First time RV'r - a few questions


snapper

New Member
My family is borrowing a 2004 Coachman Concord RV from a relative for a 10 day road trip, but apparently the Owner's Manual has been lost, also, the RV has rarely been used for overnight camping. I'm having trouble getting reliable answers to some of my questions/concerns. Here are the questions:
1) How do you convert the table to a bed (silly question, I know, but there must be an easier way than what we are attempting)? 2) When the RV is not plugged in, the refrigerator apparently runs on propane. Is it safe to leave the propane turned on while stopped for a few hours, but not plugged in? 3) When using the heating system, is there need for any venting of the RV (concerned about CO poisoning)? Any help would be appreciated - planning for what is supposed to be a fun family vacation is turning into many sleepless nights while I contemplate the RV exploding or other such calamity :) Thanks
 

utmtman

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

1-Usually the table comes down and sits on ledges on each side of the bench seats than the seat pads lay on top of the table and bench seats to make up the bed.
2-Yes its safe to leave the fridge on propane except when fueling the vehicle you want to turn off anything that might run on propane during the refuel.
3-Shouldnt be any problem with having the furnace run all night. If you are concerned than crack a window.
 

H2H1

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

Hi Snapper and welcome. Lee has given you some good advise. Al ways ask any questions you have, there are some very smart members on this forum who can help you out. And enjoy your camping, it a wonderful life. :laugh: :laugh:
 

snapper

New Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

Thanks Lee and Fran! I was able to finally figure out the table, and the advice about the fridge and furnace make me feel better. This RV stuff is all new to me and my family, and although we're excited about our big adventure, we want to minimize any surprises. :laugh:
 

snapper

New Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

Thanks for your words of encouragement Hollis and Maria. We're looking forward to our adventure. :cool:
 

C Nash

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

Laurie, when you are on the road you will find that most all campers are more than willing to help you on any ? that you have. Just meet your neighbors in cgs and ask. For peace of mind install a co detector if one is not already in the rv. A must item anyway for me. Check all the systems out at home before you leave. Make sure you are insured in a borrowed rv. welcome to the forum
 

hamdave

New Member
RE: First time RV'r - a few questions



Just a thought, have you asked your 'relative' how things operate. He/She must be a very NICE relative to loan you the rig, and I for one probably would not have done that. In any event, the relative may be able to ansower most of your questions. ??



I really don't know anything about your rig. Sorry




cheers :)
 

Kirk

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

I would make sure that the CO detector is in working order, even though they were only added in more recent years. They are rather like seat belts in that you seldom need one, but if the worst happens it is much better if it is there and working.

An RV furnace uses all outside combustion air and there is no possible entry of CO into the RV unless the furnace has a very major problem, and that is extremely unlikely with an RV that is only five years old and lightly used. The refrigerator also does operate on propane when not connected to 120V shore power, but it is even less likely to be a source of CO. In addition the water heater also uses propane but never have I heard of one of those sending and CO into an RV. The highest probability source would be an on-board generator set, if the unit has one. Internal combustion engines are the #1 source of such gas and sitting still is when it would be likely to happen, if you use the generator while camped. Even then, it isn't a common problem but I would never be without a working CO detector and I always wear my seal belt.

I suggest that you make sure that you know how to connect the city water supply and to fill the water tank. Lean how to turn on the water heater and the furnace as well as how to use the air conditioner. The air conditioner on the roof will only operate when parked and connected to 120V power, unless there is a built in generator set, which could supply power if available. Ask how to connect the sewer hose and to dump both of the waste water tanks as well. Those are jobs with a real potential to give you a baptism by something more repulsive than fire if you do not know how to use them. It is no big deal if you know, but caution is the key.

The refrigerator, water heater and furnace all require 12V electric power to operate, even when there is 120V power from the shore power cord. All RV appliances require 12V-DC power and assuming everything works the power is supplied by a 120V/12V converter when connected to shore power and from an on-board battery (not the one to start the chassis engine) when parked or with the engine not running.

I suggest that you also discuss how you level the RV for use, as it can be pretty uncomfortable to live in an RV that is far out of level and if bad enough the refrigerator could stop working. If you have never driven an RV, use care and always watch the mirrors to know what is happening along the sides as well as behind you. When you turn, a vehicle that is 30' of so long will tend to cut across the corners, and the extended rear behind the axle will tend to swing in a wider arc than does the wheels so beginners often find that they hit things on the inside of turns and outside the range of travel with the rear of the RV.

I suggest that you have a pair of FRS radios to use between yourself and some trusted guide for backing the RV into RV spots as not all parks will have sites that you can just drive through. I would also suggest that you never back the RV without a ground guide (with radio) out behind you to watch for traffic and to stop you if you get too close to a tree, water hydrant, or power pedestal. Develop a habit of walking completely around the RV after you are ready to travel, but before you turn a wheel and look up, down and under everything. It is very common for inexperienced RVers to drive away with a hose or power cord still connected or the TV antenna up. And extra few moments in checking things will save grief later. Most of us make that a habit even with years of RV experience.
 

crwolsey

New Member
RE: First time RV'r - a few questions

I have a question. We are new to RVing with regard to seat belts. If there are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids travelling, where do the kids sit, and are there seat belts on all seats. Dumb I know, but I cannot figure it out.

Chris
 

TexasClodhopper

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

We have seatbelts installed in the couch and in the forward facing seat of the dinette bench.

Generally speaking, where there are seatbelts installed it is safe to sit. However, you will never know HOW safe it is until .... well, you know. :clown:
 

LEN

Senior Member
Re: First time RV'r - a few questions

Welcome to both.
As to seat belts, depend on which RV C's usually have belts under the dinette, but some don't, A's usually have them under a couch.
Not a big job to install after market if they are not there, most auto parts have the belt kits.
LEN
 
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