I am getting ready to purchase my first RV, and I love this book! It starts with the basics like A-class vs c-class vs trailer, etc. Then it continues on to describe each system that you might encounter and how to tell if it is operating correctly. It doesn't give nitty-gritty schematics -- that is for owner manuals. It is laid out such that if you are getting ready to purchase a used (or even new) model, you can go step-by-step over the systems and have a real good idea of what you are getting yourself into.

As an example - I never would have thought to ask the dealer if they would sterilize the water tank before we purchase the used unit. I am not a mechanic, so I never would have checked under the hood or chassis. After reading this book, not only did I feel I SHOULD do these things, but I had a good idea what to look for that might constitute trouble! Even looking for things like crazing and bubbles on the exterior....

Plus, this book is written with a good sense of humor and lots of real-life examples from the authors' experience. So, even when parts of it get dry (like the electrical wiring), you can bet they will add in a blurb that will make you giggle at the end of it!

I am SOOOOO glad I purchased this book, and I plan to hang onto it and re-read it before trading up for a better model in a few years!

We should have bought this book BEFORE we started shopping for a used motorhome. Lots of good info on how to shop, questions to ask, what to look for, etc. It did not, however, give us enough of what we were looking for in terms of how to use our new (to us) motor home. Since it was published in 1997, more current information is needed.

Boy, was this book a disappointment. I've been crisscrossing this beautiful country of ours now for over fifty years in pick-up trucks, travel trailers, and motorhomes. We'll be taking off in April in our Fleetwood Flair for six months and there was not one word in this book that will make the trip more enjoyable or safer. I'll admit that a person who has never camped or owned an RV might possibly find something of interest on one of the 380 pages of "The RVer's Bible".

Several weeks have now passed since I posted this review and I feel badly about giving this author one star. It's just that the book was so very, very disappointing. Another reviewer expressed exactly how I felt while reading it, "Almost like they had contracted to write a 20,000 word book - but when they were done, there were only 12,000 so they went back and added some 'fluff'".

I've been criticized for reviewing RV books on Amazon since I co-authored the book, RV. Sorry, but I disagree. If you've logged 120,000 RV miles as I have, please do review RV books and if you write an RV book, I'll buy it.

Boy, was this book a disappointment. I've been crisscrossing this beautiful country of ours now for over fifty years in pick-up trucks, travel trailers, and motorhomes. We'll be taking off in April in our Fleetwood Flair for six months and there was not one word in this book that will make the trip more enjoyable or safer. I'll admit that a person who has never camped or owned an RV might possibly find something of interest on one of the 380 pages of "The RVer's Bible".

Several weeks have now passed since I posted this review and I feel badly about giving this author one star. It's just that the book was so very, very disappointing. Another reviewer expressed exactly how I felt while reading it, "Almost like they had contracted to write a 20,000 word book - but when they were done, there were only 12,000 so they went back and added some 'fluff'".

Boy, was this book a disappointment. I've been crisscrossing this beautiful country of ours now for over fifty years in pick-up trucks, travel trailers, and motorhomes. We'll be taking off in April in our Fleetwood Flair for six months and there was not one word in this book that will make the trip more enjoyable or safer. I'll admit that a person who has never camped or owned an RV might possibly find something of interest on one of the 380 pages of "The RVer's Bible".

Several weeks have now passed since I posted this review and I feel badly about giving this author one star. It's just that the book was so very, very disappointing. Another reviewer expressed exactly how I felt while reading it, "Almost like they had contracted to write a 20,000 word book - but when they were done, there were only 12,000 so they went back and added some 'fluff'".

Boy, was this book a disappointment. I've been crisscrossing this beautiful country of ours now for over fifty year in pick-up trucks, travel trailers, and motorhomes. We'll be taking off in April in our Fleetwood Flair for six months and there was not one word in this book that will make the trip more enjoyable or safer. I'll admit that a person who has never camped or owned an RV might possibly find something of interest on one of the 380 pages of "The RVer's Bible", and that's the person, and only person, who should buy it.

Generally okay for a newbie like me, but I was hoping for more.

I found the writing style a bit annoying...seemed to say the same things over and over, with lots of "noise" words and little substance. Almost like they had contracted to write a 20,000 word book - but when they were done, there were only 12,000 so they went back and added some "fluff".

We have been thinking of going the Rv route, but are still undecided. This book gave me much to think about, and will be helpful in making the final yes or no decision as to buy, or not buy. There are some aspects of rv ownership that I had not yet considered. The book certainly served it's purpose for me. Very insightful.

We have been thinking of going the Rv route, but are still undecided. This book gave me much to think about, and will be helpful in making the final yes or no decision as to buy, or not buy. There are some aspects of rv ownership that I had not yet considered. The book certainly served it's purpose for me. Very insightful.

This book tackles a lot of information that is needed when you are starting out. It may not be the "bible" but it sure gives a lot of really good information.

I found this book to be okay, but it lacked many things, especially organization of important information into charts/tables etc. and more details on different makes/models with ratings.

Well, I doubt I would recommend the book to a novice.
Barely 3 stars, but certainly better than just 2 stars. When title proclaims its a "Bible" for a subject, you set expectations, and they are not met in this book. REWRITE THE BOOK!

I found this book to be okay, but it lacked many things, especially organization of important information into charts/tables etc. and more details on different makes/models with ratings.

Well, I doubt I would recommend the book to a novice.
Barely 3 stars, but certainly better than just 2 stars. When title proclaims its a "Bible" for a subject, you set expectations, and they are not met in this book. REWRITE THE BOOK!

The RVer's Bible is easy and enjoyable to read and provides an excellent overview of RVing and the RV lifestyle. Highly recommended.

We have been RVers for many years, but still learned some very valuable information from this entertaining and informative book. It is slightly more swayed toward motorhomes, than fifth wheels and travel trailers. The chapter on safe weights and loading was worth the price of the book alone. It is not old and dated, having information on computers, etc. I would love to have a book by the authors that was just for travel trailers and one for fifth wheels. There are contact addresses for many helpful resourses.

I found the contents too general and out-of-date.

My husband and I own a Class C motorhome and want to move up to a Class A. This had lots of diverse information that we had not thought about before. It was also funny in spots. There are many things we will question as we search for the perfect rig. Things we would not have thought of on our own.

While there is certainly some useful information in this book, it is obfuscated by the authors' overly cutesy style. The book could have been shorter by two thirds (and would be dramatically improved for being so) by the removal of extraneous and empty prose. In places, however, the information is downright wrong. The authors apparently don't understand the meaning of the acronyms GVWR and GCWR - the two most important numbers in understanding weight management, possibly the most important topic in RVing. Here their advice is nonsensical at best and dangerous at worst. The problem for beginning RVers is knowing whether the recommendations of the writers relating to any particular matter are reliable or not.

It is interesting to note that the most positive reviews of this book come from the least experienced RVers. Experienced RVers perhaps wouldn't take the time to wade through the superfluous verbiage for such small morsels of wisdom.

This book is a sort of Chinese Dinner - it has a lot of calories and very little meat. Pretty soon you're going to be hungry again - for REAL information this time.

We used this book to find our RV, and I'm constantly saying to my wife, "the RV book said...". We have referred back to it numerous times, and I've loaned it to friends. But since I insist on getting it back, they have to buy their own copy. In addition to all the great facts, I loved the author's stories about traveling into Canada and Mexico.

Holy Cow! This book has way too much information to absorb. Good thing I got it a couple month's BEFORE we move into the RV full-time. This book has informed me of many little details and tips that I would never even have thought of. Thanks!

This book suggests using Grizzly bear mace for self protection rather than firearms, but mentions nothing that Canada considers this a weapon just like firearms, and it is contraband. I was thrown out of Canada, because the owner of the car forgot that there was some in her car. They said we would have to apply to the Canadian Embassy to ever visit again! Otherweise it looks like great advice.

Also they did not mention in their free camping section that [retail store]'s corporate policy is to allow RVers to park overnightfor free. Some individual W-M's don't, so check with the Manager before you do so(Preferably with purchases in hand.

I got this book from the public library and couldn't put it down. I found it so valuable that after reading it, I am buying a copy of it to use as a reference book. It has great checklists for the new RVer and gives enough basics for the novice to be comfortable with his rig.

This book really helped me get an RV that made sense for me; I think that's the best part of the book--the details on how to choose an RV and how to learn to drive one. It's the only book that really shows you how to walk through a used RV to get one in good condition. I enjoyed all the personal notes about things that work and things that don't when you're RVing. You'll get a lot out of it.

I can't believe reviews that don't love this book. I've been using it all the time in my travels--and am axiously awaiting another RV book by the Bakers. It does have a good sense of humor--and the humor is based on the realities of RVing. Their information is right on, at least in my experience. Don't let a bad attitude turn you off to this book--it's a winner!

A "perky" book, the media reviewer calls this effort at providing much-needed information for beginning RVers. Frothy might be more like it. And, at least in areas I have experience in, containing misinformation that makes it appear the authors spent more time on being cute than they did on research.

There are a lot of GOOD books out there on RVing details that can help a beginner. This isn't one of them.

... my only complaint is that it doesn't go anywhere NEAR far enough. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found lots of good advice, but too many topics are given cursory treatment. It is a long way short of "Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Your Rv." Perhaps if it was about twice as long, it might start to live up to its title.

I especially like the section on buying used RVs and the parts that describe how to choose an RV that makes sense for you. Lots of good, fun advice--with a great sense of traveling humor. I've bought other Baker books--they're great too!

You'll enjoy this one. Great info on learning to drive and choosing the right RV.

This author should consider developing a course and teaching it at the local junior college. It covers choosing the rv rig based on your objectives, the mechanical aspects of the various rigs (but in layman's terms, mind you), and rv lifestyles and activities. Some of the topics in the last section I have not seen covered in other books we have purchased, such as: Crossing borders, keeping in touch, kids and pets on the road, and cooking on the road.

Thanks to the author for sharing your knowledge with newcomers to the sport!

I've thrown out all my other books and stopped looking for new ones on RVing. This book answered all my questions and more. I like the humor.....you have to have a sense of humor when you own an RV.....and I thought the content was much better than the Moeller's book. Anyone with an RV should have a copy on their bookshelf....and in their rv.

I was disappointed with this book. As a novice RVer I was looking for a more complete guide to RVing. The prose was too "cutesy" and I think many serious readers would be insulted by the tone of the book.

If you are looking for a guide to help you get started, one that explains systems, trailering, the variety of RVs available in an intelligent way, this is not it! A far better (and less expensive) book is the Moellers' RVing Basics.

Once I decided to purchase an RV, I began shopping. I started visiting the different dealers in my area and found myself confused about which type, brand and floorplan to choose. Then I learned about the prices, what a shock! I immediately went to the book store and chose this book. The book is filled with humor and written in plain understandable language for the beginner. The most important piece of information I learned from the book may have saved my family from a potentially deadly accident. The book discusses something called "payload", which no dealer ever mentioned to me while shopping. I am a chronic overpacker and did not realize that this could cause the RV to become overloaded and unstable. I recommend this book to those who are new to RVing and to those 'old timers' who do not understand the initials GVWR & GCWR.