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The information provided in all "Your RV" pages are only suggestions and anecdotal stories.  The information in these pages is a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide, it should not be taken as absolute fact. The information provided in these pages can change at any given day.  Please read our RV Manual page for more information.

When you pick up your RV from our offices American RV Rentals will give you a "walk through" of the unit you selected.  As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and systematic checking is critical to keeping your RV in good running order.

RVing Made Easy

The information presented here is for those who are just starting out RVing. Here's everything you'll really want to know to get started. 

The trip day arrives: Your RV is now ready -- c'mon down and pick it up. This is the day when you have your "walk through", when you will learn how to operate and maintain your RV.  It's sort of like get in, turn the key, and start having fun. It's really not all that difficult and our friendly staff will answer all your questions and doubts. These are exciting times!

The first thing that will happen is a "walk through" by someone of our staff. Be sure to take all the time you need to learn everything there is to know about the unit you rented. Our staff will tell you about each item, show you, and let you do it. Too many people do this way too fast. Don't! Consider at least taking notes. There will be far more than any mortal can remember from this session. American RV Rentals has an online RV Manual you can print out too.

Now the exciting part: You're going to drive this unit home. If you are a first timer it'll be a bit of a white knuckle experience just driving it home. But once you get home, you'll have ample time to go through each of the parts of the motorhome, and actually operate each appliance so you'll have a feel for the basics. Pretty soon you'll start to get comfortable with the unit, and can move on to the next step -- loading it up with your own gear.

To know more about electrical systems, sewers, propane, awnings, etc. check our RV Manual page.

Outside Walk Around 

During the outside walk around we will show you how to work several parts of the RV.

Windows — We will go through each window to make sure it has its screen and closes properly.

Doors — We will check every door opens and closes properly and make sure that you have the matching key.

Baggage Compartments — We will open and close each door making sure the doors close tightly and they are align. You will get a key that locks the doors. We will verify that compartment lighting works properly. 

Engine Compartment Door — We will open and close the door checking for alignment and latches to make sure that the door closed during RV operation. You will get a key that locks the door.

Generator Compartment/Door — We will check out the compartment that holds the generator closely to insure that everything is tight and rattle free.  We will make sure the exhaust from the generator is not directly under any slide out or window that might be used for ventilation. If the generator is on a powered slide, we will operate it several times to make sure it extends and retracts well.

Fuel Doors — We will inspect the fuel doors for proper locking and to verify the operation of the fuel caps. We will verify that you know how to properly fill the fuel tank. Please read our Fuel & Oil page for more information.

Utility Compartment — Together we'll inspect this compartment closely to understand how each valve or fitting works. We'll make sure you understand how the sewer hose is properly stored. Understand the proper function of the black and gray water valves. Understand tank flushing and how it operates. Understand the telephone and cable connections. If there is an electric cable reel, we will extend and retract it several times to insure proper operation. Understand where the low point drains are for the fresh water.

Propane — Check the propane compartment to verify that the ventilation downward is proper since propane is heavier than air. There should be no possible way for propane to enter into the RV or any other compartment. Locate and understand the operation of the main shut off valve.  Please read our Fuel & Oil page for more information.

Paint — We will carefully check the paint finish on the RV and look at places where vinyl film is used. 

Tires and Wheels — We will closely inspect the tires and wheels and understand the proper pressure.  Please read our Tires page for more information.

Awnings — Also we will extend and retract each awning paying particular attention to how the awning operates.  Please read our Awnings page for ore information.

Slide Out Operation

If your RV includes a slide-out or slide-outs then we will spend the time it takes to understand its operation.  We will help you and understand the restrictions like where the drivers’ seat has to be for proper clearance. Understand the interlocks that might be present, like some systems don’t work if the compartment below the slide has a door open, etc. Understand the manual retraction process and actually perform the retraction as if the automatic mechanism had failed.  Understand any locking mechanisms that are used to hold the top of the slide out tight against the top of the RV. 

Inside Fit and Finish

Cabinets — We will inspect all of the cabinets to insure that all the hinges and latches work well. Next we will pull each drawer out to its stop and closed. We will inspect the linings, which are usually carpet, to insure they are fastened securely.

Lighting — We will operate every light switch and observe its function. 

Closets — Next we will open and close all closet doors checking for free operation and proper alignment and check out the lighting that is provided and any switches that are used.

Furniture — Together we will examine every piece of furniture to check for construction and upholstery. Check out the dinette by making it a bed with the appropriate cushions. We will Look closely at the quality of the driver and passenger chairs, since most of your time is going to be spent there. Inspect and understand the operation of the safety belts. We'll locate any other seat belts in the couch or chairs.

Blinds — We will operate each blind and check for alignment. Look at all valances and trim to be sure it is secured. Check out the pull drapes that usually cover the windshield by opening and closing them.

Counter Tops — We will check the installation of sinks and faucets.

Windows — We will open and close every window and operate the locks.  Locks and latches should work freely but securely.

Floor Coverings — We will inspect the carpet and other floor coverings. If tile is used we will it inspect to insure that it is complete and has been cleaned up properly.

Wall Coverings — We will make sure that all the wall coverings actually cover and join properly. 

Operation Test of all House Systems

Now we are ready to test all of the house type systems. 

Generator — You will learn how to start the generator and stop it.  The electrical status panel should show the status of the generator and the presence of ac voltage. 

Water Pump — You fresh water tanks will be filled, so now we will show you  function of the water pump. 

Water Heater — We will show you how the water heater operates.

Furnace — Now its time to understand the operation of the thermostat that controls heating and sometimes air conditioning.  We will turn the furnace on and set a temperature. In about 30 seconds, you should hear the furnace fans come on.  Please read our Furnace page for more information.

Refrigerator — Most modern refrigerators work on Propane and AC, or have an automatic mode that gives preference to ac and then will switch to propane if ac is not available. We will help you understand the controls and the status lights and set the unit on propane.   Please read our Appliances page for more information.

TV VCR Antenna and Switching — We will review and help you understand the switching system that allows the selection of viewing channel on the front and rear TV. Raise the TV uhf/vhf antenna and learn how to turn on the amplifier. Activate the control on the front TV that scans for local stations. Now you can learn how to rotate the antenna to maximize the quality of the picture. If your unit has a Satellite system, we will teach you the complete operation and control of the antenna and receiver along with any switches.  Please read our Satellite page for more information.

Air Conditioners — We will start the Generator to verify your ac control system. This sometimes takes 90 seconds. The inverter should switch back to charging mode. When the generator is settled out and stable, then we will turn on the front air conditioner. After a couple of minutes, cool air, 20 degrees cooler than ambient, should be coming out of the registers. Leaving the front unit running, we will go back and turn on the unit in the bedroom. It should also cool in a couple of minutes to a level of 20 degrees below ambient.  Now we will switch both units to the heat strip or heat pump position and set the thermostats to require heat. Within 5 minutes warm air at least 20 degrees hotter than ambient should be coming out of the registers.  Please read our Air Conditioner page for more information.

Air Vents — We will test the operation of kitchen and bathroom air vents making sure they open and turn on properly. Then we will verify that they retract and close tightly.

Microwave — We will show that your microwave is operational  Please read our Appliances page for more information.

Propane Stove — We will turn on one burner of the stovetop to verify that there is enough propane flow.  Please read our Appliances page for more information.

Vehicle Operating Test

Now you are ready to sit down in the driver’s seat and learn how the drive this great vehicle.

Cockpit — You will adjust you seat and mirrors for a safe and comfortable position. If the seat has electric controls, we will show you the function of each button. 

Instrumentation — We will identify the function of each gauge and understand what the normal readings should be. 

Start the engine — You will turn the ignition to the start position and crank the engine. It should start easily within 2 seconds and you we will watch the oil pressure gauge to make sure that oil pressure is present with 1 second (maximum 3 seconds) of starting. 

Dash Air Conditioner and Heater Test — We will turn on the Dash Air Conditioner and let it run while. 

Air System Test — If your RV has air brakes and air suspension we will show all you need to know about them  Please check our Brakes page for more information.

Batteries — Your batteries should be fully charged.  Most RVs are designed with enough battery capacity to dry camp at least one night without having to run the generator, even if you watch TV several hours and use the microwave for limited cooking.  Please read our Battery page for more information.

Holding Tanks — Should be empty and clean.  We will show you hoe to  refill the fresh water tank.  We will shoe your how to drain the gray water using the sever hoses and how to do the same thing to the Black Water tank.

If you are Towing an RV

If you have a towable RV, we will help you connect it to your towing vehicle.