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The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing, 2nd Edition
 
 
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Brent Peterson (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)

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Book Description

April 4, 2006 The Complete Idiot's Guide

Updated and revised, this guide is for the more than 30 million Americans who are living the RV lifestyle and the millions of others who are thinking about taking the plunge. It provides the necessary information to get the most out of the RV experience, including basic facts regarding the different types of RVs, advice on buying an RV, driving tips, information on how to choose a campground, and much more.

 


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The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing, 2nd Edition + The Complete RV Handbook + The RVer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, & Enjoying Your RV
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Editorial Reviews

Review

... just the book for a prospective owner, a new owner and a veteran RVer. -- Brent Peterson, Highways Magazine, December 2004 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

BRENT PETERSON is former editor of RV View, a magazine devoted to the technical aspects of owning an RV, and is editor-at-large for Woodall’s Publishing, home to seven consumer titles about RV travel. Brent is a frequent contributor to Coast to Coast and Roads to Adventure magazines, and his weekly “RV Guy” column, detailing his unique take on RVing, appears in 35 online newspaper Web sites.


Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  • Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (April 4, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1592574661
  • ISBN-13: 978-1592574667
  • Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
191 of 199 people found the following review helpful
THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE October 18, 2001
Format:Paperback
The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing
By Brent Peterson

"Complete" is the key word here. (The "Idiot's Guides" are what I always search for at bookstores when I need help with anything from computer programs to minor auto repairs.) I cannot think of one subject relating to RVing that has been left out of this book. Our very own Brent Peterson's new book covers ever so many topics regarding the RV lifestyle. Jody Schaeffer has illustrated The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing with photographs being provided by Gary Bunzer. Peterson was generous in giving credit to those that double-checked and edited his information.

Though Peterson had been taken on camping trips in his young years, he hadn't really been a true RVer until after he had been working for some time as a RV editor. This book has been written with humor and honesty, including many of the mistakes he made along the way, and how and what he learned from those mistakes.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing opens with basic information regarding exactly what advantages RVing can offer you, such as freedom and choices during your trip, and what you can expect from RVing. With nearly 10 million RVs on the roads, it is not just older retirees enjoying the freedom a RV offers, but all types of travelers of all ages are enjoying even weekend getaways. There is an extremely useful pre-trip reference checklist at the beginning of the book that tells you what to check for, step by step, with the engine, exterior, interior, cockpit, towed vehicles and what to check for as you leave..

First you will learn of the various types of RVs and towables that are available and how to zero in on what will fit you and your expectations of a RV. Once you have narrowed your choices, Peterson walks you through the maize of what to look for on the inside and outside of your rig choices and explains what you need to watch out for when purchasing the vehicle. Topics include everything from pushy salesmen to plumbing systems.

Peterson then teaches you all about towing vehicles including information on the amount of weight and the various types of weight ratings, hitches, brakes, safety chains, mirrors, tow bars, tow dollies, trailers, fifth-wheels and how important checking all connections before leaving are. Included are many driving tips, the Seven Deadly Driving Sins, getting lost, navigation systems and the importance of weight limits. Also discussed are how to choose where you will be spending the night, hookups, weather conditions and staying in touch with civilization while traveling.

Throughout the book are listed many helpful hints that include classifications, such as "One for the Road" which has extremely helpful information on everything from weights, amps and volts to where fish are biting. "Road Scholar" which gives extra hints and information on all things concerning RVs and gives a bit of reassurance for the instances you might think you've really screwed up. "Pull Over" sections are the more important issues to look out for. "RVocabulary" covers the special language reserved for the RV crowd. Each chapter ends with "The Least You Need to Know" which boils down all chapter information to the more pertinent facts.

Whether you are a fulltime RVer or just entertaining the thought of buying a rig, this 372 page book is a must have. You can buy the book at any Barnes & Noble bookstore for $16.95, or directly on line at www.amazon.com or at www.idiotsguides.com. The day that I checked at Amazon they were having a sale and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing" by Brent Peterson was on sale for $13.26.

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68 of 70 people found the following review helpful
The Only Book you Need! October 17, 2001
Format:Paperback
I hate to say it but the "Idiots" guide was perfect for me. I've had some experience with RV's, but found this book didn't talk down to me. It had the perfect mix of technical information coupled with ideas for "Life on the Road".

I just got a used RV and found this book answered all my questions (even the ones I was afraid to ask the dealer) AND was quite enjoyable to read.

Brent Peterson has quite the sense of humor and is well versed in this subject. Obviously he's spend many miles on the road.

If you are going to get one book to go with your new rig...this is the one!

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75 of 84 people found the following review helpful
Too General To Be Of Use June 18, 2003
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Unfortunately this book spends more time about shopping for an RV than the actual RV and it's systems. The Woodall's guide is both elementary and detailed and assumes you've already purchased the RV.

In short, if you want tips on buying an RV and a cursory glance at the water, LP, and other systems, this is a passable book. But if you want to REALLY understand how things work, I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
RVing 2nd edition
Shipped quick!! Novice camping and thinking of purchasing a RV in the future. Great book and leaves me very confidant that I could do the whole RV thing and NOT be intimidated.
Published 5 days ago by Misty Ehret
I don't feel like a Complete Idiot about RV's anymore!
I decided to switch to the RV lifestyle without much knowledge of the logistics. After I bought my new home (1978 Mobile Traveler) I decided it was time to learn the basics. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kristin Aalbue
book
Awesome book great information. For a first timer all the hints and suggestions are wonderful. A great purchase indeed, money well spent.
Published 5 months ago by jennifer
RV across USA and make money doing it. What's not to like?
People who RV and enjoy the nomadic life will get a ton of ideas from 'RV around USA on $10 a day' Amazon code B0055OTUPC.
Easy reading style. Lots of photos. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Brian Morris
Kindle edition is a rip off
This is a good book but pricing the Kindle edition way above the paper edition is a complete rip off.
Published 6 months ago by Stephen Miller
fast shipping, great service.
I bought this book as a gift for friends who bought a RV they loved it. thanks They thought it would help a lot. Read more
Published 6 months ago by mcvic
Dated, But Very Helpful & Comprehensive!
I really enjoyed the book as well as the humor infused throughout! As a future RV owner, I want to be informed & educated about RVs and the RV lifestyle before I make such a major... Read more
Published 8 months ago by DanaDB59
Good book for those looking into RVing.
We're planning to purchase a RV for touring the country after retirement. We read this book by Brent Peterson to learn what is available, how the on-board systems work, pickup... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Wayne
Rv newbie
Enjoyed this book and learned a great deal from it. The author covers all aspects of RVing with factual information with the right dose of humor.
Published 8 months ago by Rowdy
no complaints
We are just starting out exploring hitting the road. We weren't looking for too much info....and this book delivered what we needed. Read more
Published 10 months ago by moma nomad
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First Sentence:
Your free time is precious. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
lightweight travel trailers, hitch shop, black water holding tank, gray water holding tank, net carrying capacity, larger motorhomes, conventional travel trailers, tow rating, fresh water hose, fresh water storage tank, coach batteries, coach battery, secondary vehicle, tow vehicle, onboard amenities, most motorhomes, sewer hose, conventional trailers, propane container, black water tanks, hitch weight, tow dollies, large motorhome, everyday vehicle, wastewater tanks
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Road Scholar, The Least You Need, United States, Better Business Bureau, Yellow Pages, Bureau of Land Management, Narrowing Down Your Choices, Drive Time, General Delivery, Department of Transportation, Disney World, Florida Keys, Grand Canyon, Gulf Coast, Rose Bowl, Star Trek, Uncle Frank, Kampgrounds of America
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