Looking for your recommendations in the N.E. Ohio area to camp at with our "new" rv. We just purchased a 93 Coachmen Santara with 40,000 miles on it and want to take it out and don't want to look too stupid backing into the campsite or cleaning the tanks.
It's just my wife and I so we aren't looking for "family activity" stuff, just somewhere with a view.
I know the feeling. We're going to be doing the same for our first trip here in CO. We purchased a couple of those highway cones to practice maneuvering with so maybe we'll decrease the embarrassment factor.
Good Sam has a nice little trip planner that might help. We've been using it to peruse campgrounds in our area:
Backing isn't hard at all, especially if you're not towing anything. A little practice will help a lot though. Develop a set of hand signals for your spotter, the person watching you back up, and encourage him/her to use them calmly, and not to shout.
As for chores like connecting the sewer line, dumping when necessary, opening the awning -- don't be afraid to go to your camping neighbor and ask for assistance. Most campers love to help and show off their own knowledge. Most can remember their own learning experiences.
Try and find some "pull-thru" sites the first couple of times. But, you're gonna want to learn how to back the rig for those sites that you can't pull straight into. Usually, the really scenic sites don't have pull thru sites....or so it seems!
Buy an inexpensive (but not cheap!) set of walki-talkies, and have DW out back talking you through as you back into the space. Practicing at a big parking lot, without trees, etc. will help too. Just have her talk you through packing into a parking space. If you can back in, and avoid the lines, you 'll be able to do the same at any campground. She just needs to be moving from side to side, looking at what is going on. Tell her to get into the habit of looking up too, since while there won't be any branches in the parking lot, there will be at the CG.
It's really not all that hard, but you have to remember to take it slow! Don't be embarrassed if you have to make several attempts to back into a space.....better to make 5 attempts without a dent than to make one with the whole side of the rig scraped off! None of us were perfect the first time...so nobody is going to judge you...though score cards at the sites would make it interesting..
Good luck, and yeah, you'll do great looking for local places.....the single tank of gas will get you about 400 miles from home. Get an old map and draw a circle to see just how far you can go.....you'll be surprised. Initially, you may want to start with 200 miles, and make the whole trip on a single tank. Just remember to refill that tank when you get home...you will avoid condensation when the rig is just sitting. Also remember that you may want to fill it just before you get to the campground, so that you have a full tank for the generator too (they will cut off at 1/4 tank). It's a good habit to get into.
Have fun!
Bill, Claudia, and the Paps
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 The Pets
Come up to SE Michigan. A one tank trip every time.
Also look in to the RV.Net group that has lots of little rally's. Some in your back yard. Ohio Rallies 2008 They are a very helpful group.
Take a look at this campground, right in your backyard. It's quite beautiful and the people who run the place are really nice. They'll escort you to your site and help you get backed in. You're in the middle of wine country up there, so some nice places to visit.
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