot of RV news, articles related to RVing, tips, and lots more information about RVing. It is free, but voluntary subscription contributions from readers helps him publish the newsletters.
https://www.rvtravel.com/955-07-40/

MLogan
2017 Trend
Smyrna, TN

[SteveJ]

Free campsites.net is my go to along with a no longer updated Android version of Allstays. Free Campsites also shows quite a few places for dumping your tanks, some for free.

On TDY near Victor MT.

[rowiebowie]

Hey Andy, I forgot to ask. What year Interstate? Lounge or GT?

[engnrsrule]

Learn your systems and know what the critical systems are that will determine your boondocking capability. Example, I was considering adding solar to get my electrical endurance to 10 days, but realized that with 2 people, my black tank capacity in my Roadtrek Sprinter is 4-5 days max. No easy way to make that longer, so adding solar would be wasted money.

Add battery monitoring if you don't already have it.

I also upgraded my storage batteries to 235 ah and my inverter to a pure sine wave model. Modern electronics don't like modified sine wave inverters.

[Gritty Eileen]

Congratulations! Wishing you happy and safe travels. I'm new also and have been advised against extended warranties. Learn about your systems, electrical, and fire safety. I found that owner operator manual not accurate, especially location of items such as isolator and converter.
I like this forum. Helpful and informative.

[Twinbridges]

For me the biggest improvement I have made is from 350 ah of AGM batteries to 600ah of Lithium. You almost think about electricity and never plug in.


Just enjoy the experience of dry camping.

[Darrin]

The short trip and day outings are may the most important newbie thing to do.

[Bud]

"Example, I was considering adding solar to get my electrical endurance to 10 days, but realized that with 2 people, my black tank capacity in my Roadtrek Sprinter is 4-5 days max. No easy way to make that longer, so adding solar would be wasted money."

Sure there is: A tripod, toilet seat and wagg bags.

Ok Ok, you don't need the toilet seat or tripod.

[RossWilliams]

The value of an extended warranty depends on your finances. If coming up with the large lump sum in cash for a major repair would be difficult, the extended warranty may be good insurance. Like all insurance, you won't come out ahead on average. The warranty company needs to make a profit. But if you are putting the bill on a credit card you may well come out ahead compared to the interest you will pay. Likewise, if you need to take money out of a tax deferred account and pay higher taxes on it combinied with the lost investment income.