RandyP Posted July 15, 2021 Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 My wife and I recently purchased a 2019 Newmar Dutch Star from a private individual in Rapid City, SD. We're going full-time at the beginning of September and, as you can guess, we're very excited to start this adventure. While we've been planning this move for years, we're novices to the RV world. We're currently going through the online classes on Escapees. But we feel we need some in-person assistance. However, the timing and location of in-person courses is a challenge to us. We're fortunate to have the means to hire a private instructor to get us started on both driving and some in-depth lessons on the systems. We have some questions that we're hoping the knowledgeable folks on this forum can help with us with: 1) Is getting a private instructor a good idea? 2) How do we go about finding a private instructor? Do know someone you could recommend? 3) Any idea what we should expect to pay? We appreciate any assistance. And we look forward to learning more about this grand adventure. Randy and Marie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandsys Posted July 15, 2021 Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 This is the one most of us use: https://www.rvschool.com Linda Sand Quote Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/ Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotorhead Posted July 15, 2021 Report Share Posted July 15, 2021 I don't know about private instructors, but I will say it will be a great idea to have a decent set of tools and spare parts for the road. Being able to make minor repairs here and there will be a big money saver along the way. I had to learn all about the water heater while out on a trip. But I wasn't able to get it up and running again until we got back. Now I have spare parts and know all about my WH. Oh, another great tip is for the toilet. If it gets backed up or in need of a clearing of the tube between the bowl and the tank use hot water. NOT boiling. Just pour it right down the middle of the tube. My boys had it blocked pretty good and the hot water from the WH (140 deg. most thermostats) cleared it right up. If you want to heat it on the stove do so only until it just starts to steam a little. If you have a thermometer I'd go 120-130. Happy Camping ahead! Chuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Heiser Posted July 16, 2021 Report Share Posted July 16, 2021 Regarding your question about a private instructor, if you are in anyway apprehensive about driving a large vehicle I would highly recommend getting some professional instruction. There are many things you can learn from a professional that will greatly ease the transition into driving a large vehicle. I can recommend Glyn Carson. He is a full time RVer with a background as a professional/commercial driver and instructor. He is also an Escapee. He puts on classes at RV rallies and also does one on one instruction. His email is: twolanedrivingtips@hotmail.com. Send him an email and see what he can do or recommend for you. Quote 2000 Kenworth T2000 w/ Cummins N14 and autoshift 2017 DRV Mobile Suite 40KSSB4 with factory mods, dealer mods and personal mods - now in the RV graveyard 2022 DRV Full House MX450 with customized floor plan 2018 Polaris RZR Turbo S (fits in the garage) 2016 Smart Car (fits in the garage or gets flat towed behind the DRV when the RZR is in the garage)My First Solar Install ThreadMy Second Solar Install Thread & Photos and Documents Related to the buildMy MX450's solar, battery and inverter system - my biggest system yet! chadheiser.com West Coast HDT Rally Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted July 16, 2021 Report Share Posted July 16, 2021 6 hours ago, Chad Heiser said: I can recommend Glyn Carson. He is a full time RVer with a background as a professional/commercial driver and instructor. He is also an Escapee. He puts on classes at RV rallies and also does one on one instruction. His email is: twolanedrivingtips@hotmail.com. Send him an email and see what he can do or recommend for you. Absolutely! I know Glyn and he takes his job very seriously and is very good at it. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted July 17, 2021 Report Share Posted July 17, 2021 (edited) Some larger RV dealerships will have someone such as you are seeking to teach novices how to drive and maneuver MH's. There are many utube videos for learning how to back, turn sharp corners, and hook up towed vehicles. As to learning about your MH appliances, bryantrv.com has free owner and service manuals for download for almost all makes and models . Another appliance manuals download website is myrvworks.com Edited July 17, 2021 by Ray,IN Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danandfreda Posted July 17, 2021 Report Share Posted July 17, 2021 My wife took some lessons from glyn Carson last month and she highly recommends him. To build confidence and learning how to drive. She was driving a kenworth t680 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted July 18, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 Awesome! So much good advice. We're in the process of scheduling a private driving instructor near our RV in South Dakota. My confidence has gone up greatly. I joined this forum to get this kind of feedback. I'll be back with more questions. Probably sooner rather than later. I hope there comes a day when I can provide this kind of knowledge. Thanks, Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted July 18, 2021 Report Share Posted July 18, 2021 Enjoy the experience! Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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