Jul 10, 20212 min read

Preparing to RV — My Experience

Updated: Aug 31, 2022

travel stories with landscape photographic artist

kent j burkhardsmeier

9 more miles

Preparing to RV - My Experience as a First-Time RVer

(June 1 - June 30)

stationary in Del Mar, California

I didn't travel anywhere during June while preparing the newly acquired rig. So, I couldn't say: “9 more miles.”

Instead, it felt more like "9 more days" or "9 more hours" was the rally cry. Some days I needed 9 more days to finish the work necessary to prepare the RV. Other days, I couldn't wait to get on the road and wished there were only 9 more hours until departure.

Kent Burkhardsmeier and wife begin RV life — First-Time RVers

My wife and I are first time RVers.

We had never owned an RV, pulled a 5th wheel, nor driven a diesel truck until June, 2021. So everything has been new for us. With the Florida condo for sale, we've committed to full time RVing for the time being. But first, we needed to outfit our rig to be our home, transportation, and a studio office.

Where do you begin? The internet—of course!

Searching the internet, lead to some great resources that helped with critical lessons for first-timers, essential RV items, useful tips, as well as RV modification ideas. An RV task list was generated while devouring YouTube videos, subscribing to newsletters, and consuming blog articles.

The RV task list focused on:

Converting the RV queen bed to an RV king bed
Converting the garage space to studio office for two
Creating two secure overhead storage spaces
Replacing stock recliners with Euro-recliners and a dining table
Buying and Installing an RV washer/dryer comb unit
Purchasing two bikes
Setting up a mobile infrastructure
Adding decals to the RV and business magnets to the truck
Provisioning the RV and truck with food, personal items, supplies, etc.
Learning how to assemble sewer lines, shoreline, and plumbing at a campsite

Charlie Noel, contractor out of San Diego, remodeled the bed, cabinet, and garage to our specifications, allowing me time to procure and assemble other components to the RV like the water filtration system.

Of course, learning how to drive, back-up, and park a 40 ft rig was essential before departing. Bob Hill of RV Basic Training provided the insight, guidance, tips, and confidence to pull out on the road.

There are many people sharing their know-how available on the internet. But, these people and sites have been extremely useful for this first-time RVer. I hope to meet them along the way at one of our rest stops.

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