Customer Reviews

The RV Handbook, 2nd Edition

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is an excellent reference. The author covers many topics in this book: The basics of rving, with information on waste systems, outfitting the rig, towing, setting up camp, leaving camp; improving fuel economy and performance; troubleshooting rv engines; rv electronic systems; weight, handling, and safety; tire care; selecting a tow vehicle; towing safety, and much, much more. The level of detail in this book was not covered in any of the other books we read. In addition, the author puts helpful checklists into the book as well: 'Used-Vehicle Evaluation Checklist'; 'Dinghy Towing Inspection Checklist'; 'A Propane System Checklist'; basic rv equipment lists; 'Return-Trip Checklist' and many more checklists. The information in this book is VERY helpful and VERY necessary for a first timer. This author not only wants to make you knowledgeable; he wants to make you SAFE, too.

Thanks to the author for an easy to read book on all the important points.

This revised edition contains a wealtlh (with a capital W) of extremely useful information on the care and feeding of most (if not all) major systems and appliances founds in today's RV.

If you've ever wondered just how the heck does that RV refrigerator work with either Propane or electrical power, or why it needs to be kept level, this book will explain it.

It covers maintaining a Satellite dish or amplified TV antenna, Solar panels for charging batteries, motorhome leveling jack systems, rubber roofs, generators, awnings, etc, etc.

If it's bolted on or in your RV, or being towed, this book will likely cover it.

As a new RV owner, the detailed and comprehensive information contained in this book will do much towards keeping me out of serious trouble.

The book is written at just the right level to be easily understood by most who will use it, not filled with "techno-babble" that only a fully trained mechanic can understand. Many photo's and schematic diagrams are included as well.

Whether I'm out on the road, or just in the driveway getting ready for that next great "road warrior" trip, this excellent book with not stray too far from me. The information it contains is far too valuable and useful to be without it.

I received my copy of The Rv Handbook recently from a used book dealer. It arrived quickly and was in very good condition.

It is too bad that the book itself was such a disappointment. Mr. Estes spends more than half of the book talking about engines, Motor Homes only stuff and vehicles that pull the RV's. He barely touched on the things I was interested in, namely things like the RV systems, troubleshooting, RV setup in a dry camp. Mr. Estes also went into great detail about the battery and how it works. I am not interested in the details of how it works, only how to hook it up without a manual. From the reviews I read on your site, I was led to believe that the book would provide more basic info for all RVers. I guess that what I am looking for is a book such as "I BOUGHT A USED RV- NOW WHAT?"

This book is only about 1/3 about RVing. The other 2/3 is about RV motors, how to troubleshoot them, how to maintain them, etc. If you want to know how your RV (other than the motor) works, look elsewhere.

Experienced or a beginner, RVers must learn a lot to care for their investment in a motorhome, fifth-wheel or trailer. This book has some advice I haven't seen elsewhere.
It tells how to weigh the different RVs on a scale, tire care (aging and ozone cracking), selecting a tow vehicle, understanding propane, and troubleshooting electrical systems.
It includes some checklists which come in handy:
*Dinghy Towing Inspection checklist
*Ignition-System Checklist for Gasoline Engines
*Diesel Engine Prestart Checklist
*Short-Term Storage Checklist
*Return Trip Checklist
*Steps for Dumping a Holding Tank
The graphics are well-drawn, clearly labeled and helpful. A troubleshooting diesel engines flowchart and one for gasoline engines really lays out the options clearly.

Probably a good book for a non mechanic. I was looking for some detail on the equipment on a towable camper.

Oriented toward motorcoaches. The only systems covered in any depth are specific to motorcoaches. No good tips. Doesn't even mention you should slant your awning to one side for water drainage. "The RV Book" is much better and cheaper.

I was really looking for a book that had info for travel trailer/toy hauler. This book is okay but really covers mostly motorhome (driveable motorized) rv's. Did not cover how to buy or what to look for in a toy hauler/sut trailer. No info at all on that topic. I am just glad I did not buy it at full price.. I will read it and sell it fast. Got great reviews from Good Sam and other rv publications. I am sure there are better books out there. VERY BASIC.

This book is very detailed. I was enlightened on how well it describes the technical aspects for towing and travel trailer maintenance. This is not light reading, but if you are serious on being professional in you travels and trailer setup, this is the book for you. It describes safety in travel trailers and propane use. It gave me many good ideas for solar power enhancement for the travel trailer. I bought a solar cell. I think I will read more in the book and use this in my travels. Recommended book, thanks Amazon.
Damon

Very disappointed. I have a travel trailer. Found very little in there applying to me.