GaryB
Well-known member
Hi - To better educate myself, I've been reading many posts on various forums - this forum, RV.net and the Heartland Owners Forum (company making the BigHorn 5er I'm thinking to get). Although I'm very excited about the possibility of buying my first RV, quite honestly I am apprehensive after reading tales (on Heartland Owners Forum) about potential fire hazards (wiring shorts/concealed wires rubbing against nearby metal parts), plumbing leak problems, blown axles and tires, etc. The people seem to talk about fixing those things with relative ease - just disassemble this, unwire that, check voltage across this, re-plumb that, replace this, etc.). Unfortunately, I am NOT HANDY and don't have any experience with noticing and/or fixing the tell-tale signs of problems (other than very obvious problems). So I worry that some major safety issue may exist (fire hazard, etc.) that I wouldn't notice, thereby putting my family in danger. How common are these problems and how important is it to be mechanically and electrically handy when owning an RV? I hate to give up my dream of RVing just because I'm not handy. On the other hand, I am very meticulous and careful about things, and so hopefully that will balance things out (but if I don't know to watch out for something, then I cannot be careful about it).
By the way, I noticed that Camping World has an "RV Institute" (http://www.cwrvi.com/) that offers detailed RV service and repair courses. But it seems more geared for people who want to become RV Technicians. Are there any other good programs or ways to become knowledgable with basic servicing of RVs other than by trial-and-error experience? Do campgrounds often have people (for hire, since I don't want to bother fellow campers) who know how to fix minor problems that may arise?
Thanks again for the great advice
Gary
By the way, I noticed that Camping World has an "RV Institute" (http://www.cwrvi.com/) that offers detailed RV service and repair courses. But it seems more geared for people who want to become RV Technicians. Are there any other good programs or ways to become knowledgable with basic servicing of RVs other than by trial-and-error experience? Do campgrounds often have people (for hire, since I don't want to bother fellow campers) who know how to fix minor problems that may arise?
Thanks again for the great advice
Gary