Jake21
Santa Fe, NM
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Joined: 06/25/2007
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I just pulled the trigger on a 40' American Eagle. i am going from zero to full time.
I am sure that the first few hundred miles will be interested to say the least. So, I am curious.
What are the top three mistakes you made when getting started in a class A? Time to laugh at yourself.
Thanks,
Jake
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2chiefsRus
USA Somewhere
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Joined: 09/08/2004
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1. not understanding the difference between what was running off of DC versus AC power.
2. Turning off the propane at the tank when fueling to be safe but leaving the fridge still on and set to auto - the propane was off and not plugged into shore power so that fridge just kept trying to light which was more unsafe than just leaving the propane on at the tank.
3. taking too much stuff with us.
Dave & Kathy
2007 Monaco Knight 40PDQ towing 2003 Odyssey
Fulltime since October 2007
Before you give someone a piece of your mind, make sure you can get by with what will be left.
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paulcardoza
Southeastern Massachusetts
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Joined: 01/15/2010
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Maneuvering a long DP for the first few times requires a lot of attention. Learn to use your mirrors effectively. Go slow in tight spaces and pay attention to everything around you. Learn how to use your engine brake effectively and become comfortable with using air brakes. Our Executive stops very effectively, but the pedal pressure required is significantly more than it was in our previous gasser Pace Arrow.
Then, play with all the neat features and toys that the Eagle comes with and become familiar with how it all works! Make sure you show DW everything as well. ;-)
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
2003 Monaco Executive M43 DS2
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Jim Cindy
Northcentral, PA
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Joined: 03/24/2009
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If you are willing to take the course, contact Lazydays Tucson and sign up for the motorhome driving course. Friends took it in Florida and were impressed with what they learned from a pro.
PBH Portable Beach House
2008 GMC 2500HD Duramax Allison 
2009 Cameo 34CK3
MorRyde IS, Disc Brakes, G614's
PullRite Super Glide Hitch
Propane fueled Yamaha EF 2400is
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tandkj
Full timer
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Joined: 08/04/2003
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1. Letting DW move all her clothes
2. Trying to figure out AC vs. DC (still don't understand, don't like electricity).
3. Letting DW convince me we should take routes and streets and getting into dead end streets pulling the toad.
Tis another fine day to serve in and for the glory of the Corps. Every day is a holiday and every meal a feast.
08 Camelot
07 Ranger Toad
One Golden Retriever at the Rainbow Bridge and a new one traveling with us.
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five'er
Canada
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Joined: 09/25/2006
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LOOK UP! If you are going to hit something I guarentee it's going to be something up high that you weren't paying attention too and didn't notice or something you're going to clip from the rear-end swing (if there is much). Branches, AC units on buildings, roof overhangs, Low bridges.... The types of things you are likely not used to looking out for while driving a smaller vehicle.
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PandK
Greenville, SC
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Joined: 09/24/2003
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My #1 mistake was believing the salesman. He tried but ….. #2 was "assuming" they did a through PDI. Picked up the unit, had a water leak the first night and the coach was and back to the dealer for repairs (6 weeks). #3 not trying EVERYTHING myself before leaving the dealership. Even with a walk through it is way to easy to think you know where everything is only to forget. #4 (yes you asked for 3) was not reading the manuals enough. I did read them all but really needed to do it more than once.
NOT trying to put the dealer in a bad light, they did try hard. Easier to ask "dumb" questions before you leave than try to remember what they said.
Now - should I tell you about how to get a butter knife out of a full black tank that will not drain????
* This post was
edited 04/11/12 10:52am by PandK *
Paul and Karla
Cinnamon & Pequeno - Spoiled Rotten Chihauhuas
2004 Rexhall Rexair DP3955
2013 Chevy Traverse
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charles
Ohio
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Joined: 08/11/2002
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1 - not taking notes during the walk through on how to operate everything, it would have saved a lot of trial and error.
2 - filling up every compartment closet,and cupboard with stuff we'll never use
3 - hitting my head on the slides. After a few times they work just like a electric dog fence, you just know where to stay away from.
Nick
2011 Winnebago Vista 35F
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RoadLife
New Mexico
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Joined: 03/28/2009
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1. Forgot to put the steps in. Big nono.
2. Forgot to latch the pocket door.
3. Almost overflowed the black tank!!!! EEEEEKKK
It's been about 5 years now and we know a lot more, but are still learning things.
About 4 years in we forgot to lower the tv antennae. A tree ripped it off. Took care of that problem by installing a JACK HDTV antennae - we upgraded our tvs. You don't raise or lower it and it sits lower than the airconditioning unit. Works great and we have no more memory problems in that area. ;-)
ROADLIFE
RoadLife USA 2013 Blog
2003 40' Allegro BUS - 2 slides
2013 Ford F150 XLT 4X4 OffRoad 2009 RAV4
Shasta - Australian Shepherd; Boomer - Brittany
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powderman426
ohio
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Joined: 06/28/2010
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Although I have a fiver, I took a lesson from my pilot friend who uses a laminated sheet with a list of things to check before each flight. I find it tends to keep me out of trouble. Its real easy to forget an important issue. Have fun & enjoy.
Ron & Charlotte
WD8CBT since 1976
28' Prowler & 05 Ram QC LB
I started with nothing and I still have most of it left
I never fail, I just succeed in finding out what doesn't work
.JPG)
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